Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Halo POV

 Neutral rule number one: avoid Decepticons. And Autobots. And every fragging bot with a badge. Many would think it's as easy as it sounds. When both factions are on your tailpipe, it's a bit harder to keep the rule though. But Primus forgive me, I was only serving the community. The small community of two others of my kind and myself. Oh, and that human fleshling. Hm, at second thought maybe the human didn't count. He was home after all, we weren't.

 But putting my petty thoughts aside, I had larger problems to focus on at the moment.

 Another blast hit the ground within an arm's distance beside me and I took a sharp turn, accelerating ahead with no clear destination. The pebbles on the dusty road clanked loudly against my sides, making me grow irritated with each passing nanosec. Okay, I admit, maybe sneaking into an energon mine currently filled with Decepticon miners to steal some cubes wasn't the best idea I've ever invented in my life.

 But hey, I was hungry. My friends were hungry too.

"Get fragged! All of you!" I shouted angrily, driving out of the way of another shot. The jet was quite stubborn. When will he run out of firepower? Will he ever run out?!

 My knowledge wasn't very up to date on Vehicon troopers because I rarely ran into them. From now on this will surely change, since I've gained more than enough attention.

 The car behind me was catching up, making my spark beat rapidly. They have never gotten this close before. What if this time I won't get away? I should have listened to Crossflare! Why do I never listen to her!

 On this very day, I would have fallen into Decepticon hands if it weren’t for the arrival of an unexpected savior. But luck came, in the form of a green bulky car from my right. It collided with the purple Con with brute force. My audio receptors hurt from the sound. Uh, poor Con won't survive this without painful dents!

 I shouldn't have dwelt on such things in such a serious situation. The small distraction averted my attention and the jet eventually shot me. Pain cut into my back as I felt the metal of my hood burn. Like fire had run through my tubes and circuits, my whole frame twisted in agony and I tumbled over, rolling into the dust helplessly. Silent screams got caught in my throat.

 My head ached, I felt dizzy, my surroundings became dull. I heard blasts, some yelling, a smash and a loud crash-land somewhere.... Steps. Yes, someone was coming. But these light pedes couldn't belong to a Cybertronian.

"Hello! Are you hurt? Is anyone in there?" a feminine, young voice spoke in my direction. Then I felt a small hand on my door and my upside-down lying alt-mode eased at the light touch. This wasn't an enemy.

 I wanted to answer, but no voice left my vocalizer. My thoughts were drifting away, I was probably slipping into unconsciousness. Not good timing. I have to get up and get out of here as soon as possible.

"Oh...no one?" the young human, who was carefully peering through my window retreated with a surprised expression, then she turned around and shouted over to the green car with sheer excitement in her voice:

"Bulk! There is no driver in here! I guess we found a Cybertronian!"

 That time I had no idea how she would know, nor did I know that an Autobot had saved me. The next time I woke up, I met blinding lights and a small unfamiliar med-bay. An unfamiliar mech's figure covered my view and held a small flashlight in one servo, directing its light into my optics and snapping his fingers beside my audio receptor with his other. It wasn't a very pleasant sound.

"S-Stop it..." I moaned hoarsely, my vocalizer  struggling to give any sound.

"Optic function is normal, audio receptors perfect," the mech responded with a pleased smirk, "But rest your voice, no need to panic. You are in the best servos." 

 I blinked several times, trying to take in the surroundings. The mech stepped away to look at the green screens beside me and I followed him with my gaze. I was pretty sure we have never met before. He had a white and orange paintjob, and his broad back made it impossible to see what he was looking at. Judging by his voice he was surely older than me. Much, much older.

 Then things finally settled in my head and my thoughts cleared: a Cybertronian I don't know, a fully equipped med-bay and a professional, calm medic. Oh no...

 I wanted to spring off the medical berth but the cuffs on my wrists and pedes stopped me. Not to mention the pain in my spine that stabbed me like I just broke it in half. My panic only rose from the thought of what it could mean.

"Whoa, I told you not to...!" the medic noticed my attempt at escape and quickly came to my side. He pushed me back but I kept struggling to free myself, ignoring how much it hurt.

"Don't touch me! Where am I?! Let me go right this nanosec!!"

"We are Autobots! We won't hurt you! Just lay back and accept the help you insolent femme, or I will sedate you!" the mech reached towards his table and grabbed a syringe which was already full, ready to be injected into my energon line unless I cooperated.

 The pain itself was what convinced me to calm down and I dropped flat on the berth, venting tiredly. Slag, this hurt. My back...my back is on fire! Make the pain go away!

"Need help, Ratchet?" another deep voice and a smash of fists sounded. I looked up to see a green bot enter. Oh, is he the one? The one who came to my rescue?

"If she does this once again, then I might need you to hold her down," the medic, now finally given a name, so Ratchet put the syringe down and shot me a disapproving look.

"Whe-wh-where I am?" static interrupted my words and I bit my tongue in annoyance. A nanosec before I was able to form a coherent sentence without any difficulty. What's with my voice again?

"I just told you, but you were too busy destroying my hard work. The patch on your back opened, didn’t it?!" Ratchet stepped to me and slid a hand under my back, touching the broken weld, "Yes it is! Argh, do you have any idea how long it will take me to get that right?!"

 I blinked several times. Nope, he is not a pleasant nice old Autobot medic at all. Rather, a grumpy, old Autobot medic who wishes to have a fight with me. Gathering all my self-control, I flashed a bright grin and cooed:

"As excellent as you are, I guess it won't take that long."

 Both mechs were taken aback and Ratchet mumbled something to himself before clearing his throat and puffed his chest out.

"Well, a few hours and you will be fine. But no more of this again, are we clear?"

"Like a cloudless sky," I nodded, widening my grin.

 The medic huffed and walked back to his table to gather some tools and the green mech edged closer with a confused smile.

"Erm, hello. I’m Bulkhead. Miko and I saved you from the Cons earlier."

"Miko? The human?" I mumbled, trying to recall my last memories.

"That would be me, yeah!" small running steps signaled the arrival of the small creature when a young girl strode into the med-bay and proudly pinned her thumb against her chest, "You were in quite the trouble! You should thank us for the quick rescue! But first: what's your name? When did you come to Earth? How is it that we haven't met before?...."

"Enough Miko, she can barely speak..." Bulkhead took the girl in his servo and lifted her, trying to hush her but she retorted in excitement:

"Come on Bulk, aren't you curious? Everybody wants to know who she is!"

 I forced a small laugh, a bit confused by all of this. My friends and I were aware that an Autobot team resides here on Earth but we have never met them before and we tried to keep it that way. Neutrals didn't like to interact with any factions because the enemy could always misread the signs and label said Neutrals secret spies or something similar. Who would have thought that the Autobots and their human companions would be this excited to see me?

"My designat-nat-nation is Ha-Halo. Hi," I stuttered, feeling the urge to slap myself in the face.

"Oh! Hi Halo! Are you an Autobot too?" Miko's attention immediately turned back to me and she nudged Bulkhead's servo to bring her closer which the mech reluctantly did.

"That would interest me as well," Ratchet spoke up from beside his table.  It seems he has suspected that something is not okay.

"I'm n-not an Auto-bot. Neutral," I shook my head, easing as I heard a sigh of relief from both Bulkhead and Ratchet. It seems they were concerned about whose side I'm on. I can't blame them, I have no insignia anywhere on my chassis so they could only guess.

"Neutral? You never told me Neutrals existed!" Miko pointed up at her big green company with an accusing finger.

"Neutrals exist in all kinds of war, you should have expected," Ratchet walked back and released my limbs. His stern optics warned me to stay put and don't dare make a dash.

"But why didn't we know that some of them are here?" the young girl puffed her cheeks stubbornly.

"We knew," the medic replied curtly, busy with helping me turn around so that he would have an open access to my back.

"We...we did?" Bulkhead frowned in confusion, trying to remember when he had ever heard about Neutrals on Earth during his stay here.

"They arrived here sooner than us and blended in with the help of two human civilians. When Optimus and I noticed their presence after our arrival to the planet, we negotiated with their leader. She asked us to leave them alone, so we did."

"Until now," I mumbled, resting my chin on the berth with a huff. When he said "leader", he meant Crossflare. She wasn't our leader, only our... Well, yeah, in serious cases she was the leader, but we didn't have an official hierarchy like the factions. We were friends from before the big Exodus and after all the slag we've been through, we treated each other as equals most of the time.

"Uh-oh...Did I kick up an official agreement?" Bulkhead nervously scratched his helm and Ratchet waved a hand reassuringly.

"I don't think she minds that you've saved her spark. Speaking of which, what have you done to upset the Decepticons?" Ratchet inspected the open patch from closer, then decided to remove it and make a new one so I was in for a new painful procedure.

"I -ugh, that hurts- was responsible for getting fuel today. The mine we have been visiting is totally stripped so I ventured farther to find another one and unfortunately ran into these Vehicon guys. And...you know the rest," I pouted, "Thanks, by the way."

"Wow, you hunt for energon yourselves? Without bridges and equipment?" Miko perked up in awe, looking at me with big eyes.

 I chuckled quietly.

"We don't have a ground-bridge or any Cybertronian technology save for Crossflare's self-made lab equipment. So yep, we must live on what we find in our environment."

"Oh..." Miko gave me an understanding smile.

"Why don't you ask for help? We might be on short supplies but we could surely help you out," Bulkhead tilted his head, immediately getting a disapproving glare from Ratchet.

"Neutral rule. If the Decepticons found out that we got supplies from the Autobots, they would have every right to accuse us of siding with them and vice versa. Neutrals must live on their own and I share this opinion."

"Good. Because we can't afford to help you out," Ratchet mumbled, clearly pleased with my firm answer. It only made Bulkhead and Miko sigh and shake their heads in unison. It seems the case of energon supplies was a touchy subject for the old grumpy doctor.

 Heavy steps could be heard and everyone in the med-bay fell into sudden silence as someone else entered. I could feel the change in the atmosphere and I looked over my shoulder to see the new bot. My curious expression soon turned into one of panic, immediately recognizing the unmistakable figure.

"Ah, Optimus. Our guest has awakened, you may speak to her," Ratchet only shot a glance in the Prime's direction and stepped slightly aside to give him a better view of me. No, don't expose me! I want to hide away!

 Truth be told, there was nothing more frightening than meeting faction leaders, especially when you are a Neutral. Seriously, don't wish to be acquainted with them. They are the type of people who can change your mind just by talking their ideology into you and you wouldn't even notice. If that is paired with a good personality and likable nature, they won you.

 Optimus Prime was told to be that kind of person and I had no wish to meet him personally ever in my  life.

"It's good to see you function well..."

"Halo," I helped him out as he walked over to me.

"...Halo," he had a welcoming smile on his face, his posture was uptight but friendly. Like I shouldn't be afraid of him at all, "Ratchet has informed me earlier that you have suffered great damage that interferes with your T-cog's working and that you will need to be monitored for a while. You belong to the Neutrals led by Crossflare, am I right?"

 I only answered with a nod. It seems he even remembers my friend's name. It’s been years since the meeting between the two but Optimus has kept us in mind by the looks of it. Ah, of course. Faction leaders need to keep an optic out for every Cybertronian spark with a chance to join them on this mudball planet, no surprise.

"I'm sure she has already started looking for you. We shall inform her about your whereabouts."

Oh, that doesn't sound well....

Crossflare POV

 As soon as we were on the other side of the ground-bridge, my spark jumped slightly at the sight of the Autobot team. I've never met them personally before (save for Optimus) and while I knew it should have stayed that way, I was actually glad to see fellow Cybertronians.

Then I remembered why I was here and my surprise immediately turned back into anger. Halo has caused trouble again, ignoring my good advice and rules. I always wondered when she would learn to be responsible and careful, but it seems that day is not today either.

 To her and Mercy, who was walking right beside me, I was like a guardian sometimes. Scolding them for their mistakes, helping them with their problems and encouraging them when they needed it. Out of the three of us, Mercy has always been the shy, peaceful one with a very low chance to survive on her own. She was weak physically and emotionally, living in an ideal world inside her head most of the time until one of us faced her with  cruel reality. But she was the spark of our trio, the one who never failed to make us smile or cheer us up in her own way.

 Halo on the other hand was a much more difficult case. She was headstrong, uncontrollable, independent and sometimes unpredictable. And she was blessed with infinite creativity in the field of pranks and trouble. In spite of this, deep down, I knew that she cared and would do anything to protect us.

 Mercy gasped, catching her gaze from one bot to the other, clearly happy to see others from our race after being in hiding for so long. I made a mental note to warn her about staying discreet as much as possible but I've already gotten close enough to the Prime in front of me to turn towards her. I had to concentrate. I recognized Optimus immediately. No one can mistake this paintjob, the height and those wise optics.

"Welcome. We are glad to have you in our company again," Optimus spoke, his voice deep and firm.

 I nodded my head slightly, expressing only the basic amount of respect for the Autobot leader before going onto the important subject:

"Thank you for helping us out and taking my friend into your care. May I see her?"

 The Prime gestured towards Ratchet with a nod and I wasn't surprised to see the old medic here. Ratchet was a miraculous doctor on the field, and I, who used to work with medicine, has heard a few things about his work and his devotion to the Autobots and the Prime in particular. The two have been friends for a long time if I remember correctly.

 He sent me a not really impressed glance and grunted as he waved a servo as a sign to follow him. Without doubt, he was already fed up with Halo's nonsensical behavior and would rather give her back as soon as possible. Well, at least we don't have to stay for long.

"Was she behaving well?" I asked with a bit of amusement in my voice when I hurried after him, to which he grimaced.

"Lets just say she belongs to the type of patients I don't necessarily like."

 With a glance to the side, I saw other three bots standing curiously but quietly in the door of some kind of tunnel which I guess led to the outside since it had human-made painted stripes on the asphalt.

  I recognized none: a big green mech with servos large enough to crush my head, another mech with black and yellow paintjob and was seemingly very young, maybe younger than Mercy, and a short, blue femme, probably a motorbike. Out of the three the femme had the most unwelcoming expression, the mechs were only slightly confused and of course, very curious.

 Oh. And humans? Two boys and one girl stood excitedly on a platform, leaning over the fence to see and hear better.

 I had no more time to get lost in inspection because they disappeared from my sight as soon as the walls of the corridor blocked their view out. Right, attention back to important business. Halo and I will have one or two things to talk about.

"Hiiii girls, what's up?" our mentioned dear friend welcomed us with the widest and most innocent grin she could put on in her cuffed-to-berth state. She knew she was in trouble.

"We aren’t as happy about your little stunt as you are," I hissed, angrily running my gaze over the patches on her.

"How are you? Does it hurt?" Mercy immediately ran to her side, worriedly placing her white servo on Halo's arm.

"Good as new. Just a little scratch, nothing serious!" 

"This 'nothing serious' injury she speaks of is a very bad spine circuit damage that had a bit of an effect on her T-cog. My measured recovery time is about one or two weeks. Depends on how many times she intends to reopen her wound," Ratchet contemplated with a cough and shot me a meaningful look.

"One or two weeks?" Mercy gaped in disbelief, "B-but we can take her home, right?"

"I'm afraid not. If moved, her patch comes off again and I don't really have more material to make up for it. Sorry to disappoint, but she will have to stay here for the time being.

"Hey, let them take me! I'm not going to stay!" Halo yelled and wanted to kick her legs out, only to realize she was still cuffed to the berth so she began squirming in an attempt to free herself but Ratchet literally flung himself across the distance and slammed his servos on her to hold her down.

"Stop it or I will break your spine in two myself!!!"

Mercy POV

 As much as I felt the obligation to stay beside Halo for now, seeing how Crossflare and Ratchet were occupied with her, my curiosity led me out to explore the place and meet the Autobots face to face.

 I found my way back to the command center, immediately attracting attention when I showed up. All the bots, even Optimus seemed to be standing in a semi-circle by the platform next to their human companions.

"Um, nice to meet you all," I took a few careful steps towards them, trying to read the looks on their faces to determine who was the most welcoming. Well, one of the humans didn't hide her excitement:

"Oh, oh, com'ere! Yes, yes, you! What's your name? How old are you? You look very young! Why are you a Neutral? Don't you want to join our team?"

"Miko! We have talked about not asking such questions!" the bulky green bot quickly scolded her in a hushed tone.

 The small female managed to confuse me with her many questions and I blinked several times, trying to process them all.

"I-uh, my designation is Mercy...." that was all I could get out.

"We are pleased to meet you Mercy. I'm Optimus Prime and I think you haven't met Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead before," the Prime introduced the team and I waved a servo in a friendly gesture to which I received a small smile from Arcee, a few happy beeps from Bumblebee and a similar wave from Bulkhead, "Our human allies are Jack, Miko and Rafael," the kids waved their hands as well and I offered a gentle smile in return.

"I would like to ask you a few questions but if you would feel more comfortable with your partner around, it can wait," Optimus continued, easing the stress in my spark as I pondered on my decision for a moment before nodding:

"Ask anything, there is not much to hide to be honest."

"The incident that happened with your friend is more than alarming. Are you and your friends threatened by the Decepticons?"

"No. We haven't been until now. I'm pretty sure they know about our existence but we've never confronted them personally."

 Optimus simply nodded.

"I've been informed about how low your energon supplies are and that you possess no technology to detect energon. Your friend has rejected our offer to help but I think you should reconsider."

 I knew where this was heading and I quickly shook my head and raised my servos in an apologetic way.

"Sorry but we can't accept anything. You treated Halo, and it’s more help than we could ever ask for. We have rules."

 Even if the thought of some kind of device helping us find fuel made me excited, I knew that it would be risky to accept, especially if it is Autobot-origin. Who knows when Decepticons will kick the door on us, find it and mistake it as proof of a secret allegiance.

"You Neutrals really like your rules," Miko puffed her cheeks in an annoyed way.

"They keep us alive and safe," I replied quickly, the line Crossflare always said during her lectures.

 Ever since we landed on Earth, life has never been the same. None of us were the same anymore. The memories of home hurt more than anything, and the time we spent on a Neutral ship during the Exodus even more. The last day…The moment when we lost everything.

 Earth seemed to provide us with everything we needed to stay alive but we couldn't say it welcomed us. We had to stay in disguise and hide from the world. I think we wouldn't be here now if it weren't for Crossflare and her rules.

"We respect your wish to stay away from factions," Optimus' words were meant to me but I could see a quick glance towards Miko, something like a warning, "But in case you are in desperate need, we are always ready to help."

"We are grateful and will keep that in mind," I answered carefully, flashing an appreciative smile because I didn't know any better. Negotiation wasn't my strength, especially not with faction leaders.

 The Prime appeared to notice my discomfort in his presence and took his leave, excusing himself with something important to do. I was left with the team to get acquainted.

 Bee was the first to come to my side, happily noting that I was only a few thousand years older than him. It bothered me why he chose to speak in beeps and when I inquired about it I managed to make his cheerful attitude drop and his wing-doors lowered in hurt.

"Uh, did I ask something wrong?" about to correct my mistake, I was interrupted by Arcee's explanation.

"His voice box was damaged in a fight against Megatron. It’s a touchy topic."

 Bee shot the smaller femme a resentful glare, probably not appreciating the way Arcee put the facts into words and I already regretted asking in the first place.

"So...how is it that you are a jet?" one of the humans, the older boy, called for my attention and I turned towards the platform in surprise.

"Yeah, isn't that too Decepticon-like?" Miko added, pointing an accusing finger towards my white wings which pointed towards the ground in a long triangular shape. This was the first time I heard such a thing.

"Decepticon-like? How so?" I took a glimpse at my wings, trying to understand what she meant.

"Autobots are cars and most of the Decepticons we have met so far are all airborne," the little boy pushed his glasses up, his curious gaze also inspecting my figure.

"Alt-modes don’t determine factions, kids," Arcee corrected them with a small smile and Bulkhead chuckled in amusement as well.

"I was sparked like this and I would never choose the ground, even if I was forced to," fluttering my wings slightly, I recalled the first moment I took off to soar through the sky. There is nothing better than a good flight in the sunset, up above the clouds.

"Oh, oh! And what were you before the war? You know, like Bulk who was a builder and stuff!" Miko raised her hand into the air in excitement, almost falling over the fence while doing so.

"Well…I was part of the Art caste, and a trainee in public entertainment. I haven't got the chance to perform before the war reached my city so...I was no one before the war and I'm not much more now either," my voice trailed off a bit, mixed feelings resurfacing at the memories. I thought I had made peace with them already.

 Being born into the Art caste, my only duty was to entertain and perform. I couldn’t complain, my life was quite perfect, maybe too perfect to be real. My Creators kept me hidden and safe. Through the lessons of my carrier, I mastered skills which these tough war-torn soldiers would look down on: singing, poetry, literature and dancing is useless in war after all.

 When I arrived on Earth, its colorful culture fascinated me. I could never get tired of listening to human songs or watch these tiny, flexible creatures dance like they were one with the melody.

 That's what I was going to be: a public entertainer, a performer. But I never got to be one. For the better or worse, I will never know because right now, I don't exist. I'm a Neutral. And being Neutral means you don't exist in the system, you are invisible. For your own sake.

"Let me guess then..." Arcee put her servos on her hips, her mouth curling into a knowing smile, trying to ease my nerves, "You’re from Praxus?"

"Pretty easy to figure out, yes," I chuckled.

 Yes, my life was better than others', and sometimes I felt guilty for not doing something sooner to make a change. For being so blind during all those wasted years...

Crossflare POV

"Thank you for the patience," I put the syringe down and watched in satisfaction as Halo finally calmed down - thanks to the sedative - while mumbling incomprehensible things mostly to herself.

 Ratchet grunted, shaking his head like he wanted to comment on it but kept his mouth shut instead. He didn't hide his curious stare when I insisted on sedating Halo myself. While I'm aware that he must be one of the best medics across Cybertron, I like to tend to my friends myself as long as I'm capable of doing so. I'm no field medic, not even a medic in any capacity, but when it comes to medicine and chemistry, I stand my ground well enough. Back then I worked for the Pharmaceutical Industry's research and developer section in Altihex, my home city. That was my life, my everyday routine, my duty, as one born into the Science Caste. As opposed to many others, I found my place and joy in what I was doing. My work mattered to me the most. Well, until I met Sidewire. That stubborn mech and I have been working on a project together. While I was trying to focus on research, he did everything to get my attention, in which, he succeeded. 

 I rarely regret my choices, but thinking back on my history, I feel like it was a mistake to seal our bond as conjunx enduras. Without it, my spark wouldn't hurt so much now and there wouldn't be this hollow, void feeling in my chest. 

 I regret the day I accepted his offer and I grieve the day I lost him. The only reason I keep going with my head held high is my responsibility for Halo and Mercy. 

 The three of us became inseparable during the war and our journey through the stars. I swore to protect these younglings, I promised them that everything will be fine as long as we are together. I had to be strong for them to see hope for the future.

"You seem to be experienced," Ratchet's voice jerked me back from my deepest thoughts to reality, making me flinch.

"Are you the one fulfilling the medic's role out of the three?"

 My optics briefly met his before I turned my gaze back to the emptied syringe. Such information is dangerous, especially in the hands of a faction. I hated lying. My very being loathed it. But even my distaste for lies and liars couldn't prevent me from lying once in a while, life is just that twisted.

"Sort of," my sense of justice won, saying the truth quietly like it was forbidden to speak about it, "I have no training though. It's not my field. Has never been."

 My immediate defensive attitude made him raise an optic ridge, but he didn't inquire more.

"Well then, let her rest for the time being," Ratchet gestured towards the door and I started towards it without a moment of hesitation, putting down the syringe mid-way on the counter.

"She doesn't take well to long term  confinement," I remarked on our way back to the command center and I heard him groan behind me.

"We can have Miko be her entertainment once she gets too handful," he suggested.

 Hm....must be one of the humans, I guess.

Mercy POV

 When Halo left yesterday to get fuel, I didn't think that I would sit with many new friends in a circle in an Autobot base the next day. But I was here, smiling sheepishly while enjoying some old stories from home. Quite nostalgic, now that I think about it.

 The humans curiously walked around, spending most of their time around their 'guardians', but they also approached us to get to know us from closer.

 Crossflare's introduction from yesterday was a bit cold, maybe even distant to the others, but Arcee and her somehow found something in common and they had their own little conversations and small understanding smiles I couldn't decipher.

 Halo was unusually calm the first day. She was on her best behavior, which was a rare sight to see. Crossflare mumbled something like 'if she keeps this up she will heal quickly' but our hopes dispersed  the second day, when Halo threw her first tantrum.

"Enough! Don't be so childish!"

"I wanna go outside! These walls are killing me!!!" Halo whined, tugging on her handcuffs, but nobody released her from the berth. But at least she was brought into the command center to see and hear everything. 

"Claustrophobia? Even Cybertronians have it?" Jack chuckled in amusement.

"Yeah, I would think that is no problem for someone who can - you know - compact," Rafael imitated our transformation with his tiny hands very clumsily.

"That is entirely different!" Halo huffed in offense, "I'm not claustrophobic. My problem is not with the small place but the lack of freedom!"

"Can relate," Miko swung her legs carelessly, sitting on the platform fence in eye level with Halo, who sent a grateful glance in the small human's way. Miko responded with a thumbs up and a wide grin, "Cooped up in one place for long is not healthy anyway. There is plenty of cooler stuff to do outside!"

 Bulkhead arrived into our circle with a large plate, small glasses of energon shining deliciously on it and he passed one to each one of us, including me and Crossflare, who stood by Ratchet's side and discussed something beside the screens. I joined them, realizing that Ratchet was showing coordinates of energon mines which were already abandoned by Decepticons. As organized as the Decepticons were, they didn't entirely strip the mines, leaving just enough for the three of us to last for a few months if spared correctly.

 These mines were farther than the area we were currently resident in: New Mexico. It wasn't as energon rich as Nevada, our base wasn't a base in the Autobot sense of the word, but still something we have been calling home for years. Before we moved there, we had been living in five different states, depending on how long the land supplied us.

 Just like the previous times, we should have left the state by now, we have run very short on energon in the area. But our human ally, a veteran soldier called James Barrow had set up a hangar just for us and the protection his connections with the government provided us felt too important to leave behind. He was in his thirties, had lost a leg during action and was considered a hero in his hometown. As serious as this sounds, he is actually sweet and funny, but tough enough not to be taken aback by three runaway mechanical aliens crossing his way.

 He took us in. We can't thank him enough for the sacrifices he has made to keep us safe from prying eyes. And of course, his friends were also kind enough to help us out in dire situations. Knowing them made me see humans in a better light, I wasn't afraid of them anymore. Unlike the first time we have met them and their unwelcome response to our presence…

 Crossflare held two digits to her audio receptor, already passing on the information to James via comm-link. If I channeled in, I could hear him too but instead of joining the conversation, I returned to the kids.

 Everything seemed to be fine until Miko pulled an electric guitar out of nowhere. Ratchet's annoyed grumble, Arcee's roll of optics and Optimus' withdrawal were more than enough signs of how usual this whole ordeal was here at the Autobot base.

 Watching everyone chatter light-heartedly, I smiled sadly and wished this would last longer than just one or two weeks...

Halo POV

 If Miko wasn't around all the time, I swear I would have already died of boredom. But luckily, she didn't go anywhere far, nor Bumblebee and Raf who were kind enough to keep me company. I know I can be pretty annoying sometimes - okay, most of the time - but I wasn't that bad. Sure, I had a big mouth and I had a bad habit of using it too much or too loud, but hey, no one can be perfect.

 My optics followed the human kids leaving in disappointment whenever they went home in the late afternoons. They were good listeners and they asked a lot, keeping my processor occupied. Talk always helped. Silence on the other hand screamed at me with its emptiness and stiffness, things I wasn't fond of.

 Three days. Weren't much, but still long enough to make me itch. I wanted to roll, run, jump, whatever, just move out! Every part of my body was on fire, wishing to finally transform. Usually it didn't matter what weather it was, I never got tired of making fun or doing as I liked. This free spirit - as Crossflare often called it - might get me into trouble sometime in the future. Just like it has many times before.

 For example, I once visited the districts of the lower castes in my home city, Uraya. I thought of it as a discovery adventure, but instead of returning home with a great story to tell, I arrived back barely standing on my feet, fallen victim to a virus spreading in the slums and which was unfortunately unknown to our scientists. 

 Yeah, clever of me, isn't it? My only hope was finding someone who can make an anti-virus for me. Desperately trying to survive, my way led to Altihex and eventually to Crossflare. She was the only one who was willing to let me in and listen without running away from me to a safe distance. At first she was very formal, almost emotionless like her job required. But she continued to listen during all of my examinations and tests and she started to encourage me: there is hope.

 I can't thank her and her bondmate enough for the effort and work they put into saving me. Without them, I wouldn't be here today to remember back so fondly. Strange how fate brings people together.

 After I completely healed, I became a regular visitor and a friend in the end. Crossflare became more like a guardian to me than an actual friend, which I often mentioned to her, sometimes earning a small smile in return. I know she loved me just as much as I loved her. That's why our friendship and trust have lasted this long, surviving all the ups and downs of our history in one piece.

"Anyway, how did you three arrive on Earth? I think you've never told anything about it so far," Miko perked up the other day, her curious eyes blinking in my direction, awaiting some exciting story. Raf and Jack turned their heads around from the sofa and lowered their controllers to focus their attention on me with the same curiosity. I saw Crossflare retreat into a safe distance from the corner of my optics. I couldn't blame her. There was a reason we never brought up our arrival in the first place.

 Mercy shared my conflicted expression as we exchanged knowing glances and she came up to me with a forced smile. As always, she tried to cast light on something that was a dark room in our minds.

"There was an accident," she said quietly, throwing a careful glimpse in Crossflare's direction. The change in her tone only sparked the kids' interest more and now the boys joined Miko at the platform fence.

"Remember, we have mentioned that we left Cybertron on a Neutral ship," I continued and they nodded in unison, "It wasn't as big as the Nemesis or the Ark, but it housed two or three hundred Neutrals, including the four of us."

"Four?" Raphael pushed his glasses up with a surprised frown.

"This is a very touchy subject, especially for CF," I sighed as quietly as I could and I recognized understanding in their small eyes, "Crosssflare and her bondmate have been with us since everything started. His name was Sidewire. We have lived on that ship for eons...until pirates found and ambushed us. Only those who survived got to the escape pods in time."

"And...why didn't he?" Jack inquired carefully, the sympathy in his voice was evident.

"Because he held up an attacker and launched our pod instead of risking the enemy getting to us. Afterwards, we drifted through space and eventually crashed on this planet. Just the three of us," Mercy answered instead of me, which I was grateful for. Her words hung heavily in the air and the kids lowered their gazes, as if they regretted even bringing up such a question.

"How do you know he died? What if...what if he survived?" Miko was the first to speak up again, trying to lift the mood by bringing back a thread of hope.

I only shook my head.

"Crossflare's bond died. Which means her bondmate died."

"What is a bond?" Raf frowned in confusion.

"It’s a too complicated concept for humans, but to summarize, it’s a rare connection between two sparks, a constant link of emotions and psyche. Crossflare shared her spark with Sidewire and when he died, he took half of her spark with him. That's how it works. We are lucky we didn't lose her afterwards. We could have...." I cast a glance in her direction, seeing how stiffly she stood with her back turned towards us on the other side of the command center. She might not hear us but she surely knew what we were talking about based on our quiet, hushed tone.

"I'm sorry for her...and your loss," Jack broke the silence that followed my explanation and we nodded in unison with Mercy, offering a sad smile in return.

 We avoided conversations like this. But not speaking about a problem usually leads to worse consequences so it may be better to let it out, talk about it, even if only in a few sentences. Our sparks felt a little bit lighter. I wonder if Crossflare will ever get to a point where she finds her peace...or just the will to finally move on.

 Our conversation has hit a melancholic tone and the kids stopped demanding answers, instead they retreated to their guardians to quietly talk the matter over with them, leaving the two of us to our own thoughts.

What a strange situation. To share our painful experiences with strangers, who are now turning into friends….

 Little did we know that this week will lead to something more. We weren't prepared.

Chapter Text

Mercy POV

 The excitement in the base spread like wildfire. This week has been almost uneventful, save for our small interactions with each other within the walls of the base, but ever since that call from the previous day, the Autobots have been in a frenzy.

"Do we know anything about this Wheeljack?" I turned my head in Halo's direction, who only shrugged (well, as much as she could in her position).

"He is a mech, he is an Autobot. Bulkhead knows him," she mumbled and I waved her off with a chuckle.

"As if I haven't figured that out yet myself."

 Crossflare walked up to us with her arms crossed over her chestplates and sized us up with a serious expression.

"Be ready for anything. We still can't trust anyone here. Newcomers shouldn't be treated any better," she said slowly, making optic-contact with me first, then Halo, "Not even the Autobots are sure he is one of theirs. So be on alert when he arrives. I'm not going to risk any of your lives, got it?"

 We both nodded quickly and her features softened a bit in relief. When she wanted to sound and look serious she got a bit scary. Although I learned she only does it to emphasize the weight of the situation.

"Wheeljack's ship is approaching the landing zone," Arcee's voice turned our attention towards the screens which everybody was staring at. The kids could barely hide their excitement, Miko didn't even try.

"You think he's here to visit?" Raf turned towards his friends.

"Maybe he'll stay!" Miko balled her hands into fists cheerfully, then a thoughtful frown crept onto her face, "Hmm...have to find his own human, though."

"Ground bridge cycling up," Ratchet was already by the ground-bridge control, typing in the coordinates. Suddenly an electric shock ran through the equipment, and the screen showed static. The medic had to punch the machine in order to continue working properly. The medic cursed under his breath as a side-comment, "Blasted scraplets! Equipment hasn't been the same since the infestation."

 Infestation? Scraplets? It seems they haven't told us some things that might be of interest to us. I had no idea there were scraplets on Earth too!

"So, Wheeljack's gonna land halfway around the world and then you'll bridge him here?" Jack finally put up the question which also bugged me. Optimus stepped closer to explain patiently:

"We can't risk revealing the location of our base just in case the Decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship."

Miko dashed to Bulkhead's side mid-sentence. The mech was walking up and down like a caged turbofox, anxiously waiting.

"Dude, I've never seen you so stoked!"

"Oh, you're gonna love Wheeljack! We were like brothers! And tonight we are gonna party!" Bulkhead could barely mask his excitement.

"Sweet!"

 The moment of joy was suddenly cut short when a loud beeping noise gained our attention.

"Cons are closing on fast on Wheeljack's position," Arcee immediately read the signs.

 Halo and I exchanged troubled looks. This didn't sound good. Crossflare's serious expression only darkened upon hearing the bad news. As if things weren't complicated enough, now Decepticons were involved.

"Con scum!" Bulkhead stomped up to the screens with a quick mood-switch, already balling his fists like he was about to smash someone.

"Calm down Bulkhead, if you destroy our computers there won't be much you can do to help," Ratchet led him away before he could lay a fist on anything and Bulkhead changed course towards the ground-bridge with a newfound idea. Arcee and Bumblebee followed him almost immediately.

"Open the bridge Ratchet! We're missing all the action!"

 Ratchet did as told without hesitation.

"I'll prepare sick-bay."

"Who for? The Cons?" Bulkhead scoffed in amusement, "This is Wheeljack we're talking about!"

 With that the three of them ran through the swirling portal, out of our sight. To be honest I felt like it's not fair to just sit around passively and watch them do...well, what they had to do. I fiddled with my digits anxiously in my lap, folding and unfolding them, drumming on my thighs, then got an encouraging smile from Crossflare when she noticed. It meant everything will be fine. Will it really? Just like always, I put my faith in her encouragement and remained still.

Crossflare POV

 Within minutes, four bots dashed in through the ground-bridge and the controller went crazy once again, but this time it shut completely behind the newcomers, much to Ratchet's annoyance. The new mech beside Bulkhead wasn't familiar at all and he was shorter than what I expected. His mainly white paintjob was highlighted with red and green decor. He seemed like an older model, average Cybertronian.

 I narrowed my optics, running a curious scan over him as he took in the sights, his attention more on the base than the Bots in it which was a highly suspicious act on arrival.

"Jackie, come here! Meet my other best buddy, Miko! She can wreck with the best of us!" Bulkhead's excitement returned and he proudly gestured towards the small child who ran down the stairs and stopped mid-way to be in level with the two. She waved a hand with a big smile on her face.

"Hiya!"

"Ya keepin' Bulkhead out of trouble?" Wheeljack pointed back at Bulk.

"I try but trouble finds us anyway," Miko grinned and shrugged with a mischievous look.

"We're gonna get along just fine," the white mech concluded in amusement before he turned around to face the approaching Prime.

"Optimus Prime, it's a privilege," he said, having to look up to the much taller bot.

"Likewise, soldier. What do you have to report from your long journey?" Optimus was friendly like always, but I could hear caution in his voice.

"Been bouncin' from rock to rock searchin’ for signs of friend or foe. Now I find both," Wheeljack sent a meaningful glance towards his friend and Optimus' expression softened a bit.

"We are few, but strong. We have suffered losses. But we have grown. And we would relish welcoming a new member into our fold."

 I couldn't ignore how the Prime's gaze swept over everyone, including the three of us. We weren't additions of his team, he shouldn't forget that. We were merely guests who will take their leave once our friend is taken care of. Then our paths separate and hopefully never cross again. 

"I would be honored," our newcomer however didn’t seem against joining the team. Not like my friends or I had anything to do about that.

"Then let's get this party started!" Bulkhead and Wheeljack smashed their chests together with a loud yell, earning a very annoyed sigh from a not so enthusiastic Ratchet:

"Oh, joy..."

 I could share the sarcasm in his voice. After some quick introductions everybody fell back to routine mode, minding their own business. Glancing sideways at my friends, I saw Mercy leaning close to Halo, both of them whispering quietly. Their gossip topic was probably the new mech and I had no interest in talking him out so I headed to Ratchet to check if he needed help. The controller's failure has already pissed him off enough.

 Miko showed off her guitar-talent - which was in need of improvement in my opinion - while the two wreckers gathered a ball of scrap from somewhere and started tossing it around. A bit of nostalgia again. Lobbing was a very common game back on Cybertron. Sidewire wasn't a fan of it, but he participated once or twice when his friends invited him.

"What's the problem?" I asked quietly and Ratchet shook his head with a grunt, "Malfunction. Quite the headache."

"Can I help with anything?"

"Hhhh....bring me those tools from over there," the medic pointed away towards the counter at the other side of the platform and I walked over to get the requested items for him. At least I'm making myself useful while I'm here.

 Then the sound of a loud crash almost made me drop the tools as I looked back over my shoulder to see an angry Ratchet lecturing the wreckers. They accidentally dropped the ball on the controller. Great. If the damage was bad, then it's surely catastrophic now. I was aware that we needed the bridge in order to get back to New Mexico. We can't drive all the way back home after all. It has to be fixed.

"Sorry, doc. Guess we're a little charged up," Wheeljack gathered the ball, stopping beside the medic to take a look at the ground-bridge, "You built this bridge from scratch, huh?"

"I did," Ratchet turned back to the controller proudly.

"That's quite a feat of engineering."

"Yes, it is."

"Something wrong with it?"

"I didn't like the way it sounded on this last jump. I put it in shut-down."

"What if you need to use it?" Wheeljack inquired and I listened in as I returned, placing the tools beside the controller one by one.

"Ohh, I can't disrupt the defrag process without causing irreparable damage."

"So, uh, how long will the defrag take?"

"A few hours if we are lucky. Maybe longer," Ratchet looked back at Wheeljack before focusing his attention on the work before him.

 I shot a suspicious frown in the white mech's way as he passed by us with that strange smirk of his. I didn't like the way he talked, but I was unable to find out why I felt that way. Maybe my caution towards strangers is getting the better of me. But no one can be careful enough, so I will stay alert for the time being.

 Oh and how right I was.

"Um...Crossflare," Mercy came to poke my side an hour later and I curiously left Ratchet's side to hear her out.

"What is it?"

"It's Wheeljack. Or more precisely, the thing that Bulkhead said just a moment ago," she whispered, sending a worried glance behind her back.

 I followed the direction with my gaze, only to find no trace of the mentioned newcomer.

"He said there is something off with Wheeljack. Don't know what he meant but I guessed you might want to know."

 I nodded with a serious expression and I glanced over to Halo who was staring in our direction with an annoyed glare. Yes, she had an idea of what was coming.

"Ratchet," I called back and the medic grunted in response, "I'm taking Halo back to the med-bay."

"What for?"

"She had enough excitement for today. And I intend to do some check-ups."

"Please use the scanner only. I'm not sure you are familiar with other equipment."

"As you wish," I walked around the berth and got a hold of it from behind. With Mercy's aid from the right side we turned the berth around and rolled it back towards the med-bay.

"What is this for?" Halo hissed, disapproving, "The new mech seems okay, I don't think there is any trouble in sight."

"Don't argue with me.”

 I might be harsh, but I know my instincts have never betrayed me. And like most of the time, I was right. It turned out the Autobots let a fraud into the base.

 Mercy and I were peeking out at the corner of the corridor during Bulkhead and Wheeljack's confrontation. The way Bulkhead's mood shifted from suspicious to furious actually surprised me. When Mercy mentioned that something was off with Wheeljack, I didn't think that his friend would doubt the newcomer enough to start investigating him. But now it seems things have turned serious.

 The air was filled with tension and I calculated the amount of time needed for us to get to the exit. But even if things run rampant here, I can't risk hurting Halo by forcing her to get up before she is completely healed. Scrap. We were in a tight situation. And the situation just only got worse when what we have feared happened: the cornered Wheeljack suddenly sprung into action, snatching Miko off the ground in a strong grip as he broke out of the circle and went right for the ground-bridge controller.

"Stay back or I'll squeeze her into pulp!" his voice completely changed, now an unknown, malicious tone replacing it as he held Miko out, ready to crush her bones with just a simple move.

"Wheeljack, what are you doing?" Miko had no idea what was going on but things were evident to everyone else in the room.

 Wheeljack wasn't here, but instead: they let a Decepticon in and let him deceive everybody. I cursed under my breath and scolded the Autobots for being so welcoming to strangers. If this mech escapes, he will report everything to his superior, including the fact that Autobot numbers have increased with three unknown femmes. They might even know who we are.

 We are in great trouble.

"Decepticon coward! Let the girl go and face me!" Bulkhead smashed his fists together, ready to charge against the enemy who casually answered with a big malevolent grin on his face:

"Don't fret. Plenty of fighting to come."

"Is there a real Wheeljack?" Jack worriedly asked from the ground in the protective presence of his and Raphael's guardian.

"Oh, indeed, and I expect Lord Starscream is making sport of him," the fraud boasted with mock confidence. The only thing preventing him from making a run was the bridge controller which was at the verge of coming back online.

 The tension in the room grew by every second, all Autobots were aware that waiting around was only serving the enemy's advantage and not theirs but making a move might lead to Miko's death. Neither outcomes were in their favor. At this point I was glad I didn't have to be part of this pointless war.

"What do we do?" Mercy whispered from behind me, her voice clearly shaking.

 I shot a glare over my shoulder, just enough to tell her we are not participating in this. Let them solve their problem alone and as soon as this ends, we are making our leave. We have been away from home long enough.

 The fraud typed in the coordinates and the ground-bridge whirred to life. There was nothing to do, but only watch as the Decepticon did as he pleased. He held all the cards in this situation. With nothing to lose anymore, he retreated into the entrance of the portal.

Anyone could have come through from behind him, even a whole battalion, but instead a lone figure jumped through from the other end, kicking the Decepticon out of the way, right against the platform. Miko flew over the air with a silent scream, but fortunately right into Bulkhead's servos.

 Wait a second. Both Mercy and I stared in confusion from one bot to the other, seeing two of the same white mech.

"Am I the only one seeing double Wheeljacks?" Mercy rubbed her optics in disbelief.

"I should've known there is only trouble here," I mumbled, watching the two engage in a spectacular sword fight. I quickly lost track of which one is the real and the fraud one. At least I hoped the others would know and the real one wins.

 From behind, I could faintly hear Halo's yelling, demanding to see what's going on but I ignored her demands for now. It's best she stays away for now.

 When I glanced back, one Wheeljack was already on the ground, beaten. Okay, but which one is that?

"That's my Jackie!" Bulkhead proudly announced as he stepped to his friend's side.

"Time to take out the trash," Wheeljack withdrew his swords and gestured towards the fraud with a disgusted grimace, "All yours, buddy."

 He didn't have to tell twice, Bulkhead lifted the weakened Decepticon like it was a microfiber pillow, spun him around and threw him into the freshly opened ground-bridge portal flawlessly.

"Huh," I finally let out that breath I've been withholding and finally stepped around the corner with a similarly relieved Mercy on my side.

"Nice job," Wheeljack turned towards his friend in amusement, then to the others, "Sorry for that. It took me a while to get out of their ship."

"Haha, but you're finally here! The real you!" Bulkhead strangled the mech in a bear-hug, earning a forced chuckle from him.

"Uhuh, careful ya big lug."

 Once Wheeljack was put down, he finally had time to get to know the others.

"I guess second time's charm's better?" he shook hands with Ratchet, who nodded cautiously in return.

"Ratchet, the team's medic."

"Arcee."

"Beep, beep, boop."

"Oh and they are our Neutral friends," Bulkhead gestured towards us with a big smile and I forced a small smile.

"I'm Crossflare and she is Mercy. Nice to meet you."

"Same, ladies. But what brings two Neutrals to an Autobot base?" he inquired, curiously measuring us with his optics.

"It's complicated. We are not staying for long," I answered flatly, which earned me a surprised raise of his optic ridge in return.

Halo POV

 I missed all the action and the fact that Mercy told everything afterwards didn't help my disappointment. Finally something interesting happened, and where was I? Lying on a medical berth alone in the med-bay and nobody heard my yells. Great, my luck. The new guy turned out to be a fraud and now the real Wheeljack has arrived. I didn't notice too much difference but it wasn't the first thing on my mind at the moment.

 Ratchet released me with a disapproving sigh and I slowly sat up, rubbing my itching wrists. Oh, finally! Freedom.

"Are you sure you want to go now?" he asked once again and Crossflare nodded firmly from the doorway where she stood.

"After everything that happened it's best we are not in your way. We've been living on your supplies long enough anyway. It's only fair we leave now."

"It’s not like I'm stopping you," Ratchet held his servos up, signing that he had no intention to stand in our way. Then he grabbed a few smaller bottles from the counter and put them into Crossflare's servo carefully.

"Must be injected once a day. She shouldn't transform for three more days and even after she feels completely healthy, she must move carefully."

"I will see it done," my friend sent a knowing smile in my direction, making me shudder. It seems my ultimate freedom was still far from reach. But at least I'm not tied to a berth anymore.

 With my friends' help I limped out into the command center and Ratchet passed by us to continue his repair work on Wheeljack's ship, which was small enough to fit inside the base. Miko's guitar solo filled the air again and I smiled at the sight of the kids and Bumblebee dancing together. When was the last time the three of us had fun like they do now? I can't even remember. We truly need to change our lives once we get home.

 Before I could have joined in - or at least try - the kids suddenly dashed in the Prime's and Wheeljack’s direction and we heard Miko ask:

"Wait, you are leaving? Why?"

  The question was meant towards Wheeljack which confused me greatly. Why would he go away? He is an Autobot and he would surely want to stay with his friend, right?

"Because some bots never change," Bulkhead answered with a disappointed sigh.

"Wheeljack, know that you'll always have a haven here," Optimus assured the mech, not intent to change Wheeljack's mind which I found strange. The Autobot leader could keep his soldiers here by order, couldn't he?

"Jackie never stays, but he always comes back," Bulkhead hit his friend in the back and they bumped their fists together like good friends would.

 Naah, I wish I could do such things with CF or Mercy. But neither of them were types like that. 

"Anyway, heard ya plan to leave as well," Wheeljack turned towards us, "Wanna join? I could take ya home with my Jackhammer."

 Just before Mercy and I could have yelled a loud 'Yes, it would be awesome!', Crossflare kindly rejected the offer, making both of us pout in disappointment.

"Thank you, but the shortest way for us is just a ground-bridge away," she said and sent a meaningful glance towards Ratchet who understood the request and quickly went over to the controller.

"Hmph," the mech chuckled and raised his servos in an innocent manner, "That’s too bad, miss. I was just tryin’ to be nice."

 The portal opened for us, coordinates set on a small town's suburbs in New Mexico, our current home.

"Crossflare, what I've said to Wheeljack also includes you. We will always be here to aid you in any need," Optimus called after us and we glanced back, nodding, accepting his kind promise with an appreciative but reserved smile.

 Before turning around to leave once and for all, my gaze fell on the kids. The disappointment was evident on their faces. Poor children, they lose four new friends on the same day. I waved a hand in Miko's direction which she sadly returned, then I lost them from sight.

 The portal closed behind our backs once our pedes stepped onto the dusty road on the other side. The sun already set near a large wooden house beside an even larger hangar.

"Home, sweet home," Crossflare smiled in satisfaction and helped me limp to the automatically opening gate of the hangar. Our stations were waiting clean and ready for us to recharge, our human-made but Cybertronian-sized computers quietly hummed at the other end of the wide room next to our almost empty containers which housed our energon supplies. Just as we left it a week ago.

"Did we really have to come back sooner?" Mercy finally put up the question that my mouth itched to ask.

 Crossflare sat me down on the small platform beside my station and sighed as she straightened back to her full height.

"You know well why I chose to return now," she said, trying to avoid a possible quarrel between us.

"Yes, we know. Because a small misunderstanding happened and you thought it's not safe to stay anymore. But CF, come on! They solved the problem!"

"Halo is right, just a few days more and..." Mercy continued but Crossflare had enough.

"And what? A few more and a few more again? Then stay there forever?" she snapped, angrily glaring at us as if we’ve committed a crime, "I should've known it's a bad idea to even accept their help."

"But without Ratchet's medical help Halo wouldn't have healed," Mercy pointed out and I nodded in agreement.

"And a little change can't hurt sometimes. Look at us, we have been starving for some social interaction!" I continued.

 Crossflare fell into silence, her expression dark and disappointed. She didn't need to say anything for us to understand what was going through her head. I could see the reason she would act like this but I wanted her to see things from our perspective. We can't hide and close on ourselves like a shell forever.

"Who am I trying to convince?" she shook her head, turning away, "You are both grown up. I can't force anything on you. But we chose not to involve ourselves in their war. We chose neutrality. We must keep ourselves to our promises."

 Mercy and I exchanged looks. She had a point. She just wanted to keep us safe. But was it so bad to wish we were part of a bigger community? Not related to the war, only to people...others of our own kind. Was that so much to ask?

 The uncomfortable silence was broken when the small human-sized door opened and a tall man entered, with his familiar messy brown hair and green eyes. One of his legs was replaced by a prosthetic one and he slightly limped, but otherwise he had a sporty figure and was at the top of his health. The relief in his expression could be clearly seen even in the evening environment.

"Alright girls, what brings you home? You've been away for how long? A full week!" he threw his arms up in frustration, almost in a scolding manner.

"Sorry James," I sent him an innocent grin and showed a thumbs-up, "We came back in one piece!"

"One piece, my ass. What is that?," James pointed towards my back with a you can't deceive me look.

"Just a scratch," I waved a servo casually.

 He shook his head in a disapproving manner and passed by us to catch up with Crossflare who wasn't in the mood to face us and occupied herself in the back off the room by the blue screens of our computers.

"So what happened, big girl?" he patted the side of her ped, looking up at her with a curious expression.

"Ask them. They will surely entertain you with stories," she mumbled quietly and continued typing as if our human companion wasn't even there.

"What's her problem?" he came back to us. Even he learned that it's best to leave CF alone when she was pissed off. There is nothing scarier than an angry Crossflare. Seriously.

"We like our new friends when we shouldn't," I dropped my chin in my palm and Mercy shared a helpless smile with me.

"Uh-uh. Be careful girls, I can't shield you from your war once you join it," he pointed out, his expression getting serious.

"We know. That's why we...have to forget what happened," Mercy lowered her head, sadly looking away.

"Yeah. It’s not like we have a choice," I mumbled sourly.

 Or do we?

Mercy POV

 The chirping of birds outside was always a nice sound to wake up to. Transforming back to my bipedal mode, I stretched my limbs and went outside to see the sun rise slowly over the mountains. I liked these quiet, peaceful mornings but somehow I missed coming online within the walls of the Autobot base where friends welcomed me in the command center.

 Funny how a one week long experience can burn into your memory bank and make you feel out of place in your own home. But we were back and we had to concentrate on our next mission.

 Poor Halo awakened grumpily. She complained about having to sleep on her back in bipedal mode because she is not allowed to transform yet. I chuckled while listening to her bickering with Crossflare who tried to inject the medicine Ratchet has given her into Halo's energon line.

"Ouch!" she bit into her lower lip when Crossflare finally caught her arm.

"If you continue to act like a little sparkling, nobody will take you seriously," CF gently injected the medicine, then patted Halo's shoulder and put the syringe away.

 Halo stuck her tongue out when CF wasn't looking and I covered my mouth with a servo to hide my quiet laugh. Yeah, things seemed to fall back into normal routine.

 Halo was left in James' care until Crossflare and I returned. I rarely left our base in my alt-mode which was a black and white windowless jet*. I was smaller than the actual model I borrowed my form from. It was a private jet and not built for military purposes. I had amorphous solar panels and my exterior was designed to give a panoramic view from the inside but it was useless since no human has ever traveled inside me yet. I've kept the black and white color scheme and added some extra jade green decor on my horns, the matching color of my optics and biolights which were a natural part of my black protoform from my neck down to my pelvis.

 Crossflare said white wasn't the best choice of color but I wouldn't change it for now. Compared to me, her plum purple exterior stood out more. She was more rounder than any of us, being a humble Volvo S90 to fit into the average picture of our surroundings. She didn't have as many biolights as I did, but hers had a soft pink color like her optics.

 When it comes to choosing good disguise colors, Halo wins. She was almost completely grey, save from the few black parts of her Ford XR6 Turbo Sprint alt-mode. She was also very thin in bipedal mode, even for a car. Halo often mentioned how she wishes to see things from my perspective, from above the clouds. They were both grounders from creation, only I was created airborne, but it seems Halo wasn't satisfied with her given form. I could see why she would want to travel the skies...it's a completely different world.

 Focusing back on the task in hand, I descended slightly in the air to stay out of radar and see Crossflare's car form underneath. She drew a nice line of dust behind her as she stormed through the dirt with a small trailer tied to her.

 Just a little bit longer and we can refill our supplies. Hopefully.

Crossflare POV

 The coordinates Ratchet has provided us with fell far from our home but in the end it was worth the effort to drive farther than what we were used to. The first mine in ages which had more than two small tunnels full of crystals. How can Decepticons do such shallow work? Even if their drillers don't fit in, they shouldn't just leave such treasure behind! Not like we minded right now. We were happy to find something at last.

 After inspecting the place a bit more thoroughly, I realized that they left these rooms alone because the support of the stone pillars weren't stable enough. Good reason. I warned Mercy to be careful as well. We don't need a mine collapse on us in the middle of our digging work.

 We packed our trailer full, which was a relief, then we headed back at the brink of exhaustion. In the next few days this became a daily routine. Drive, mine, drive home. Nothing disturbed us and I was grateful for the good fortune.

 Up until our peaceful days came to end the next week.

"What do you mean she just left?!" I turned the whole yard upside down and ordered Mercy to search from the sky.

"She jogged out not long after you two had left and just drove off! I couldn't even ask where she was going!" James threw his hands up helplessly while trying to keep up with me as I ran around worriedly.

"I thought she only goes for a drive and returns but I haven't seen her since then," he continued and my spark only pulsed faster with each second. How long was Halo out there then? Eight hours? Or more? Something must have happened to her.

 Just yesterday she performed a flawless transformation without pain and I finally let her walk around and she was relieved of medical monitoring. She was healthy and good as new. I shouldn't have left her behind today. I should've known she will take the opportunity to go on a ride of her own.

 The sound of an approaching car's engine drew our attention to the road. It led here from town. I let out a big sigh once I recognized the car in the sunset. Halo rolled into the yard and happily beeped. Her front door opened and a familiar female human stepped out, throwing a backpack on one shoulder casually.

"Thanks for the ride, girl," Amy patted Halo's hood and walked over to a similarly relieved James. Amy has been living here ever since James  and her got engaged. They were basically sparkmates, but not bondmates yet, if we understood correctly. So it was natural that she also learned the big secret: sentient alien mechanical beings from Cybertron live in the backyard of her fiancé. But she took the news surprisingly well, better than we initially expected and she turned out to be trustworthy when it came to keeping secrets.

"What's with your car?" after a quick kiss on the lips James looked over to the transforming Halo in confusion who stretched her limbs with a tired yawn.

"Defect. I called Halo to give me a lift. I thought she would be happy to help out," Amy winked an eye in said troublemaker's direction who winked in response cheekily.

"Where have you been all day?" I stepped forward with my arms folded over my chest, causing Halo to drop the casual attitude.

"Sorry, sorry....I erm....I was out for a drive."

"All day?" I repeated impatiently.

"I stopped here and there...visited a drive-in-theater, watched a movie....it was good to move out," she lowered her gaze penitently, then she looked up with big puppy optics, "Can't I? After all the confinement and everything I totally deserved it!"

 I couldn't keep a straight face for long. My expression softened admitting that she was right, so I nodded with a sigh.

"Okay, but next time don't leave without a word."

"Thank you!!!" she hugged me with newfound enthusiasm, then ran away towards the wash racks. Mercy, who just returned from the search, watched her go with a confused expression, then both of us shrugged and followed her, leaving our human companions alone.

 The following day Halo was the first to wake up. She left early just like yesterday but she at least informed us first before she went on her own adventures. Then she made a routine of this for the rest of the week. Mercy and I were aware that there would be days when she would roam alone, undisturbed and would then return with a clear mind but she never repeated this routine for days long.

 I started to get worried about her. What was on her mind? Why wouldn’t she tell us? Usually, if something was on her spark, the first person she shared it with was me. Maybe I've been too strict about the Autobots. But what should have I done?

 A week later I decided to go after her. Mercy and I returned sooner than we previously did and I drove down the road where Halo usually disappeared. We might meet on her way back. As I wondered, lost in my own thoughts, I failed to react immediately when a flash of light blinded me for a second and I pressed my brakes just in time, watching as a whirling portal opened right in front of my nose.

"What on Cybertron...?" I murmured, alarmed, wondering who was at the other end of the portal and why would anyone open a bridge for me.

 Then my spark stopped when I recognized Halo's form hopping through casually. The portal closed behind her and I could only stare at her in shock and horror.

"Ooh scrap..." she muttered, realizing who was right in front of her just a few feet away.

Chapter Text

Halo POV

"Don't be out for long! I will need a servo in...!" Ratchet called after us but we were already storming through the ground-bridge into the open. The vast blue sky was a nice contrast to the dusty surface of the terrain which surrounded us in Nevada.

 Bumblebee took the lead and I followed suit, Bulkhead taking the rear with a deep chuckle. I could hear the metal music screaming from his radio, much to Miko's enthusiasm.

 My decisions rarely aligned with Crossflare's wishes and I was aware that coming back here from day to day was a great mistake which I will deeply regret later, but for now I had no intention to let go of this little freedom and also my little secret. Mercy and Crossflare had no clue about what I was doing while I was away from home and they had no idea about where I was either.

 The first time Miko called me, I was truly surprised. We exchanged comm-numbers during my stay on their base while I was waiting to heal. I didn’t expect to use this number for anything in the future though. But here it was: an opportunity I couldn't refuse. She invited me and I happily tagged along. 

 Maybe I should have talked about this to Mercy. She would keep my secret and would at least know where to search for me if something went wrong, but....it was risky. I know Crossflare wouldn't be happy to hear about it and while I know she can't restrict me for real, I didn't want her to learn about this. She would be so disappointed....

 So I returned. Every day. I came through that portal and welcomed everyone with a big grin, ready for fun. When the Autobots were on patrol, I always escorted one of them and we kept chatting on our way. Arcee wasn't as open-minded as the others and she warned me more than once that I shouldn’t keep secrets from my friends. She was like my conscience talking.... So I started not to be around her that much.

 Bumblebee and Bulkhead were welcoming, just like the kids, and especially Miko. I grew to like that little human girl, I have to admit.

 Optimus was very patient with me and I've already realized that I shouldn't be afraid of him. I noticed that he had this father-figure role in the team and was more of a family member than a military leader. This didn't make the others any less respectful though. He was cherished and beloved by everybody.

 The little funny games and chats I had with the team in or outside the base caused this warm feeling inside my spark to increase and I've grown to like all of the kids to the point where I would drive them around if they asked. Funny how quickly you grow to like people you've just met. Or I was just really craving some social interaction.

 These eventful days soon came to an end, because I was careless and stupid. I shouldn't have done this so conspicuously. It was only a matter of time until Crossflare got suspicious of me and she did.

 Now I had to face her wrath. Or rather the disappointment in her optics I didn't wish to see. We drove home in utter silence which was killing me and she didn't say anything when we entered the hangar. Mercy was worriedly sitting in her station and her expression only got more worried when she saw Crossflare's dark aura.

"Look CF, I'm sorry," I started, unable to keep my mouth shut any longer, "I'm a total jerk for not telling you I know..."

"When have I ever lied to you?" she asked quietly, her fists clenched, "Why were you deceiving us? What was the point?"

 Her piercing optics bore into mine when she turned around and I penitently stared at the ground. I had no excuses. I was stupid and I admitted it.

 After not replying for what felt like hours, she asked almost inaudibly:

"Did you join them?"

 I jerked my gaze up, taken aback by the question. What was she thinking? Did she really believe I would go there every day because I’ve decided to join them? That would be unexpected, even from me. But judging by Mercy's shocked reaction, she was also doubting me.

"No! Never! Why would I! Of course not!" I snapped, trying to sound confident.

 None of them looked convinced. Crossflare shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh when she turned away and retreated into the shadows of her station.

"Please...CF..." I reached after her, trying to come up with something for a proper apology but words escaped my reach. I didn't know what to do.

"Halo. The best you can do right now is go and recharge," she replied quietly, transforming into her alt-mode and powering down for the night.

 I looked at Mercy who quickly caught her gaze away before she asked:

"What did you do?"

"Something stupid..." I mumbled, closing my optics for a moment to think over what happened. Yeah, I screwed up.

 Retreating into my own station in my alt-mode, I wondered how will I be able to power down. My conscience tormented me all night, tirelessly, making it impossible to fall into recharge. Did I really need this today? I don't think so.

 About 8 am, my comm-link pinged and I growled in annoyance when I saw the caller. Miko. What could she possibly want right now? It's early in the morning! I ignored the beeps but after ten minutes of constant ringing I decided to pick up the call.

"What is it? I'm not in the..."

"Halo! We need you!"

 I fell into surprised silence. The despair and urge in her voice got a hold on my attention and my spark jumped in concern.

"What happened?"

"Quickly! Bring Crossflare over, we open a bridge for you! There is no time!"

"B-but wait, what do you need her for?" I transformed, rising to my full height.

"There is a virus and we don't have a cure for it. We need her!"

 A virus? My spark was hammering now. Flashbacks flooded my mind and I saw myself in the mirror of my room, my frame dull and gray from the effects of the virus that attacked me. Crossflare saved me. She found a cure.

 Without a second of hesitation I ran over to her station and tapped urgently on her hood. There is no time to waste. If someone can find a cure to any kind of virus, it's her.

 She came online within a matter of seconds and she mumbled incomprehensible things before she sleepily transformed into bipedal mode.

"Halo, what in the name of Solus are you..."

"Quick! You are needed!" I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her along. Mercy stirred in her recharge and peeked out when we passed by.

"Hey, hey, what is going on? Calm down and explain!" Crossflare released her servo and stopped in the open doorway. I could clearly see the confusion on her face.

"The Autobots are in trouble. It's a virus....only you can help," I was practically begging her, knowing how big of a favor I was asking right now.

 She stared at me with wide optics, processing the words I just said. Mercy appeared next to her, completely awake by now and worriedly glancing from her to me.

"Please...if someone can find a cure...it's you..." I was struggling not to cry right in front of them. If anybody knew what it felt like to fall apart - without help to come - from a virus that consumes you from the inside, it was me.

 Determination settled on Crossflare's face, a similar expression I had seen when she told me back then, I will save you. Everything will be alright.

"Show the way," she said, lifting a mountain off my shoulders.

Crossflare POV

 I looked over Optimus and the ulcers on his face as he lay helplessly on the medical berth that barely fit his size. Third stadium of infection. At this point if he is not treated soon, there will be no way back.

 Mercy and Halo both had a painful grimace on their faces at the sight. I can't blame them. We had tragic experiences with all kinds of viruses during the war.

"Get back, for your own safety," I shepherded them away and joined Ratchet's side who was already examining a sample of the Prime's energon.

"Have you found anything to start off from?" I asked, inspecting the readings.

"Not much, only....what? What is going on?" he was disturbed by Arcee's voice over the comm-link and I took his place to let him concentrate on the call.

 Trying to exclude the disturbing surroundings of the base, I focused on the construction of the virus. It was a tough one. I believe I've seen this before. It killed millions during the war, many of the Neutrals as well. Numerous other medics and chemists like me were trying to find a cure, without results. We never found one. But Sidewire, I and our team have created a medicine that can slow down the progress and numb some of the pain. If I could recreate that...it would buy some time for Optimus.

 Without hesitating any longer I went for Ratchet's laboratory tools in the med-bay and a glass of medical energon. I could only hope he has the ingredients I need to make my medicine work.

"Can I help?" Halo appeared beside me, ready to be of assistance just like in the past. She still remembered how hopeless her situation was at the time when she was the victim of another virus.

"Yes," I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Please turn that computer on and search the database for inticyllinum."

Mercy POV

 Entering someone else's mind sounded creepy enough but to volunteer? Bumblebee sure had courage to even suggest anything like that.

 Looking back to where Crossflare and Halo left, I could only pray that they are faster than Arcee and Bumblebee, wherever they were. Just seeing Optimus in that state turned my tank upside down. I wished I could do anything but like always, I was helpless and could only watch.

 The strange journey through Megatron's mind only convinced me of the fact that this Decepticon leader was exactly as fearsome as the rumors claimed. Seeing him for the first time wasn't really a pleasant experience. In comparison to Optimus, Megatron wasn't appealing in appearance and the way he tried to cut Bumblebee down with his blade further proved that he wasn't very friendly either.

 Then Megatron stirred from oblivion.

 Was it possible at all? To be conscious while you are unconscious? It sounded bizarre.

"Bumblebee, we are out of time!" Ratchet urged him and Arcee as well when things began to turn for the worse.

"Maybe not!" Crossflare and Halo turned up suddenly with a syringe full of a dark blue liquid.

"By Primus, what is that?" the medic narrowed his optics but Crossflare gave him a reassuring smile.

"Not a cure, but it will gain him some time. Let me inject it and it will soothe his pain."

"Are you certain it's safe?" 

"I would put my license on the line," she nodded confidently and a proud smile crossed my face. Crossflare rarely failed. Her medicines were by far the most safe and well-constructed ones, I would vouch for her.

 Ratchet nodded with a serious expression and my friend stepped to the berth, placing a hand on Optimus' arm when she injected the serum into his energon line. The Prime groaned quietly and we watched with desperate hope as his pained expression slowly softened.

"We gained a little time," Bulkhead remarked with slight relief in his voice.

"Don't be happy yet," Ratchet turned back to the screens, refocusing his attention on the other problem that needed to be solved.

 Megatron and Bumblebee were arguing and it seemed like Bumblebee managed to convince Megatron because he gave in and extended a servo. A cube like formula appeared over his palm, unreadable to me. But he withdrew it a second later, refusing to give it to Bumblebee without his own conditions.

 Suddenly Ratchet took over the control, rewinding the footage.

"Arcee, we have the formula! Disconnect Bumblebee now!" he yelled over the comm-link and a second later the dark world of Megatron's mind began to fall apart.

"Bulkhead! Open a bridge for them!" Ratchet pointed towards the controller and the big mech hurried to obey. We all turned to the opening portal with worried but hopeful stares until Bumblebee dashed through with happy beeps,  followed by Arcee who landed confidently with a victorious smile on her face.

"Thank the Allspark," I whispered in relief. They all made it.

"Quickly, we still have to bring the formula to life," Ratchet gestured towards Crossflare and they passed by us in hurry towards the med-bay.

"Megatron is no more," Arcee proudly looked up at the kids who stared back in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"I shot the life-cord out of his chest. He won't get up anymore, hopefully," she smirked.

 Miko jumped up in joy and the boys gave each other a high-five. I couldn't smile however. Even if he was an enemy, I could never be happy about someone's death. It somehow felt wrong to kill someone on their deathbed, even if their death is an eventual outcome.

 Halo stayed beside Optimus, watching him lie almost lifelessly, barely functioning. I walked up to her, placing a servo on her shoulder.

"Memories?"

"Yeah...I know what it feels like to be in his place," her optics wandered over the Prime's figure, then she looked at me.

"Do you think I've made a bad decision?"

 Not knowing how to answer that, I hugged her.

"Come on, we can think about that later."

 She wasn't satisfied with my answer, I could feel it.

"But...I don't think anyone will scold you for helping to save a life."

 This however, put her spark at ease.

Halo POV

 Ratchet and Crossflare have worked through the afternoon, not moving away from each other's side. The formula was ready when the sun set under the horizon. Without my friend's medicine they might have had less time. We would never know.

 The result was one dose of anti-virus which the medic carefully injected into the Prime's energon line. It didn't show any effect immediately but after half an hour the ulcers disappeared and Optimus could speak clearly again.

 Happiness filled the air when he finally rose from the berth with the help of Ratchet and Crossflare from both sides. Everybody gave him a loud applause. He earned it. Very few had the luck to survive this virus.

"Please. Reserve the hero's welcome for my physician, my scout and our chemist ally.

 The applause immediately turned towards Ratchet and Crossflare, then Bumblebee, who had the greatest part in this victory. He deserved the praise. Very few would go this far for their leader, but he did it without a second thought.

 We left the party at that, understandably, given that we arrived here out of schedule. Funny how the Autobots promised to help us out in any need and we were the ones coming to their rescue. Thinking of it, now we were even. Not in debt to anyone.

 When we arrived back to our yard, I awkwardly scratched the back of my head, recalling how our last night ended. I still haven't apologized properly.

"I almost forgot how good it feels to do...what you were destined to do," Crossflare stopped in the doorway of the hangar. Mercy and I exchanged puzzled looks but our friend's pleased smile surprised us both when she turned around, "Halo, I'm not angry with you. I'm worried, yes, I will always be. But you did well today.”

 She shrugged helplessly. The smile didn’t disappear from her face.

"Sorry for acting so awful sometimes."

 I was speechless. Why is she saying sorry? I should be the one! I had no idea what to answer about this turn of events.

 The tense silence was broken when Mercy pulled us into a big team-hug, giggling cheerfully.

"Who is hungry, because I've been starving since the morning!"

 Crossflare and I followed her while laughing together. No matter what obstacles we faced, nothing ever could divide us, I was sure about that.

 Even through difficulties, we would always come back and make up and be there for each other. Like a family.

 To get my share of work done, I've spent the rest of the week with them, harvesting energon and telling stories about my time spent with the Autobots. Even Crossflare flashed a smile here and there. She wasn't so hostile towards them anymore but she still warned me to be cautious. Patrols bothered her the most because I can risk running into the enemy during patrol duty. I promised her I won't escort any of them on patrol from now on.

 With such conditions I was allowed to visit the base from time to time. Better than nothing I guess. This was an improvement from her side so I was grateful.

 It was Sunday when Miko called me over again, and I passed on the info to Mercy and Crossflare.

"Oh, oh, can I come too?" Mercy bounced from one ped to the other in excitement.

 Crossflare shook her head with a resigned smile, seeing our enthusiasm.

"Fine, but I'm coming along then."

"Yay!" we hit our palms together high in the air and our older friend followed us calmly into the portal the Autobots had opened for us.

Mercy POV 

 Just like before, the Autobots greeted us in a friendly way and Optimus was surprisingly happy to see us.

"Interesting to see all of you coming this time," Arcee raised an eyebrow and I chuckled, leaning close to whisper, "Our mommy can't leave us alone for a second. If you understand what I mean."

"Hmph, I think I get it," she smirked in amusement.

 Miko excitedly waved her arms in our direction from the platform and Halo jogged up to her with a wide grin. From the corner of my optic I saw Crossflare go over to Ratchet, probably to discuss some medical topic.

I chose to follow Halo who joined in a human form of entertainment called 'videogame' with the boys.

 Everything went rather calmly until Ratchet called Optimus over to him and pointed at something on the screen. 

"...This is clearly a dark energon signature. And it's moving fast..." 

 Dark energon? I have heard about it before, it was called the 'blood of Unicron' but I've never met it in any form, so my little knowledge was based on gossip and mythical stories.

"Megatron..." Optimus clenched his fists as the name of his enemy left his mouth. 

 The last time we were here, I remember Arcee saying that Megatron was no more. Or was that information false? Mentioning his name was enough for me to gain my attention so I strolled closer to hear better.

"What's he gonna do with it? Recruit a new army of the undead?" Bulkhead asked sarcastically.

"Zombicons?!" Miko immediately perked up from her spot on the sofa where she was sketching.

"We cannot rule out the possibility," Optimus answered with a serious expression, "Especially since Megatron seems to be heading to a familiar site." 

I glanced at my friends who were both staring at the Prime in confusion. 

"I can't believe this. We have been living here for decades and nothing has ever happened to us," Halo folded her arms with a pout, "Now we come over and meet weird stuff every day."

"You know, it just means our disguise was perfect," Crossflare pointed out with a pleased and proud smile.
Meanwhile, Optimus created a quick plan, assigned everyone a job and prepared to immediately head out. We Neutrals could only watch them, with no intention to interfere. Their problems, they must solve them.
"Go get 'em, Bulkhead!" Miko called after her friend enthusiastically, but didn’t glance up from her drawing.
"That's not like Miko to no want to go..." Jack, who was sitting on the opposite sofa, narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"She is definitely up to something," Rafael agreed.
"That line sounded exactly like something my dear friend over there would say," Halo laughed, pointing towards Crossflare who only raised an optic ridge questioningly.

"You know, Miko and you have something in common. You both have the potential to be the greatest headache for everyone."

 Meanwhile Arcee opened the ground-bridge for the others who rolled through with Optimus on the lead. That was the moment when we should have paid more attention to Miko. At that very second, she shot out of her sitting position like a rocket and dashed off like a mad turbofox towards the ground-bridge.

Jack and Rafael chased after her but they weren’t quick enough.

 Halo was the next to react in time, realizing what Miko was up to. She quickly cornered the platform to race after the kids who were already at the entrance of the still-active ground bridge. 

"Wait! Kids you can't- !" Halo yelled, but reached there too late and they were already gone.

 Crossflare and I followed her with calmer steps, knowing that we can't do anything to bring them back.

"Hey, they will be fin-Halo!" I wanted to assure her, but she suddenly jumped through without a warning. We watched with wide optics as the portal shut in front of us.

"For Primus’ sake!" Crossflare growled, throwing her servos up in fury.

"Wow, she truly can't stay in one place for long, can she?"  I chuckled, trying to ease the tension.

"It's not funny! What's the guarantee that she'll come back in one piece?" 

"Hey, she is with Optimus and the others. Everything will be okay," I tried, but Crossflare didn't seem convinced. 

"We agreed not to get involved. Halo will be in serious trouble when I get my servos on her," she strolled over to Arcee who was busy at the controller. It seems she hasn’t realized what just happened.

"Arcee!" Crossflare impatiently tapped one ped on the ground, crossing her arms.

The blue femme raised her optics questioningly.

"Is something the matter?" 

"Miko and the others, they went through the ground bridge. With Halo on their tailpipe."

She stared at us with wide optics.
"Don't tell me..."
We nodded in unison and Arcee immediately raised a servo to her comm-link. 

"Base to Optimus, the kids are missing."

A second later we heard Optimus reply: "We have a visual. Send the ground-bridge immediately." 

"Understood," Arcee turned back towards the controller, opening a new one. 

 We stepped back and waited for them to return. There was a strict expression on Crossflare's face and she stood straight with her servos on her hips. Uh-oh, Halo will be in serious trouble. Sometimes I admired her boldness, but this was not the time.

 A few moments passed by before the bridge began to make strange noises and seconds later it exploded, blinding us all. We stepped back, raising our arms to block the light until it disappeared. A tense silence followed.
The three of us exchanged confused looks as we slowly lowered our arms. Even Arcee couldn't make anything out of what happened, the worry was evident on her face. 

"Arcee, did the children make it safely back to the base?" we heard Optimus ask.

"Negative. You don't see them?" Arcee asked, staring at the bridge.

"No sign," Ratchet answered.
"And Halo? Is Halo okay?" Crossflare now forgot to be angry, what was left was pure concern and fear.

"She is with us," Optimus' assuring voice lifted a mountain off our shoulder-pads, "Arcee, bridge us back to base." 

The blue femme sighed in resignation and obeyed without a word. Her teammates walked in a moment later. We quickly stepped out of their way, trying to catch a glimpse of Halo but we couldn't see her. 

"Where is Halo?" I asked now in concern.

"She stayed back on her own to search for the children. She thinks they landed somewhere close to the original coordinates," Optimus answered calmly, seemingly fine with her decision.

"What? And you let her?" Crossflare stepped forward with sheer disbelief on her face.

"I cannot command her, she falls outside my authority," he replied with a slight raise of an optic ridge, like he expected us to already know this, "But her willingness to help is appreciated."

"Then we are going after her, please send us to her position," my friend made up her mind. But she wasn’t happy about it.

Halo POV 

 I have no idea what was going through my head when I jumped into the ground-bridge to continue chasing  the kids, but here I stood now, still searching.

 I found them quickly at first, Miko was loud enough to spot. But she was very unhappy to hear that I wanted to take her back. To be honest she was angry with everybody, including the boys because she had lost her cell phone - that little device which every human carries around - and she threw a tantrum as if she had lost a limb.

"Come on, we will be in trouble if we don't get back in time," I tried to scoop them up but she jumped off the rock and ran away.  I sighed in annoyance and followed the kids until Optimus and the others noticed us. The children were ordered back into the freshly opened portal. The only problem was that two portals opened at once, though I had no idea why.

 Before I could've followed the tiny humans, the ground-bridge exploded, throwing me back against the approaching Bulkhead and when we regained our senses, there was no trace of the kids.

 Ratchet theorized about some possibilities but I was pretty sure the children couldn't just disappear from being. They must be on either side of the coordinates. The explosion might have thrown them farther than us - or worse - but I didn't want to think about it. Instead I climbed up on a larger cliff, and swept my gaze over the area.

"Halo?" Optimus turned towards me from down there but I only shook my head.

"I'm staying and keep looking. They must be here somewhere. Go ahead and please open me a bridge in thirty minutes."

"As you wish," he nodded and left with the others and I was left on my own..

 Just like I predicted, a new portal opened not much later and my two dear friends strolled through. They would be unable to just sit around and wait for me in the base. The thought made me chuckle.

"I'm here!" I waved a hand towards them and they walked up to the foot of the cliff. Crossflare looked up at me in pure anger but Mercy was smiling in amusement beside her.

"Halo, we just agreed on something and you...!"

"I know, I know," I skidded down, drawing a line of dust in my wake, "But I couldn't stop. The kids must be found."

"It's none of our business," she pressed the words impatiently.

"They are innocent children, CF. It is our business," I tried making those puppy optics again and she rubbed her forehead with a resigned sigh then turned to take a look around. I hoped my older friend had some good ideas. She began walking around in a slow pace.

“W-wait! What now?" I ran after her and Mercy followed suit. 

"If Miko and her friends disappeared here, maybe they left some clues," she answered, observing the ground thoroughly. 

"Ratchet said they saw no sign of them. It isn't likely we would," Mercy ran forward and climbed up to a higher rock to get a better look.

 We followed Crossflare on her way, checking every place we could reach but we didn't find a clue. Maybe Ratchet was right and the kids were teleported to an entirely different location.

 Our trip lasted longer than we had expected and I suddenly got a feeling of deja-vu. Like we have passed by these rocks once already... 

"Hey! We are walking in a circle!" I stopped and my friends looked back at me in confusion.

"You mean..." 

"Yes! We've already looked here! How much time did we waste?" I checked my inner chronometer. Twenty-eight minutes since the Autobots 

 left me behind.

"Girls...I have a strange feeling..." Mercy anxiously fidgeted and her optics snapped from one place to the other as if she saw a ghost, "Isn't somebody calling us...?" 

 We exchanged confused looks. None of us felt what Mercy was referring to and we  spent enough time here to see there is not much to find. What to do? The Autobots will open a bridge for us in a matter of minutes.

"I think it's better if we..." Crossflare started, but an unknown voice made the energon freeze in our tubes as it echoed back from the walls of the canyon. 

"Skyquake! Your master summons you!"

"Who was that?" Mercy asked in fright.

 I pointed behind her back with widening optics and she turned around to see an unfamiliar mech coming in our way. He wasn't as tall as Bulkhead but not as short as Arcee either. He was rather slim - almost like a femme - and had wings on his back. His optics were red like human blood and one of his arms was missing.

"Scrap," I hissed. 

"Okay, I haven't seen any Decepticon so far but I'm totally sure he is one," I stated while observing the approaching figure who seemed to be looking for something. 

"How do you know?" Mercy backed away.

"Just look at him," Crossflare's expression turned into a piercing glare. 

"Shouldn't we run?"

Before we could have decided on hiding or running, the Decepticon noticed us. He looked just as surprised as we did.

"W-who are you?" he asked, taking a step back. 

"Yes, we run!" Crossflare pushed us in the opposite direction, and we were ready to dash off when a bridge opened right in front of the Decepticon, blocking his view.

"Hey! This must be ours!" I caught my friends' arms, remembering what I've said to Optimus. Thirty minutes. The timing was correct.

"Can we get such lucky timing?" Mercy looked at me in doubt. Crossflare wasn’t so sure either.

"I told the Autobots to open a bridge for me in thirty minutes. Here it is," I explained quickly.

Suddenly a shout and someone's loud fall made us reconsider our choices again. It came from the other side of the portal.

"This isn't mine!" we could hear the unknown mech shriek.

"It's time we..." I pushed the others forward, but the bridge closed in front of us, chance lost to teleport back to safety. 

"No!" I shouted. Why did the Autobots close it? They should have waited until we got through!

 The next second a large arm was thrown in our direction and we jumped aside just in time to let it fall to the ground a few feet behind us. We stared after it with wide optics but we got even more freaked out when it started moving by itself.

Today was just not our day. 

Crossflare POV 

 From the corner of my optics I could see another bridge opening just a bit farther, but everything was happening too quickly for me to keep up.

"Finally!" Halo was the first to get into motion, "We can't lose this chance!"

 She ran to the bridge without hesitation with Mercy in tow, but I hesitated to do the same.

"Wait, what if..." I started, but Halo grabbed my wrist and pulled us both through just in time before the ground-bridge closed. When we arrived at the other side, it became clear I should have listened to my instincts. The place wasn't familiar at all.

"Is everybody okay?" I looked first at Mercy then Halo, relief washing over me when I saw they were both unharmed.

 Then we all noticed. A Vehicon stared at us like he had never seen a femme before. His hands hovered over the control station he was standing next to, unsure about how to react.

"Hi, um...can you tell us where we are?" Halo improvised, but the Decepticon transformed one of his arms into a blaster in response.

 I pulled my friend away and the shot hit the wall instead of her.

"We gotta go," I muttered, pulling both of them after me as we raced out of the Vehicon's sight, who probably informed his superiors about the intruders right away. We had to get out of here. After running through a series of hallways, we eventually stopped. We needed to get our heads clear and look for an exit.

 Halo tip-toed forward to check what lies ahead. We were surrounded by high walls of a hexagon framed large corridor leading from our spot to various other hallways. Like a labyrinth. The poor lighting only made the place appear gloomier.

"I don't think we chose the right bridge..." Halo returned with a little worry in her voice. 

"You don't say," I rubbed my forehead in annoyance. Somehow I had enough of Halo's stupid mistakes once and for all, "Okay, from now on I lead and you both do what I say and don't jump into any portals without thinking." 

"Sorry mom..." Halo looked down at her pedes with a guilty expression. 

"Crossflare, where are we?" Mercy was visibly trembling as she took in our surroundings.

"No clue. We have to find out. Or find a new bridge. I'm sure the Autobots are searching for us right now." 

"I've brought us here. It's my mistake," Halo slowly turned around. I could see the anger in her optics. 

"Halo," I let out a frustrated sigh in an attempt to calm down, and placed a servo on her shoulder, "Blaming yourself won't help now. We should concentrate on our escape. Or at least on finding out where we are." 

"Understood..." she murmured. 

 The noise of footsteps silenced us. We froze and listened carefully. The sounds were coming from our right. 

"Hide!" I hissed quietly and pulled Mercy after me into the closest open room. We peeked out from behind the corner to see who was coming. Another Vehicon passed by us slowly, probably a guard. After he disappeared from our sight we exchanged troubled looks. 

"If there are more of them here...," Halo stated with widening optics, "Don't tell me..." 

"Yeah, we are likely in the Deceptions' hideout," I nodded, my voice hitting a dark tone, "We can't stay here any longer."

"But the place is full of guys like these. Is it really a good idea to wander around?" Mercy's whisper was almost inaudible.

"Of course not. But even if we stay they will find us sooner or later."

"Crossflare is right. C'mon!" Halo stepped out of cover with sudden determination.

"Wait, you shouldn't...!" I was about to pull her back when she stopped with wide eyes, staring ahead.

"Hey! Who are you?!" a Vehicon's voice came from that direction and Halo didn't waste any time, she spun around and ran off, followed close by the guard.

"Scrap!" I jumped forth and started running after them. Mercy stumbled after me, trying to keep up. On the next corner we lost sight of Halo and the chasing Vehicon. They were gone.

 I came to a halt with the screech of my pedes and I hit a fist against the wall in fury. Again! Am I talking to the wall when I say anything to her?!

 In my moment of fury I didn't notice the charging Vehicon from behind, only when it started firing at us. I pushed Mercy aside on instinct. One shot scarred the outer side of my thigh. A silent hiss left my mouth and I was about to run at the attacker when I froze, watching as the Vehicon grabbed Mercy's head and smashed it against the wall with sheer force. The loud crack and her pained shout rang through my audio receptors when she collapsed, hitting the ground with a loud thud. Energon oozed from her head and the sight turned everything upside down in me.

 I should've protected her.

 Rage boiled through me as I charged against the Vehicon blindly. I clawed into his wrist and held his blaster away from me while I tackled him onto the floor. I had no idea what I was doing. What I knew was that I'm fighting for my life. Fighting for Mercy. With a fierce kick I managed to make some distance between us and I ran to my friend to get a hold of her upper body and pull her away.

 I looked around in desperate hope to find something that could save us and I noticed a room on my right. I turned towards it in a hurry and was about to slam my servo on the opening panel when the doors slid open and I found myself facing two other Decepticons coming from the inside.

“I advise you not to tell this to anyone, dear doctor!”

One I could recognize, but now he had both arms and the other one was unfamiliar. The only thing registering in my processor about him was a very lustrous red color.

 I had no time to turn and run because the Vehicon caught up with us, now both directions were blocked by Decepticons.

"Oh no..." I gasped. 

I hugged the unconscious Mercy close to my frame as I knelt on the ground, waiting for the worst to come.

The gray mech with wings halted upon noticing us. I could see the recognition in his optics.

"Commander Starscream! Intruders!" the guard pointed at us with his blaster.

"Y-you!?" he yelled in confusion, probably not expecting to run into us again.

"Oooh, what do we have here?" the red one walked closer with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"What are you waiting for? They must be Autobot spies! Shoot them!" the gray mech snapped at the guard impatiently. 

"Wait! Please listen to me!" I yelled in despair, "It's a misunderstanding! We are Neutrals!"

"As if I'm going to believe you," the gray mech grimaced in disdain.

 In my last ditch attempt to gain some time I called out to the red mech, recalling that I've heard him being addressed as 'doctor' a second ago which means he must be a medic.

"Please! You are a doctor! My friend needs help!" 

"And what does that have to do with me?" he arched an eyebrow but raised a servo, telling the guard to stand down.

"There is a rule! The war rules protect Neutrals! But if that's not enough...then I’m willing to offer information, knowledge."

"What kind of information are you talking about?" the red mech knelt on one knee in front of me and looked me in the optic with a questioning raise of his brow.

"Information on the Autobots," I said reluctantly. 

"The Autobots?" now I have gained both of their attention.

"Are you in contact with them?" 

 I nodded, my spark drumming with a heavy weight. This felt worse than betraying friends... But I decided to deal with the guilt later, now I had to secure my friend's safety. We had to stay alive.

"They can be of use to us later..." the gray mech seemed to take my offer into consideration, "Right. Knock Out, keep them in the med-bay for the time being. Tend to the other one's wounds and don't let them escape!" 

With that, the airborne mech strolled past us, with the confused guard in tow.

"Here," the red Decepticon held his servo out, surprising me with the sudden change in manner.

"Will you help her?" I asked, still holding Mercy close.

"I'm afraid I can't help her as long as you keep clinging to her like that," he pointed out with a chuckle and I carefully moved aside to let him gather her into his arms. Walking over to the closest medical berth in the room, he put her down gently, something I didn't expect from a Decepticon.

"Her head is seriously injured. I fear her processor might've suffered damage as well," I placed a hand on Mercy's bleeding wound on the side of her head. It looked horrible.

"Nothing I can’t fix, dear," the mech went to bring a microfiber cloth to clean the wound of energon.

 Suddenly a familiar voice caught the attention of my audio receptors and we turned our attention towards the door at the same time.

 A tall, mainly dark blue colored, faceless mech arrived. His whole appearance and the atmosphere around him made me feel uneasy. Long tentacles snaked in front of him. A certain femme was kicking her legs helplessly in the air, cursing loudly in the grasp of said tentacles.

"Halo?" I was relieved and confused at once. She wasn't injured at least. 

"Put me down, you slagger! Keep your fragging weird tentacles away from me and don't hang me midair! Can't you hear me?! I told you to...!...Oh, girls?" Halo stopped struggling after she noticed us. 

"More of you? Hm....what a day!” the medic put his servos on his hips with an amused smirk on his face.

"Thank Solus, you are okay," I meant my words to Halo who was promptly dropped on the floor. The masked Decepticon stepped over her and approached the berth where Mercy lay.

"What is he...?" I was ready to protect Mercy if needed, having no idea what the newcomer intended to do, but he pushed the medic and me aside effortlessly with his tentacles and reached a servo out to turn Mercy's head to the side, as if to take a look at her wound.

 My spark hammered wildly, my servos helplessly grasping the tentacle that was holding me away from my unconscious friend.

"Whoa, easy Soundwave!” the medic was even more surprised than me, "What has gotten into you? These femmes are our temporary guests, no need to be aggressive!"

 Soundwave withdrew his strange tentacles and pointed at Mercy while looking sternly in the red mech's direction.

"Yes, I was about to repair her! Don't you know I hate to be disturbed during delicate operations?"

 Soundwave kept staring, then nodded reluctantly and stepped back. He looked over us once more before he slowly retreated and left the med-bay.

"What a creepy guy," Halo dusted herself as she stood.

"So..." the red mech began, "Where did we leave off?" 

"I was about to do some introductions," I reminded him and he nodded while turning back to treat Mercy's injury.

"What's going on? Befriending the enemy?" Halo cut in with a frown, almost in disbelief.

"He promised to heal Mercy," I answered curtly. 

"Really?" my friend glanced over to the working medic in clear distrust.

"What's your name?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation.

"Knock Out." 

"Well, I'm Crossflare. The wounded one is Mercy and she is Halo." 

"Hm, pleasure to meet you..." he mumbled, more focused on what he was doing than on us.

"Wait, why do you help us?" Halo inquired with a frown.
Knock Out stopped and spared a glance over his shoulder for a moment before he walked to the counter and grabbed some tools: "Because your pretty friend's offer over here was quite generous." 

"What?" Halo stared at me with a puzzled and also alarmed expression.

I turned my gaze away, now feeling the guilt stinging my spark even more.

"Sorry. But it was necessary. For Mercy's and our sake."

Chapter Text

Halo POV 

 I just sat on the edge of the counter, a bit farther from the medical berths. My optics followed every movement of the red Decepticon who introduced himself as Knock Out. He was busy handling the machines that were connected to Mercy's processor. 

 Crossflare stood next to her, like a faithful guardian, and also monitored Knock Out's every move. He might be helping us, but he was still a Decepticon.

 Deep in my spark I felt elated that we were alive. All thanks to Crossflare. But there was that one thing that bugged me greatly: we just betrayed the Autobots, didn't we? True, we aren't on any side - technically - but a mutual trust was built between us and them. They welcomed us into their base as friends, or some kind of silent allies. Offering information to their enemy is betrayal of their trust.

I should’ve felt more conflicted but I was truly glad to be in one piece. Am I bad person to think like this?

"How is the damage?" Crossflare inquired and my attention snapped back to Mercy.

"Nothing too serious. She suffered a light concussion. Regaining her consciousness might take a few hours, or a whole day," Knock Out briefly took a look on his datapad then flashed a bright smile at Crossflare, "But you are in no hurry anyway, right?"

"Actually, we have somewhere else to be," my older friend replied curtly.

"Oh, at the Autobot base, perhaps?"

 We both shot him a glare and he responded with an amused chuckle.

"Sensitive topic, eh?”

 Just minutes later the doors opened again, revealing the same creepy Decepticon guy with the visor. Without saying anything, he merely pointed at me and Crossflare, then outside. We exchanged confused glances but Knock Out came to our rescue with a quick translation:

"Soundwave will escort you to meet the big boss. Good luck!”

"Any advice?" Crossflare headed towards the door without hesitation, knowing that we can't make the leader wait, especially in the current situation. We were intruders and we had to answer to rightful questions.

 I reluctantly moved away from my spot. I narrowed my optics suspiciously at the dark blue mech. I didn't like him. His face couldn't be seen, therefore his emotions were hidden from sight, making it impossible to tell what was on his mind. 

"Listen and nod, that's the best you can do. Oh, and don’t lie!” Knock Out waved a servo casually, grinning, then disappeared behind the closing doors.

 Soundwave led us through series of corridors. My processor tried to keep up with the directions, until we arrived into an open area. The command center. I gaped at the interior. A bridge led to the main computer in front of the large windows. The whole place looked spectacular, intimidating and unwelcoming. The atmosphere was cold, gloomy. Vehicons minded their work next to the computer panels, and large screens illuminated their purple paintjobs. They all looked the same.

 My attention soon focused on the tall, broad figure standing on the bridge, his observant red optics never left our figures as we approached.

 Megatron.

 The main reason behind this whole war, the liberator of the lower castes and slaves, the mech who wanted to make peace through tyranny. I've seen him before. Only on posters and the news though. I've never realized how tall he actually was. Beside him I recognized the skinny gray mech from the canyon but now with both arms in place. He looked unimpressed, sulking with arms crossed next to his leader. I wondered what his rank was. Probably some higher-up Con, judging by his disdainful glower.

"So here are our unexpected guests," Megatron spoke up with a hoarse voice, smirking. A predatory smile.

 It sent shivers down my spine.

 Crossflare's mouth pressed into a thin line and I could see the tense determination on her face which she always showed when facing a difficult situation. She was thinking about what to say. Good, because I had no idea what to even utter in such a situation.

 Megatron's presence became even more overwhelming with each step closer. Like I said before, faction leaders were something else entirely. They had an aura about themselves which differed them from everything and everyone. But he was nothing like Optimus. Evil itself stared at me with its glowing crimson red optics.

 Soundwave stopped at the foot of the bridge and stepped aside, allowing some room for us. It didn't help because I still felt suffocated by the tense atmosphere and all the stares from all directions. This place was creeping me out.

"My second in command Starscream has informed me that you claim to be Neutrals. Is that true?" Megatron gestured towards the shorter gray mech beside him. Starscream immediately straightened himself, his wings perking up in a proud manner.

"It is," Crossflare answered curtly. Her voice didn’t even waver. I marveled at her stoicism. How can she stay this calm? I’ve has always admired her incredible self-control.

"How did you get aboard my ship?"

"By accident. We stepped into a bridge that wasn't meant for us, although we believed it to be," she continued, her optics staying clear on the warlord's robust figure.

"Where were you originally meant to go then?" the edge of Megatron's mouth curled into a knowing smirk. He could suspect the answer.

"The Autobot base."

 His booming laughter shook the atmosphere and it sent terrible chills down my spine. What was he laughing at? We said nothing funny! No one dared to utter a word and no one interrupted him. His laugh was short-lived and he quickly regained his composure.

"Really? How interesting. Please enlighten me, why would Neutrals head to a secret Autobot base? You've got my attention."

"The truth is, they've helped us out before and we were giving them a short visit. We got involved in an incident we didn't mean to participate in and we ended up here. Please accept our apology for trespassing on your territory."

 I stared at Crossflare with wide optics. Was she truly going to tell the whole truth? No lies? Nothing? I was aware of how she hated lying, but in a situation like this...revealing such information will do no good for us!

"Helped you out, hm?" Megatron raised an eyebrow high with his smirk still in place.

"Our friend was injured and they offered medical help. We have no medic among us like they do..." Crossflare quickly explained, pointlessly, because Megatron seemed to have already made up his mind about the situation.

"I do know about the rules regarding Neutral behavior," he cut in, silencing her completely. We cast our optics down in shame.

"If you expect us to treat you by those rules, you should keep yourselves to them, isn't that right?"

 We nodded silently. This was my fault. I was the one playing with the rules, pushing the limits. I should've listened to Crossflare and stayed away from the Autobots. We wouldn't be in such a trouble right now. What Megatron was facing us with was true. Our actions were crossing the borders of Neutrality, leaning into the direction of choosing a side. We had no intention to chose, yet it looked like it.

"You little tale so far didn’t stir my spark. However, do tell me where the Autobot base is located and that might change,” Megatron narrowed his optics and the amusement left his voice. He was done beating around the  bush.

 I tried not to look terrified, but the energon froze in my tubes. I wouldn’t have been able to answer even if I wanted to. 

"We don't know..." Crossflare's voice was much quieter this time. She was losing her confidence. Then what am I gonna do?!

"You've been there! You should know!" Megatron raised his voice impatiently. This wasn't just chit-chat anymore. We were under interrogation.

“All we know is that it’s a human made bunker. It’s probably underground since it’s walls are made of rocks. They did not trust us with other sensitive information regarding their base. They bridged us in and out.”

“How kind of them. Would a proper interrogation lead to the same answers I wonder?”

 Crossflare gritted her denta. It was a threat. My spark flared in panic and anger. I had to do something.

“The Autobots aren’t stupid!” I spoke up, voice trembling, but loud, “They didn’t trust us either! We could be spies of the Decepticons for all they know and vice versa but we aren’t! We are Neutrals in this conflict and will continue to stay that way!” 

 Crossflare blinked in my direction with a surprised expression. I know she didn't expect me to say anything but I just couldn't stay silent.

"And we believe you because...?" Megatron raised a doubtful eyebrow and I wasn't about to close my big mouth either.

"Because you just hinted that you have the means to get inside anyone's head so even if you looked into our processors, you wouldn't find anything useful but the truth. That's why!"

 Megatron chuckled darkly. For a moment I thought I’ve crossed a line but he seemed to be amused instead.

"Careful, young one. Your reasoning might be acceptable but your boldness is not.”

 Accepting his answer with a small nod, I wondered whether to take it as a compliment or a warning. Maybe both. My emotions always get the better of me. I felt Crossflare's servo on my shoulder, signing that it was time I finally shut up. For once, I listened to her.

"Upon further consideration, I choose to overlook the misunderstandings between us,” Megatron gestured in our way in a courteous manner. “Until your comrade is recovered, you can stay aboard my ship as our Neutral guests. If the Autobots have helped you out once and you accepted, the Decepticons can do at least the same."

"Will we be allowed to leave unharmed once our friend is well enough to go?" Crossflare asked and my hope returned.

 Did the warlord forgive us so easily? There must be a catch! Can we be this lucky?

"We deal with only one issue at once. Leave tomorrow's problems for tomorrow," Megatron's malevolent smirk made me realize that our situation wasn't as rosy as I believed it to be.

 Crossflare's expression darkened but she didn't add anything further. Maybe for the best.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Megatron," she said, clearly unsatisfied with the current status-quo.

"That is only natural," he was playing polite while already planning something in his twisted processor. Or was that his honest self? Who knows? This was the first conversation I ever had with him in my whole life. I couldn't decide what to believe and what not.

"Knock Out will make sure you feel at home. Turn to him with any need or question, but remember: we do our part only as long as you play by Neutral rules. But once you don't, we won’t either."

"Duly noted," Crossflare nodded with a tight expression.

 We turned to go after Megatron dismissively waved in our way and Soundwave followed us dutifully. When we reached out of sight, I let out the deep intake I've been holding.

"This guy is intimidating. Why did we tell him everything?!"

"Not now Halo," Crossflare rubbed her forehead with a troubled expression.

"But CF! He could have punished us or worse! I don't even want to think about what that means!"

"Don't expect anything better when you talk to him as inappropriately as you did," she bit back on a harsh tone.

"What should have I done? We were about to run out of excuses! We aren't his captives, we are Neutral guests. He has no power over us!"

"He does!" my friend snapped loudly, stopping in her tracks and I did the same. I was taken aback by her sudden outburst.

"What are you..."

"He can do anything he wants! Don't you understand? We can't leave until he lets us leave, and if you ask a wrong question about Decepticon activity you die! Got it? We are his captives! He just makes it look like we aren't!"

"Are....are you sure?" I mumbled quietly, worry entering my spark. Was it true what she said? Was Megatron having all the cards in this situation? Are we really prisoners in here? We were free to do as we pleased, with some understandable conditions. Wasn't that generous instead? Or was I seeing things in a naive light?

 We continued our way back to the med-bay with Soundwave on our side who didn't utter a word or a sound along the way. I started to doubt he can.

 Knock Out welcomed us with a bright smile. We weren't as carefree and happy as he was though.

“Well, how did it go? I see you are in one piece so it must have been stellar!”

 Crossflare ignored him and walked up to Mercy's berth immediately. Her expression darkened with worry and guilt at the same time.

"Hey, it's okay. You were amazing," I went after her, trying to ease the tension between us, "Sorry for being so bold and irresponsible back there. You were right, we had to tell the truth. You saved us Crossflare!”

"I did nothing worth mentioning. Thank Knock Out instead. If he didn't listen to me in the first place, we would have died a long time ago," she shrugged off my gratitude as if it was an unwanted burden.

 Both Knock Out and I stared at her in surprise.

 Then we all turned our heads in Soundwave's direction, who was calmly standing in the middle of the room like a statue. Will he follow us everywhere from now on? What was he doing right now? Is he watching us? What is his rank in the hierarchy anyway? 

"Erm, Soundwave? Don't you have much more important duties to take care of?" Knock Out arched an eyebrow at the silent mech in question.

It seems I wasn't the only one finding his behavior strange.

 Soundwave slightly tilted his helm in the medic's direction, then a minute of silence passed before he slowly turned around and left.

"Oookay, so-," I began, "We've learned that Megatron is the boss, the Seeker guy Starscream is the second in command, you are the medic but who is this guy?"

"He is the third in command, as surprising as it may sound," Knock Out shrugged, "And Communications Chief. Our eyes and ears."

"Oh..." I glanced in Crossflare's direction and she mirrored my thoughtful expression. She wasn't fond of Soundwave either.

Crossflare POV

 The encounter with the Decepticon Lord upset me more than anything that has happened so far, but I soon found peace in the relatively calm atmosphere of the med-bay. It might be the familiar equipment and the sweet scent of medicine lingering in the air. It eased the stress in my frame and cleared my senses. In the first hour I did nothing but explore the place. Compared to the one in the Autobot base, it was better equipped, larger and definitely more advanced in terms of technology. It was also conjoined with a spacious laboratory through the side-doors.

 Knock Out ran the place, this was his turf, and it showed. He appeared to be a medic with immense pride who kept his workplace clean and well-organized. The only thing shining brighter than his tools was his immaculate finish which he certainly put great work into.

"Do you work here alone?" I asked while running my servo over the surface of the counter as I headed towards the backside of the room with curious optics sweeping over the place.

"No. My assistant, Breakdown, is usually here to work under my servo," the medic followed me, visibly pleased with my observations, "But I can always make some alone-time for myself if you are interested."

I couldn't ignore the suggestiveness in his voice and I shot him a puzzled glance. Did he just hint at what I think he did?

"Excuse me?"

 He laughed, with a confident and greatly amused tone, clearly enjoying my confusion. His laughter was so lighthearted....Different from Megatron's who had that malevolent tone in his voice.

 Knock Out has kept confusing me immensely since I met him. Maybe because he was different from his fellow Decepticon comrades and the image in my head I had of Decepticons in general. While Soundwave, Starscream and the Vehicons all had this cold, gloomy aura about them, the medic seemed to be friendly in his weird way. It was hard to tell whether it was genuine or pretense though.

"Where is this Breakdown then?" I asked, trying to get back to the original topic.

"Oh, he is on a break. Drinking with some Vehicon troopers I guess," he shrugged nonchalantly, "He will be back soon. Why?"

"Just asking. Is he similar to you?"

"Similar to me? In what aspect?" Knock Out tilted his head to the side.

"I noticed that you are friendly with us while the others are rather...hostile," I pointed out. My observation was meant to be a serious statement but I made him chuckle as if I just said something funny.

"Well, Breakdown is many things, but very unlike me."

"Crossflare, I'm getting bored!” Halo's voice came from the front of the room. She was sitting on a table, swinging her pedes back and forth with a pout on her face.

"I hope you know you are sitting on the dissection table," Knock Out put a hand on his hip and flashed a charming smile in her direction to which Halo froze immediately.

Oh.

Yes, I should've known. That behind his pretty polished exterior, he is just as sickening as the rest of this ship and its inhabitants. A dissection table in a med-bay? This should be a place for comrades to heal! I didn't want to imagine what he usually did on that table with any poor victim that would be cuffed there.

 Halo quickly hopped down, awkwardly distancing herself from the table as if it was infectious.

"Um, I think I’ll just go and take a look around," she jogged away and before I could've called after her, she was already behind the closing doors. Great. She just left me with a weird doctor with questionable morals.

"Well, now that we are alone...." Knock Out started with a wide smile but I raised a servo and stopped him mid-sentence.

"Look, I'm grateful for your help, but I doubt that...."

 The doors slid open once again and a tall mech entered with heavy steps. He was unfamiliar, mainly light blue and gray with an orange faceplate and yellow optics, different from the rest of his comrades who all possessed red for optic color for some reason. By the looks of it, he must be an assault van. His servos were large enough to crush my head with a simple movement. 

"Hey doc, you should've heard...oh," his amused voice trailed off when his optics fell on me and Mercy. He stopped in his tracks, looking from us to the medic.

"Ah, Breakdown!" Knock Out spread his arms wide and happily jogged over to the mech. I followed him cautiously, "We were just talking about you!"

"M-me?" he seemed even more confused now.

"Yes! We've got special guests on board! Let me introduce you to Crossflare. Crossflare, this is Breakdown, my assistant," Knock Out patted Breakdown's arm in an encouraging manner and I forced a smile when I stared up at him.

"Nice to meet you."

"Um...same," he answered awkwardly, then looked from me towards the berth, "And who is the other femme?"

"She is Mercy, my friend."

"When did you arrive? I haven't heard about new recruits."

"They aren't, Breakdown. These femmes are Neutrals."

 The surprise was evident on his face and I was relieved to note that he was very easy to read because he could barely hide his emotions. To be honest he was the second Decepticon who I wasn't afraid of at first sight.

Halo POV 

 After passing by several groups of Vehicons, I started to feel like an exotic animal. Every stare focused on me and even after I left I could feel the lingering gazes. Well, according to what I've seen, the ship was full of mechs and I haven't crossed paths with any femmes so far. Must mean that there isn't any at all. 

 I wonder how long will we have to stay here, but of course this depends on Mercy's recovery first and foremost. Not like exploring this new place wasn't interesting enough, it's just that I didn't feel safe.

 Maybe I shouldn't have left poor Crossflare and Mercy in the med-bay. Will I find the way back? Now that I think of it, I was roaming aimlessly without any destination, and barely paid attention to where I was going.

 Great. All hallways looked alike, no signs offered any help for directions. I walked around like this for an hour or so until that familiar Seeker mech passed by not so far in front of me. He was arguing about something but I didn't see anyone in the vicinity. Maybe he was talking over comm-link?

 Led by curiosity, I jogged after him and caught up to his pace quickly. When he noticed my presence, he shot me a disapproving glare and straightened his posture immediately, to make our size differences more emphasized.

"Hello, you are Starscream, right?" I tried to look friendly but I couldn't unsee the raw disdain in his optics.

"That's Commander Starscream to you," he growled, as if I've struck a nerve. I arched an eyebrow slightly, not impressed by the behavior he was displaying.

"Then Commander Starscream," I pronounced his name slowly dragged it out, only making his expression darken even more, "I'm Halo of Uraya. Honored to meet you."

"You should feel honored, yes," he nodded in agreement, jabbing a finger in my direction. Finger? No, he had claws for digits! Long and sharp, probably easily shredding metal without much effort. Noticing my awe, he chuckled darkly and flexed his claws for the sake of display, "And you should be wary of me, femme."

"Halo. My name is Halo," I corrected him with a frown. Does he want to challenge me? So be it. 

"If I recall, I didn't ask so I don’t really care," he mocked me, certainly amused by the expression I was making.

"Huh, you do believe you are superior because you have wings, don’t you?” my grimace was everything but not impressed and it only encouraged him to continue. A typical Seeker snob. What a pain in the aft!

"Is that envy I’m hearing?" he bit back with a grin.

“Sure. Watch your back from now on or I’m gonna snatch them off your frame when you’re not looking,” I scoffed with a sarcastic smirk.

“As if a grounder like you could ever dream of catching me unguarded,” Starscream chuckled. “You would be too slow.”

 Hm, he had an affinity for verbal battles. Just like a rival I was looking for. I involuntarily began enjoying our little walk.

"I have to admit, you are good at this," I raised my servos in surrender. There was no need to further press our arguments though. He was a snob through and through. 

"This is the least, femme," he proudly perked up his wings, seemingly quite satisfied with himself.

"Halo. The name is Halo.”

"Whatever."

A moment of silence passed before his pleased smirk turned into a thoughtful frown.

"But what are you exactly up to right now?" Starscream shot me a suspicious glare.

"Nothing. I just wanted to have a look around."

"Stay away from off-limit sectors," he warned me with a serious tone.

"Like?"

"Like the Communications Room, although Soundwave would kick you out before you even got close...Also, our dear leader's quarters should be avoided as well. Stay away from every officer's room and the generators and the energon storage room…”

"Is there a place I can go?" I pouted, getting tired of his list.

"Hm, now that I think of it...NO," he flashed a wicked grin and I growled in frustration.

"You are a jerk! But you have to try harder if you want to challenge me!"

"Challenge? Who? You? Don't make me laugh. You are nowhere near my level, grounder."

"That's not fair! Knock Out doesn't have wings either!"

"How does Knock Out even come into the picture? He is just as stupid as any Decepticon with a grounder alt-mode. Utterly foolish."

"You shouldn't judge anyone by..." I wanted to start a good lecture but he raised a servo and rolled his optics.

"Spare me of your morals, femme. I have more important matters to attend to," he quickened his pace and turned on the next corner, leaving me behind with very mixed feelings about this conversation.

 He was a Seeker, I should have expected the high ego. But to be so hostile towards grounders? I will have to teach him a few lessons next time we meet. I didn't mind his smartaft attitude that much, nor his arrogance because it somehow suited him, but the malice in his voice wasn't exactly appealing.

 Well, Commander Starscream, you have managed to gain my attention.

Crossflare POV 

 This was my first time drinking high-grade in a millennia. Although I had to be pursued for long minutes, I eventually gave in to Knock Out who assured me about Mercy's safety in the med-bay.

 He introduced me to the more lighthearted atmosphere of the mess hall where large transparent tanks were filled with different flavored and colored high-grade. There were tables with chairs all around, some Vehicons sat in small groups, chatting through their break time.

 The atmosphere was nowhere as suffocating as it was in the command center and I felt relaxed in spite of the circumstances. We choose a booth by the wall and Breakdown brought us the drinks then he slid next to Knock Out who sat on the opposite seat in front of me.

"Ah, there is nothing better than a good break," Knock Out sipped of his beverage with a pleased smile.

"My second break in the last ten minutes so yeah...I could get used to it," Breakdown practically emptied his cube in one gulp which was an admirable amount.

"So...you have schedules, working hours and breaks?" I asked curiously while eyeing my drink. Then I gave it a shot and downed it. It tasted heavenly. Oh dear, how long I've missed this!

"We are a well-organized up-to-date army my dear, of course we have," Knock Out looked surprised and even Breakdown regarded me with a confused look.

"Just because the Autobots...don't have these. Well, they do patrols and such but they don't have schedules and things like that. They are quite flexible based on what I've seen," I explained.

 My companions exchanged amused glances and Knock Out casually leaned back in his seat.

"The Autobots are not exactly following the traditional military requirements. They are just a small team, so no wonder they can't even keep up the appearance of an 'army'."

"Strange how this 'small team' can take on your well-organized, up-to-date army any day," I raised an eyebrow in challenge and sipped of my drink once more. I enjoyed the frown that settled on their faces.

"Well, there is an advantage with a Prime on their side," Knock Out shrugged, trying not to look offended but it was easy to see he didn't like the way I stepped on their pride.

"Prime is a wise leader indeed. But quite different from your Lord, whose presence itself is overwhelming," I pointed out just to balance my observations which made them puff out their chests immediately.

"Lord Megatron is a walking miracle. If I showed you his medical records you wouldn't believe he is still alive. I mean, the number of times he had been nearly killed, fatally damaged and infused with dark energon can’t be even counted. That's a leader’s willpower I can get behind," Knock Out elbowed his friend's side who nodded intensively in agreement.

 I noted his words with a huff, then my optics wandered over them, noticing something I haven't before.

"You are grounders, aren't you?"

"Obviously," Breakdown mumbled.

"But you are few in here."

"Most Decepticons prefer airborne alt-modes but not all of them share this obsession. We stick to what we were created with. It’s not like I have anything to complain about," Knock Out ran a servo over his front,  admiring himself shamelessly.

 I couldn't put this vanity anywhere. Yes, sure, he was a very pretty mech, maybe the prettiest I've ever seen but appearance isn't everything when it comes to a person.

"May I ask where did you come from?" now I was wondering where Mr Ego could pile up such confidence.

"Not hard to guess. Crystal City!” Knock Out straightened himself proudly, only Breakdown shrunk visibly beside him.

"Crystal City? A wonder of science….”

"Yes! And of absolute elegance," Knock Out pointed out with a wink, "The perfect place to live in all the universe. Pity it was destroyed. But it was pretty even during its collapse.”

 Uh, okay?

“Too bad I’ve never seen it myself,” I mumbled.

“Let me ask then as well, where do you come from?”

“Altihex,” I replied after a moment of hesitation.

“Ugh, my sparkfelt condolences for coming from the unluckiest place in all of Cybertron.”

 I grimaced to his dramatic reaction. Altihex was told to be a place of misfortune due to the many incidents happening to it, but it was still my home.

“I would have moved to Iacon if the war didn’t come in between,” I added absently. Sidewire and I thought we could use our talents elsewhere on a more prominent scale. But we never got to make any of those plans a reality.

“You know what place I would gladly move to? Velocitron! Just imagining all the racetracks makes my spark jump!” Knock Out’s optics glimmered.

“You like racing?” I blinked in surprise. I would’ve never guessed for some reason.

“I love it! There are races here on Earth as well but the fleshlings are no real opponents. It’s sad, but something is better than nothing."

"Oh, so you race with humans? Interesting….Strange hobby for a medic though."

I heard Knock Out's comm-link ping and he reluctantly answered the call instead of answering me: 

"Yes? I’m very busy right now." 

"With what?! The med-bay is empty and I need you right now!" Starscream screeched from the other end. 

"Oh, pardon me. I'm on a break but I will be back within ten minutes Commander Starscream." 

"You better come faster!" 

 Knock Out sighed in irritation when he lowered his servo.
"Is he always this rude?" I asked.
"Not always but in general," the medic answered with a sigh, then his expression changed to a frown.

"What is it?" Breakdown seemed to know that something was off.

"He said the med-bay was empty..."

 When Knock Out looked up and his optics met mine I knew what he was thinking about. I stood up abruptly, worry entering my spark at the very idea of what that could possibly mean.

Mercy POV 

 When I first opened my optics I could barely make anything out of my surroundings. Everything was messy. All blurry, and the shapes were deformed. After minutes of rapid blinking and growing headache, my vision finally cleared enough to see my environment properly.

 I gazed at the ceiling of an unfamiliar room and a machinery above my head where tubes were hanging from. My processor was connected to some kind of computer....

 Panic began to fill my spark and alerts flashed before my optics. Where am I? What happened? Where is Crossflare? And Halo? How did I end up here?!

 In my horrible state, which my internal scans also confirmed, I shouldn't have strained myself but the only thing I could think of was escape. I had to get out of this place and find my friends.

 I ripped the cords out of my helm with a fizzing sound, causing who knows what kind of damage but I didn't care.

"Ugh...my head..." I climbed off the berth and unsteadily stood for a minute to regain balance.

"Bear with it," I hissed, trying to get my mind off the pain. It put my whole body on fire.

 Stumbling out of the room, I sneaked as quickly as possible alongside the wall, using it as a support. When Vehicons appeared I hid away in panic. Everywhere I looked I expected enemies to appear, trying to hurt me. What did they do to my friends? Were they under interrogation? Were they…?

 No, don’t think. Stop thinking! With such thoughts in my head I won't make it far. But I couldn't help it. My processor was a complete mess, barely keeping me on track.

 Quickening my pace in fear, I turned on the corner but right as I did, I bumped into a much taller mech. His solid chest sent me falling backwards and I fell on my rear with a painful groan.

 I slowly raised my frightened gaze to see him in his entirety. He had stifle-jointed legs and his wingplates as his arms with very thin fingers at the end. But the most disturbing sight was his face, or rather lack of it. A dark visor.
 He looked down at me with a tilt of his helm, almost in a surprised manner.
"Oh no..." I gasped, crawling backwards immediately. My spark hammered in a frenzy inside my sparkchamber. I didn't want to think about what he will do to me now. I’m scrap metal for sure.

 A servo caught one of my wrists and I flinched in panic. The grip was not forceful, but I still hit his servo away, causing more pain to myself than to him.

 I was a helpless, disoriented mess and I could already feel tears running down my cheeks. I didn't want to die yet and I wasn't ready for torture either. I just wanted my friends beside me, shield me. From whatever fate was awaiting me right now.

 The mech knelt on one knee before me and I tried to wipe my tears away because they were blocking my view.

 The Decepticon didn't charge, didn't hit me, there was no hurt, no pain. It baffled me for a moment. I looked up from behind my servos and saw him watching me patiently. I gathered all the self-control I had and tried to calm down.

"D-don't kill me...please..." was all I could mutter and he recoiled a bit as if he was stunned by my words.

"Where are my friends? They-they are alright?" I hiccuped.

 He simply nodded, then his visor lit up and I saw different security footage run over the display, showing Crossflare in two mechs' company sitting around a table. I blinked in disbelief. Then another footage appeared, this time showing Halo aimlessly wandering somewhere along similar hallways. Unharmed.

 Relief entered my spark and the tension in my frame eased slightly. They were okay...and seemingly calm with whatever situation they were in. How did we end up like this?

 The visor darkened again and I nodded gratefully to the mech who hadn't said a word so far but already managed to calm me down. My head was still a mess but at least I wasn’t panicking anymore.

 Seeing that I was finally approachable, he moved his weird arm and placed a servo on my knee, patting it slightly. Was it supposed to be a friendly gesture? I couldn't decide whether to be anxious or not at first but then I realized the difference in his touch. It was gentle.

 For a long a minute he was staring at me in complete silence. I did the same. I tried to figure out what he was thinking right now. When will he speak? Will he scold me for 'escaping imprisonment'?

 He just stood there and observed me quietly.

 I wanted to break the silence and say something but suddenly a fizzing sound sliced into my head and I felt a burning sensation grow in my processor, deafening my senses. I covered the wound while hissing in pain but it wouldn't go away.

 My optics flickered violently.

 The mech grabbed my servos and pulled them away, shaking his helm. My vision was getting blurry again and I began to see two of him. I could feel something strange sneaking around my body but I had no idea what it was. The only thing I realized that I was being lifted. Did...did the mech lift me up?

 He started walking in a calm pace and brought me along. I had a very faint idea of where he was taking me, probably back to where I came from. In a normal situation I would have refused to be carried around by a complete stranger but I couldn't care less in my current condition. 

 The Decepticon brought me back to the med-bay where we were attacked by an angry and worried Crossflare and an even angrier red mech. Both of them were upset, but I could barely make out anything from their frustrated conversation:

"You promised she will be safe!"

"I did! She escaped on her own!"

"You said it might take a whole day for her to wake up!"

"Whoa, whoa, I said it might take a whole day but it can be a few hours as well! Don't you blame me for this!"

"How is her condition? Is it worse?"

"Soundwave put her back on the berth! Be careful, her processor is already in overheat from processing too much information!"

 So his name was Soundwave. At least I know. He gently laid me down and drew his tentacles back. Wait, tentacles?

 I tried to look into his optics (at least where I believed them to be) and I opened my mouth to speak but it was hard to put a coherent sentence together so I only mumbled:

"T-Thank you...."

 He didn't reply, he just stepped back and watched the red mech reattach the cords to my helm. My cooling fans were loudly doing their work and my processor finally registered the overheat. I felt like scrap.

"Don't strain yourself. Clear your mind and try not to think about anything or I will have to shut you down," the red mech continued to fiddle around my wound and I hummed in response. My optics followed the visored mech's movements which he seemed to notice and he slowly backed away to get out of my sight.

"What a strange Decepticon..." I thought while watching him leave. Maybe I was naive but I felt like he can be trusted.

Halo POV 

 Okay, I had the feeling that I should find my way back because I’ve been away for long enough. But I just couldn't stay stop to myself and I continued peeking into every room which was opened. The presence of Vehicons didn't disturb me that much anymore but once Megatron passed by and thatfreaked me out. Fortunately I was quick enough to get away before he could have noticed me. 

 I backed away and turned around after I made sure nobody has followed me, then wonderingly noted that I've managed to find the med-bay. Crossflare's voice could be heard from the inside and I happily jogged in, pleased with myself.

"Halo? Where have you been all this time?" Crossflare looked up with a frown on her face.

"Heh, I went sightseeing, but found nothing interesting," I shrugged and my gaze fell on Mercy's form.

"Is she awake?"

"Yes, she...made an escape when we weren’t here. My fault, I should've stayed with her," my older friend placed a servo on Mercy's arm and she hummed quietly in response. So she was truly awake.

"And you say I'm the bad patient!" I jabbed a finger in her direction with an amused grin, then I realized something. There was an other mech in the room.

"Oh, hello?" I turned my attention towards him and he waved a servo in response from beside the machinery he was pushing into the other side of the room.

"He is Breakdown, Knock Out's assistant. He is quite a pleasant mech, don't worry," Crossflare explained and I nodded with one eyebrow arched high.

 Crossflare rarely labeled anyone ‘pleasant’. If she says so, he must be.

"But please, we are all bona fide gentlemechs," Knock Out curtsied with a datapad in his servo, grinning.

Chapter Text

Mercy POV 

 I spent my very first night on the warship called Nemesis with my processor connected to gently humming computers. Recharge was advised but I had a hard time powering down. Knock Out and his friend Breakdown chatted through the whole night, making it almost impossible for me to get some rest. They tried to stay quiet but very unsuccessfully.

 My head was still hurting, dull, but sensitive. I still couldn't properly grasp our situation or why we suddenly became guests. So I entertained myself, putting up a series of questions and answering them for myself during the night.

 Morning came in a rush.

"Good morning everyone!" Halo practically kicked the door in, spreading her arms wide with a grin. Knock Out almost dropped his datapad in fright.

"Better mornings Halo," Crossflare came in after her, exhaustion radiating from her frame, "It's almost impossible to recharge in here."

 It seems I wasn't the only one having problems with insomnia then.

"Finally you came! I have many questions," I greeted them with a weak smile. I sat up slightly but I had to be careful not to rip the cords out of my head again.

"Questions? Like what?” Halo frowned in confusion, then she realized, "Oh right! You were unconscious all the time! You can't remember!"

"To be honest, I have no idea how we got here...my processor is pretty messed up right now," I chuckled lightly, carefully running my digits over the wound. It was healing, but awfully slowly. 

 Knock Out greeted my friends in a less enthusiastic manner.

"There is a schedule, you know? The med-bay is not open yet," he growled, seemingly not happy to have guests so early in the morning.

"Hang the working hours on the door then from now on," Halo flashed a bright grin and absolutely ignored his complaint.

 Knock Out huffed, clearly offended, then turned towards me and checked the cables and cords while carefully holding my head in one place. To be honest, now that he was this close, I couldn't not stare at his face. He was the prettiest mech I've ever seen. His white face was even smoother than mine, which was surprising, considering how mechs had rougher features in general. He seemed to notice my stare because he looked me in the optic with a smug smirk.

"See something you like?"

 Catching my gaze away with an embarrassed flush, I coughed slightly and mumbled a quiet sorry. Noted: don't stare at the medic when he is working on you.

"But you do remember how we mistook the ground-bridge, right?" Crossflare stepped closer to me, saving the situation. Her gaze held a small hint of worry, "You know, in the canyon." 

 My last memories were scattered in pieces and while some scenes popped up when I tried to recall, they weren't exactly in line so I could only hum in deep thoughts for long minutes.

"It rings a bell but I can't remember exactly....it-it is really messy in here," I apologized.

 Crossflare sent a concerned look in Knock Out's direction who only shrugged as he stepped away from the berth.

"Given the impact of the concussion and the part of her brain module that was damaged, it would be no surprise if she had amnesia at some point. Nothing serious, but she might find holes in her memory bank. With time they will return, no need to panic."

 Hearing this, I quickly ran over my memory files inside my head and everything seemed to be in place. Yeah, my memories were almost flawless. Only the recent events were chaotic. But it will be back to normal soon if what Knock Out says is true. Hopefully.

"Uh, that sounds bad," Halo offered me an understanding frown, but I shook my head carefully.

"It's okay, I don't know what I can't remember anyway. I will be full and healthy within a short time, I promise."

"Lets hope you are right, because we need to leave soon," Crossflare nodded with a serious expression. 

Crossflare POV 

 After making sure that Mercy was ready to be disconnected, Knock Out gave her permission to walk around with the only condition to return every single hour to check her processor in case it overheats again. Mercy was happy to finally move out.

 The only thing still troubling me was the big question: will we really be able to leave? Will Megatron let us go on our way? The current status-quo puts us in disadvantage and even if we try to come up with excuses and rules, the warlord can easily sweep them aside if he feels like. I had this feeling that Megatron was that kind of person. A liar.

There was nothing much I could do in our current situation but to wait and think. As long as Mercy is healing I have time to plan out something. There must be a safe way off this ship.

"Okay ladies, my inner chronometer says that the next one hour is mine," Knock Out was searching for something in a box, then pulled out a rotary buffer with a big smile on his face, "Unless any of you would like to stay and help me out a little."

"In what exactly?" Halo raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that obvious? Buffing!" the mech waved the buffer in the air, "What else can you do with this?"

"And you want us to buff you?" Halo gaped.

"Well, usually Breakdown helps me out but he is off on duty right now and detailing is a pain alone," Knock Out sighed dramatically. 

 A moment of silence passed, stunned glances exchanged, then Halo and I spun around to leave. I grabbed the hesitating Mercy's wrist to pull her along before she could have offered her help naively.

"Hey! Don't just leave me behind like this! Rude!"

"Do you think we are stupid?” I stopped for a second to look back with a glare.

"Always so cold..." he muttered with a pout, crossing his arms, "Fine. What if I offer a treatment in exchange? You scratch my back, I scratch yours?"

 We all exchanged glances again, not knowing what to do. He was starting to make puppy optics. Ugh, how I hated this kind of manipulation. Surely he has some kind of hidden agenda. I can’t let him near Halo or Mercy.

 With a very annoyed sigh I turned around and offered: 

"Fine, I will buff you if you really want it."

The happiness on his face couldn't be described and I already regretted my decision the moment I spoke it.

"Ohooo, what's with the change CF?" Halo giggled behind my back in a teasing manner and I pushed them out with a deadly glare.

"Me instead of you two any day. Just make sure you don't get into trouble while...I buff the Pit out of him."

The grin was immediately erased from their faces and they nodded in unison before the doors closed between us. I turned to face the medic with a steeled expression, ready for anything to come.

"Please be extremely careful, my chassis is pretty sensitive," Knock Out traced a servo over his chest with a delighted face and I felt my optics twitch in irritation.

 What’s wrong with this guy? Seriously?

"What's this about?" I took the buffer from him, and narrowed my optics in suspicion as I took his figure in. He looked back in confusion.

"Pardon?"

"You want something more, don't you?"

 Knock Out chuckled, starting to see why I was so tense. I didn't find the situation so funny though.

"Only if you want something more, dear," one of his eyebrows arched up, and he let his gaze wander over my frame for a second before coming back to lock with mine.

"Are you flirting with me?" my cold glare was nowhere welcoming and I hoped he takes the hint.

"Do you want me to?"

 My mouth pressed into a thin line. What a prick! I whirred the rotary buffer to life and walked around him to get to his back. No way I'll give him the pleasure of staring at me.

"Can I take it as a yes?" Knock Out hummed, seemingly satisfied with himself.

"No.”

"Hmph, you femmes are so jumpy about everything..."

"Says the one who was playing drama-queen a moment ago," I bit back, carefully moving the buffer over his finish at the base of his tire-holders.

"We are all more than meets the eye."

 While I knew that it is true, I doubted that he would be more than what he had already shown of himself. Narcissistic, arrogant, flamboyant and flirtatious. Nothing good comes from such a combination, especially if it’s paired with a Decepticon badge.

 When it comes to factions, the Autobots are the more trustworthy ones. But never trust a Decepticon. They are famous for their trickery and their backstabbing nature which is very common among their ranks. Of course, there are always exceptions, but you can't find them easily.

 Focusing rather on what I was doing, I began to wonder what the heck needed to be buffed. His finish was flawless. He was a beautiful car. Aerodynamic, light-armored with shiny rims and probably blessed with a powerful engine too. But that doesn't change the fact that he is awfully smug about it.

 What a waste of a pretty exterior.

 I shook my head. Maybe I was taking my paranoid attitude too far. He was the only one who listened to me when nobody else was giving us a chance and saved us all. I should be a little bit more grateful.

"And...when did you arrive on the planet?" he asked all of a sudden and my thoughts shifted gear.

"A few decades ago. Long before the Autobots, that's sure."

"How come we never noticed you three?"

"We were blocking our energy signatures and I kept a tight collar on my friends. Maybe it should've stayed that way."

"Hm...the whole thing smells of human contribution."

"We do have a human ally. He provides protection for us, he is a very nice person.”

"Humans aid Autobots as well," he pointed out, "They are not trustworthy."

"The Autobots and their humans are on a completely different level."

"Speaking of Autobots, do they supply you?"

"That would be against Neutral rules," I huffed, almost affronted, "We get our fuel ourselves."

"Detectors? Miner drills?"

"Do we look like we have any of that?"

"So no technology....hmm."

 The short silence gave me a moment to think and I stopped abruptly. Wait a second....Did I just say such information aloud?! My optics widened and my spark missed a pulse. No way. I'm always so cautious, how could I let my guard down?! 

 Was this an interrogation disguised as casual conversation? How much did I say? Oh scrap....

"Hm, about my previous offer, in my professional opinion you are in dire need of new tires. Your current ones seem old. Maybe we could wax your finish as well to give it some shine and you will look like you just got a new frame," Knock Out mused aloud, playing with such thoughts like we were chatting about the weather. He must have noticed my silence and stiffness and changed the topic to ease the tension.

"So you are saying I look old," I translated his words, trying not to show any anger. It’s not like I was offended, he was right. I haven't got an upgrade in eons, I had to blend in as an average human car and I haven't visited a doctor since we made our escape from the Neutral ship. I must be in my worst shape ever.

"Nah, I didn't say that. But you look weary."

"If you were in my place, watching over those two younglings, you would look the same," I huffed. Maybe nothing is lost yet. I must keep my answers simple and meaningless.

"Well, they are young and therefore energetic. The white one is pretty!”

"If you don’t want me to mess with your paintjob, you will keep your distance from them," there was a clear warning in my voice. No way I would let him corrupt them in any way.

"Haha, touchy subject, eh?" he threw a teasing smirk over his shoulder and shrugged. “Fine, I’ll be on my best behavior! But no promises!”

Mercy POV 

 Halo was walking beside me in silence. Compared to her enthusiasm just minutes ago it made me feel uneasy. I looked at her in concern. There is only one thing that could make her so serious and quiet.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm sure Crossflare didn't mean it like that. You know that she always overreacts. Everything will be okay. Just look at us! We are alive, even after everything that could have killed us! It's a miracle!" I tried to cheer her up. 

"Maybe you are right," she let out a resigned sigh, then forced a small smile, "You always know how to make things sound bright and happy, do you?"

"That is my specialty," I winked, grinning.

 As we headed through different corridors, Halo wondered if she will ever learn at least one path in this enormous ship. The place was huge with many floors and based on what she said, there were restricted areas.

"How do we know we aren't walking into a restricted territory right now?" I asked, uncertain.

"We can't. Starscream said Soundwave would immediately appear to kick us out. So yeah...as long as he isn't near we are okay to go anywhere."

"Soundwave...the one who carried me back..." I remembered him. The mech with dark blue armor and a visor for a face.

"Yes. The creep."

"Hm...He seemed friendly enough," I muttered quietly. It seems Halo wasn't exactly fond of him.

"You must have hit your head pretty roughly then," she stared at me with a mix of confusion and wonder.

 Before any of us could have said anything more, we stepped into a larger room and we realized that we'd found the way to the bridge.

 Oh, the place where Megatron interrogated CF and Halo...

 Fortunately the warlord was nowhere to be seen and I didn't wish to meet him anytime soon. Seeing him on screen in the Autobot base was more than enough.

 I recognized the gray Seeker standing on the bridge though, talking to some Vehicons in annoyance, while on our left, next to the computer panels and screens stood...Soundwave. He was absorbed in his work, slim digits typing with unfathomable speed.

 When Halo was about to turn around and leave the place in a hurry, I grabbed her arm. 

"W-wait a moment."
"Why?" she frowned, cautiously checking our surroundings for any sign of Megatron.
"Um...him," I pointed at Soundwave a bit sheepishly.

"What's with him?" Halo stared at me with an even more puzzled expression.

"I would like to talk to him," I murmured, already turning his way, much to my friends' surprise. Not waiting for her to understand, I walked up to the dark armored mech without fear but with caution. I felt Halo's shocked gaze on my back but I decided to ignore it. 

 There were things I wanted to ask and I felt like a proper thank you is still needed. I wasn't sure he heard me the last time I thanked him and I was curious about who this Decepticon really is. I just wanted to know. 

"Mercy! Wait! No! Mercy! Come back he is....!" Halo hissed behind me, but my attention was already elsewhere.

 The mech tilted his helm in my way as he heard me coming. I stopped beside him and flashed him a shy smile, making him stop typing and he turned fully towards me.

"Hi...Soundwave, right?" I asked in the friendliest way possible.

 He stared at me in silence for a minute before his visor lit up. Frequencies ran over it as he replayed Knock Out's voice:

"Amnesia.”

"Oh...you heard about it...," I scratched the back of my neck, catching my gaze away to look at something else, "It's not serious. Knock Out said if there is anything I can't remember right now will come back sooner or later."

 For a brief moment I glanced back to Halo who still stood at the same spot, totally frozen and with her jaw dropped. Yeah, I wasn't the type to just walk up to weird strangers and start a conversation. I imagine it was a surprise.

 Turning my attention to Soundwave again, I sensed his questioning stare. I was sure he was asking what I’m doing here so I felt the urge to explain. 

"Knock Out let me walk around freely with the condition to return every hour for check-up and we happened to find the bridge. I saw you here so...I-I just thought I can take a look at what you are doing," I mumbled. What am I doing? I just realized that what I'm saying is really dumb. And suspicious if he takes it the wrong way. It’s not like we know each other or anything or he would care about what I say. But I couldn’t help myself, I kept talking.

"I don't know if you've heard the last time so I'm saying it again: thank you for helping me out."

 Soundwave nodded, signing that he acknowledged my words. Did that mean he doesn't mind me here? His silence was weird but soothing at once and although the conversation became a little one sided, he acted natural and that put me at ease as well.

 I gathered courage to ask a few questions about the ship and the Decepticons. His answers were either replays of recorded conversations or nods. He wasn't very talkative. But he was a good listener.

 Without noticing, my questions soon turned into monologues and he turned back to typing. He only looked up occasionally to sign that he was paying attention. As I continued talking it became clear in my mind that the first impression I had of him had a big effect on me. Maybe because of his silence or his difference from other Decepticons. I don't know. 

"...and it's strange that it is so dark here. I wonder why that is. By the way, is that a mask on you? It can be very uncomfortable to wear it all the time. Do you never take it off?" I was bombarding him with such silly things and he listened with incredible patience.

I totally forgot about Halo. 

Halo POV  

 I just stood there, trying to believe my optics. Mercy...the same Mercy I know to be very shy around strangers and who usually keeps her distance from them, now just ran up to an unknown mech who looked more like a freaky sparkeater monster from haunting tales than anything normal. And now she is chatting with him like they have been good old friends since eons. What in the name of Solus? What the heck happened to my dear Mercy? Is she the real one? Was her processor tampered with?

 My thoughts were halted when I sensed someone else's presence in my vicinity and I didn't need to turn my head to know who came up to me. That someone was Starscream. Of course, him, who else? 

"Did you forget what I’ve said about restricted places? You are a bigger troublemaker than I thought," he scowled, but a smirk hid at the corner of his mouth. 

"Good morning Commander. I'm just taking my usual morning walk. Is that a problem?" I replied with some dare in my voice. 

"Why is your friend outside the med-bay, femme? Isn't she supposed to be resting?" he asked, his gaze shifting to Mercy and Soundwave who both stood with their backs shown to us.
"Excuse me, I still have a name. I'm Halo," I raised the volume of my voice slightly in warning.

"And I'm still not interested. I asked something and I expect an answer." 

"Hhhhh...Mercy is free for now. Knock Out expects her back every hour though," instead of biting his head off for being such an afthole, I ignored his conceited behavior. I have to find a way to get on his nerves with a smart comeback somehow.

"You two are not welcome around here. This is the center of our operations, not a playground for younglings," the Seeker continued to be a smartaft like he had nothing better to do. 

"Are you hiding something perhaps? Or why is it so important to keep us away?" I teased. 

"None of your business, Neutral."

Suddenly an unforgettable and intimidating voice made us freeze in place.

"Is there a problem, Starscream?" 

Megatron was approaching with mighty steps and his pedes shook the floor, making shivers run down my spine as well.

"Ugh..." Starscream was nowhere as confident and superior as a moment ago. Oh, that face! He wasn't so great now that the true boss has arrived!

 But it’s not like I showed more courage when we turned around to greet him. I positioned myself somewhere behind Starscream but not conspicuously, just covered enough to be in a safe distance from the warlord. 

"Ah, Lord Megatron! I was just talking to our special guest. Don't mind her. Is there anything I can do for you?" 

Megatron wasn't completely pleased with the answer.
"Starscream, I hope you are treating our guests as they should be."

"But of course!"

 Nah, I would like to correct that. He is treating us like we were inferior pests. Was it due to his high rank or his disdain for Neutrals, I had no idea. Or simply because he was a Seeker, thinking that he is the crown of evolution.

"I hope so. We don't want to make our guests feel uncomfortable, do we?" Megatron loomed over him almost threateningly, his optics radiating with an intensive crimson light.

 Starscream visibly flinched and his wings lowered. Oh, he was scared! I just realized that his wings moved in sync with his emotions, giving away his true feelings. I will have to learn how to read it...

 The shorter mech nodded in agreement, earning a satisfied smirk from his Lord.

"Excellent. Now go and make yourself useful."

"Yes, my liege," Starscream bowed his head and we stepped out of the way when Megatron passed by us like he had no further interest in us and made his way to the main computer on the bridge.

 I stuck my tongue out behind his back, knowing that he can't see me. I didn't like his attitude either. When I looked back to Starscream he was staring at me with a shocked expression. I shrugged with a careless grin.

"Who said I have to respect him?" I whispered.

 To my surprise, Starscream snickered in response, seemingly appreciative of my little comeback.

 Megatron suddenly stopped though, turning his attention back in our direction, and we both jumped in fright, only to realize that Soundwave was the one calling the warlord over.

Mercy POV 

 I heard Megatron coming and my spark almost burst out of its chamber in fear. I flicked my gaze over the place, trying to find a spot to hide or get away but he was already next to us and I did everything to keep myself in Soundwave's shadow.

 The leader was scarier in person. He was tall and robust with sharp edges everywhere. The way he moved and behaved clearly showcased the pride and power he was walking with among his fellow Decepticons.

 Soundwave looked down at me, then turned his attention back to Megatron who didn't seem to even acknowledge my presence which was confusing and a relief at once. The two of them stared at the screen where Soundwave was pointing at.

 A purple Decepticon symbol suddenly started pulsing in red color. I had no idea what that meant but the warlord's frown made me assume it had to be bad news.

"That's Breakdown's signature. He must be under attack," Starscream strolled closer, stating what was obvious to everyone except me and maybe Halo, "Should I send a back-up squad?" 

"Hmph. No. As one of our strongest warriors, he should be able to solve the problem alone," Megatron rejected the idea immediately, dismissing the alert with a casual wave of his servo.

 That was all the reaction he showed before he turned away and left. After making sure he was far enough I distanced myself from Soundwave, trying to find a good excuse for my inappropriate behavior.

"Sorry. Your leader is quite frightening in person...." 

Then I heard Starscream yell at someone behind us and we turned our heads to see him argue with a very amused Halo.

"Yes, I saw that! How dare you stick your tongue out behind my back too?!" 

"I'm innocent I swear!" giggling like that, Halo looked anything but innocent.

"Don't lie to me!" Starscream was fuming, "And stop laughing! How disrespectful!"

"Sorry for making you feel bad, Commander!" Halo continued to laugh wholeheartedly, ignoring Starscream's constant screech.

 Exchanging surprised looks with Soundwave, I couldn't hold back a soft chuckle. It seems Halo has found the perfect person to torture.

"You have no idea who you are making fun of, femme! I am Starscream, the second in command of the Decepticon army, and I used to be Air Commander of a squadron of Seekers!"

"S-sorry, but I've never heard of your story before, pardon me how uneducated I am!" Halo tried to calm down but she burst into laughter all over again.

"Stupid femme!" Starscream hissed with clenched fists, trembling in fury like a wounded animal ready to strike, "You don't know when to shut up, do you?!" 

"Halo, I think that's enough," I decided to warn Halo before she went too far. She always liked testing limits but I had the feeling that maybe in our current situation it might be dangerous to play with the patience of our hosts.

Starscream snapped his gaze in my direction. Noticing Soundwave’s stare, he straightened himself, folded his hands behind his back and settled back to normal.

"Khm, coming to mind, shouldn't you two be back in the med-bay by now?"

"Not even an hour has passed!" Halo protested quickly.

"Would you like to risk your friend's well-being?" Starscream narrowed his optics as he leaned closer to Halo, regarding her in a challenging manner. 

 Soundwave looked down at me and nodded, agreeing with the Seeker. Truth be told, my small moment of panic had strained my processor a bit, but save from that, I felt okay so far. But maybe they were right and I shouldn't push my limits that much even if I was feeling alright.

 When I left at Halo's side, we heard Starscream throwing curses after us. A small relief came over me when we reached far enough not to hear his voice anymore.

 However, as we arrived at the med-bay, a surprising scene welcomed us.

"Can you hold still a bit longer?"

"I-I guess..."

"This might hurt a little, but..."

"Argh! Knock Out! That hurt!"

"Sorry, dear. I warned you."

"I still don't get why I have to lay on my back. Wouldn't it be easier the other way around?"

"No, I have a better insight like this and I see a small problem here...hm..."

 We exchanged puzzled looks, trying to decipher what we were seeing. The first thing that registered in my mind was Crossflare in her alt-mode and turned upside down while Knock Out casually sat beside her, with a small tool in his servo picking at something in the gap of a missing tire.

"Um...what is going on here?" we asked in unison.

Crossflare POV 

 After what I've learned so far, I should have rejected the offer, but the more Knock Out pushed it, the less I protested so in the end I gave in. He was eager to run into the back of the med-bay and get a hold of the best tires he had lying around. It seems Decepticons had a whole storeroom of spare parts which is quite an advantage unlike at the Autobots base. They can barely make up for any lost limb or severed body-part.

"You know, I often tell my fellow comrades to get new upgrades but they are all so, khm, old fashioned. Nobody appreciates my creativity," he complained while I took a look around, noticing some pretty and detailed weapons.

"You engineered these?" I marveled at them, carefully touching the shiny surface of a gun with the size of my whole arm.

"Don't touch that!" he smacked my servo away, "It charges between 0.5 and 0.8 seconds and its firepower almost matches a fusion cannon!"

"Why is it lying around here then?" I pulled my servos back, ignoring his angered tone.

"Lord Megatron ordered me to keep it locked up. A tragic fate for a perfect gun, isn't it?" he was back to drama again.

 I nodded in silence, admitting that his practical knowledge and skills are something he can be truly proud of. As we headed back and he put the last tire on the table, I wondered how this whole procedure would go.

"Hm, may I take a look?" he gestured towards me - or rather behind my back - and I turned around, letting him inspect my tires from closer. I expected him to touch something he shouldn't, but his servos moved professionally, checking the hydraulics carefully.

"Doesn't it hurt when you transform? Somewhere around here," he poked a spot which registered in my processor as dull pain, barely detectable.

"Yes, but it's very faint. I'm already used to it."

"Dear, that is rust. And looks horrible. It must be taken care of or else one day your tire will just fall off," he spoke with that dramatic tone again, "Please turn into your alt-mode."

"What? Why?"

"This procedure can be the shortest if you are a car."

 Folding resignedly into my requested form, I uncomfortably turned my rearview-mirror up and down. He picked up some tools before coming back to grab both of my sides and turned me upside-down.

"Hey, hey what are you...!"

"Just checking something, don't be shy," he casually waved a hand, then began unscrewing my front tire on the left. To be honest, I wanted to transform back right then but instead I decided to wait patiently for now. He was right afterall, a rusting part can cause some serious trouble.

Putting the tire aside, Knock Out slightly turned me again, this time almost balancing me on my side. The most uncomfortable position for a car ever. 

"Can you hold still a bit longer?" he asked, seemingly busy inspecting something inside with his headlights serving as the source of light.

"I-I guess..." I mumbled in response.

"This might hurt a little, but..."

"Argh! Knock Out! That hurt!" there was a stabbing pain under my plating like he had just jabbed his claw into me.

"Sorry, dear. I warned you."

"I still don't get why I have to lay on my back. Wouldn't it be easier the other way around?"

"No, I have a better insight and I see a small problem here...hm..."

"Um...what is going on here?" two familiar voices from the door's direction made us both freeze.

 In the door Mercy and Halo stood visibly stunned. They couldn't decide whether to laugh or be worried.

"Back so soon, ladies?" Knock Out seemed to be at peace with the whole situation, pretending as if we were doing nothing weird, "You are early."

"Oh, does that mean that we just interrupted something?" Halo pulled that teasing grin again, making me growl in discomfort. For once, she could've been running around exploring a bit longer.

"Nothing serious," I abruptly transformed back to bipedal mode and stood, dusting myself with swift movements. I ignored how I almost elbowed Knock Out in the face while doing so and he had to recoil in alarm.

"Did something happen? Are you feeling unwell?" to avert the topic I immediately stepped to Mercy, trying to get a look on her wound.

Knock Out gathered himself as well, stood and put his tools aside.

"No, I'm absolutely fine. We just...ran into Starscream who wanted us nowhere near him," Mercy sent a meaningful glance in Halo's direction and both of them chuckled like gossiping femmes amongst each other.

 I rolled my optics, assuming what this was about.

"Ah, and one more thing," Halo looked over to Knock Out, this time looking serious, "It seems Breakdown is in great trouble." 

The medic's optics widened and his carefree atmosphere quickly dispersed, concern taking its place. That expression surprised me more than I expected.

"What?" 

"Soundwave is trying to get the details at the moment. I just thought it might interest you as well," she said with a small shrug. 

"Scrap...!" Knock Out clenched his fists and quickly ran to the door, but turned back for a moment to warn us, "Don't you three dare touch anything, I'll be back in a nanoclick!"

The mech hurried out and as he left, troubled silence fell on us.

"Oookay. Now tell us what happened here because I feel like we’ve missed something," Halo broke the silence and put her elbow on my shoulder, winking one optic in a teasing manner.

"It's not funny. I was about to get new tires because it turned out I have a rust infection," I shook her arm off with a huff. I didn't mention how I failed to keep secrets. It's better if they don't know.

"Rust infection? Ugh, must be pretty painful," Halo innocently raised her servos.

"I barely feel it. I'm used to the pain." 

"Is it serious?" Mercy's concerned voice made us look in her direction. 

"Of course not!" we answered in unison. One thing that Halo and I never allowed ourselves to be in the presence of Mercy: weak. From the three of us she was the most fragile one both physically and emotionally. Seeing us strong gave her strength and it was our duty to keep her standing. So we always made sure she didn’t have to worry about us.

"More importantly: what were you two doing while you were away?" I quickly changed topic and the amused smile returned to their faces.

"Mercy made new friends with Mr. Creep," Halo pointed at Mercy in an accusing manner.

"What?" I stared at her in confusion and Mercy cast her optics down bashfully.
"H-his name is Soundwave and he is absolutely normal," she corrected Halo's statement.
"What is absolutely normal to you? He hasn't got a face, but he has these weird tentacles and he is mute!" Halo retorted.

"Okay, maybe his physical appearance is a little bit spooky but he is way more friendly than Starscream!"

 Looking from one to the other, I couldn't decide which one of them to be much more worried about. I stood there trying to think of something nice to say, but I soon realized that I had to be harsh.

"Girls, we are not here to make friends," I raised my servos, stopping their bickering immediately.

They fell into silence and looked at me with a mix of bewilderment, worry and curiosity.

"We need a very serious conversation here," I emphasized, trying to look serious myself.

"But we didn't do anything bad..."
"Tell me what exactly happened with you two."

 After hearing them out I drew some conclusions. First of all, I couldn't blame Starscream for being mean to Halo after the disrespect she has shown, however that didn’t excuse his bad attitude either. On the other hand, Soundwave was rather suspicious in my opinion. Ever since I first saw him there was something off about him and his behavior.

 Sighing in exhaustion, I tried to reason with my troublesome companions:

"Unlike the Autobots, these Decepticons are not trustworthy at all, we can't believe anything they say. Keep your distance from them."

Chapter Text

Mercy POV 

 Knock Out's return poisoned the atmosphere with an indescribable tension. He was visibly upset and he retreated to the computers quickly, pretending to be working in complete silence. But if we looked carefully, we could notice that his processor was completely elsewhere.

 I lay back on the berth and Crossflare helped me connect back to the machines. We only whispered among each other, careful not to upset the medic even more.

 I looked questioningly at Crossflare who cast a worried glance in the mech's direction, then she simply shrugged. She was just as bothered by the sudden change as me, maybe even more, but didn’t know what to do.

There was something wrong with him. Halo and I had no idea what to say to him so we were relieved when Crossflare finally moved and walked over to the mech.

"Knock Out...has anything happened to Breakdown?" 

 The medic opened his mouth to answer but then changed his mind and turned his gaze away. There was a pause before he supplied a response:

"Why would you care?"

"Maybe because I heard you two chatting and I'm quite convinced now that you care for him as a friend." 

 Knock Out stubbornly stared at the screens, his mouth tightly shut without any intention to reply.

"He was captured," he finally said after what felt like a millennia. It was clear he couldn't concentrate on whatever he needed to do. 

"If the Autobots captured him...maybe we could help?" Crossflare suggested, making me and Halo gasp in unison. We were always told to stay out of faction related business. Where is the sudden change from?

My face brightened at the idea. Visiting the Autobots sounded wonderful. Now that I think about it, they have no idea what happened to us...

 Knock Out was stunned to hear such a suggestion, and he considered it for a moment before he shook his head with a sigh.

"They were humans, not Autobots. Breakdown is now probably a test subject and only Primus knows what they are doing to him..." he clenched his fists and hissed under his breath, "Those fragging humans!“

 Crossflare quietly hummed.

"Most of the humans aren't that bad. There are evil ones, yes. We have run into a few during our stay here. I would be worried sick too if Mercy or Halo were to fall victim to them. So I can sympathize with you on this." 

"Sympathy? I can't do anything with that! Megatron believes that Breakdown is strong enough to get away alone but I know he is probably in need of back-up. I can't go, I'm not built for combat and I wouldn't risk my freshly polished finish, so there is nothing I can do!" Knock Out fumed.

 He should just like his friend more than himself and go play the hero and the problem would be solved - I thought. Then I glanced at Crossflare who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Soundwave?" she mentioned the first name that came to her mind.
"He is too busy. And although he is the second strongest to Lord Megatron, he is sent out to fight only when it's incredibly crucial. Megatron never sends his favorite lapdog to save anyone's aft," Knock Out shook his head with a grimace.

 Oh...is Soundwave really that strong? I would have never guessed. He is so thin and...fragile. I mean, with such arms and slim fingers he looks everything but not fit to fight. It seems I was wrong. Never judge a book by its cover!

"Starscream?" Halo was the next to suggest, "He is the first lieutenant. Shouldn't he care about his soldiers?" 

"I don't know whether he would cooperate or not," Knock Out rolled his optics, "It's a pain to deal with him." 

"Trust him to me then!” Halo winked an optic and showed a thumbs-up before she ran to the exit.

"Wait, what are you...?" we didn't have the time to ask because Halo disappeared from the med-bay. 

"It seems she is off to get Starscream for the cause," I chuckled with an amused smile.

"Again, zero thinking before actions," Crossflare only sighed, "Starscream will throw her out of the closest airlock. Oh Solus, grant me patience!”

"I have a question," Knock Out leaned against the computer panel and regarded us with a serious expression, "All this time I never heard anything but 'we are Neutrals, we don't interfere'. Yet you are willing to cooperate with us on this?" 

"We helped the Autobots out once. This is the least we can do for you and make it fair,” Crossflare replied with a deliberate smile, "I owe you one anyway." 

 Knock Out and I blinked in surprise. Crossflare is making exceptions? That’s new! But the way she explained it also made sense. We helped save Optimus, so why not help save Breakdown as well?

"Your gratitude is misplaced, dear," the medic crossed his arms, the confusion evident on his face, "You owe me nothing since I let you live for Decepticon benefit, not because I was being merciful." 

"Even if that’s the case, I know when to be grateful, Knock Out," Crossflare shrugged, then turned towards me, "Let's get going Mercy, we have to catch up with Halo before she does something stupid."

.….

Halo POV 

"Do you know where Commander Starscream currently is?" I put my servos on my hips as I questioned a random Vehicon I crossed paths with. I stared at him with a straightforward and serious expression and managed to catch the poor guy off-guard. He stuttered as he tried to respond.

"I-I..."
"Okay, take me to him!" I demanded.

 He reluctantly did as I ordered and I was quite proud of myself for confusing the Vehicon enough to make him obey me. These guys probably didn't know how to treat me so they went along with my demands silently instead. 

"Commander," the poor Vehicon carefully addressed the Seeker when we found him in a room on the other side of the ship. The gray mech walked up and down and rehearsed some kind of speech. He looked very troubled and he snapped in our direction with a displeased frown when we entered the room.

"What do you want? Can't you see I'm bu..." he noticed me and his expression became even more sour than before. Isn’t he happy to see me! What a douche!

"Commander Starscream, if you have a second for me to spare," I smiled innocently in response.

 The soldier on my side excused himself and quickly left as if he wanted to get away from us as soon as possible. Maybe he sensed the tension in the air.

"You femmes never learn," Starscream performed a dramatic sigh and turned away.
"It's important." 

"Knock Out is in charge of you, if you have complaints turn to him and spare me the time," the Seeker waved dismissively.

"I repeat: it's important. I have to discuss it with you and only you!" 

 He raised an eyebrow in doubt but he turned to me fully once again so I must have piqued his interest.

"What is this about? I recommend you have a good story because I have to figure something out for Breakdown's rescue immediately and time is of the essence!"

“Oh...I'm here exactly because of that."

We stared at each other in surprise. 

"Why would you be here for that? Where did you learn about his capture in the first place?”

"Knock Out." 

“That tattler medic! Anyway, what’s it to do with you?”

"My friend Crossflare thinks it's only fair if we help Knock Out get his buddy back. I don't get why, though. Nevermind. The main point is, we thought that you should go and do something to rescue Breakdown."

"I’m already on it, but it’s not that easy. I was just practicing my speech to convince Megatron but you interrupted me so now I forgot how to say the intro," Starscream complained with a dramatic flair.

"Pft...hahahaha!" I burst into laughter. 

"W-what are you laughing at?!" Starscream yelled, confused.

"Hahaha, I never thought that you practice before you speak!" I giggled. 

"I can't just go and say whatever comes to my mind! Do you know how Megatron glares at you when you say something he doesn't like to hear?!" he threw his servos up in the air with frustration.

"Okay, okay, sorry," I cleared my throat. True, Megatron was a scary boss to report to, "Back to the topic, can we truly count on your help then?" 

"I’m going to do what I can. But not because you asked or anything! We need Breakdown in our ranks, so I would find a way even if Megatron refuses," he nodded, more serious this time.

"Great. Problem solved. Thank you!" I showed a thumbs-up and turned to leave but he called after me:

"I believe you forgot something.”

 I glanced over my shoulder with a questioning gaze.

 He raised a servo to his audio receptor and tilted his head.

“I can’t hear your sincere gratitude yet.”

"Ugh…thank you, Commander Starscream," I grimaced, and a smirk crept to his face immediately.

"Hmm, I still can't hear you properly." 

"Thank you very much for your generosity, Commander Starscream," I corrected myself and couldn't help a grin of my own when I saw the satisfaction on his face. What an afthole!

 Leaving him behind, I happily trotted back the way I arrived. It was actually entertaining to talk to him. When he wasn’t being a total jerk that is.

"Halo?" I crossed paths with my dear friends abruptly, and I grinned at their sight. They were visibly relieved to see me in one piece.

"Hello girls, what's up? Is the doc still mad?" 

"Well, he calmed down a little I think," Crossflare answered curtly, optics narrowing, "But what did you do just now?”

"Yeah, did you find Starscream?" Mercy added with a curious expression.

"He is in! Mr.Commander decided to save Breakdown no matter what so tell KO he doesn't need to worry," I puffed my chest out proudly.

 Mercy cheered and we giggled on our way back to the med-bay until I noticed how quiet Crossflare became all of a sudden. What has gotten into her? 

"Hey, boss lady!" I waved a servo in front of her optics and she blinked in surprise as she returned to reality.
"What?"
"You are acting weird," I remarked, observing her features with concern.
"I'm okay....I'm just tired of everything, that's all..." Crossflare lied.

 Something she rarely did. I frowned but didn’t ask more and let the topic drop.

 She would come around and talk about it if it concerned us all, I was sure of it.

....

Crossflare POV 

 I watched the two younglings sleep. Finally night has arrived. I wished I could recharge calmly as well. Mercy was kept here in the med-bay for monitoring and Halo made herself comfortable beside her on the medical berth. Before they knew they were already in stasis. What a serene sight.

 I stayed with them, watching over and thinking restlessly. Sometimes I envied them for being so carefree. No worries or responsibilities weighed their shoulders down. It must be nice.

 As the silent hours passed, I found myself simply staring into the darkness of the med-bay with empty optics, but with my processor daydreaming quietly through it all.

 Unfortunately, my mind decided to wander back to long buried memories from eons ago...

"Thanks for the patience," Sidewire patted the delivery bot in the back and turned in my direction as the mech left the lab with a package of freshly produced medicine for the crew. A weak, but inconvenient virus was spreading on our ship and so we had a few days to create an anti-virus for it. Hopefully all ill people will be back to normal within a matter of hours.

"We did well," he commented cheerfully and I flashed a satisfied smile. It always felt good to look at the fruits of your hard work.

"Child's play," I replied and let him come up to me and embrace me in a tight hug. He did it often, sometimes during work when he had too many things on his mind and was trying to come up with a solution. He was a natural hugger. I didn’t mind because it provided me some kind of comfort but I never initiated the same. I was just not that kind of person.

 Before he came into my life I didn't have anyone by my side. Love or affection were distant mysteries which I didn’t feel the need to explore. 

 The people I met usually came to me because they needed my professional skill, not an emotional connection. I was merely a tool for others and I liked to think of myself that way. A useful tool, a tool that can help others. A fine meaning of existence.

 Who would want more of me anyway? I had nothing exciting to show off. I merely consisted of my work, my studies and my determination to achieve success in the field I was destined to spend my life on.

 Sidewire wasn't exactly far from this footing either. He was an overachiever, but with the addition of having friends and living a social life.

 He wanted me to have these things as well. He must have seen something in me I failed to see and he turned my dull gray cycles into colorful memories. He was the only one who wanted to learn who I was more than anyone and the only one who knew me as I truly am.

 A satisfactory coexistence. One I didn’t feel deserved but accepted anyway.

 We stood there like that for minutes, enjoying the warm comforting presence of each other until the alarm went off and we both exchanged glances of fright. What happened? And so suddenly?

 The sirens loudly screamed all over the ship and it didn’t take long until the floor began shaking under our pedes. We let go of each other and ran to the lab equipment to keep them from falling. But the tremors just wouldn't stop and I looked at my bondmate in raw panic, my spark beating rapidly in one rhythm with his.

 Screams and shouts, then the sound of blasters echoed through the halls and walls, freezing the energon in my tubes. The next moment all I could think of was one thing: my friends.

 Sidewire knew well what I had in mind when I let go of everything and ran out of the lab. He followed me without hesitation and we raced in the exact opposite direction where our Neutral comrades were all fleeing from. Sidewire grabbed my servo and I tightened the grip to make sure we won't get separated and we fought against the current until my optics fell on Mercy's unmistakable white-black and jade paintjob.

 She must have tripped over something and was trying to crawl out of the way of the panicking crew members, with Halo as her only shield and helper to get her up.

 Wasting no time, I was quick to get beside them - to their greatest relief - and I helped both of them up. My spark felt slightly lighter in my chest now. We are going to be fine. We must be.

"Are you two okay?!" I shouted, trying to be louder than the chaos around us and they nodded in unison. Mercy was wiping her tears away. The shock and the fear already took their toll on her it seemed. Halo was standing her ground but I saw panic in her optics. I had to take them to safety. Immediately.

"What is going on?!" Sidewire asked as loudly as possible.

"A-ambush...we are b-being attacked..." Halo stuttered, her optics wide.

 Exchanging troubled glances with my bondmate, we immediately agreed on one thing: we can't stay here any longer. Grabbing both of them by the wrist we chose a narrow corridor to make a short cut to the escape pods. This was a risky decision but surely a better option than trying to get through the mass of our comrades who were escaping through the main hallway like a horde of terrified animals.

 Turning to the left quickly on the corner, dead bodies greeted us with a horrible sight. I had to drag Mercy after me because she almost fainted right there.

 The bodies were torn open and parts of their limbs and heads were scattered across the floor, I couldn't blame her for being scared. Our pedes stepped into freshly spilled and warm energon. I felt disgusted and terrified at once but I kept my expression firm.

 Trying to focus on the route, I chose not to let my optics stop on such things and instead I fixed my gaze on the destination. Then suddenly a servo grabbed Halo at the back of our team, separating her from us and she cried out loudly. We all halted and whipped around immediately.

 She struggled in the grip of an unknown black and golden armored mech who grinned at us viciously. One of our attackers. He looked like a pirate.

 Sidewire was the first to jump into action, throwing a fist against the mech's face, but the stranger leaned aside and caught the fist effortlessly with his other servo.

 Halo used the small moment of distraction and kicked her attacker in the pelvis, freeing herself from the grasp. Sidewire became the center of the mech's attention now and I let go of Mercy to move into action myself at the side of my bondmate.

"Run! Run you two! The pod is over there!!!" I yelled over my shoulder and my friends hesitated only a nanoclick before they both turned around and obeyed.

 Our enemy handled us with ease, making the difference between two non-combatant chemists and one combatant pirate pretty clear. Sidewire tried to make advantage of his weight but he could barely hold his attacker in one place. The pirate threw us aside while laughing in disdain, and made his way to where my friends watched the fight from inside the open escape pod. I couldn't let him get to them. Mercy and Halo were too young to die.

 We jumped after him without thinking, digging our claws into him wherever we could, trying to pull him back, trip him over, anything. But the mech was way stronger than us. He shrugged us off with a sneer.

 Then Sidewire pushed me aside and stood in the way of the mech, fiercely withstanding the intimidating glare of the stranger.

"Fight me! Only you and me!" he yelled at our attacker and I was quick to stand beside him, only to be shoved away once more.

"You go with them! Go! NOW!" he strictly ordered me into the escape pod but I wouldn't leave his side. Did he seriously think I would leave him alone to fight?

The stranger mech laughed in clear amusement, then crushed us both against the wall. When he let go to continue his way, Sidewire - bruised and broken but still online - jumped onto his pedes with a fire in his spark I've never seen or felt before. His command through our bond was so strong this time that I stumbled into the escape pod involuntarily while he made an attempt to hold the mech up once more.

 Mercy and Halo were yelling Sidewire's name, begging him to jump in too. Halo's servo was already on the launch button. Our attacker and my bondmate were practically wrestling in the doorway and Sidewire would have only needed a quick lucky moment to push the stranger away and jump in with us.

 We would have been on our way through the stars in a matter of seconds. Together.

 But instead he slammed his servo on the outside panel, shutting the door on us. I remember crying out his name and making a move towards him to reach out and pull him inside. But my voice and the tips of my digits were cut off by the closed doors. The physical pain was nothing compared to the howl of my spark as I realized we won't see each other anymore.

 We didn't even have the chance to look into each other's optics before everything came crashing down. The floor shook under us as the pod launched and I fell on my knees, gripping my severed digits which oozed energon everywhere. All I could do was stare at the door with wide optics, letting my tears fall.

 I remember hearing Mercy's and Halo's panicked, worried voices all over me, but the only sound that registered inside me was the cry of my spark. Then the stabbing pain that hit through my chest, ripping out the most important part, my other half, taking it away by force and against my will and I could do nothing but stare and feel my spark scream. The emptiness enveloped me. A void opened in the center of my life and darkness filled the place where my treasured bond was kept hidden, loved, cherished…

 That was the first time I cried out aloud. I let my tears fall and cloud my vision and I just kept screaming and whimpering, trying to tear my chest apart and put back what was taken.

 Halo and Mercy grabbed my wrists and held me tight, embracing me from both sides, crying together with me. Never ever in my life had I felt so lonely like in that moment. Even with the two of them at my sides.

 Sidewire was dead. My bond was no more and so was my happiness forever gone.

 Still, why? Why does it hurt so much now? In a place like this? Maybe because we are on a ship again? Because of the lingering scent of medicine in the air which reminds me of him? Perhaps. But now wasn't the best to renew my grief. I knew that yet my spark continued to hurt.

 Tears began to fill my optics but before any could have rolled down my cheeks, a voice snapped me out of my trance. 

"You can't recharge either, huh?" 

 I glanced over to see Knock Out sitting on his dissection table, waiting. I didn't even notice him coming in. I quickly blinked my tears away before he could have noticed them.

 I kept my gaze stubbornly on my friends while I scolded myself mentally. I should be stronger. I should look stronger. 

"Well, today was...eventful," I answered with a weak smile on my face.

"Starscream left," Knock Out remarked, in a serious but also concerned tone, "Let's hope he succeeds." 

"Yeah." 

 This was my first time seeing a Decepticon actually care. And it shocked me. I couldn't put this information anywhere. Knock Out cared, he was worried about his assistant and would be upset if something didn't turn out right. Was it a mistake to write him off so early like I just did today? He might truly be more than meets the eye...

We remained in silence for a long while until we heard a familiar voice from the outside, making us immediately jump:

"It's okay, leave me! I can walk! Just get out of my way!" 

"Breakdown!" Knock Out's face brightened and his relief couldn't be described as he dashed to the door to help his friend limp in. The bruiser's steps were heavy and unsure but stable enough to make it safely to the closest free medical berth. 

 I straightened my posture as I drew closer, ready to be of assistance if needed.

"By Primus, what have they done to you?" Knock Out helped him lie down on the berth and leaned closer to examine the horrible hole in the place of the mech’s right optic. 

"They only took an optic. But they sent a message to the Autobots in it," Breakdown growled, touching the hole on his head carefully.

"Don't worry, I will put you together! You’ll be fine in no time! Ugh, your poor finish...it will need my professional care!" Knock Out flashed a confident but also piteous grin and quickly strode away to prepare his equipment. 

"Can I help?" I asked cautiously. The medic looked back over his shoulder in surprise, as if he didn't expect me to offer assistance, then he looked back to his friend.

"I may not be a medic but I can be of help, you know," I added.

"Breakdown?" Knock Out questioned.

"Fine by me," the mech only huffed in response, too tired to care.

"Then come," Knock Out invited me over and we made our way towards the spare parts storage room.

 Breakdown stopped us as he raised his voice in warning:

“Don’t bother with a new optic. Just make me an eye patch.”

 Knock Out peeked his head out the door and frowned.

“Why? I can fix your optic just fine. Just need to find the suitable materials.”

 Breakdown didn’t answer immediately and I also peeked out of the room with a concerned expression. The large blue mech just lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, motionless, as if dead.

“I need a reminder. Of my failure. Just…just do it.”
I glanced at Knock Out in worry who looked at me with an unreadable expression. He didn’t look pleased but he wouldn’t argue. He motioned for me to move and we silently dug through the room until we found the necessary materials for an eye patch.

 We returned to Breakdown’s side silently and Knock Out ran a thorough check-up before he gave me instructions:

"Crossflare, please take care of that big scar on his chassis. I will make the eye patch for him during that time.”

"Stay still, I will do my best," I told the injured mech, but Breakdown had already closed his single remaining optic and let us do anything we wanted to him.

 We worked for hours, with silent precision. The eye patch which we mounted on was the only thing that made him look different from before, but it certainly changed his appearance. I was sorry for that optic. He seemed like a nice mech, he didn't deserve that to be taken from him and especially not by humans.

 While waiting for Knock Out to make order on his work table and put away his tools, I slumped beside the medical berth in exhaustion. I pulled my knees up to my chest and took a deep inhale. For a second I closed my optics but that was enough. 

 I fell into recharge immediately so I wasn’t aware of the stare directed at me afterwards, nor the beeping sound of Knock Out’s comm-link as Megatron contacted him.

"Knock Out, you haven't reported yet."

"Breakdown has recovered.”

 Megatron hummed silently on the other end of the line.

“I wasn't asking about him.”

 Knock Out grimaced when he realized what his lord meant.

“Well, concerning the three, there is not much to report, my liege.”

"Did you manage to get any vital information out of them?" the warlord seemed unsatisfied with the answer.

"Only a few things and mostly unimportant details."

"It can't be that hard to make them spill. Not for you, Knock Out.”

"I've been acting nice and friendly ever since you ordered me to but their leader is quite a challenge. My usual charms are not working, I'm trying to find another way."

"What's with the other two?"

"They won't speak until their leader lets them speak. They follow her instructions like she is a goddess."

 Megatron growled in annoyance.

"Did Soundwave send you their recovered biography?" Megatron asked and Knock Out took his private datapad out of his subspace. He quickly read over the files, focusing only on what seemed to be important. Mercy's file was missing and only one thing stood in the message about that: "doesn't exist in the system".

"Hm, a chemist, an economics student, and an enigma. Interesting..."

.….

Mercy POV 

 As I awakened early in the morning, I realized that Crossflare wasn't beside us. I was about to panic but before I could have shaken Halo up, I caught a glimpse of a very strange sight. 

"Oh..." that was all I could say. I sat up carefully and let my optics rest on the berth where Breakdown lay, totally knocked out. No pun intended.

 It was a relief to see him back and in one piece. But the more surprising sight was Crossflare and how she slept with her back against the table's side, her arms folded over her knees and her head resting on them. Knock Out sat beside her, in a similar position. Did they recharge through the night like that on the floor?

 I continued to stare as a smile crept to my face and I wondered about what I might have missed last night.

After a few minutes Crossflare squirmed slightly and I quickly lay back, pretending to be asleep. From the corner of my optic, I could see the confusion on her face. She is probably wondering about how she ended up there. As she found her answer, she slowly rubbed her optics then turned to the mech next to her.

"Knock Out..." she mumbled, her voice slightly hoarse.

The medic didn't seem to react at first. She poked him in the shoulder and called his name in a whisper.

"Knock Out. Knock Out please wake up..."
"Hm...mhm?" he raised his head, sleepy and disoriented.
"Sorry for waking you up so early, but..." Crossflare apologized, "We've slept on the floor."

"Oh...really?" the mech looked around in a bit of surprise, noting that he was indeed sitting on the floor.

 Crossflare glanced in my direction but she couldn't see us well from her position. I had to hold back a wide smile. Should I keep pretending? Or should I say good morning and ask what’s up instead?

"...Hey," Knock Out rubbed his forehead as he suddenly spoke up, this time much sober and Crossflare's attention turned back to him, "Thank you for your assistance yesterday. Breakdown would be grateful too.”

Crossflare shook her head with a soft smile.

"I really haven't done anything notable compared to you.”

"I know when to be grateful, dear,” he mimicked her from the day before and I chuckled quietly. 

Crossflare let a wide smile spread on her face. She understood what he referred to and managed to catch her off-guard with it.

"Okay, I get it. You’re welcome," she closed her optics for a moment to reorganize her thoughts.

 Knock Out watched her intently in the momentary silence as if he was trying to figure out something about her.

"You know, I was mistaken. For Decepticons, you and Breakdown are a positive disappointment for me," Crossflare said while finally looking him in the optic.

"Should I take that as a compliment?" Knock Out flashed a bright, satisfied grin.

"The best you can get from me," she mock-pouted, "I'm not fond of Decepticons in general."

"Bet I can change that!" the mech confidently puffed his chest out.

 Crossflare couldn’t suppress a chuckle in response.

"Waaaaaaa," the light atmosphere only lasted until Halo broke it with her loud morning yawn. She has the worst timings ever, I swear.

"Halo!" I scolded her in a hushed tone.

"What?" she sat up and stretched her arms over her head once more.

"You ruined the moment!"

"What moment?" Halo raised a brow and quickly looked around in search for the 'moment' but Crossflare and Knock Out were already standing and helping the awakened Breakdown get off the berth.

 They fell back to their professional selves in the span of a moment.

"I'm okay doc, my legs are totally fine," Breakdown took a few steps to prove it and turned back with a proud smirk, "See?"

“Well, as a medic I have to agree, but you have to be careful because of your optic," Knock Out warned him with a frown and folded his arms over his chest. 

“You will need to get used to it first," Crossflare added in concern.
Breakdown touched his eye patch. 

"It will work just fine. Thanks.”

"Have I missed something? How did Breakdown get back so soon?" Halo stared at me in utter confusion.

"Yeah, we missed a lot," I chuckled and patted her shoulder in sympathy.
"Hey, girls! Aren't you hungry?" Crossflare called over to us and we cheerfully swung our servos into the air:
"We are!"

 She couldn't help a small giggle and she helped disconnect me, then we left to get our portion of energon for the day with Knock Out and Breakdown on our side.

 Yes, maybe this ship was scary and unfriendly, but even in a place like this we found friends who we had lighthearted moments with and could simply enjoy each other's company. I wasn't so afraid of our hosts anymore. 

.….

Halo POV  

 If anyone told me that I will be freely jogging around in the Decepticon warship once in my life, I would have laughed at the idiot. Now, it started to turn into reality and I was laughing at myself.

 Knock Out has been in a good mood ever since Breakdown returned, and we managed to avoid Megatron which was a big relief. Mercy's regeneration ability was finally speeding up and her processor was getting better at consuming big loads of information. This was good news and Crossflare began to remind us more often about the fact that we should be leaving in one-or two days.

 I had mixed feelings about our future departure, mainly because the whole place just now started to become exciting, but on the other servo I wanted to get home and visit the Autobot base. 

 I wondered if they would ever let us back in. Who knows, maybe not.

That would be very unfortunate, though.

 Continuing what was left in half yesterday, Crossflare was put under the longest makeover ever and I curiously watched Knock Out work and chit-chat casually about his past as a successful surgeon while making wonders with his servos.

 The storage room of spare parts was left open and Mercy and I couldn't stand the urge to go and check it out so we ended up looking over the many types of spare parts piled up or hanging in the large room.

"Thinking of it, it makes me nauseous to think these parts once belonged to living bots," Mercy commented, sadly lifting a severed arm.

"I don't think it matters now," I replied, looking over the wall in the back, dedicated entirely to wings for different frame-types, "I mean, most of them died in battle. Their injured but living comrades can make use of their healthy parts," I ran a servo over the smooth surface of a nice, slim wing with curvy edges and a slightly bowed outline. It was dusty but overall looked new and barely scarred.

 How often I dreamed of flying! To learn to see the world from up there and experience the feeling of what Mercy was able to enjoy in the air: being free and not held down by the laws of physics. It is surely more exciting than swallowing dust and collecting small pebbles in your grills.

"What the pit are you doing in here?" we froze on the spot when we heard Knock Out's angered voice from behind. We looked over our shoulders like one caught stealing.

 He stood in the doorway and his piercing glare was literally stabbing us in the back. I've never seen him looking so scary or angry at all.

"Get. OUT," he emphasized each word threateningly and we could only nod and leave with sagged shoulders. The mech locked the door before he returned to the front side of the med-bay. It seems we saw something we shouldn't have. Was this one of the 'restricted territories'? I had no idea, it's not my fault he left it open!

 Mercy and I were more careful from that on, trying not to upset the medic even more.

"Don't be surprised, you are just guests, not our allies. We can't trust you yet," Breakdown commented when we complained to him.

 It was around midday when Knock Out excitedly gathered us in one place (it seems he quickly got back to normal), introducing Crossflare in all her glory with her fresh shining finish and new rims. She looked eons younger now.

"Wow...Crossflare, is that you?" I gasped, just now noticing how many scars and dents have been removed.

"Don't look at me like I'm a stranger," she frowned, but there was a noticeable small smile in the corner of her mouth.

"Knock Out did a spectacular job," Mercy added in awe.

"I have to admit he knows what he is doing," Crossflare looked down at herself, satisfied with the results.

"My, my, thank you," but the most satisfied person in the room was the medic himself, puffing his chest out proudly and smirking cockily as if he was in the center of attention and not CF.

"Hm...can you upgrade me a bit too?" I jumped on the idea quickly.

"And what do I get in exchange?" the mech looked at me with a questioning raise of his brow.

"Um, a big thank you and maybe a good buff?"

"Nah, I'm at peak performance, I'm in no need of it."

 Huffing like an offended youngling, I threw my servos up.

"Got it. Only CF gets the good stuff."

"Nobody said that," he chuckled and even Crossflare laughed a bit.

 To move out a little, we left the med-bay and wandered around. To the surprise of my friends, I was the one who suggested we visit the bridge. Although I preferred to stay as far away from the warlord as possible, I had to admit that I can’t avoid him if I wanted to have a conversation with higher ranked officers who were mostly present somewhere around the bridge. Starscream one of them.

 Crossflare surely wasn't as keen on going there as me but she didn't protest aloud. I guess she would come with us anyway, knowing how overprotective she was in general. Mercy on the other hand seemed to be at peace. She quickly walked over to Soundwave when we arrived. Those two seemed to get along well. I mean, Soundwave didn't seem to mind a Neutral femme chatting beside him while watching him work and Mercy felt at ease with him for some reason and I had no intention to interfere whatsoever because they were both weird in their own ways. 

 Starscream wasn't enthusiastic to see us near the bridge but Megatron allowed us to stay for as long as Soundwave kept an optic on us.

"We should contact James," Crossflare came up with the idea suddenly and I stared at her in surprise.

"But they will learn our coordinates!" I gasped.

"It’s not like they will close their optics once we leave," she answered with a grimace, turning to Mercy, "Tell him he can expect us back within a few days."

 Mercy nodded obediently and asked permission from the mech beside her.

"Can I give a call, Soundwave?"

 He moved aside and gestured towards the keyboard. She typed the comm-number slowly, then pushed the call button and waited until the system pinpointed the location of the call-receiver on the screen.

"Hello?" our human friend cautiously spoke up, as if expecting a threat to come.

"It's me, Mercy," she answered with a happy smile, "It's been a while again."

"Another long weekend at the Autobots'? Girls, if you continue this I..."

"No, we are at the Decepticons'."

Silence followed the correction, then we heard him groan at the end of the line.

"You're joking..."

"Nope," Mercy's smile only widened in amusement.

"...Okay...Khm....if you ever decide to come back, note that I'm not impressed. You really want me to have a heart-attack. I'm sick and worried every time you disappear without a trace and don't pick up the phone yet you do this to me over and over again!"

"Duly noted. We will be back within a few days. Depends on how quickly I heal."

"Heal? What happened again? Hhhh....Crossflare is doing shitty work at taking care of you two."

"Cut it, old man," Crossflare snapped back, smiling.

"That’s rich coming from you, old lady. I'm still in good shape but you won't be if I get to lay my hands on you three once you return," he bit back in mirth, then sighed once again, “Just get back safely, okay? The Decepticons are bad guys."

"We are on it. Bye, James," Crossflare considered the conversation done and Mercy ended the call.

 Soundwave took his post back and we all exchanged amused glances. James liked to act like a dad sometimes, throwing a tantrum whenever we did something he didn't like. But maybe that's why we loved this tiny fleshling so much. He was like family.

 Turning my attention back to the mysterious dark mech, I decided to stare at Soundwave's visor from the side for long minutes to get his attention or find any sign of optics but it was pointless. Clearly, he hasn't got a face! Creepy. I couldn’t fathom why Mercy found him appealing in any way. She had a strange taste.

 Some Vehicons strode over to our small group and they curiously measured us then began asking some questions. We were surprised to find out they didn't have names but numbers. Poor guys.

"Have you ever considered joining us?" K55A asked, touching a very sensitive subject.

"No."

 Crossflare's immediate rejection might have been a little too harsh.

"You know, we like to stay out of trouble," Mercy added, almost apologetically.

"Hm, doesn't look like that to me," H3D6 tapped his chin, tilting his helm slightly, "Your friend likes to piss off the Commander. She plays a dangerous game," he pointed at me.

 I grinned awkwardly, scratching my head in a penitent manner under Crossflare's disapproving glare.

"Halo, you know you shouldn't bother high ranked officers."

"Compared to Mercy who nagged Soundwave for hours yesterday, I'm not even bothering Starscream!" I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest.

"You too Mercy. Primus, I don’t know how this mech has so much patience..." Crossflare sighed, looking over to Soundwave who kept himself busy without acknowledging our presence.

"He is hearing us, you know," Mercy pointed out, "He is just nice, I don't know why you always pick at him." 

 Soundwave tilted his head slightly and his typing speed visibly slowed. Maybe he was confused. Or who knows? I'm pretty sure he has never heard anyone saying he is nice in his entire life.

"Can't you go and nag someone else? Soundwave is handling important files and you hinder his work," Starscream appeared out of nowhere to ruin the mood and the Vehicons retreated back to their posts quickly, fearing punishment more than being curious.

"He looks fine to me," I bit back, not even making a move to obey his command.

"Know your place femme," Starscream's glared at me in warning, his wings spreading wide behind his back. Was that a threat?

"We are not called ‘femmes'. We have names. Try to learn them," I withstood his gaze stubbornly.

"Why trouble myself with it when you leave soon anyway?”

"Don't worry, the moment we are ready, we’ll leave without hesitation," Crossflare answered instead of me, probably to prevent the quarrel from escalating into a fight.

"Oh I can't wait," Starscream grinned viciously and I had to stop myself from sticking my tongue out once again. The urge was very strong, though.

....

Mercy POV

"Healthy and steady," Knock Out ticked off something on his datapad with a big pleased smile and disconnected me for the last time.

 I sat up in relief, knowing that I won't have to come back for check-ups anymore. Halo showed a thumbs-up, grinning widely beside me but Crossflare's expression was too serious and focused for a moment like this. I had an idea about what was going on in her mind though and I had to admit, leaving one more place and people behind made me disappointed yet again.

"Thank you Knock Out," I flashed a grateful smile at him and he straightened himself with a proud smirk.

"You all could really stay, no one else says thank you for my hard work," he added with a dramatic tone.

"We have wasted enough time here and we must return home," Crossflare shook her head firmly and we remained silent on our way to the bridge where Megatron was already waiting for us. We had to announce our departure and he had to give his blessing unless we wanted some misunderstandings.

"Did you not enjoy your stay here?" Megatron pretended to look surprised, arching his eyebrows high.

"Whether we did or not is absolutely irrelevant. We have to leave. Our friend is fine to go, and we are thankful for the medical support but our time has come to depart."

 Megatron narrowed his optics this time and I shuddered under the heavy gaze that swept over the three of us. Why is he looking at us like that? Why would he hesitate to let us go on our way?

"We kept ourselves to the rules," Crossflare added. I noticed her balled fists and how they trembled. Was she afraid? What is going on? 

The atmosphere turned cold and tense and I had no idea what to expect.

"And we Decepticons keep ourselves to our promises. Have a nice journey home," Megatron finally relented with a smile and politely gestured towards Soundwave who opened a bridge for us in the middle of the room. There was something in Megatron's voice I couldn't put anywhere but it seemed like Crossflare knew what this whole thing was about and I didn't dare ask yet.

 Nodding, she turned around and we followed her anxiously into the swirling portal. I waved a servo in Soundwave's direction before the light enveloped us and we found ourselves back in front of the old wooden house with the large hangar behind it. We were home but I felt no relief or happiness. I could only watch in concern as Crossflare walked around the house with a troubled expression and I glanced at Halo with questioning optics.

"It's okay, she is just...you know, her usual self," she smiled, but it seemed fake, and I wondered if I had missed something important while we were aboard.

 Did something happen while I was unconscious?

....

Crossflare POV

"Okay, so care to tell me about this little pajama party at the Decepticon ship?" James comfortably leaned back in his seat and I fastened the belt on him as we rolled out to the road.

"Don't even know where to start," I groaned. Ever since we returned home there was a heavy silence among us and even though I noticed Mercy's questioning gaze on me, I was in no mood to give answers. Now that I was in a familiar environment I finally had the chance to analyze the experience and I needed a long ride to think.

 James was my escort and my partner in conversation. Like always. Together I was sure we can get to the bottom of this and find the perfect solution for our current problem. 

"Start from the first moment you got there," he drummed his fingers on my steering wheel and I sank into my memories, trying to recall my first impression.

"The whole place was dark and cold. Every corridor, hallway, room looked alike and you can easily get lost, it reminded me of a labyrinth where you can't get out from. It made me feel caged in."

"Hm...the opposite of the cozy Autobot base," he commented.

"Yeah, literally. Moving on, we met a Vehicon first and his reaction was shoving a blaster in our face. It is understandable though, he didn't know if we were friends or foes."

"As a soldier on duty I would react the same," he nodded.

"We ran away but got lost, then we met another one who chased after Halo and then...it was my mistake....a Vehicon I didn't notice slammed Mercy against the wall and she suffered a very serious head-injury. She fell unconscious and I dragged her along as I tried to get away but we ran into higher ranked Decepticons. The second in command would have had us terminated without hesitation, but the medic granted us a chance to speak. I offered information, which didn’t suffice in the end but they let us live. Fortunately we weren't interrogated, but I have a feeling that there was more going on behind it all..." I told him about our meeting with the warlord and other Decepticons and I shared my suspicions while he listened silently.

"From everything you’ve told so far, the two most suspicious people are that guy named Soundwave and Knock Out," James turned his attention to the landscape outside my window with a frown.

"Yes, I do think so as well. I fell for a few tricks of Knock Out’s and spilled things I shouldn't have...I'm afraid we got tangled in this situation and I have no idea where we stand in the status-quo right now. I suspect they wanted to gain our appeal. I understand why the Autobots would do everything to get new members, because they are only a few. But the Decepticons? They have an army, warriors, officers, everything. What more could we offer if we joined them? We are just three femmes without battle training!"

 James hummed in deep thoughts.

"Or it’s just that they can't ignore your existence anymore. You have connections to the Autobot team, therefore you became a possible threat. Not a big threat, but a threat nevertheless. To make sure you are out of the way, they simply enlist you."

"That's it James. They could have just killed us and problem solved."

He rubbed his forehead with a troubled expression.

"Then who knows? They see something in you three you don't know."

"And exactly that's what scares me. I have no idea what they are planning."

.….

Mercy POV

"I don't know what to think," I mumbled, stretching my legs out. Halo and I were sitting in the backyard, watching the setting sun and trying to analyze what we have just been through in the last few days.

"Me neither," Halo puffed her cheeks and listlessly stared at the horizon, "For me, the whole experience was rather exciting. Okay, true, I was really frightened at first. Those guys can be intimidating, especially Megatron. But it wasn't that bad."

"They are entirely different from the Autobots," I nodded, running over my memories, "Strict, organized and they value hierarchy over cohesion."

"Yeah...strange how these factions work."

"Crossflare is troubled..." I sighed, staring up at the darkening sky, "We should think about her too."

"I've been thinking about that...isn't she just overreacting? I mean, she is so hostile towards anyone with a badge. She is a little paranoid."

"You weren't exactly confidential with everyone either," I pointed out and she shrugged.

"I was careful. But not paranoid."

"Hm, maybe you are right," I mumbled, thinking back on our interactions with the Decepticons. Some of them were just scary like Megatron, some of them appeared friendly like the Vehicons and there were a few who we had ambivalent opinions on, like Knock Out or Soundwave. Who knows why. The whole experience left me with mixed feelings and a very messy head, but at least my memories sorted out and settled back into place.

 After minutes of silence, lost in the noises of the distance, I finally put up the question which bothered us the most ever since we returned:

"Will this trip change anything? Or will we continue our life like it was before?"

 Halo didn’t know what to answer. So she didn’t.

 Crossflare and James rolled back home in the late evening. She transformed back to bipedal mode once our human ally got out of her seat and they parted ways. She looked less troubled than before, but still not calm enough. I wondered what they had been talking about.

"Welcome back," I smiled, trying to greet her cheerfully like I always did.

 She smiled back but only faintly and she petted my head before passing by me. We won't get much out of her tonight, that's for sure.

....

Halo POV

 My comm-link was constantly ringing a day later, just when I believed that everything would settle back to the good old days when there were only the three of us and our two humans, discarding the outside world like it didn't even exist.

 I hesitated for the first few hours, afraid of what CF would say...but then I overcame my fears. Why would I be afraid to pick up a call from Miko? I had every right to do as I wanted, I was a free sentient being afterall.... Oh scrap, I'm starting to sound like an Autobot.

"Hello? What's up?" I reached to my audio-receptor and a very excited but also upset voice replied.

"Finally! I've been trying to call you for days! What took you so long! Did you guys get home? You didn’t come back to the base!"

Grimacing when I recalled how we parted ways, I shifted my weight from one ped to the other, leaning against the side of the hangar.

"I was...in trouble. Crossflare caught me and I was punished but yeah, we came home without any….issues."

"Punished? Wha...she truly punished you?" it was amusing to hear the sudden change in her voice.

"Just kidding. Anyway, what's up?"

"It's been boring over here ever since you three disappeared. Nothing interesting happens..."

 I almost mentioned the unfortunate case of Breakdown, but I quickly closed my mouth before saying anything. She shouldn't know we met their enemy. Now that sounds awful. Like I was trying to hide something from her. From them.

"And you expect me to come over and make some fun, don't you?" I chuckled and she giggled cheerfully.

"Exactly! I've got a new song to show you and everything!"

"Hmm...gotta ask for permission first," I thought of Crossflare and suddenly she showed up from behind me. That made me jump in fright. Primus, she came out of nowhere!

 She passed by me with a stern look and beckoned to me with a wave of her servo.

"We are going. All of us," I gaped after her with optics wide in surprise.

Oh...where's the sudden motivation from? We just came back from the Decepticons and we would go to the Autobots so soon afterwards? That's an interesting and also concerning improvement.

 Mercy peeked out of the hangar with a similarly shocked expression.

"Really? All of us?" she asked.

"We shouldn't be separated, should we?" Crossflare continued to walk towards the road and I nodded, telling Miko we were ready to be bridged.

 The familiar, warm atmosphere of the Autobot base caused my fuel tank to churn in discomfort. What's with this guilty feeling? Is this how traitors usually feel? Because I felt like one right now, but I pushed these thoughts forcefully into the back of my mind, trying to ignore them.

 There were children smiling at me afterall and Bumblebee jogged closer with happy beeps, bouncing from one ped to the other. Bulkhead joined with Miko on his shoulder.

 Mercy and I were quickly trapped in a cheerful conversation and there was a roll-out plan in preparation, just a little fun outside in the mountains. I didn't notice how Crossflare went straight to Ratchet, asking about the Prime's whereabouts.

....

Crossflare POV

 I had a very good reason to come along, to let Halo and Mercy come. There was something much more at stake than they could imagine and I needed a reliable opinion. Someone who can understand such stakes, who can give me advice. The only one I could confide in was no one else but Optimus, and I hoped I would find the answers I was seeking but at the same time, I was afraid of hearing things I would rather not.

"Optimus is on patrol. But he will be back soon," Ratchet informed me, his optics observing me suspiciously, "Why do you ask? You've never been fond of him."

"Things changed. I need to talk to him," I sighed, quietly enough for him to hear but not for others.

"You look troubled," he remarked and I cast my optics down. He will learn the truth in time after I've discussed the problem with his Prime. Explanations can wait.

"That's an understatement," I turned aside, watching as the younglings opened a bridge for themselves and rolled through the portal to who knows where. It was dangerous. But I couldn't bring myself to stop them.

 The next couple of days will change our future depending on the answers I get and I was afraid my speculations and assumptions were right. Primus help me with this...

 Ratchet wanted to ask more but my withdrawn posture warned him not to press the topic any more. He will have to wait and see. Optimus and Arcee didn't make me wait long though, they returned to the base in less than ten minutes and were surprised to find me there.

"The kids are on the run, I guess?" Arcee walked up with a knowing smirk and I nodded with a resigned smile.

"Let them have fun as long as they can," I answered, then pushed myself away from the platform and I looked over to the Prime.

"Optimus, I need to have a word with you."

 He didn't answer but only nodded after a moment of silence. He sensed the tension in my posture and he immediately understood that our conversation will be anything but easygoing. Gesturing towards the corridor, he escorted me into the depths of the base where there were no prying audio receptors or optics to hear or see us.

"Is it about Halo and her last incident?" he assumed I was upset about her.

"No. I need your opinion. I can't see from a faction leader's viewpoint and therefore I'm dependent on you in our case."

 He continued to listen as we walked, slowly pacing ahead without hurry.

"I'm not going to lie, last time we disappeared, we accidentally ended up on the Decepticon warship."

 This information caused a stir in his step but he did not interrupt.

"We were kept aboard for a few days. They made it look like we were guests but I think we were prisoners. Megatron seems to be interested in us and our interactions left me confused..." I rubbed my forehead, trying to get my thoughts together. I have to tell the warlord's words correctly in order to create a clear picture for Optimus to see what I've seen.

 The Prime was listening patiently, nodding once in a while, his optics wandering away at some point as he sank into deep thoughts. I hoped he would answer me objectively, standing clear of his Autobot ideology just for this short while.

"Crossflare, it seems to me that Megatron intends to recruit you in hopes he can get to us through our connection. But even if that wasn't the true reason, he would want to enlist you simply out of vanity."

To prove that Decepticons are more appealing to Neutrals, I guess that's what he means. Rivalry between the two factions is understandable and he has a point.

"How do you see us now? What is our position in the status-quo?" I lifted my gaze to meet his and I found troubled optics looking back at me.

"I'm afraid you are no longer able to ignore us or them. These visits will not stop on either end. I know you wished to stay away from our war, but at this point you can't  back off anymore. You are forced to make decisions sooner or later."

The answer I wished not to hear. And here he was saying what I feared, what I’ve tried to avoid for so many years ever since our arrival to this planet.

"We have to choose a side," I concluded, my words hanging in the air with their weight, pressing my shoulders down.

 Optimus merely nodded, not adding anything to my statement. I think I was desperately naive when I hoped he would tell me that everything is alright and we can fall back to normal. No. There is no way back. We jumped right into the tides of war and now we have to choose a direction. The good direction, that will lead us to victory and will grant us a chance at survival.

 But which one is that?

"Crossflare, the choice is yours and we don't intend to force anything on you," Optimus put a reassuring servo on my shoulder but I didn't welcome the touch.

"I know. And I know about your ideology. I’ve heard some of your speeches. But as far as I know, the Decepticons and the Autobots hail from the same source. The difference is that they chose violence, you tried diplomacy. I can't judge which one was right, I can only see what is present now."

"I'm sure you will take your time before making such a heavy decision. Until you do, I suggest you stay isolated from us. We can't risk having you in our base without having this issue cleared," his voice gained a serious edge, and I nodded in agreement. I could understand his caution. How would he know we aren't spies for the Decepticons?

"As soon as the kids return, we are taking our leave. When we are ready, we will inform you of our decision."

.….

Mercy POV

 I had no idea what the reason was behind our sudden leave. First the abrupt "lets go visit the Autobots" and now the "come and go home immediately". Just when I was starting to have fun with the others. I even allowed the kids to sit on my wings while flying very low in the air. 

 Crossflare made me worried these days. She wasn't talking much and she was acting more nervous than ever before, like something was threatening us from the shadows. Who knows, maybe that was the case. I would have liked to know.

"Ookay, did we do something wrong, or...?" Halo put up the great question when we exited the ground-bridge and landed on the road which led straight to home.

"No, but we have something important to discuss," Crossflare walked into the yard and knelt before the house on one knee then knocked carefully on the door. Within a few moments James peeked out, not surprised to see us in front of him.

"Meeting within a few minutes. I would like both you and Amy in the hangar, if possible."

He blinked several times, a worried frown settling on his face.

"Did something happen?" he asked.

"Lets just say the consequences have caught up to us," Crossflare straightened herself and headed directly to the mentioned place with us in line behind her. We were just as confused as him.

 We stood in a circle when James and Amy arrived. The tension in the air was almost touchable. Halo dropped herself on a container and folded her arms, her optics focusing on CF intently. I shifted my weight nervously from one ped to the other and absent-mindedly fidgeted with my fingers.

"Okay, we are listening CF," James put his hands in his pockets, trying to look at ease. Amy was less good at hiding her uneasy feelings.

...

Crossflare POV

 I wished I could spare them from the bad news. But this had to be done. We screwed up. They had the right to know what comes next.

"Good. What I say now will determine our future," I started, making all eyebrows arch high, "I spoke to Optimus and he verified my suspicions. James, you can already guess."

"No...you are telling me...?” he buried his face in one hand, fearing to hear what was coming.

"Yes, I am. Accidentally or intentionally, it doesn't matter anymore because we managed to gain attention from both factions and now we must choose. There is no way back."

 My words were followed by shocked silence, everybody exchanging glances of disbelief and uncertainty. Saying such things in this place felt like sacrilege, since our home has always been a safe haven for years that kept us hidden from the war. To be honest I’ve never imagined that I will ever announce this. But it was foolish to think that things don't change. Change is the only constant law in this universe.

"Is this my fault?!" Halo threw her servos in the air with an angry and pained growl, "Yes, it is! I should've known!"

"Halo, this is no one's fault. If we have to blame someone, it's me because I let it happen," I stopped her by raising a servo in warning and she slumped her shoulders in a guilty manner.

"But still...I was the one breaking the rules," she muttered, "I'm so sorry girls...."

"Is this true? Is there no way back? Make things right? Retreat into the shadows like we did before?" Mercy tried to find the slightest ray of hope and I sadly looked in her direction, shaking my head.

"We have some time. The Autobots are not hurrying us, but who knows what the Decepticons are up to right now. They haven't shown up since we left but I'm sure they will."

"Does this mean that you will leave us?" Amy asked carefully, the disappointment and unease clear in her voice.

"Probably. If we join the war we are not going to pull you two into it with us. You have done more than enough to protect us. Admirable loyalty and care from a human couple. We are grateful,” I knelt beside them, petting their heads gently.

"Girls, you make me feel old," James chuckled and patted my hand, pretending not to show how it pained him to hear such things from us, "And I don't like the fact that I have to let you join some strangers who I don't even know! I want to make sure you are taken care of as you should be!" 

"Sorry dad," Halo shrugged with a sad smile on her face, "Kids grow up and fly out of the nest at some point.”

"Are you sure there is no other way?" Amy tried, looking at me in despair and hope.

"No. I'm sorry."

The silence this time grew longer than comfortable. No one had any will to speak up and I found it adequate to call it for a night, dismissing everyone.

 All of us retreated into our stations quietly, our humans staying just a few minutes longer before they left. Maybe this wasn't the best way to end a meeting but what else could I do? Telling them such things was hard enough on its own, dealing with their questions would only be harder.

 Folding into my alt-mode and about to power down, I caught Halo's monologue from her station and I listened intently as she cursed herself quietly.

"Again, I did a great job at ruining everything. This is all my fault, I shouldn't have chased my own stupid ideas...stupid, stupid, stupid...." 

 I wanted to speak up, calm her and tell her to end this nonsense but then I simply silenced myself. She was rightfully angry at herself and she must learn from what happened. The peaceful era we have been living in soon ends forever.

 And we will enter the tides of war.

 I did the math, played with theories, trying to find a way I could've prevented this outcome, but in the end it was all pointless because nothing could change our current situation. We are already too deep down the rabbit hole as the humans say.

 The following day started just as silently as the former ended, all of us visiting the wash-racks quietly, deep in thoughts. Mercy had something to say, I could see her nervous fidgeting and how she glanced in my direction from time to time. I can't ignore her forever, can I?

"What is it?" I asked, rubbing my shoulder-armor with a wet towel, noting how I missed the scars that used to decorate my chassis all around. They always reminded me of the fact that there are things that can't and won't ever heal. Interesting how you can make them disappear with one single cosmetic session.

"Um...I've been wondering if you have already decided which side to join," she muttered and both Halo and I were taken aback by the question.

"This is not a choice I can make on my own," I shook my head, "We decide in unison."

"Okay....then should we vote?" Halo suggested.

"No, this is more complicated than that!" I growled disapprovingly. Why do I have to lecture them about such things? Can't they feel the weight of this question? Choosing a side in a war can't be compared to our everyday choices and can't be taken lightly either, "We must list the pros and cons of both factions. The one which has more chance to win will be our side. I won't drag you into a faction that will be doomed in the end so we are going to choose wisely. You two must recall everything you've seen in the Autobot base and on the Nemesis and we have to compare the two."

"Oh...that sounds...rational?” Halo scratched the back of her head awkwardly, "You have a point."

 Following my own advice, I spent the rest of the day in front of my computers, collecting all the information I remembered in a file. Halo and Mercy added one or two things here and there but the picture was far from complete. We will need more time to digest and analyze what we've seen and make conclusions. To make my friends useful, I sent them to the previous coordinates we have found energon at and told them to bring back as many crystals as they can find.

 Soon, we won't be on short supplies. Small convenience, and I would still rather choose neutrality over prosperity.

 Rubbing my forehead in exhaustion, I showed the datapad to Amy who quickly read it and frowned in deep concentration. She had a day-off and James was out in town. I was curious about her opinion so I sat beside her and waited for her to speak up.

"Hm...looking at this list, the Decepticons seem more likely to win but the Autobots are much more likable."

"Then we agree," I huffed, turning off the datapad and putting it aside, "This is tougher than I first thought."

"You know, it's said you must follow your heart. I know you have a spark and not a heart but the point remains the same," she looked up at me with an encouraging smile and I sadly averted my optics.

"If it was that easy....Amy, you've never been in a war. War is not fair."

"Right, but that doesn't mean you don't have a choice."

"We have a choice. But only one. And that one should be a good one. I can't risk getting Mercy or Halo killed. This choice must be for the best for all of us...I'm not good enough to make such a choice..."

"Oh, don't you start this!" she pointed a strict finger in my direction, "You are more than good enough!"

"Look, I haven't been able to protect them. They fell victim to incidents like..."

"By their fault! Sometimes we don't have complete control over situations, it happens. But don't you blame yourself for their recklessness!"

 I fell into silence, keeping my mouth tightly shut. She could not comprehend the weight of my responsibility and my failure was more than just recklessness. If I could turn back time...

 Suddenly a loud roar snapped us out of conversation and I looked up with a very suspicious frown. A car's engine. But it was powerful enough to send a soft tremor through my circuits. Nothing like a human made car could do. My spark missed a pulse. This can't mean anything good.

 I jumped onto my pedes, making Amy spring away in fright and I rushed out to face the suspected enemy, ready for anything if said newcomer had any intentions to hurt our humans or this place.

 The engine kept revving and I already had a very good guess in mind before I got a glimpse of the unexpected guest. Of course it’s him, who else could it be?

"And I almost thought that no one was at home," Knock Out chuckled, calmly waiting on the road in his alt-mode as if he had nothing better to do.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed, trying to stand in a way he couldn't see Amy but the small female was too curious, forgetting all caution and ran forward in awe.

"Is that...is that what I think it is?" she pointed in the red car's direction and I nodded, sending her a glance of warning not to approach him at any cost.

"That? That?! I'm not an 'it' you vermin!" the mech suddenly unfolded and stood on both pedes, towering to his full height, about the same height as me. Maybe a little bit taller. He didn't look pleased and in fact he looked like he was about to kick into my human companion which I wasn't going to let happen and I snatched Amy up, lifting her carefully close to my chest.

"Keep your distance!" I warned him, trying to scare him off with a gaze able to kill but he didn't waver.

"My apologies," he dusted his chassis with a casual wave of his servo. That apology sounded like the exact opposite and I wondered why he even came here with such an attitude.

"I have very bad experience with humans, can't help it," he added, casting a disgusted grimace in Amy's way before his attention focused on me again.

 Oh...right. The incident with Breakdown. I remember his resentment towards this species who dissected his friend in the name of science. Truly horrible and I can sympathize but that doesn't mean I will tolerate his rude behavior to my humans.

"This one is mine. Be nice to her or I'm not talking to you," I placed the woman on my shoulder and I could hear her frightened rapid breathing. I guess he managed to scare her significantly.

 He raised an eyebrow and his mouth pressed into a thin line, calculating his options. He better be nice. I'm not taking such things lightly.

"Are all males of your race this...aggressive?" Amy whispered into my audio receptor. I ignored her question and decided to talk things over with her later. A Decepticon was at our door and he surely had a good reason to come.

"Why are you here?" I wasn't beating around the bush and he stiffened slightly before putting his servos on his hips.

"No need to be so defensive, I came in peace," Knock Out pretended to look innocent but I wasn't convinced.

"Sure."

"Actually, I was driving around, hoping to find some entertainment and I was lucky to catch a conversation about a race just two miles away. I dropped by to ask if any of you were in the mood to join?" he flashed a wide smirk at me and I stared at him like he had suddenly grown two heads.

"What...how..." I mumbled, utterly confused. He just rolled up to our house with the intention to ask 'hey ladies, wanna race?'. That's absurd, even from him. There must be something else in store.

"Wait!" I held a servo up and my optics flashed in warning, "You want to separate us so you and your comrades could catch us one by one? Is that your plan? That’s why you came here?”

 Knock Out blinked once in silence, then twice, then he started laughing. I had no idea what was so funny but I suddenly felt a very strong urge to slap him in the face.

"That sounds ridiculous! What would be the point? No offense, but together or separated, either way, it wouldn't be hard to abduct you three."

 In spite of how his words created this awful feeling in my spark, I knew he was right. We wouldn't be able to resist or protest in any way if they decided to use force. But I had no idea what to expect, what to await...I was scared of what was about to come.

 Our future was so unsure, so fragile and unstable. I wasn't able to predict anything anymore and I hated this feeling of helplessness.

"Khm...there is nothing to be afraid of. Everybody deserves a small break, and I’m taking advantage of mine, so why not come?" he realized he said something that troubles me and quickly tried to get back to the original topic.

"I don't trust you. And I'm not into races," I replied curtly.

"Ouch," he pouted, then shrugged nonchalantly, "Then I ask Halo, she might be interested..."

"No! I'm coming!" I stepped forward, changing my mind awfully quickly. I hated how he manipulated the whole conversation but if there is one thing I can do then I will keep him far from my friends.

"Oh, but you just said you hate races?” Knock Out had this annoying triumphant smile on his face which I really wanted to erase with a punch. Lucky for him I've got an incredible grip on my temper.

"I don't hate races, I've just....never participated in one before," I sighed in resignation, knowing that this can only get worse at this point.

....

Mercy POV

 The tremor shook the ground and all I heard was Halo's yell from the other side of the small cave. In the next second I was already flying through the narrow tunnel at full speed with my wings drawn close to my body. The ceiling was coming down in pieces, debris bouncing off the surface of my armor. Leaving thick dust in my wake, I stormed into the open area. Halo caught me mid-flight and we rolled over from the impact until we came to a halt at the opposite wall. The crash-land was painful but my processor wasn't registering any damage save from a few scars and a light dent in my side.

 I coughed and pushed my friend aside, forcing myself onto my pedes with a dizzy head. My servos found the rough wall and I supported myself through my first few steps until the dust settled and the scenery of a collapsed passage came into view. Slumping my shoulders, I exhaled in disappointment.

"That was the last mineable room...."

 Halo struggled onto her knees, coughing rapidly. She was covered in dirt from head to ped and I probably wasn't better off either.

"Well, there are always other mines..." she limped next to me, wiping her face with both servos but she only made it look messier.

 I checked my inner chronometer. It was getting late and Crossflare didn't like us arriving after dark has fallen. Our entire work was trapped under the debris and we had no chance to get anything out. What was the point in staying any longer?

 Halo kicked into a rock in frustration, then turned around and headed straight towards the tunnel leading outside. I followed her without a word and we climbed out. We were greeted by the setting crimson colored sun on the horizon and a small smile appeared on my face. No matter how many times you see a sunset on this planet, you can't compare it to anything else. The vivid, warm colors and the darkening landscape always trapped me in awe. Cybertron had only a few places where sunset was something to be seen and I know this mostly from gossip. I've never seen a nice one before. And I might never will.

"We gotta go home with bad news," Halo huffed and stretched her arms, "Let's hope CF is in a good mood."

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV

"Did I make a mistake?" I wondered mentally. I've regretted my decision a thousand times during the last ten minutes and it felt like I just walked voluntarily into a trap. I had every right to be anxious.

 Knock Out was driving in front of me, faster than the pace I'm used to, but slow enough for me to keep up with him. We were heading east and the setting sun cast long shadows ahead of us on the dusty road. The terrain was tinted with orange and amber and it made me wonder how much our flashy paintjobs stood out from the distance.

 I turned my rearview-mirror to see behind my back, for the fifth time so far, and while I was aware that I can't see my home from here, I still kept looking. Leaving the house behind like that was so unlike me. I can only hope everything will be fine when I return.

Taking the next turn, we headed towards the hills and mountains where a town appeared in the distance. I knew this place but I rarely paid a visit.

Thinking back to the recent topic that has been clouding my processor, I mused over the implications of this ‘hang-out’. What would Team Prime say seeing this?

"Don't you worry that your location would be detected by the Autobots?" I asked suddenly, breaking the silence that has settled on us for a while.

"Not really. I've raced all around the continent before and they’ve never come to stop me." 

"What if they did now...?" I thought, but kept such musings to myself and asked something else:

"Wouldn’t your friend come along to race with you?" 

"Breakdown? Nah. He’s not fond of it. Never been. Besides, he is the one who covers for me while I'm out, I need his help aboard the ship," Knock Out replied.

"Covers for you? Are you sneaking out without permission?" that one caught me off-guard.

"Well, racing isn't exactly on my official schedule, as you can guess. So I sneak out whenever I find a quiet moment and nobody would notice."

"And you leave poor Breakdown behind to cover for you," I chided him with a sigh. If I were in bi-pedal mode, I would shake my head.

"What are friends for, if not to have your back, my dear?" he laughed light-heartedly, but as always, I didn't find his train of thought funny. He had a very questionable morality based on his remarks. The way he spoke of other people made me slightly troubled. So I kept my mouth shut, dismissing it as a rhetorical question.

 As we approached our destination, I got a glimpse of many cars parking under a bridge over a ‘U’ shaped tunnel. Some of them had uniquely designed sports-cars with colorful paintjobs. Humans chatted in groups around the vehicles and their carefree laughter somehow made me feel like I'm already an outsider.

"Knock Out....Knock Out!" I hissed as quietly as possible and slowed down behind his back before we rolled too close.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" he asked, moderating his speed as well.

"Do you have a hologram? We can't just show up without a driver!" I was sure a Decepticon would never bother to think of that but I couldn't be careless like them.

"I don't need one, my windows are dark enough not to see inside," the mech chuckled, clearly amused by my worries.

"Good for you, but I need it," I activated mine and it flickered to life. It was a young woman with shoulder long chocolate brown hair and green eyes. The most average appearance you could find around here. Maybe she was a bit stiff so I added a little bit more life into her by moving her eyes and head like she was looking around. It's pretty hard to use such holograms and pay attention to your environment at the same time so I almost bumped into Knock Out's rear when he came to a halt.

 An incoming message popped up in my processor then, and asked for permission on a short frequency channel. I hesitantly accepted it, transmitting my comm-number. A new contact number appeared on my list in response with Knock Out's smug face as a small icon paired with it. Great, now we have access to each other's comm-links. I don’t know if it's for the better or the worse.

"Don't you want to scan a better running alt-mode?" he asked through the comm and the question surprised me more than it should have.

"What do you mean?"

"A car with better aerodynamics goes faster."

"That might be true, but I'm fine with what I have. Anyway, can't I just sit here and watch you win? Seriously, I'm not sure this is going to work for me."

"Hey, no venture no gain!" he rolled up behind the other vehicles already in line and I followed reluctantly. I wasn't familiar with these circumstances. Back in the day, I rarely took part in competitions of any kind, and even if I did, I wasn't among the talented ones who had a chance of winning. Games, races, fun....these were alien concepts to me. Participating in them made me nervous and agitated. I wanted it to be over as quickly as possible.

 The noise, including excited human chatter and car engines, got louder by the second as I wondered how I could possibly make an escape from a situation like this. Knock Out revved his engine loudly, as if he was ready to surge forward in any second. Of course he wanted to be the loudest. Typical domineering mech attitude. And I wasn't going to admit that the sound automatically powered up my own engine’s sound as well. Stupid instincts.

 My spark began to race like crazy. Oh Solus, I shouldn't have agreed to this. If I get to live this through, I swear... 

 A young woman standing on the front abruptly dropped the sign and the cars broke out of their places. The impulse itself was enough to thrust me forward and force me on the track to follow the others.

 How did Knock Out enjoy this? Surely he has self-preservation instincts too? Or am I the one with too many fears coded in my processor?

 My companion overtook the cars in front of him from right and left and gradually increased his speed, slowly getting out of my sight in the next turn.

"Where are you?" he suddenly asked through the comm and I growled in discomfort. I was trying to concentrate here.

"I'm at the rear....trying not to get myself killed."

"Oh come on! Speed up, you know our engines are a lot more powerful than theirs!"

"I know but I can't risk..."

"Are we racing or not, femme? Just chill and catch up to me. I'm showing you how it's done," he was getting impatient and I reluctantly increased my speed, overtaking one car in front of me from the right. Oh, I'm going to regret this so much...

 The road stretched into a conveniently straight line and I took my chances. I sped up and tried to get behind Knock Out. It took me a few seconds but I was there, much to the surprise of many humans. They had no idea I was no average car and my driver was no human at all.

"Took a while," he mocked.

"I told you I'm not an experienced racer. I never drive at a speed like this! It's dangerous!" I defended myself with a huff and he laughed out loud, much to my embarrassment.

"Seriously, you need to let go, dear. Try to catch up!" Knock Out unexpectedly accelerated, creating a great distance between us once again. I struggled to do the same and show him I wasn't a helpless mess on the road. Our surroundings and the landscape outside my windows lost its shape, the lights stretched into long strikes as if I was in another universe without a solid environment. The sound of his roaring engine was all that filled the air as he tried to dominate the track, keeping me strictly behind himself.

 There was a turn ahead and I slowed down, ignoring his complaints. Race or not, I'm doing it carefully. We were closing in on the finish line where the humans were shouting loudly while waving their arms in excitement, waiting for the winner to cross the line. There was no doubt that Knock Out would be the winning one.

 I moderated my speed but Knock Out still drove ahead as if the finish line wouldn't stop him.

"Knock Out, it's time you slow down, there are humans over there..." I warned him in concern.

"They have legs, they can run away," he responded and I could've sworn he was grinning.

"Wait! Don't hurt them!" I pressed on my breaks and I watched in horror as he zoomed past the finish line. The humans jumped aside barely in time. He spun around before he came to a halt way behind the human crowd, leaving black tracks in his wake.

"Did you see that?!" he exclaimed loudly and I needed a moment to find my voice. 

"Yes...you almost hit them!" I roared angrily, feeling the urge to transform to bi-pedal mode and slap him in the face.

"I told you they have legs. And see, they moved away," he chuckled, absolutely ignoring my fury. Before I could have responded with something rude, humans gathered around him and cheered, celebrating the winner. 

"Thank you, thank you, autographs next time," Knock Out started his engine and carefully rolled forward, driving up beside me. I think he sensed my shock because he started explaining as we drove away from the scene:

"I usually don't hurt these fleshies, save for those who hurt me first. They keep me entertained. If they give no reason, I don’t do anything to them."

"That sounds....surprisingly decent compared to your display from before," I mumbled, unsure whether to mark this experience positive or negative.

"Your human called me an ‘it’ while knowing I was a sentient being. It was rude. Of course I got angry."

"Then practice some patience with her as well from now on."

 Suddenly our link was cut when Knock Out got another incoming call. I questioningly tilted my rearview-mirrors in his direction.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed this trip, but I must return to the ship now or I’ll be busted," Knock Out excused himself curtly and drove away, disappearing from my sight in a ground-bridge portal ahead on the road.

 Taking it as my cue to return home, I mused over what to think of this experience. It wasn't particularly bad, especially when compared to what I expected, but it wasn't the best outside trip I’ve ever did in my 

life.

 Somewhere between the two. To be honest, I expected something worse, like an accident, a collision, humans revealing our secret and such things. But none of that happened and I was quite impressed with how Knock Out behaved in a human filled environment, contrary to how he behaved with Amy just before.

 He was full of contradictions….

 Then I looked up at the horizon and realized that night has fallen and I have been away from home for longer than intended.

Halo POV

James was pacing nervously outside and I checked my inner chronometer for the twentieth time now. It was unusual for Crossflare to disappear without contacting us and she always makes sure she comes home before night falls. 

 The whole story Amy just told us sounded alarming, so I wasn't sure what to do. When her fiancé arrived home, she tackled him with the news and James immediately called CF to make sure she was okay. But she wasn't picking up, her comm was busy with another call from someone else.

 Mercy and I exchanged helpless glances and eventually settled down  for the time being and had a glass of energon for dinner. We were too exhausted to deal with anything else at the moment.

 However, the moment CF's engine sounded from the distance all of us jumped at the ready and ran outside to the main road, watching Crossflare’s arrival with mixed feelings. She transformed when she reached the yard and raised both servos in a defensive manner.

"I know, I know. You all have questions."

"Yeah, like where have you been and why did you go with KO and such things," I pointed out with a curious raise of my eyebrow. Mercy nodded along on my side.

"And who is this Decepticon and what did he want and where did he take you?" James continued with his own list of questions.

"Well...Knock Out hadn't got better things to do and he wouldn't go away until someone races with him so I went along and here I am now. I’ll tell the details later, now I'm too tired for this," she lowered her servos and sighed. She clearly wasn't in the mood to tell more and that frustrated me. She is keeping so many things to herself nowadays!

"CF, why was he here? For real. I want to know,” James stood in her way, stopping her attempt to leave towards the hangar.

 Crossflare looked down at him in silence. Her expression unfathomable.

"I don’t know. Truly," she answered quietly, then stepped over his tiny form and left us all behind for good.

 I put my servos on my hips and shot a very suspicious frown in Mercy's way. She stared back in concern.

"Shouldn't we leave her alone?"

"No! I don’t like it when she shuts us out! Here we are with a huge decision ahead of us and she won’t talk to us? Unacceptable!" I clenched my fists and stomped after my plum colored friend with a determined expression, ready for a conflict. I heard Mercy hurrying after me.

“Halo, let's think about this first…” she tried but failed to get my attention.

"CF, you can't do this now! What was this all about? Are we making friends with the Decepticons?" I inquired forcefully as I caught up with her behind the hangar and I heard her sigh and mumble something to herself.

 Crossflare sat down on the small hill and pulled her knees up to her chest. I dropped down beside her and Mercy did the same on our friend's other side. We sat together in silence, undisturbed, joined by our human companies at our pedes. Crossflare turned her gaze up towards the sky which was decorated with millions of stars and constellations as the night settled in darker.

"Girls...we shouldn't let anyone manipulate us," she whispered and we stared at her questioningly, waiting for some kind of explanation but she stayed silent.

"What are you talking about?" Mercy asked quietly.

"Both sides would win something with us. But I don't want any of you to suffer because of a bad choice. We can’t be choosing naively. You saw the lists we made. All rationality says the Decepticons would be the winning faction but my spark tells me to choose the Autobots because that's the right thing to do."

 Silence followed her statements and I nodded slowly because I couldn't agree more. Yes, I've also thought about this: Decepticons had all the tools, the numbers, everything to win. Yet, for some reason they couldn't take a small team of Autobots down and that must be due to the cohesion between the team members. Optimus and the others were not an army, they were a family. They cared for each other, they protected each other. It was something important and powerful which was absent from the Decepticons.

"Then let's do what's right to do," Mercy spoke up and we both looked at her in surprise. She wasn’t the one usually making the first vote. Her confident smile spoke of another thing though, like she had just made up her mind, "Power is not in the numbers of our enemies but in the trust of our comrades. If I want to be honest, I felt more welcomed and appreciated at the Autobot base, unlike at the Decepticon ship."

 Crossflare seemed to be doubtful and concerned so I straightened myself, put on a brave face and hit a fist against my chestplate: 

"She is right! We follow the right path! Numbers mean nothing as long as we are together!"

 Crossflare couldn't hold back a soft smile and she shook her head and huffed in resignation.

"Autobots then?" James asked, seemingly satisfied with where the conversation was going and Amy hugged him from the side with a big smile.

"Autobots then," we nodded in unison, determined and confident, as the weight of our choice settled in our sparks.

 Neither of us noticed a small bird-like drone soaring over the sky above us.

Mercy POV

 I've never been so excited in all my life before. After we chose a quiet and safe enough place in a relatively close forest, we called Miko to give a message to Optimus. We wanted to have an audience with him and I think Miko knew well what the whole privacy and secrecy was all about because she sounded cheerful and happy when she ran up to the Prime with her phone.

 While waiting for them to open a ground bridge I bounced from one leg to the other, giggling light-heartedly. The thought of belonging to people soon caused this joyful feeling in my spark. New friends, new chances, and many new memories ahead! And finally it will be allowed to hang out, to share old secrets and make new ones. I didn't even think about the negative side of our decision, like the consequences and struggles of war - that part I still haven’t comprehended fully yet. I refused to believe anything bad could come out of this.

 Halo was grinning at me from her spot beside a tree as she leaned against it in a casual manner. She shared my enthusiasm but in a calmer way. Crossflare stood between us with her arms folded and her expression firm yet calm in spite of the seriousness of the situation.

 The portal appeared suddenly out of nowhere, making my spark jump in excitement. This is it! We are finally meeting them to tell them our decision!

 A moment later the familiar, well-known figure of the Prime stepped through and greeted us with a smile of his own, seemingly hopeful at our sight. He was flanked by Ratchet on his right and Arcee on his left.

 Halo pushed herself away from the tree and stood tall beside us, straightening her back and looking confident with that satisfied smirk of hers.

"Welcome, Optimus. The reason I called you here is the fact that we have finally made our choice," Crossflare started, her expression neutral.

 I could see Arcee's brows arch higher and a smile curling at the corner of her lips. Ratchet on the other hand frowned in concentration, snapping his gaze from one of us to the other with a judgmental stare.

"After taking everything into consideration, we decided to...." Crossflare continued on, but she couldn't end her sentence because she was taken down by a shot. 

 It happened in a second.

 I remember watching her figure fall with my optics wide and a cycle of air caught in my throat. My spark missed a pulse and time seemed to stand by for the moment she crashed against the ground and we cried out her name at once. Halo clenched her fists and her shocked expression transformed into betrayal and rage as she turned in the direction of where the shot came from.

 The last thing I saw were the Autobots standing with their blasters and blades ready before an explosion between our groups blinded everybody and I hit the ground as well with a painful cry. Flames reached up high and smoke filled the air. I clawed into Crossflare's arm who was trying to get up, coughing rapidly and holding her other servo on the left side of her chest. There was a burn mark under her servo and I choked on my breath at the sight.

"Don’t let them….!" the Prime’s commanding voice came from somewhere farther behind us. It made a terrible shiver run down my spine.

"...cy! Mercy!!!" I was shaken back to my senses by Crossflare who was back on her pedes, struggling and staggering, but still had the strength to pull me away from the burning trees.

 I nodded shakily, signing that I heard her and she grabbed my wrist and pushed Halo forward, breaking into a run away from the scene. Blasts hit the trees and the ground beside us as we made an escape and we soon reached out of the shooting range.

"CF what happened?!" Halo transformed into her alt-mode and drove forward at higher speed, making zig-zags around the trees and bushes with a precision I've never seen her accomplish before.

"A...a trap....kh...akhh..." she coughed, her steps getting unstable and wobbly as she eventually stumbled forward. I caught her just in time and let her weigh on my shoulder. Her frame was tense, stiff and trembling. The burning hole on her upper armor looked terrible and felt hot to the touch. She was probably in a lot of pain.

"T-they.....deceived us...khh, khg..." her words stung my spark and I stared at her in disbelief, then at Halo who came to a halt beside us, kicking up the dust.

 I didn’t want to believe what they were implying.

"No! Why would they! This must be a misunderstanding!" I cried out in despair and denial.

"The shot came from their direction!" Halo snapped as she transformed back to bi-pedal mode and my grip tightened around Crossflare when my optics fell on the small tears at the corner of Halo's optics. No, that can't be. The Autobots would never...

"I don't get it either...." Halo’s voice trailed off, trying to find the good words and stop her tears, "I thought they liked us. I thought we were friends.”

"It doesn't matter what we think anymore," Crossflare wiped her mouth where she leaked energon and straightened herself as much as she could, "We have to get out of here before they follow us."

"But..." I was still unable to believe them. This was absurd. Impossible. Optimus would never hurt us, nor the others from his team. What would change their minds so suddenly? Why would they want to offline us now? Now, when we were about to join them?

"No time for arguments, Mercy!" Crossflare started ahead and I followed after her and Halo. We skidded down a sharp angled hill and hid under a large cliff. We cuddled close to each other and Crossflare pressed a servo to her burning wound with a hiss.

Another explosion shook the ground and I hugged myself tighter while my spark picked up a quicker pace. Why was this happening to us?

"What now?" Halo mumbled quietly and we both stared at our older friend helplessly, unsure.

 She closed her optics in remorse and reached to her comm-link with her other servo. We watched her in tense silence. She was hesitating. Then she hardened her expression and made the call.

"Hello? Missed me already?" an exceptionally smug voice responded.

"Knock Out...I need your help..."

Halo POV 

"How unfortunate. Prime is not exactly the aggressive type," Megatron commented with an amused chuckle and I grimaced behind his back. I didn't like that tone in his voice. It sounded like he knew something. 

 The three of us plus Knock Out and Megatron were present in the med-bay. The medic immediately sent a ground-bridge for us when we called for help. The warlord of course wished to see and know what exactly happened and also demanded an explanation. So we told him what happened, leaving out the main reason for the meeting itself. We didn't want him treating us as enemies.

 Crossflare winced once in a while but didn't make any sound while Knock Out was busy trying to fix her wound. Her burned upper armor was taken off and she sat strictly in a position no one could take a glimpse at her uncovered front except the medic himself.

 Knock Out mumbled something like his hard work on her had already been destroyed but CF said nothing to him. Her optics were focused on something else in the distance, her thoughts completely elsewhere.

 Mercy hiccuped again and I looked down at her. She was sitting on the floor beside me, slightly calmer than before but still wiping the rest of her tears. She wasn't taking the whole situation very well.

"It might be a misunderstanding," I spoke up, earning attention from everyone, "I mean, we can't be sure they were trying to hurt us."

"So shooting your friend is not considered hurting someone?" Knock Out pointed at Crossflare while sending an 'are you really that dumb?' look in my way.

"I-I don't know! They have never acted like this before! Why would they?" I snapped back, throwing my servos up in the air.

"Make no mistake femme, the Autobots, as friendly as they try to appear, also have energon stained servos. They can be just as ruthless as we are, for their own cause," Megatron put a servo on his hip as he turned in my way and I frowned at him with displeased optics.

"That doesn't exclude you, does it?" I bit back bitterly.

"No, it doesn't," he admitted, actually surprising me with such a calm answer, "But we Decepticons don’t tend to act like we have committed nothing wrong."

 I fell into silence and glanced in Crossflare's direction, seeking for help, but she only cast her optics down and shook her helm.

Maybe it would be better if I just shut my big mouth now before I escalated things.

"My apologies," I hissed quietly and clasped my servos behind my back in a guilty manner.

 Megatron simply nodded, his heavy gaze not leaving me until he turned to leave. His mighty steps echoed back from the walls as he went for the door. He casually called back over his shoulder before he disappeared from our sight:

"You three may stay for the time being, but you are not allowed to go anywhere without supervision anymore."

 Almost as if on cue, Soundwave stepped in and replaced his Lord without a word. The door shut behind him and the silent mech swept his invisible gaze over us. He didn't make a move in any direction. I guess we just got someone to guard us. A creepy guard. Great…

 I glanced down at Mercy and noticed that she wasn’t sobbing anymore but listening and looking intently, more or less in Soundwave's direction. I had no idea what she saw in him, but now it started to bug me. Mercy was known to be too eager to offer her naive trust to anyone who has ever shown any form of kindness to her so I can only assume what this mech did to earn her dedicated attention.

 Creepy.

"Thank you, but that's enough," Crossflare's voice shook me out of my musings and I saw her hop off the table she has been sitting on, pushing Knock Out out of the way.

"Hey, I'm not done yet! Don't put that back, it's of no use anymore!" the medic was of course angry to be shoved away like that but he couldn't stop my friend from placing her upper armor back, the clicking sound signaling that it fit back to place just right. She seemed to ignore the black edged hole in it, like it wasn't even there.

 Crossflare turned in our way without minding Knock Out's complaints. Mercy stood up and dusted herself, her hopeful gaze clinging to our friend with desperation. Maybe CF knows what to do, what's the next step. She always did.

"We must return home," she stated firmly, surprising me and Mercy as well, "I can only hope James and Amy are alright."

 Oh. The thought hit me in the chest like a punch. Who knows what happened after we lost sight of the Autobots? What if their next destination was our home right after they realized they can't find us? What if...? No! How can I even think of such things? This is not right! The Autobots wouldn't hurt humans! Miko and the others wouldn't let them do anything bad, would they?

 I wasn’t so sure anymore.

"We need a bridge Soundwave," Crossflare walked up to the mech without fear and the silent con nodded without much resistance.

"Are you sure you are..." Knock Out started but my friend's cold glare silenced him mid-sentence.

"Enough. Mind your own business," she hissed, before turning back to us and the portal opened in the middle of the room.

 Okay, even I admit that was really rude. The face Knock Out made told it all and I would have laughed at his expression if I wasn't concentrating on following my friend quickly through the ground-bridge. Crossflare was in no good mood, I could see and understand that, but she was the one calling the medic for help - and he helped without a single complaint - so her current behavior was making me confused. Shouldn't we be grateful?

 Warm sunlight greeted us on the other side and I sighed in relief at the peaceful sight of our home. Nothing seemed amiss, damaged or messed up, so a big smile immediately crept to my face.

"Never in better shape!"

"It seems they didn't pay a visit," Crossflare also let out a relieved sigh, running a hand over the roof of the wooden house and she stopped for a moment, "Maybe I thought too much into the whole incident..."

"I don't see why you would even think about such things," Mercy spoke up from behind me, "Optimus and the others always respected our choices, decisions and the discretion of our home too."

"Right, but how do you explain..." I turned towards her, only to stop and gasp when I realized she was standing beside Soundwave. How did he get here?!

"Soundwave?" Crossflare wasn't exactly happy to see him here either and she frowned in suspicion, "Why did you follow us?"

"Not allowed to go anywhere without supervision," he replayed Megatron's words and we all stared at him in shock and disbelief.

"I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it this way!" I snapped and folded my arms, "On the ship I can see why but we don't need monitoring here! Go home!"

"Maybe he just wants to make sure we won't get attacked again?" Mercy pointed out, sending a questioning glance in his direction.

"We don't need a Decepticon's protection Mercy. It would suggest that we are affiliated with them," Crossflare seemed to agree with me.

"Then why did we call Knock Out?" Mercy’s question came out innocently, but she hit the nail in the head and my confidence instantly vaporized. Slowly turning my helm in Crossflare's direction, I suddenly questioned all of our previous actions. Were we lying to ourselves? Or was this the inevitable outcome? Were we victims or the party at fault?

 Crossflare seemed to realize her own mistake as her optics widened for a second, then she closed them and rubbed her forehead, trying to think of a suitable answer.

"Listen, this is complicated and I...." she started, but she was interrupted as we heard steps approaching and they were too heavy to be caused by humans. Spinning around, we all stared in shock at a familiar blue armored short femme coming in our way from the hangar while talking to our human company, Amy, who was probably the only one at home.

 What was Arcee doing here?!

 In the next moment both of them noticed us and before any of them could greet us in relief, they realized we had an outstanding company. There was no time for quick explanations, Arcee shoved her blasters in our face faster than any of us could react.

"I should have known!" she hissed, her optics burning holes into Soundwave, who stood in absolute stillness as if her sudden appearance didn't even surprise him. Maybe it truly didn't, no one could tell.

"Wait, wait, hold on! We can explain!" I held my servos up, trying to get Arcee's attention but she only glanced in my way for a sec before she focused on Soundwave again. Amy slowly retreated, holding both of her hands up innocently and she wisely chose the back-door to get away. At least she won't be in the way.

"Surely you can. A Decepticon at your side explains more I was curious about."

"This is a misunderstanding," Crossflare stepped in the femme's direction, keeping her calm as much as she was able in this situation but Arcee was too tense to listen.

 Mercy caught her nervous gaze from the Autobot to the Decepticon at her side, torn between messy emotions, thoughts and possible decisions. For some reason I could relate to her. I had no idea what to do because whatever I do or say now will cost us dearly: our alliance will be settled here once and for all, I was sure of it.

"So you mean, you three hanging out with the Decepticon Communications Chief after the attack today is not more than enough proof of the secret alliance you’ve been hiding?" Arcee was quite intimidating when she wanted to be, her small size ignorable compared to the hostile aura she emitted.

"Secret alliance...?" Crossflare repeated, her thoughts circling wildly to put the picture together while Arcee quickly put a servo to her comm-link , probably calling the base.

 Scrap.

"Whoa wait! Were you testing us?!" I snapped, pointing an accusing digit at her but she was already backing away and ignoring me completely.

"Yes, it's what Ratchet has suspected. Soundwave is here with them. Send a bridge to my location," she was talking loudly enough for us to hear her every single word and they all punched me in the face. What? So Ratchet was suspicious of us? Did they truly believe that we are Decepticon spies? That we lied to them all along? 

"I thought you trust us!" I yelled after her, fury, disappointment and a small blink of hope boiling inside me. Why did things turn this way? I didn't want this. Isn’t there a way to fix this?

"And I thought you were playing fair," she answered, her gaze mirroring the anger and betrayal of mine, then she disappeared into the portal and we were left behind with whirling emotions and conflict in our sparks.

"Frag it all!" I kicked into the closest container and sent it flying over the yard. Why did things go wrong? We had so much fun together! I've never laughed this much in a millennia! I was feeling at ease with the Autobots, with the kids... Why couldn't they trust us? What wrong did we do?!

 I continued the rampage, kicking and punching things that stood in my way, until Crossflare put a stop to it.

"Enough of this Halo, this won't help us now."

 I clenched my fists and took a deep intake. My whole frame was tense and hot from anger. This was my fault. I knew it. Who else was to blame? I felt the responsibility weigh on my shoulders and I didn't want the burden. I never wanted to get my friends involved in this mess. If I listened to Crossflare and my processor instead of my stupidity, I wouldn't be in this situation right now!

 But...I thought I'd made friends with the Autobots. We saved Optimus for Primus’ sake! That surely counted as something? And the kids? They loved us! We even exchanged comm-numbers. Wait. I have Miko's number!

 I quickly put a digit on my comm-link, nervously calling Miko in hope she would listen to my explanation. Maybe I can convince her and prove our innocence. She will surely listen, then tell the truth to Optimus and the others and the misunderstanding will be cleared.

The beeping sound got longer and longer and I paced up and down anxiously, escorted by confused stares of my friends. She wasn't picking up. I ended the call and tried again, still nothing. The third time she declined the call. I stopped abruptly, shaken by the refusal. What? She just...she just declined my call. She didn't pick up on purpose!

"Well?" Mercy tried to get a word out of me in frail hope but I just shook my head, lowering my servo.

"She is refusing the call....I don't think I will be able to speak to her anymore...."

 Mercy and Crossflare exchanged glances, hope lost. So our fate was determined.

"We did what we could," CF sighed in resignation, then looked at Soundwave, who had barely moved during the whole incident as if he was determined to be just a decoration in the background, "Take us back to the ship. We need to have an audience with your Lord."

Mercy POV

 When I opened my optics the next day, I found myself facing the dark ceiling of our new room. Blinking rapidly to adjust my optics, I sat up and rubbed the sides of my wings gently. They still ached from the procedure of yesterday. A glance over my shoulder was enough to see the mark on the smooth white surface of my left wing. It screamed for attention with all its spiky edges. It reminded me of Soundwave's head design a little bit. It was the Decepticon symbol.

 I squirmed a bit. The berth was uncomfortable and I didn't like its angle, it reminded me of a medical berth. I should have chosen my alt-mode for recharge just like CF did. She and Halo were still asleep in the other two corners of the room. It felt so...unnerving to see us all here. It wasn't exactly right. But it wasn't exactly wrong either.

 Yesterday, our fate was sealed with the ceremony, the vow and the badge which Knock Out planted on us with precision. I’ve never ever imagined that I would wake up one morning on a Decepticon warship, with a Decepticon symbol on my wing, as a Decepticon.

 After a long discussion with Megatron, Crossflare asked for our votes. And so we voted for the faction we didn't choose. At spark, we were more Autobot-like, all of us knew. But we couldn't change the circumstances. We were going with the flow, wherever it was taking us.

 We sent a message home, so that our humans would not expect us back. This is not how we imagined our farewells to go, but for their sake, it was better this way. I can imagine how upset or worried they were right now. But it can't be helped.

 The ceremony itself was simple and quick. We had to stand before the warlord and recite the vow while descending to one knee, then we were taken back to the med-bay by Knock Out who planted the badges on us and it was official from then on. We became Decepticons.

 Those words were still ringing in my audio-receptors. Live to serve.....destroy the enemy.....rise up.....conquer....

 I still couldn’t comprehend the whole significance of this. We joined a war. The war we have been running away from all this time. I thought I would never have to face it. That we could hide from it forever. But here we were, right in the epicenter of it.

 Halo was the second to wake up. She sat up on her berth abruptly and released a loud yawn just like she always did. Maybe she was the one getting used to this new setup the fastest. She hadn't complained about anything yet.

"Ugh, good morning Mercy," she stretched her arms and pedes, then rubbed her optics and jogged over to Crossflare’s alt-form and poked her hood, "Strange of you to be early."

"I know...I just couldn't sleep any longer," I mumbled, glancing in the door's direction. Soon, we will start our first day aboard as official members. I wasn't sure I'm ready.

"Oh, don't worry," Halo grinned at me with a mischievous glint in her optics, "If anyone says a rude word to you, I'm kicking them in the aft."

"I don't think that would be wise," Crossflare, awakened from her slumber, transformed as well and made a short stretch before her thoughts shifted into focus and she headed for the door.

 Her front armor was still damaged, the burned hole still a sore sight to see. I wished she would get it treated soon but after her snap at Knock Out the previous day I felt like she owed an apology first.

 We followed her to the empty corridor and I wondered how we would even get to the meeting room. The one week we spent here wasn't enough to learn the full map of this mysterious and complicated place. Then my unspoken question was answered when Crossflare took a datapad out of her subspace. There was a map on it with an already set route to our destination.

"When did you get that?" I curiously caught up to her and stared at the map intently.

"Yesterday. Starscream said he doesn't like to wait so he gave me this to find our way there quickly," she replied, the tone of her voice suggesting she wasn’t impressed with Starscream in any way.

"I bet he makes others wait though," Halo grimaced cheekily, like she was already looking forward to meeting him and making fun of him. I had no idea why she liked doing that.

 Looking around, I noticed the eerie silence. Were we really that early?

 Nobody greeted us in the dark meeting room. We entered carefully but no alarms sounded so we guessed it's okay to go in. The room was a big circle, screens decorating the walls and the main computer was a large, flat and round machine in the middle with a holoscreen over it. We wandered around, searching for something that could turn on the lights.

The main computer hummed quietly and I walked in a circle around it, observing it with caution. I pushed some buttons out of curiosity but nothing happened.

"Don't touch anything," Crossflare warned me from the other side of the room and I quickly hid my servos behind my back. Oops.

"Why, maybe we can look into some juicy stuff," Halo was quick to step beside me and push every single button she could reach. Why wasn't I surprised?

 But before we could tell her to stop, the holoscreen lit up and many status reports popped up from various sections of the ship.

"Whoa, didn't expect that!" she muttered in excitement.

"I don't remember giving permission to use our computers yet," an annoyed voice from right behind us caused both of us to jump in fright.

 Crossflare on the other hand straightened herself as Starscream strolled closer and simply turned the computer off while shooting Halo a glare of warning. She quickly retreated but I could see the urge in her optics to say something like a smart comeback or a jab. I hope she won't though.

"Let's get this over with," the mech lifted the datapads which he brought along and briefly glanced at them before he spoke again.

"Since you are new recruits I'm in charge of you until you are given a position one by one. Your awfully vague files made me think of one or two options, but honestly, I have no idea what Megatron expects me to do with you..." he growled like dealing with us was the worst thing on his schedule.

"So you say we are useless?" Halo cut in, folding her arms over her chest in offense.

"You and Mercy are quite an interesting duo, yes. Crossflare's position on the other hand is almost unquestionable," Starscream kept his voice even while gesturing towards our friend. We all stared at Crossflare in surprise but she seemed to understand what the mech meant.

"How have you learned that I'm a chemist?" she asked calmly and Starscream chuckled, perking his wings up in a proud manner.

"We have our ways."

"And what do you know about them?" she pointed in our direction and I curiously glanced at Starscream. Really. What more do they know about us? We haven't told them anything about our pasts yet, so how would they know where we are coming from and what we did before the war?

"Hm, lets see..." Starscream scrolled down the file, "Halo of Uraya. Student of the Academy of Economics, but without a degree."

"There was a war coming in between, you know," Halo bit back, not appreciating the mocking tone of his voice.

"Still a very poor accomplishment. No special training in anything, nothing truly practical learned."

"I had no other options! The caste system told me what to learn, not myself!" she was on flames now. It seems Starscream enjoyed making fun of her just as much as she did of him.

 My thoughts wandered back to what she said and I smiled faintly. True, Halo never liked her studies. She always ventured out, skipped classes and chased adventures and challenges whenever she had the chance. I remember what she said to me all those eons ago. She felt like she wasn't meant for the things her caste forced on her. She also envied the Military Caste, sometimes wishing to be part of an organization like the Elite Guard. But her dreams remain dreams. 

"Too late now to complain," Starscream opened a next file and one of his eyebrows shot up when he looked my way. Why was he glaring at me like that? I surely didn't do anything bad!

"You, on the other servo, are suspicious to me. We have no information about you. Not even a dot of record. What was your function before the war?"

"I was trained in Praxus..." I started, but Crossflare cut in unexpectedly:

"She is a linguist and specializes in all kinds of languages."

 Starscream's frown deepened as he measured my friend with a glance. I had no idea why she found it important to answer instead of me and emphasize only one of my abilities, but I quickly closed my mouth. She surely had a good reason. It's best I go along with it.

"Yes, I speak almost all versions and dialects of Cybertronian, plus at least thirty alien languages," I nodded, casting my optics down to avoid looking into those radiant red optics.

"Really? What about ancient Cybertronian?" he asked as if he was doubting our credibility.

"I have an excellent certificate in speech and writing."

This was no lie, it was the truth, although I never understood why I had to learn so many languages. 

I often asked my creators, but they remained silent. They told me to keep to the shadows just like them, be invisible, learn what I have to learn and stay inside the walls of our residence. I could never comprehend why. I had everything, I had fun in what I was doing - singing, dancing and literature, yet I never knew my purpose, or when I would leave those walls.

"That could be useful," Starscream typed up something on the other datapad, then held it out to me and I took it in relief. It seems he is not going to investigate any further. Whatever the reason was for Crossflare to be worried about me, I hoped she would tell me later.

"I assign you under Soundwave. He will tell you what you have to know," the mech herded me out and I blinked in surprise.

"Tell me? But he never talks!"

"He has his methods. Learn his body-language. For a linguist, that can't be hard," he pushed me out of the room and I remained alone in the corridor, with a new task in hand: find Soundwave.

Crossflare POV

 I couldn't hide my relief once Mercy was out of our circle. Like always, she would be honest if no one stopped her, and now wasn't the time to discuss what her Caste determined her future to be. Her skills in arts would do her more trouble here than good. I had no idea what our superiors would do with a femme who was supposed to entertain them. We better keep this a secret.

 Starscream continued his task as he handed out a datapad to me, similarly to how he did to Mercy, then dismissed me as well.

"Wait, where will Halo be assigned to?" I just briefly glanced at the instructions on my file, keeping my attention rather on the mech and a quite nervous Halo.

"She will have to go through some tests before I can decide," Starscream growled, "Maybe logistics would be the best option under Soundwave's supervision, based on her studies. But I must know if she is qualified enough."

"And what if she is not?" I sent a doubtful look in Halo's way and she forced a grin. This will be much harder than I thought.

"Or if I don't want to deal with logistics?" Halo piped up.

"Can you suggest anything else that you could do?" Starscream glared at her. He was getting impatient and I knew we shouldn't get on his bad side anytime soon so we better keep our questions short.

"I-I...." Halo was about to say something, but she quickly trailed off, finding nothing of significance to say.

"I thought so," Starscream grumbled, then pushed the last datapad into her servos, "You come with me and I put you to the test. Whatever your results will be, you have exactly five days to come up with a good idea to make yourself useful. If you have nothing and you fail, you are going to be assigned to the Vehicon ranks. I'm pretty sure that would be humiliating, even for you."

 Halo's optics opened wide and her servos gripped the datapad tightly.

"B-but hey! That's not fair! I'm not a drone!"

"Then prove it," Starscream turned around and beckoned to her as he left the room. He considered this conversation done.

 I followed them out but almost immediately departed from them. Halo looked at me before she went on and I offered her a reassuring smile. She must do her best and show Starscream what she is capable of. When adequately motivated, Halo can fulfill many tasks at once and deal with them precisely. I could only hope she will prove well.

 Now focusing on my task, I glared at my superior's name highlighted on my datapad with mixed feelings. Knock Out wasn't exactly the boss I was looking for and I wasn't sure he had forgotten our last encounter when I rudely told him to frag off and leave us alone.

 Well, this will be interesting….

 Finding my way back to the med-bay was an art itself and I flinched when the door shut behind me. Breakdown looked up from his seat on the right side and Knock Out conspicuously grimaced, then turned his attention back to the drill of his servo, professionally cleaning it with a microfiber cloth.

"Good morning. Commander Starscream has assigned me under you," I tried to sound light and calm when I walked up to them and held the datapad out for the medic.

"Hmph. Suddenly nice now, huh?" he transformed his drill back into servo and took the device. His optics dripped of grudge. Maybe an apology due…

"I'm sorry about that Knock Out."

"Oh, are you now?"

"I was...stressed out, anxious and snapped. I didn't intend to talk to you like that," I tried to look remorseful, truly regretting the way I behaved, and hoped our relationship won't turn for the worse. I would hate to work under someone who despises me.

 Knock Out observed me silently, his optics narrowed and his mouth tightly shut, then his features slowly softened and he turned to the side, looking at the datapad.

"Apology accepted. Very well, then. Let's look at what you can do."

 Huh. A great weight was taken off my shoulders. Breakdown showed a thumbs-up and I smiled at him gratefully as I followed the medic to the main computer of the room.

"This datapad will be your personal one so keep it safe. I'm sending you the password so you can log in to our database here. You will get access to most of the medical files but I think you understand that there are drives you won't be able to use for the time being."

"It would be foolish of you to grant me access to everything," I nodded, looking over the data on the screens he was showing, "What about computers and machinery outside the med-bay?"

"The laboratory will be the base of your operations most of the time. Same goes there as here. If you think you need to see special files, you ask for permission first and I will determine whether you can take a look at it or not. As for the other computers, the public network is available on any of them but communications, ground-bridge and other channels can be accessed through Soundwave only. Just a little advice: don't try to hack anything or do anything in secret because Soundwave likes to keep an optic on any suspicious activity."

I arched an eyebrow and he nodded with a big smirk.

"So he knows about everything that happens or is said aboard?"

"Quite literally, dear."

 Great, I will have to keep that in mind before I say any of our secrets aloud in between these walls. Upon hearing these information, like many times before since the incident, I felt like something was not okay but I could not figure out why I felt this way.

 I have to be more attentive. Or else I’m going to miss all the important cues.

Halo POV

"Well, you are not completely useless afterall," Starscream glared down at me from over his notes and I felt the urge to stick my tongue out again. It was evident he wanted me to fail and probably make fun of me for the rest of my life. But my score was what determined my results and yes, I passed his damn tests!

 I triumphantly grinned, straightening to my full height with pride, much to his annoyance. He acted like a sulking sparkling all through this one hour. His questions weren’t too complicated but I had to strain my processor to remember certain things.

"Don't be so happy. Passing my tests doesn’t mean you are good enough. Judging by your results, you are not good enough."

 The grin disappeared from my face and I narrowed my optics. He can't say anything without being a jerk, can he?

"I would do better with a better boss!" I bit back, but recklessly. 

 Something clicked in his helm because he leaned in suddenly, wings spread threateningly and his optics radiating venom as he growled at me.

"Watch what you say because you will regret it quickly, femme. Be grateful to have me as your direct superior for the time being. Unlike Megatron, I'm exceptionally generous."

 I was taken aback, and even though I should have nodded and kept quiet, I couldn't hold my mouth shut. His behavior prodded me to rebel and I wasn't the type to just let anyone control me against my will.

"Really? Prove it!”

 His frown darkened and my boldness stirred only more irritation in my direction.

"I will ignore your disrespectful behavior for now. Take that as proof," Starscream straightened himself and beckoned dismissively, "Now go and make yourself useful."

"Yes...and how?" I questioned with a daring pout and raise of my eyebrow.

 I shouldn't have been so bold, I know now. Before it could register in my processor, I was already packing energon cubes on a smaller cart and wheeled it to destinations listed on my datapad. Oh joy.

 The Vehicon group working in the energon supply room was welcoming and friendly enough but that didn't change the way shame filled my spark. Such a humiliating job! I was surely more qualified than this and not meant to be a delivery drone! While cursing quietly during my little turns, I took the opportunity to ask some questions when I returned to the supply room to pack my cart full.

"Hey guys, what's it like to work here?" I leaned on the handle of the cart casually and the Vehicon beside me looked up in surprise.

"Quite...dull," he mumbled, uncertain or just shy, I couldn't determine.

"Hm. What about your superiors? Do you like them?"

 This question surprised him even more and now the other three stopped in their work as well and listened with curious tilt of their heads.

"You mean the high command?" the Vehicon nervously folded and unfolded his servos. I asked very simple things, he had no reason to act like that so I raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Yes, but chill, this is not an investigation or anything. I'm just new and curious, that's all."

"N-nobody has ever asked me for my opinion yet," he admitted, a small hint of happiness audible in his voice and I blinked in surprise.

"What? How is that possible?"

"We drones are not that important. We are easily mistakable for each other so no one really cares about our opinion as individuals," his comrades nodded sadly behind him and I must have had a pitiful look on my face because they quickly shook their helms:

"We are used to the treatment, please do not tell this to any of the officers or the high command! Especially not Lord Megatron or Commander Starscream!"

"Okaay...." I was getting confused but I was intrigued, "Which do you find worse? Megatron or Starscream?”

 After thinking about carefully, they nodded in unison:

"Lord Megatron."

 It seems Starscream wasn't only flattering himself when he said he is better than his Lord. But what made him better? I was curious now.

"Why?"

"Because....Lord Megatron doesn't care about pointless sacrifices. Commander Starscream is less likely to make risky decisions when it comes to deploying our troops though. However, not all of us share this opinion. To be honest the ones liking Commander Starscream are fewer. Most of us are completely loyal to Lord Megatron."

 I tapped my claws on the handle in deep thoughts. Is that so. I didn't know what to make of this information yet. Now I want to know more about Megatron.

"What kind of person is Lord Megatron?"

"The type you don't want to mess with. He is inspirational and proud, a fearless fighter and hard to impress. He doesn't tolerate disobedience or laziness and if he is angered beyond reason, he might take his fury out on you...."

"W-wait, wait! Seriously?" I gaped, refusing to believe such a thing.

"You didn't know?" they stared at me in surprise, like I've just missed a very important detail.

"I know he isn't one of the nicest guys and that he has killed many but...his own soldiers? You must be joking!"

"You better be prepared then," one of the others whispered with a pitiful shake of his helm, "Failures are not taken lightly in this place."

 My optics opened wide from shock and I looked over them in sheer disbelief. They must be joking. What kind of leader would hurt his own soldiers? Yes, Decepticons were ruthless, but I always thought that they treat only the enemy that way. What good does hurting your own soldiers do? Pointless injuries! Pointless deaths! Seriously, I wasn't expecting this.

"Don't be afraid. Important people have advantage we drones do not. Be important and earn Lord Megatron's respect, then he will leave you be," another one pointed out, trying to calm me.

"And what about you guys?" I started to feel sorry for them. They weren't just simple drones like I first believed. They had opinions, feelings and dilemmas. I shouldn’t have underestimated them.

"We will continue to serve the cause we were created for. It is worth dying for," if they could smile, I guess they would be smiling reassuringly now, judging by the tone of their voices.

 Feeling slightly better from hearing them being hopeful, a thought struck me. What if....what if I could do something for them? If what they say is true, I should just get a really good position and maybe I could make their lives a little bit easier.

"Hm. What kind of rank has the most of Megatron's respect?" I inquired with a thoughtful smirk, straightening myself like I already had a plan in mind.

They exchanged glances and nodded amongst each other before they said in unison:

"Definitely warrior class. Those with power and prowess in battle are the only ones he considers worthy of praise."

"Great. Thanks guys!" I grinned, now determined to get started with my new idea. I stepped to my cart, grabbed the handle and began wheeling it to the entrance. Before I left the room the Vehicons I spoke with called after me and I stopped to turn around.

"Hey, um, what about a party tonight?" the shy one asked.

"Party?" I echoed dumbly.

"Yes, a kind of 'Welcome to the Decepticons' party for you and the other two femmes. High-grade, music....just to ease the tension we have created by telling you these things. We are not that bad when you get to know us.”

"Oh...sounds good!" my expression brightened. Finally a great idea!

Mercy POV

 The Vehicon who escorted me to the Communication Room typed in the code and once the door opened he nodded silently, gesturing inside. I guessed he was not allowed or had no time to come in with me so I thanked him before I stepped inside and marveled at the interior.

 The room was large, with a main platform in the middle and four generators in each corner. The main computer was placed atop the platform with a table-length keyboard to access it. Faint purple screens illuminated it, slightly different in hue than the rest of the ship’s computers. Strange enough, the lights in this room were quite alright, making the room differ greatly from the gloomy atmosphere of the rest of the ship.

 So this is where every bit of information assembles...

 Soundwave looked up from behind the screens and stepped aside, calm as ever as if he was already expecting me. I wouldn't be surprised if he truly knew. He had this 'know-it-all' vibe all over him and it unnerved and relieved me at the same time. It wouldn't be surprising if he had the ability to see into my mind as well. 

"Hello, again...." I quickly climbed the stairs up to him and held my datapad out with a shy smile, "Starscream sent me to find you."

"I assign you under Soundwave. He will tell you what you have to do," Starscream's voice echoed as his visor lit up and I blinked twice in awe.

"Y-yes, that's exactly what he said," I muttered. Okay, I was starting to freak out. How could he replay those words when he wasn't even there? I remember, he did a similar thing back then when we first met but I had no idea he could repeat everything that was said aboard the ship.

 He seemed to sense my anxiety rise because he took the datapad and tilted his head.

"Afraid?"

"I just don't know what to expect from someone who knows everything," I took a step back but maybe it was a wrong move because now he was observing me thoroughly.

 Without saying anything, he pointed at me and I frowned in concentration, trying to figure out what he wanted to convey.

"Me?" I tried, pointing at myself.

He nodded, then pointed at himself.

"You?" I commented and imitated the movement. This will be tough if all of our conversations will go like this. Does he speak sign language perhaps? I’m not an expert, but I could learn it if needed.

 He now pointed at me again, this time at head-level. I had no idea what changed in his perception.

"Me again?"

He lowered his arm and shook his head.

"You've forgotten it again, haven’t you?" Starscream's recorded voice sounded again and it only confused me more.

"Um...did I miss something?" I was getting really nervous and he stared at me in silence for another long, uncomfortable minute before he turned back towards the screens and looked at the datapad.

 Whatever he wanted to say, he realized I can't understand him. I felt bad for not being able to comprehend simple signs. Was I that dumb?

"Specializes in all kinds of languages," he spoke with Crossflare's voice this time and I nodded along. Yes, this is why I came here in the first place.

"Yes, that's true."

 Soundwave typed something on the keyboard and a text appeared on the screen. It was written in Cybertronian but in an easily recognizable Kaonian dialect.

"Oh...that is a poem!" I stepped closer, reading the words carefully, my accent barely audible. He nodded at the end of each sentence and I smiled as I finished. It spoke about freedom and hope from a view of a slave and it was an expertly structured piece, but I couldn't recognize the poet.

"Nice. Who wrote this?" I turned to him curiously.

"Megatron."

 My optics widened and I stared at him in surprise. No way. Megatron? Our Megatron? The Lord of the Decepticons? I knew he had remarkable rhetorical skills, that's what made him so popular during the uprising - among many other things - in the first place. But I had no idea there was poetry in his repertoire.

"I didn't know he was into poetry...."

"Used to."

 Soundwave closed the file then opened another, this one written in ancient Cybertronian. I translated it in a matter of minutes and Soundwave nodded in satisfaction as I finished. He then proceeded to download some information to my datapad and gave it back to me.

 The poem and the text were probably a test of sorts.

 He moved aside and let me log in with my own password. I looked into each network I was allowed to use and I found countless reports, notices and requests from various ranks. Huh, don't tell me I will have to deal with these...

 Yes, I had to deal with them. I guess this was the kind of menial work Soundwave wanted to spare himself from and would rather focus on more important tasks. With simple instructions, he showed me how to categorize these in folders and how to respond to them. I had to flag emergency reports and send them over to him immediately, but the rest I could handle myself.

 Beside this, I gained access to the Ancient Archives where I found countless texts in ancient Cybertronian. Soundwave tasked me with their translation and analysis for the time I would be idle. Although I doubted I would have much idle time with so much reports flooding the network every five minutes or so.

 That was all. Mainly.

 This must be only the beginning though, something to help me warm up to much harder tasks.

 I was provided with a small space on the left wing of the computer panel, leaving most of the keyboard for Soundwave to use. With such long arms he could easily access almost the entire length without having to move. I was fine with the arrangement and I didn’t intend to get in his way.

 With no further instructions given and Soundwave focusing back on his work, I took my time getting acquainted with the network. While doing that, I glanced his way a few times, trying to catch a glimpse of what he was doing. The multiple screens he observed indicated that he was multitasking and paying attention to various issues at the same time. By the looks of it, he was dealing with everything expeditiously. Astonishing.

 I wondered about what I could say to him. Ever since we left the Nemesis with no intention to return, I felt like I could forget the things that happened here. But now when we returned, and will stay probably forever, I allowed my thoughts to wander freely.

 Unlike Crossflare or Halo, I didn't blame Soundwave for the misunderstanding with Arcee which led us to our current predicament. Being resentful only because he was part of that incident was a foolish thing to do, especially now when we were supposed to work together. So I started to weave my thoughts in a different direction.

 Will we fit in? How long will it take until we gain their trust? Their real trust. I'm usually optimistic and I think of myself as a person who gets along with almost everybody so I hope fellow comrades and superiors will be satisfied with my work. I hope Soundwave will be pleased with me too.

 Maybe it’s a stretch to think I could befriend him, but I would surely make an attempt. Knock Out and Breakdown were the other two on my list of ‘friend candidates'. If everything goes well, we will get along just fine and might even have fun together during our breaks. Who knows.

 I smiled instinctively. Was I too sentimental? Crossflare often warned me not to let my spark carry me away and listen to my processor instead. But I had no reason to think of any bad things yet. 

 Suddenly a chill ran down my spine and I caught Soundwave watching me. I snapped back from my daydream-like state, awkwardly scratching the side of my face.

"Um, sorry. I spaced out. Does it happen to you sometimes as well?"

A firm shake of his head was the answer and I couldn't decide whether he was annoyed with me now or not.

"How much time do you spend at work?" I found myself asking, work forgotten and interest piqued.

A number popped up on his visor and I gasped in shock.

"All day and night? You can't be serious!"

A laughing smiley-icon replaced the numbers and I pouted when he raised three of his fingers. He almost got me. I almost fell for the lie.

"Three? As in a three hour long break?"

A nod.

"That is still horribly short. Hm...with me helping you out now, will that increase?"

 He shook his head once again and I started to feel bad for him. Others had normal workdays with enough time for a proper recharge, refuel and rest. Why was Soundwave any different? Are all Communications Officers this busy? Will I be this overwhelmed as my tasks begin multiplying?

 I turned back to my screen in deep thought. I should continue my work or else I'm not much of use to anyone. At least my first day should be marked as a success. Then I glanced in the mech's direction once more, wondering about what goes through his helm. My gaze followed his figure as he settled back to typing and connected his tentacles to the mainframes. Watching him work felt oddly satisfying. Like all of his movements, the quick drumming of his slim fingers and the flashing lights of his biolights running over the long tentacles were a complicated yet organized and harmonized unity.

 Just like the first time I saw him, I found myself staring in awe. Maybe I shouldn't stare for so long. It was definitely conspicuous. He surely doesn't appreciate it. So I forced my processor to concentrate on my task  and turned back to my little screen as I let silence envelop us for the next few hours.

Crossflare POV

 On a normal day, I would have said no. But today was a peculiar day so I accepted the sudden invitation to an abruptly organized party for the night. I think I'm in need of a great amount of high-grade just to stimulate my senses and release some stress.

 Halo happily wheeled an energon packed cart into the laboratory in the afternoon and as she piled my table full of fresh energon cubes, she excitedly told me the news and tried to convince me to join in.

"Who are these Vehicons?" I frowned in suspicion.

"Dunno, some guys from the energon delivery squad. They seem like good fellas, I think we shouldn't miss the chance to get better acquainted. When do you make friends with others if not at a party?" she beamed and spun the cart around, ready to leave.

 I sighed and glanced behind me to check on Breakdown in the backside of the room. He was busy lecturing some Vehicons who were supposed to help me but had done more trouble than help ever since they arrived. They were messing up all the cataloged substances and two bottles of herix were wasted on the floor, thanks to a clumsy drone.

"Fine," I relented.

"Awesome! Please let Mercy know if you cross paths with her!" she wheeled the cart out and left me to grumble to myself.

 I wasn't a party-type person, but I really-really needed some high-grade. Today I speculated enough about possible future catastrophes and my processor was screaming for a little nap. I just wanted this bad feeling to vanish. It lingered in my spark, like a sense of danger, but I had no idea what warranted it. No matter how hard I tried, I didn't feel safe aboard and I couldn’t help but blame it on my past memories. I should've put that tragedy far behind my back by now.

 So when my inner chronometer indicated that my working hours had come to an end, I stood up from my seat and turned off the computers. Rare of me to leave the sacred chamber of my working place early, but like I mentioned, today was a peculiar day.

 When I passed by the med-bay I looked inside and reported to Knock Out briefly just to let him know I finished up and I'm taking my leave. He signed my datapad and flashed a bright grin as he put a servo on one hip.

"Coming tonight?"

"So you know about that."

"Of course I know! No party starts till I walk in!" Knock Out puffed his chest out and I rolled my optics, subspacing the datapad.

"Then don't be late," I turned around and left him behind to preen in front of someone else. As much as I respected him on a professional level and maybe liked him a bit more than the others on this ship - out of gratitude of course - I still couldn't get used to his narcissistic attitude. I felt like shooting him whenever he began obsessing over himself. He was a little annoying.

 After finding my way to the Communications Room, Mercy's happy smile on my arrival felt like the reward of my day. Soundwave looked up as well and I walked up to the platform to join them. What a strange room.

"Hi CF! What brings you here?" Mercy seemed to be relieved to see me.

"Good news: a party invitation."

"Party?" her face brightened like I just handed her a pile of candies. Soundwave remained silent, as always, making me frown slightly. He was one of the reasons I didn't feel safe here. He had a menacing presence.

"Halo made new friends and they decided to throw a party for us. Can you make time for it?"

"S-sure!" she excitedly clapped her hands and turned to Soundwave with an eager expression, "Do I get a break for the evening?"

 Soundwave stared at her silently for a minute, then nodded without much resistance.

"Thank you!" Mercy happily jogged after me and I smiled at the sight of her enthusiasm. Anything that included music excited her and as shy as she usually was around new people, as easily she opened up at parties. Though it’s not like it would be hard for her to find new friends. She was the type of person who unwittingly attracted others. Sometimes this meant more trouble for her than good.

 Before we exited the room however, she abruptly stopped and gasped as if she had just forgotten something important.

"What is it?" I turned back with a questioning raise of my brow.

"I-I can't go," she remorsefully scratched her cheek, her optics apologetic, "There are many things I haven't finished yet and I can't leave Soundwave to do all the work himself..."

"I'm sure he can deal with it, like he did before," I assured her but she took a step back and shook her head.

"It wouldn't be right."

 I frowned and shot a very disapproving glance in Soundwave's direction. I had no idea how he managed to get himself into Mercy's trust so quickly but it troubled me more than anything else. She was a nice but uncertain young femme, who would normally stay away from mysterious, gloomy mechs like him. Why wasn't she afraid of him at all?

"Mercy, he himself let you take a break, so why don't you..." I was about to try and convince her but I trailed off mid-sentence when Soundwave appeared from behind her and calmly looked first at Mercy, then at me.

"Are you coming too?" Mercy’s face brightened at the prospect as she beamed at him.

 The mech only nodded and I mentally threw my servos up in the air. It seems we are not going to be rid of him soon, although I hoped we could leave him behind. He just grew even more suspicious in my optics.

 The three of us, a very interesting trio, joined some Vehicons on the way to the mess hall and I listened to the light-hearted chatter with a strange feeling in my spark. What was I doing here? It felt strange. Alien, even.

 Our little group entered the huge room which was already illuminated with different shades of purple, blue and green. Music filled the air and I was surprised to recognize an old song from before the war. It was from the fifth album of a famous Iaconian singer, Remix. I liked his music although I rarely listened to any music for my own amusement in general.

 Mercy excitedly grabbed my left arm.

"Remember this CF? I haven't heard this song in eons! I was so mad I didn’t get a record of it!” she giggled and I couldn't help but chuckle as well. Maybe what I really needed was letting go. Just for tonight.

"Finally! I thought you got lost somewhere!" Halo hurried in our way, flanked by two Vehicons on each side. She was already hyped and seemed to have gathered friends quickly.

"Sir," the Vehicons nodded their heads respectfully in Soundwave's direction and the silent mech nodded back in response. 

"They are H316 and 7D7E, the guys who invited us," Halo introduced her companies and I looked over them thoroughly. I had no idea how she was able to differentiate them, they looked exactly alike, but I smiled kindly nevertheless.

"Thank you for the invitation," I thanked them properly and they led us to a table where they had already prepared seats for us.

 The mess hall was not packed full yet, Vehicons were still gathering inside and fixing the lights and the small decorations they put up. Nothing too extravagant, but a nice change still.

 Looking at the high-grade on the table, I assumed Halo has ordered for us already, knowing exactly what type of taste we like. I smiled at the thought. We knew each other by spark.

"Um, I didn't expect Soundwave to come," Halo apologized, "Do you want me to get something for you?"

 The mech shook his head and already departed to get a glass of high-grade for himself. I wondered how he would drink it. Will he actually remove his visor? I would like to see that.

 I took my place beside Mercy, Halo did the same on the opposite side with her new two friends on her side. They seemed happy to be accepted into our circle and maybe I could tolerate the company for just tonight.

"It's a rare opportunity to have a free night like this," one of the Vehicons remarked.

"Yes, Lord Megatron is not fond of casual get-togethers," the other one agreed.

"How did you set everything up so quickly?" Mercy inquired and I also wondered as I looked around and noted that numerous Vehicons were present in the room, but none of the higher command to be seen - save for Soundwave.

"We Decepticons are quick workers," the previous one proudly held his glass high, "Cheers for the new recruits!"

"Cheers!" we all clinked glasses and sipped our drinks almost at once. Oh, right. The sweet taste of a good high-grade. A perk of joining the faction with plenty of energon resources…

"Started without us? How rude!" a familiar voice diverted our attention when two figures stepped to our table and threw us in their shadows.

 Knock Out and Breakdown smirked down at our little group.

"Why were you late?" I asked in a similarly challenging tone.

"Missed me that much?" Knock Out leaned down slightly and flashed an attractive smirk.

 I could feel the amused stares from both Mercy and Halo and I cleared my throat to let him know his flirtations found deaf audio receptors. Fortunately, Soundwave just returned and stepped up next to the two with a tilt of his head. The duo stared back at him in clear surprise.

"Soundwave? Whoa! Strange of you to show up!"

"Shouldn't we sit at a longer table?" Breakdown suggested as he looked first at our table then in the direction of another where a group of Vehicons sat, chatting. He seriously couldn't think that we would ask them to get up and go somewhere else, could he?

 Without hesitation the two Vehicons sitting with us stood up, intending to give their seats over, much to our surprise. Halo was the first to stand and speak up:

"Hey, hey! You don't have to go anywhere! The dear doctor and his assistant can sit elsewhere!"

 The faces Knock Out and Breakdown made were absolutely worth it, and for the first time, I didn't scold my friend for being harsh with her words.

"I have a better idea," Mercy stood up, raising her servos in a placating manner, "Why sit when we could dance instead?"

 Oh, I should have known she would come up with such a solution. And I wasn't exactly fond of the idea.

"Somebody is finally speaking some sense!" Knock Out snapped his fingers and beckoned to us, "Come on ladies, who's gonna be the first?"

 Halo and Mercy joined the mechs eagerly but I only grimaced, reluctant to leave my comfortable and safe seat. I wasn't the best dancer, and it rarely mattered to me. The truth was I didn't like anyone touching me aside from my bondmate and in a place like this, touching each other was inevitable. The whole thing just fell out of my comfort zone.

"Crossflare? Are you coming?" Halo glanced back with an expectant look but I shook my head with an apologetic smile.

"No thanks, I'm leaving this one out."

 She smiled with understanding and left me to follow the others to the free space of the mess hall. I sighed and stared at the surface of my beverage with conflicted feelings. I chose loneliness, it's not their fault. But I couldn't help this feeling: to be out of place.

Then I noticed a darker figure mirrored in my high-grade and I raised my optics to meet Soundwave’s visor who sat at the opposite seat. He was holding his drink similarly like me and watched me calmly, his blank visor telling nothing of his thoughts. Deciding not to say anything at first, I placed my chin in my palm and returned the stare, observing every single detail of his figure. It seems I wasn't the only one staying away from the dancing crowd.

"You are one weird Con, Soundwave," I remarked finally, sipping my drink. He did not move at all.

"Will you just sit here and stare or will you drink what you've got for yourself?" I pointed in the direction of his full glass and he looked down at it silently.

 His silence was starting to get on my nerves. People like him irritated and unnerved me because I couldn't read them. Any assumption I make up can be true or false, there is no certainty when it comes to him. In my optics, he was dangerous.

 Soundwave seemed to ignore everything I said because he turned his attention elsewhere. I followed the direction he looked at and I spotted my friends among other soldiers and by the looks of it they were having a dance fight with Knock Out and Breakdown. Mercy easily beat all of them and I already regretted not telling her much earlier not to attract attention to herself. I closed my optics and drummed the rhythm on the table, wondering about what to do. I can't just sit here, I should be taking part in their fun, making sure they are not doing anything reckless.

 Scrap. I was being a helicopter-mom again.

"What a lovely duo," a teasing voice interrupted my train of thoughts and I glanced up to see Starscream as he took a seat right beside Soundwave without asking for permission. Strange, I thought Starscream would find it below himself to show up at an event like this.

"Did I just not ruin a very exciting conversation?"

"I think both of us know Soundwave is not very talkative in general," I retorted.

"Uh-uh, only for those who don't know him well. Right Soundwave?" Starscream flashed a bright grin at his colleague who spared him a glance before continuing to stare into the crowd.

"Pay attention to me when I'm talking to you!" the Seeker leaned into the mech's view with an offended pout and Soundwave turned his gaze away, focusing it on his drink instead.

"What do you mean you don't care about me? You should! Party or not, I'm still the second in command!"

 When the silence grew too long, I cleared my throat.

"Anyway, what brings you here Commander?"

"I deserve a little break too, do I not? And there is a special high-grade served tonight as well," he lifted his glass, looking at the bright pink fluid inside, "It would be foolish to miss a chance like this."

"Where could Megatron be now?"

"Somewhere in his quarters. He rarely visits any get-togethers, because whenever he shows up the air freezes. Even he knows. So he stays away. Not like I'm complaining," Starscream smirked malevolently, shrugging.

 He seemed to be rather happy to know Megatron is away. I wondered why.

 I sipped my drink at the same time he did and I realized he took two gulps at once. Oh, are we having a competition now? I took another gulp while keeping an optic on him and he similarly did so. With only a few seconds of advantage, he dried the glass and triumphantly hit it on the table.

"You like drinking a lot?" I raised an eyebrow in a challenging way and his grin widened in an evil manner.

"Not really, I have a very sensitive fuel tank."

"Then why did you make it a competition just now?"

"I didn't."

Maybe it was pointless to argue with him so I stood up and went to get another glass full for myself. While heading carefully in the counter's direction, I searched for my friends with my gaze and found them still dancing with their partners. I smiled faintly at the sight. Halo was laughing while being twirled by Knock Out and Mercy professionally led Breakdown, teaching him a new figure with incredible patience. These careless, naive younglings...

 Minutes later when I got back to the table Mercy and Halo were already there, trying to convince Starscream and Soundwave to join. The latter was surprisingly easier to persuade, especially when Knock Out mentioned that Soundwave was an excellent disk jockey. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected that, but Mercy immediately jumped on the idea with bright optics.

 Starscream on the other hand didn't even want to hear of it.

"No! I don't dance! Is that so hard to comprehend?" he growled at Halo who pouted like an angry sparkling as she threw a tantrum and I quickly stepped in to prevent an unnecessary fight.

"Don't force it if he doesn't want to go," I cut in and Halo looked at me like I just betrayed her.

"How unfortunate. Heir Commandant has the most fabulous hip-moves and you will have no chance to witness it," Knock Out commented while sliding into his seat, already laughing at the flustered expression Starscream made at the remark. I just made a face-palm and sat down beside him, watching as Mercy enthusiastically led Soundwave away by taking his servo. She won't sit still until the party ends, I was hundred percent sure.

"What? No way! Show me!" Halo kept tugging on Starscream's arm who tried to shrug her off, pointlessly.

"Where is Breakdown?" I noticed him missing and turned to Knock Out who pointed somewhere in the crowd casually.

"Stopped to chat with some friends of his."

"Aren't they your friends then too?" I inquired.

"I don’t build friendships with drones. They are just...out of my league."

That was a rude thing to say but I could see why he would say that. Vehicons also seemed to know that their place in the hierarchy and Decepticon society is at a very low level. I started pitying them a little.

"Fine then!" Halo finally gave up pestering Starscream, who was more than relieved when my stubborn friend left to find company with her new acquaintances.

"Another round?" I glanced expectantly at the Seeker who simply took Soundwave's untouched glass and clinked it against mine.

"At three."

"Three, two, one!"

 I remember having about five more glasses after that one. The music got louder and faster under Soundwave's servos and I know that I won because Starscream dropped flat on the table after the third round. He truly didn’t deal with high-grade very well. Halo and Mercy danced and sang through the night, having fun among our new comrades while I managed to get myself and the second in command drunk. Knock Out wasn't helpful with his constant chatting either and most of the time he just laughed at us. Very nice, really.

 How I got back to my room, I had no idea though.

Halo POV

 Next day I was greeted by many when I passed by Vehicons. I returned the friendly wave of servo and enjoyed the attention. Much better like this. I knew many more people now than a day ago and I already felt like I'm much closer to fitting in. Knock Out was pretty sweet yesterday and I have to admit he dances just as well as he looks. Breakdown is actually a shy guy behind a very solid and intimidating armor, and Starscream is still an afthole. The Vehicons are all cute in their own way. They are curious, more or less polite and all appreciate the attention.

 The morning was quite funny when I think back. Crossflare was a total mess when she woke up, having difficulty remembering anything from yesterday - from the admirable amount of high-grade she had consumed.

 Seriously, if the chance is given, she can't stop drinking. It’s a bad habit and I should have stopped her. She doesn't even know that she started singing along to the songs while drunk. Now that was a funny thing to see and hear!

 Mercy on the other hand was hyperactive through the night, and barely recharged afterwards. It didn't matter that she had danced her pedes to exhaustion, she would have still continued all day and night long. She was also obsessing over Soundwave's newly discovered disk jockey talent. The guy was seriously good, but I wouldn't have thought that he would sweep her off her pedes with that. But he did, and now she couldn't talk about anything else but him.

 It seems I was the only one awakening with a clear head and I found that quite ironic.

 Wheeling my cart carelessly, I was already planning another get-together  in my head and as I turned to the corridor leading to the supply room, a guard stopped me.

"I'm sorry but you can't enter," he said, almost apologetically. I recognized his voice from yesterday but didn't remember his code so I only raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Why is that?"

"There is an exclusive staff meeting there. Until further instructions nobody shall pass."

 I leaned to the right to see behind him, narrowing my optics suspiciously at the closed doors. What was going on in there?

"Why not use, you know, an actual conference room?"

The Vehicon shifted his weight from one ped to the other, visibly uncertain  of what to answer.

"They come here only when they are hiding," he leaned in close and whispered cautiously, "Official staff meetings are announced beforehand. When it's top secret or urgent, they keep it here."

 I stared at him with dumb astonishment, trying to digest the information he just dropped. Oh. So that’s how it is.

 True, maybe this room had the thickest walls and it provided a good hiding spot among the energon stocks, but.... Something suddenly struck me.

"Hm, sounds serious. I will do better to avoid this area then," I straightened, flashed a bright smile and quickly wheeled the cart away.

 When I reached out of sight I broke into a dash. There was a clear plan forming in my processor and oh, how smart it sounded! Who would dare sneak into a top secret meeting and listen in? I bet not many!

 This mystery was screaming for attention and I was ready to satisfy my curiosity's cravings.

 I turned on another corner and practically flew over the distance to the elevator. It was going upwards painfully slowly and I was tapping one ped nervously all the way up to the next level until I finally stepped out and hurried another great distance, then passed by a guard casually at the entrance of the second floor of the supply room. I wheeled my cart like I actually had business around here. The guard followed me with his gaze and I beckoned to him with a friendly smile. I could only hope he was familiar with me.

 He waved a servo in response and I sighed in relief. We are good. I continued my way towards the other, smaller door in the back. It led to a little control room where you had two other doors to choose from: the one opening to the supply room, the other opening to the storeroom full of machinery, repair tools and spare-parts.

 Haha, times like this I actually feel happy about working here. Secret entrances are my favorite things to explore. And I wasn't even doing anything wrong if we look at my job description. 

 I left the cart at the small control room and entered the supply room, cautiously looking around to see if anyone was guarding in here. No one in sight. Excellent. I sneaked in, listening intently as I edged closer to the big circle of the energon-transporting elevator, which was practically a hole between the floors when not used.

The discussion from underneath could already be heard and I grinned like a little devil, lying down beside the hole to peek over the edge. I hoped I remained silent and invisible enough not to be detected. Who knows what I would get for listening in...

 Down there stood Megatron with Knock Out and Soundwave in a circle. Starscream was slightly aside, pacing nervously here and there and complaining about something very loudly. Great, all the higher-ups in one place.

"...hate to repeat myself Master, but I can’t stress it enough: they were about to ally with the Autobots! We can't ignore the fact! They do not share our conviction! You can't just let them walk around in your ship! Please reconsider your choice! Do we really need them?" the Seeker threw his servos up in the air with a frustrated growl.

"Starscream, you still fail to comprehend that the more new recruits the Autobots gain, the greater threat they become. Optimus and his team make enough trouble with their current numbers, and I'm not giving them any more help by pushing these three into their arms."

"We could have simply just killed them. Problem solved," Starscream huffed in annoyance and my optics opened wide. They were talking about us....Crossflare, Mercy and me...

"They can still be of use, Starscream. Crossflare for example is a promising chemist in her field," Knock Out interrupted casually, like the topic itself was nothing of great interest. They were talking about our life and death as if they were having a chat about the weather!

"We don't know that for sure yet," Starscream bit back with a low growl, sending a hateful glare in the medic's direction, "Maybe she is the only one out of the three worth something. But I don't see any fantasy in the other two. They are only in the way."

 Hah! I gripped the edge tighter, fury rising as I imagined to be down there and punching him in the face. No fantasy, huh?! You little scrawny prick! I will show you, oh boy, I will show you how I’ll be the most efficient soldier the war has ever seen! I swear you will deeply regret your every fragging word!

 Megatron sighed and I felt irritation in that sigh. Yeah, I am not the only one losing my temper it seems.

"They can be used as a distraction. The Autobots have shown peculiar interest in them and even if we managed to create confusion with our little incident, I think Optimus has already realized that we interfered last time," he explained slowly and the more he said the quicker my spark pulsed. 

 What....? What was he talking about....?

"The Autobots will make attempts to win them over and will continue to trust them. That is an advantage we can make great use of."

 Starscream still didn't seem convinced and kept pacing. I was starting to feel dizzy. What are they talking about? 

"You mean....you want to blackmail the Autobots with them?" the Seeker stopped, considering the idea.

"In secret, I suppose," Knock Out added, raising an eyebrow in Megatron's direction, "I don't think they would be happily playing along if they learned that we tricked them." 

"They won't learn of this," the warlord towered over the small grounder threateningly and Knock Out immediately put his servos up as a sign of surrender, "You will make sure of it, Knock Out!"

"O-of course, my liege! I managed to earn their trust and I had done everything as you ordered!"

"Really? Your dear chemist still seems to be rather reluctant to get along," Starscream chuckled mockingly.

"Argh, don’t even mention her! I can't deal with that femme, she is like a stone!" Knock Out threw his servos up in frustration, "Nothing I do impresses her!"

"What a shame," Starscream's grin grew wider and Knock Out stepped closer to him with clenched fists like he was ready to pick up a fight with the Seeker. Before it could have escalated into something worse, Megatron growled at them and raised a servo.

"Enough of your pointless bickering. Deceiving those three can't be this hard."

"They are all hard-headed, stubborn younglings. What do you expect from us? We are not sparkling-sitters!" Starscream grimaced like even the thought of our sight disgusted him. Now I was seriously thinking about hopping down to beat the life out of him. How dare he!

"Is that so? Soundwave seems to have no problem with his subordinate. While you two could only come up with excuses, he had successfully monitored our new recruits, ruined their meeting with the Autobots and manipulated the events flawlessly to make them side with us."

 Both Starscream and Knock Out looked away with wounded pride, sulking over how Soundwave enjoyed all the spotlight of Megatron’s praises, even if the mentioned silent Con did nothing but stood still and continued to listen.

 I was furious. I wanted to scream at them, tear something apart...I felt like I'm going to explode. No way. I must be hallucinating. It must be the aftereffect of the high-grade from yesterday. That can be the only explanation.

How could they deceive us so easily? How....?

I wanted to cry.

 I got up, feeling this awful churn in my fuel tank and I turned on my heels, running without a look back. They lied to us, stopped us from joining the Autobots and made us lose our trust in them only to choose the Decepticons instead. They are going to brainwash us and use us as blackmail-objects. Mercy was already smitten with Soundwave and I'm sure Crossflare was also giving in to the lies we have been fed to. I have to tell them! We must do something!

 I stumbled into the small control room, grabbed the handle of the cart and abruptly stopped to think over what I'm going to do next. Everything was a lie. Last night was a lie. I can't trust anyone here. I'm....I’m trapped.

 Taking a deep inhale, I tried to focus on looking calm and collected when I exited the room and had to pass by the same guard I met just minutes ago. I forced a smile and waved a servo, but this time he only followed me with his gaze as I continued my way at a casual pace. I could only hope he didn't notice anything suspicious. I will be doomed if anyone learns I've been eavesdropping on the high-command's secret meeting.

 The thought itself was enough to make me feel like I'm ready to throw up. And this has been only the second day on this damned warship since we joined. Can this get any worse?

 I was trying to find a good excuse, a good reason for being so blind and dumb, but I found nothing. As I walked farther and farther, without destination or will to go anywhere after this experience, I caught a glimpse of a familiar gray wing from the corner of my optics and I turned my gaze immediately to follow the figure, who had probably just left that cursed meeting moments ago.

 Rage boiled through my energon tubes. Starscream.

 Without thinking about the consequences, I left the cart and broke into a dash down the corridor. With the intention to beat the slag out of this glitch, I jumped at him from behind and he failed to act in time. 

He yelled loudly in surprise but almost immediately in pain because I began clawing into his armor wherever I touched him, kicking and tugging him down like a wild animal.

"What in the name of...!" he grabbed my arms and threw me over, sending me against the cold floor and I heard my plating crack. 

I cursed under my breath and when I looked up my optics met with Starscream's murderous glare as he leaned into my view. 

"What is the meaning of this, you crazy femme?!" his piercing optics should have scared me but I went too far to be afraid now.

 I collected all my strength and jumped to my pedes, charging against him once more but he was prepared this time. He blocked my hits and got a hold of both of my wrists, holding them firmly and tightly while trying to withstand my furious kicks.

"You son of a glitch! Let me go! I will beat you into a pile of scrap! Get fragged you damn liar!!!!" I yelled, losing almost all control over my emotions, and he cut in loudly:

"How dare you! End this rampage immediately!! This will cost your position!!!"

"Who cares?! You want to kill me anyway because there is no fantasy in me, isn't that right?!" I screamed into his face while struggling to free myself. Who cares if anybody hears me after this? I'm slagged anyway.

 Starscream’s posture suddenly changed as a whole and his optics opened wide, his wings shutting with a snap.

"Where have you heard that?!" his claws dug into my wrists and I hissed in pain, stopping my struggle, but only for a moment to glare into his shocked optics fiercely.

"Does it ring a bell, perhaps?"

 Starscream’s optics narrowed dangerously and he suddenly moved, dragging me along. I protested, yelling and kicking, but pointlessly. He practically threw me into the closest empty room and looked around to see if anyone had seen or heard us before he closed it behind himself and locked it with a code.

 I was totally fragged. A hint of regret entered my spark but I was ready to face the consequences. Maybe I was rash and irresponsible, but I'm not going to be deceived anymore. I will stand up for myself and he won’t scare me.

"You eavesdropped, didn't you?" Starscream hissed out, watching me as I struggled to stand up. I supported myself by leaning against a counter at the side of the room while glaring daggers in his way.

"Seems like it," I spat.

"Listen you troublesome femme," he took a few steps closer, but only earned a warning growl from me in response, "I don't know how much you have heard, but if you think you can get away with it then you are highly mistaken."

"You don't say! And what are you going to do with me? Imprison me? Punish me by death?" I mocked, knowing that I can't win this battle so I have nothing to lose.

 He looked over me in disdain, his clenched fists indicating that he had very little patience left with me. Maybe one or two more words and I'm crossing the line. His silence was growing longer and I began to lose my confidence. What the heck was he thinking about?!

"If you know what's best for you, you are not telling anyone about this," he narrowed his optics at me and I scoffed.

"Uh? Really? What is stopping me?"

"The fact that you are going to be offlined and you got me involved as well, you idiot!" he snapped, losing his temper, "Do you have any idea what Lord Megatron is going to do to us?! I'm as good as dead if it turns out I let you listen in! Got it?!"

"You have no part in what I did at all,” I frowned in confusion.

"Who do you think is in charge of you?! Me! Everybody likes to blame everything on me anyway, I don't need you to make it worse!" he pointed an accusing finger at me furiously.

"Like I care. You said those words. I have no interest in anything you say anymore!"

 Starscream growled in response, his posture tense like he was ready to slap me in the face. Fortunately he was standing in a bit of a distance and would have to catch me first. But instead of charging at me, he released a long sigh and crossed his arms.

"You are running into your death, femme. And I'm not going to let you take me along, so I propose a deal."

"Why do you think I'm interested? You lied to us. I'm quitting and my friends will as well," I huffed, like I could solve things easily just like that.

"I don't think you understand your situation. Once a Decepticon, always a Decepticon," his cruel optics bore into mine, sending a horrible chill down my spine, "You either live or die for the cause. There is no in between. Don't you understand? Deserters are slain, no matter who they are or once were."

"That-that is…no...!" I wanted to retort, deny his words but deep down I knew he was saying the truth. And now it was clear that there wasn’t a way out of Megatron's clutch. Our lives were in his palm, crushed or left for good by his will alone.

"You can lie anything you want to yourself, the facts don't change. Think about your friends. You might not care about your fate but theirs?"

 Crossflare and Mercy...no, I would never risk hurting them. But they should know about this! We must do something....but can we? Are we late?

 Seeing my hesitation and lost expression, Starscream flashed a smug smirk.

"So here is my deal. You act like nothing happened and I will make your miserable lives a bit easier." 

I angrily clenched my fists.

"That's very generous, but I will tell it to my friends and you can't stop me!"

He didn't seem pleased with such an answer.

"Use your processor, femme. I'm not offering such things twice! Just think about it: neither of us like Megatron, we both have something to hide and we can help each other out. I'm proposing a secret alliance. If you support me, I'm going to support you. How does that sound?"

 I sank into deep thoughts. If I listen to him, I can survive this incident unscathed, and if he keeps his promise, maybe I can reach my original goal much easier. But what is that worth now when it is clear that everything was a lie? What do I win with this?

"Why would I trust you?" I asked my last question, knowing that I'm going to give in eventually.

"Because you don't really have a choice."

Yeah, because I don't have a choice. He has spoken the truth.

"I have some conditions," I spoke up, refusing to give up the fight still.

"Oh Primus, what in the pit do you want yet?" he drew his claws over his face dramatically. I thoroughly enjoyed making him suffer, in any way possible.
"First: stop calling me 'fool' or 'idiot' or 'femme' or 'youngling'. I'm Halo."

"You have forgotten the 'glitch'." 

"Okay, that one as well. Learn my name.”

"Is that all?" he sighed.

"Hm...possible additions later," I smirked, knowing that everything is up to me now.

"What?!" Starscream glared daggers at me but I just shook my head cockily.

"No other way, Starscream."

"You little...!" he clenched his fists.

"Halo," I pointed out with a wide grin. 

"Ugh, fine. Deal. Then make a believable role play or we will be fragged!" he gave in eventually, though not happy with how everything played out. 

"It's always fun to make deals with you," I was satisfied with how this turned out. I mean, it could have gone much worse.

 Starscream muttered something under his breath and unlocked the door which hissed open when we exited together. We went in as enemies and came out as allies. Strange how fate works. 

"I hope I'm not going to regret this," I heard him mumble and I shot him a glare.

"I should be the one saying that."

"Just keep yourself to what you promised and keep your friends in check as well. I'm going to do my part," he pointed at me in warning and I mock-saluted him.

"Understood, Commander!"

 Starscream rolled his optics.

"You change behavior quickly."

"Only when circumstances change quickly."

Rubbing his forehead in an annoyed way, he could only sigh once again.

"I can't understand the way femmes think," Starscream left it at that and I was more than satisfied with my little stunt. I not only eavesdropped on a secret meeting and learned dark stuff but rightfully attacked Starscream and allied up with him. I felt a little proud. But only just a little bit.

 Wile taking our way towards the mess hall, my processor sank into an ocean of worries and doubts. What if I'm doing the wrong thing? What will Crossflare say to this? And first of all: what are we going to do next? The Decepticons were clearly not the people we believed them to be. What now?

 We entered into the almost empty mess hall, only a few Vehicons and Mercy were present. It was early for extra rations and it seemed like Mercy had just arrived here as well. She placed her glass and a little snack on the table she intended to sit by. I beckoned to her and she smiled happily at my sight.

 She seemed surprised at the sight of Starscream beside me though. Yeah, odd, I can admit that. I forced a smile and wondered about how to share such bad news with her. Maybe the timing and place wasn't the best.

"Where is Soundwave?" I asked when we reached her. Starscream didn't seem to lose track of me, as if he wanted to monitor my every single move and make sure I'm not saying things I shouldn't. 

"He was summoned by Megatron and hasn't returned since then. I thought I should take a break and refuel," she answered with a small shrug and a shy smile.

"Maybe it's best I make sure he hasn't heard anything troublesome," Starscream muttered and finally departed from us. Before he left, he looked back and pointed at me strictly, his gaze locking with mine. 

"Don't forget what I said!" 

"You neither!" I pointed back. 

We nodded in unison then he disappeared. 

"What was that?" Mercy asked curiously with a mix of confusion on her face. 

My casual mood dispersed as I remembered what I had to tell her. 

"Mercy...we have something important to discuss..." 

Chapter Text

Halo POV

 Mercy was sitting in the corner of our room with her knees pulled up to her chest, her face hiding behind her arms as she tightly embraced herself. She looked so defeated...Maybe I shouldn't have told her anything.

 Thinking back now, I have no idea how I had fallen for the lies the Decepticons fed us. What kind of fog clouded my vision so that I couldn’t see the clues? The sudden attack during the meeting, Knock Out's recent visits, Soundwave coming along....

 How could I not see through those wicked optics of Megatron? How could I nod to his words when we discussed both factions? Why couldn't I see that all of this was their handiwork? It was so evident!

 And I think Crossflare knew it all along. Or at least had her suspicions.

 I'm so stupid...

"I was so sure he was different..." Mercy sobbed quietly, burying her face deeper into her arms.

"I know. You grew to like that creepy guy...ughhh..." I scratched the back of my head awkwardly, somewhat understanding her disappointment yet not at the same time. But still, why the Pit would she like that mech so much?! Sure, Soundwave was oddly calm and collected, something Mercy always looked up to and searched for, but...

 But where is Crossflare? She should be informed as well. Just thinking of what her reaction will be seemed enough for me to reconsider my next action before I beckoned to Mercy to follow me.

 She wiped her optics and shakily rose to her pedes. She looked miserable in her broken state. How I hated to see her cry. This sweet femme almost always smiled, sadness was pretty much unknown to her face. Trying to soothe her, I patted her shoulder gently and muttered kind, reassuring words to her as we left our room to find Crossflare. There were only a few places she would be at.

 Working tirelessly beside her work table, we found her in the laboratory. Seeing her occupied like that reminded me of the old days. The time I spent at her workplace, watching her work herself to exhaustion just to save me...and save many others. She would never stop until stasis knocked her out. That's the kind of person she was. Crossflare lived and died for her work.

"Good morning," she didn't even spare us a glance over her shoulder. She carefully held a vial of dark blue liquid, dropping small droplets of a different substance into it with utmost concentration. Compared to her state yesterday, she looked pretty sober now. I wonder if she has some kind of medicine for hangover subspaced somewhere...

"Hi, CF," I offered a weak response.

 I couldn't bring myself to smile. All the bad thoughts came rushing back and invaded my processor. This is going to be tough and I don't think I’m ready for a storm.

 She looked up and placed her tools down. It seems hearing the tone of my voice was enough for her to catch onto its meaning. Her optics found mine in concern.

"Is something the matter?"

 Then her gaze flicked over to Mercy's sorrowful sight and she immediately turned our way and came up to her, cradling our sobbing friend gently like a human mother would a startled child.

 No matter how fierce and distant Crossflare acted most of the time, no one could offer more warmth and tenderness than her.

 For a moment I hesitated to open my mouth. Then I gathered whatever courage I still had.

"There is something I must tell you CF. And this is bad news," I finally announced. She looked at me readily, nodding to me with a serious expression, prepared to listen to what I've got to tell, be it anything.

 I exhaled a frustrated sigh while trying to collect my thoughts. Where should I start?

"We were deceived," great, not exactly how I wanted to start. Then I began explaining, going back to the moment we decided on which faction to choose. All through my explanation, she listened quietly, holding Mercy close, but the more she heard the worse her glare had become. Her optics burned with fury and betrayal.

"As you can see, every single action was a lie, a big charade. I...confronted Starscream about it and he offered me a deal but we can't trust him fully either. We have to be careful not to let anyone know we know,” I wrapped the story up and a heavy, uncomfortable silence settled upon us.

"What do we do now, Crossflare?" Mercy asked, her voice trembling.

 CF released her and stepped aside with a dark expression. I gulped, watching her come to her own conclusions with a dreadful feeling in my fuel tank.

"I should've known," Crossflare spoke up, baring her denta, "I had this nagging feeling that something was horribly wrong, and yet I pushed it aside. I was an idiot!"

 Her optics omitted fire.

"We can't do anything rash for the time being," I reminded her quickly, "I promised Starscream that we will act like we are clueless. I know it sounds foolish, but there is not much we can do at the moment. Decepticons sentence deserters to death. We are trapped in this situation for the time being."

 Mercy cast her optics down, fighting back more tears. I really pitied her but I couldn’t offer any encouragement now.

"What a Primus-forsaken curse," Crossflare hissed and turned around to step back to her working station. She absently grabbed some empty bottles and flung them against the wall. They shattered upon impact. The shards scattered across the counter’s surface and the floor. 

 Mercy and I recoiled in shock, but our friend stopped at that and didn’t throw anything else. She placed her servos on the edge of the table and muttered something under her breath.

 I couldn’t make out the words but I could guess. She will need some time to get over this until she finds her calm, level-headed inner self again. Maybe it's best we leave her alone.

"Knock, knock!" suddenly someone knocked - although the doors were wide open - and cheerfully entered the laboratory. 

 I wished it wasn't him. Great, just the right person to interrupt at a moment like this! He has impeccable timing!

 Knock Out strode closer and noted that all the three of us are in there. He nodded in greeting and went straight to Crossflare, or would have, because he halted once he stepped on a shard.

"Uh, what happened here? Nevermind, I will send someone to clean this up. I need your attention for a few minutes. I want to introduce a special formula to you..." he picked up a small piece of glass, turning it around between his digits as he talked in a carefree manner.

 Knowing what he actually thought of us and Crossflare, I couldn’t help but grimace. What a two-faced bastard!

 My friend stubbornly stared forward, gaze turned away from him, her servos gripping the edge of the counter tighter. Even his voice made her shudder in disgust. 

 It seems I managed to hurt her with the truth more than I anticipated, as strange as that sounds. Her defense mechanism was different from Mercy's: she was the type to get very angry and hostile with those who lied to her. 

"Not now, Knock Out," she grumbled as she bent down to pick up the shards. The mech looked somewhat confused and I think he caught the venom in her voice because he turned towards us with a questioning gaze.

I shrugged and tried to tell him with a gesture of a servo that it's better if he leaves now. Although reluctantly, he stepped back and backed off, his optics darting from us to her.

 Just leave already!

"Then, khm, please inform me when you are less occupied. It's an important matter," the mech called back before he left eventually, causing me to sigh in relief. I think Crossflare needed all the self-control she had to hold herself back from throwing the medic across the room.

 Her mood didn't get better after he disappeared. She was collecting the shards in tense silence as if she was about to explode any moment when she didn’t have her servos busy.

"CF, please cool down, you are starting to scare us," I pleaded cautiously.
Crossflare glanced up with narrowed optics but caught Mercy’s worried gaze and her expression softened by a fraction.
"….sorry. I don't know what has gotten into me..." she shook her head and stood, placing the collected shards on the tabletop.

"You feel betrayed. Just like we do. We don't blame you," I offered her a small, comforting smile. It was strange that I was the one calming her when usually I needed this from her.

“It’s just….I’m mad at myself more than anything. I’m sorry girls. It’s all my fault."

Mercy POV

 Yesterday, I was filled with joy, excitement and had a new vision about our future together here on the warship. But Halo's words today destroyed them all, sending my naive fantasy to shatter on the floor. I have no idea what pained me more: the fact that we chose the bad side or the fact that I appeared to have a silly crush on an officer of the said faction.

 I was easy to manipulate, I can't deny. When it came to others, I always tried to see the good in them and when I found something good about them I gave my trust freely. I've been warned more than once that such a view on socialization is bad for me, but I failed to understand why my need for friendships was so dangerous. Now I knew: because there were people desecrating this trust.

 I was naive to think the Decepticons aren't so bad. Soundwave was no exception.

 The truth was out now but it felt like barely anything changed. Halo and Crossflare returned to their jobs, no matter how much they despised even the thought of working for someone who had lied to them. I had to do the same and keep silent. My spark felt heavy. 

 I shook my head on my way back to my work station while thinking about how to behave next to the mech who had manipulated me this whole time. It was more painful than I'd ever expected. Has he ever considered what we would feel knowing of his real role? Was there no remorse in his spark?

 I can't say he lied to me because he never uttered a word. I can't say he forced me to do anything I didn't want either. Yet it felt like I had been moved by strings all along, like a type of doll human younglings like to play with. 

 When I reached the door of the Communications Room, I swallowed hard before I entered. I was determined to stare at the floor and not look at my superior as I walked up to my little screen and turned on the computer. I was sure Soundwave looked up and probably noted my presence with a nod, but it was impossible for me to say anything or look at him.

 Get to work Mercy, act normal….!

 Trying to focus on my work while being busy struggling with emotions was starting to make me feel sick. I have never been good at thinking with a clear head when emotions overlapped. The silence between us also began to suffocate me for the very first time since I have met Soundwave.

 I never minded his quiet demeanor because it provided some calm and comfort. When we stood side by side, I was the one who initiated conversation and as a result abandoned my work for minutes out of need to express my thoughts to him because it was easy to talk to someone who always listened.

 Everything changed so suddenly. From day to day, from hour to hour... I wasn't good at dealing with changes so fast.

 Soundwave stopped typing after a while and turned his head towards me. I noticed his stare and focused my gaze on the screens with a tense stubbornness. Please, please don't look at me! I can't communicate right now. Just do your work and give me time to calm down!

 He didn't turn away.

 Soundwave abruptly raised a servo and took mine, pulling it away from the keyboard. That managed to gain my attention. He startled me so much that I jerked my servo away and glanced up with wide optics, afraid.

 His servo froze. As if he didn't understand my reaction.

 I cursed myself. I shouldn't have been so jumpy, I must be looking suspicious now! I tried to come up with a good excuse as I caught my gaze away. I had to say something, but words escaped my reach. 

 Soundwave tilted his head to the side and slowly lowered his servo. It seems he accepted the fact that I won’t talk. Without pressing it further, he turned back to the screens and continued his work, albeit slower than before.

 I closed my optics for a moment and sighed quietly. This is not how I meant to behave. But I couldn't help it. 

I was afraid of him.

Crossflare POV

 I pretended to be busy. But there was only so much I could do to keep the medic out of the laboratory. It was his right to come and go as he pleased, being the Chief Medical Officer and Head Scientist of the ship. The second time he visited he had Breakdown by his side. Fortunately they didn't bring any of the ‘assistant-candidate’ Vehicons like the other day.

 Breakdown made himself comfortable on the closest seat and tapped a digit on one of the perfectly organized containers with variously colored glowing substances inside. I would rather not have him break any of those, but my attention was completely elsewhere.

 Knock Out. That manipulative self-absorbed bastard.

 I turned my back to them and closed my optics. Just leave me alone. I didn’t even want to look at them after hearing everything they had done...or rather Knock Out did. I doubted Breakdown had as much to do with it as his boss.

 That still didn’t change the fact that both were part of this well-crafted theatrical play. Everything was fake. They played a role in Megatron’s plan to turn us against the Autobots. I hated to admit that I grew to like them a little. Yesterday I thought that I had 'fun'. Not because of their presence in particular but it was really a good night. Now I wished them to the Pit. Knock Out, mainly.

 I don't need pretty but empty smiles. I don't need pretty but false words either. I'm not that stupid.

"Hey, Crossflare! I'm back. The formula I'm going to show you is top secret, and it will be the center of your research," Knock Out stepped up to me and placed a datapad on the table for me to see. I didn't reach for it. I was in no mood to even look at it.

The mech noticed my tense posture and leaned forward with a questioning glance as he waved a servo in front of my face. I pressed my mouth into a thin line, trying to hold my temper back.

 But he is a fragging liar and he is not worthy of my time or attention anymore!

"I'm not interested," I hissed out involuntarily.

"Huh?" The face Knock Out made was indescribable and I found myself feeling unsatisfied with his reaction. I wanted to slap him right there and see his face afterwards.

"What are you..?" he took a step back in confusion as I finally looked at him with a piercing glare.

"I told you not to disturb me! Will you never leave me alone?!" I demanded, raising my voice to a threatening level.

 I regretted it the next moment. I went too far. I should have kept my mouth shut. He will know that I learned of their little dark secret in a minute.

 Knock Out stared at me as if I handed him a chunk of tox-en and raised his servos innocently as he cast an uncertain look in Breakdown's direction.

"What is it, Crossflare? Did something happen?" he asked when he looked back at me, utterly confused. He looked sincerely clueless. Like there was nothing to be mad about! It only infuriated me even more!

 I didn't answer immediately and an uncomfortable pause settled in. Breakdown raised a servo to his audio-receptor abruptly, frowning as he listened to someone talking over the comm.

"Umm, doc!" His interruption caused the tense atmosphere to lighten but just for a moment, "We have an injured Vehicon taken to the med-bay. Some kind of accident happened in one of the mines. You are requested to take a look at them."

 Knock Out didn't know whether to be relieved or annoyed. He frowned in thought for some time until he finally straightened his back and placed his servos on his hips, ready to open his mouth.

"Knock Out, aren’t you coming?" Breakdown was already in the doorway, ready to leave.

"Just a minute, go forward," Knock Out answered without any emotion in his tone as he held my gaze, but then I suddenly turned on my heels and went back to my research.

"Khm, are you angry with me? I don't remember doing anything wrong," he followed me with an expression I assumed was meant to be placating.

"Tch..." Unbelievable. That’s bold of him to say!

"What was that? Hey, look at me! Be a little bit more straightforward with me, please?" he tried again, stepping closer with more confidence.

 Something snapped in me.

"Oh? OH? You want that?!" I spun around, losing the grip on my temper completely. I pointed an accusing finger in his face, "But you did nothing wrong, didn't you?!"

"I didn't!" he snapped back, pushing my servo away from his oh so cherished, flawless face.

"Knock Out," Breakdown called back again. 

"I told you to go! One minute!" Knock Out yelled over his shoulder impatiently, "Can't you see I'm busy?!" 

 Breakdown looked abashed and shrunk slightly from the sudden change in his friend's mood.

Knock Out was less friendly or ready to make peace when he looked at me again.

"Okay, we can play this game. I don't understand why you are suddenly being difficult, but just to remind you, I am the reason you and your friends are still online! How rude and ungrateful of you to still act like a glitch!" 

"Really? Says the one who I put blind trust into but it turned out that his every action and word is fake! I don't need your pretty smiles! Show me who you really are or get away from me!" The fury rose in my optics as I declared loudly, making him recoil.

"What are you talking about...?"
"Knock Out, the minute is..." Breakdown interrupted once again, probably trying to separate us as soon as possible, judging by how he caught his gaze from him to me and back. Maybe it's better if he takes the medic with himself, far enough from me.
"I'm coming," Knock Out muttered in a frustrated manner and made his way out. He took a last glimpse behind before he disappeared from the laboratory and I was left to fume in myself.

I'm so stupid. I felt so bad after this pointless confrontation. I managed to do everything I promised Halo not to. I didn't intend to throw these things into Knock Out's face right now, so soon, like this... but I just couldn't hold myself back. I loathed lies and liars. Speak honestly and straightforwardly, no hidden secrets. 

But as always, my unbearable nature made me fail again.

James POV

 The feeling of resignation that my girls joined the Decepticons just didn't want to settle with me. No, there must be a misunderstanding. I must have read the message in the wrong direction.

But who am I kidding? Facts are facts.

 Ever since I found them, broken and bruised in the dust, desperate for energon, protection, home, I've been feeling responsible for them. Not as if they couldn't care for themselves. All of them were unique people and even though they originated from a different planet, they shared a lot in common with us. Maybe it's foolish to say, but I found humanity in those mechanical eyes. 

It has been a while since I retired from duty but I still remember and know well what war is. I wish no one would need to experience it in any circumstances and I had sworn I will keep these girls in the shadows, protect their neutrality at all costs. The beginnings are never easy. There is mistrust and caution, suspicions and confrontations. Many and many sleepless nights and fights are behind us. During the years, I managed to get close to these mechanical wonders, getting a look behind the cold and hard armor and seeing lonely, hopeless children. I know they are thousand times older than me, but that didn't hold me back from thinking about them as kids. Sometimes they even acted like ones.

 Back to the present, the arrival of three Autobots one evening was as unexpected as a meteor crashing into the neighborhood. After attacking my girls, they would have done better staying home. Thinking about it, why the hell would they attack them? Or us?

 As ridiculous as it was to hold a rifle pointed at metallic giants, I wouldn't have welcomed them any other way.

 Surprise came when the Autobot leader, obviously he was the one, standing tall on the front with all his incredible height, descended on one knee before me, appearing to be everything except hostile. I did not lower my rifle however, knowing nothing of their intentions. They arrived just as peacefully to the meeting with my girls, and I know well how that ended. Obvious worry shot through when I thought of Crossflare and her wound. But every other thought was pushed into the back of my mind when the Prime spoke with unexpected apology and caution in his voice:

"You are James Barrow, human ally of Crossflare, Halo and Mercy?"

 Hearing their names sent a terrible chill over my spine, my muscles tensed and my finger on the ricochet readily curled.

"Came to attack my home too? Like shooting my girl across the chest wasn't enough for you," I blared, staring down the Prime with all the courage I had. I never had the opportunity to meet a male of the Cybertronian species before but I presumed I will be able to handle them. They weren't the first aliens to cross my path nor was I a beginner in that matter.

"I'm afraid there is a misunderstanding that must be cleared as soon as possible. May I speak to Crossflare and offer a proper explanation of the incident two days ago?" The Prime was looking at me with expectations, as if he didn’t even question if I would comply. That didn't sit too well with me.

"What if she or neither of them wants to see you?" my voice was sharp, hinting at more than I would have liked to.

 The other two Bots, a white and orange male and a sapphire blue female, exchanged a concerned frown, the female's more of a guilty look.

"While I can see why they wouldn't like to talk to us, knowing that they haven't responded to any call or message since yesterday, I'm not intending to leave until we have spoken to them."

"Too late guys," I finally lowered the rifle but still holding it ready while also having a hunch that I won't truly need it, "They sought help from the Decepticons."

 Their expressions were one of which I expected. The Prime rose to his full height and his anxious gaze fixed on the empty hangar which once housed my Cybertronian guests who eventually became part of the 'family' over the years. Their absence has changed the atmosphere around the house, bringing forth something I couldn't really identify. The hangar stood silently, vacant of life.

"It's my fault," the female hissed under her breath, lowering her head and clenching her fists tightly beside her thighs. She appeared to be blaming herself, "I should have listened to whatever explanation they had and not have jumped to conclusions so quickly."

"In such a situation, any of us would have misread the circumstances. We weren't sure the attack wasn't their doing," the Prime turned to her, eyes not stern but forgiving.

"Whatever we thought that time doesn't matter right now," the other male, sounding older than any of them finally spoke up and shook his head in frustration, "The three of them were obviously there to join us, not to lead us into a trap, but the Decepticons ruined the meeting and confused both party to believe the other had turned tides. No surprise they naively turned to the Decepticons for help. Crossflare's injury, from what I've seen, was screaming for a medic."

"They returned afterwards," I pointed out, halting the Prime and the female from replying anything to their comrade, "They tried to contact that girl called Miko after you-" I jabbed a finger in the blue female's direction, "-rather angrily left the perimeter before any of them could have made things clear. But she wasn't responding."

 The ambulance car rubbed his forehead as a very annoyed sigh escaped his lips.

"Miko should have picked up the phone. We should have ordered her to do so. But she was too furious and disappointed after hearing what happened and she threw a hissy fit by not answering Halo's calls."

"Whatever, my girls concluded they are not welcome anymore. So they left abruptly and haven't returned ever since. They sent an apologetic message yesterday however. They had joined the Decepticons."

My voice was as casual as it could be in such a situation, but my last words hung in the air heavily for a long time after I finished the last sentence.

Halo POV

"They know," was all I said the other day and Starscream's expression morphed into a very deep frown. He knew very well what I meant. Whatever was on his mind though, didn't leave his mouth this time.

 I shifted my weight from one ped to the other, my arms folded over my chest and my gaze expectantly hung on the seeker's face who was occupied with incoming reports from one of our mines. Two Autobot signals have been detected and the miners asked for reinforcements in case of an upcoming battle. The mine, positioned somewhere in Canada, was one of the energon-richest places in that country and a perfect target for the Autobots for an energon supply-raid. The area was large enough for the miners to miss the enemy stealing some of the crystals and while the loss to us wasn't of any significance, Starscream had explained that stopping the Autobots from obtaining any means their supplies would be shortened. That is a disadvantage for them and a win for us.

 I pitied the Autobots, imagining how hard it must be for them. Of course these thoughts were pushed away in fear anyone had the ability to see into my processor. On this ship, Autobots were the enemy. As much as I hated the whole ordeal I was currently trapped in, I had to think of them as foes, no matter what.

Just keep up this role play for a little longer and I will find out how to get our trio out of the clutches of Megatron and the Decepticons. The problem was that I had no ideas so far.

 A red message flashed up on the screen and I questioningly glanced at Starscream after reading it. The miners and some soldiers were tailing the Autobots who didn't seem to engage them in a fight but were leaving quickly with precious cargo.

"You come with me," Starscream wasn't pleased with the situation and beckoned to me before he turned on his heels to leave the command deck. My optics opened slightly wider and I found myself following him in awe, surprised by the order. I just made a short detour to catch up with him a moment ago and was about to return to my tasks immediately after, but now he takes me wherever he goes? Now that’s new!

"Is there a reason I have to come?" catching up with him in the portal he requested from Soundwave, I wondered what was going on in his complicated processor.

"It's best for the time being that I keep my optics on you, fe-Halo...I don't trust you," was all he muttered, straining my name like expelling it took great energy.

 An involuntary grin crept to my face and I muffled a particularly amused chuckle.

"Oh. If you wanted to stare at me, you could have just asked," I swayed my hips teasingly and I burst into a laugh at the expression he made, one of a mix of shock, anger and obvious disgust.

"H-how dare you...!"

"Yeah, yeah, I heard that a couple of times. I dare a lot of things," I waved dismissively, deciding on calling a retreat instead of getting on his nerves. We were supposed to be allies afterall. But how can a femme like me help it when it has been eons ago I had a mech staring at me? Right or not, I enjoyed the attention. Upon second thought, I figured Starscream is hard to impress, no matter what you do. Not as if that was anything new, since he had very high standards in general.

 Starscream turned his attention to the Vehicons coming in our way, ignoring me for the time being though there was an obvious scowl on his face. I stood slightly behind, knowing that allies or not, I was still nothing more than a simple energon-delivery bot and walking beside him like a confident equal would only raise suspicions. It bugged me nevertheless.

"You let them ESCAPE?!" Starscream roared - or rather shrieked - when the Vehicon reported that the Autobots were gone.

"T-they bridged themselves out, Commander Starscream, there was nothing we could do...!"

 Slap.

 My optics opened wide and I actually flinched in unison with the five other drones when Starscream's servo collided with the reporting Vehicon's face. D-did he just slap that poor mech in the face?!

"I sent you here for nothing then?!" the Seeker's optics were burning, his servos clenched in fists and his wings perked up, dangerously widening. He could look intimidating when he wanted to I had to admit, and for a moment I exchanged startled looks with the other Vehicons. Was this behavior common?

 Before I could have interrupted with the intention to soothe the tension, blasts could be heard from a short distance which echoed through the tunnels of the mine.

 We all turned to look at the entrance to the dark room on our left when a drone flew out and landed painfully on the hard ground, groaning in misery from a fatal shot in the chest.

"Miko! Where are you?!" Bulkhead's booming, worried voice grabbed my attention from inside as the fight continued and the Vehicons standing beside us all dashed through the entrance to help out their miner brothers against the Autobots who seemed to have returned in an unexpected hurry.

"What the pit do they want now?" Starscream growled with malice, transforming one of his arms into a spectacular blaster and cautiously edged closer to the rocks that framed the room. I didn't hesitate to scoot after him and peek out from behind to see the fight that unfolded inside. Somehow I wasn't surprised to find Bulkhead and Bumblebee running around and crushing drones one by one while yelling Miko's name all around. I had a very strong idea about what was going on.

"Is it safe to shoot in an energon mine? I mean, the whole ceiling can come down from a stray blast or the crystals might overcharge and explode!" I frowned, sparing a glance at my commander’s focused expression.

"No, but do we have an option when those stupid Autobots shoot at us?" he growled back, and extended a servo which forced me to step back, "Stay here and try not to..."

 But I wasn't listening to him anymore when I caught a glimpse of a small figure dashing across the room in hurry to cover behind a smaller rock and shield herself from an incoming blast. My spark skipped a beat when my pedes moved from themselves as I ducked into the room without thinking, leaving the fairly safe spot I've been watching the whole scene from. I heard Starscream's angry yell from behind, but I let that slip by as I skidded the last few meters to the small rock, gaining a few bruises before coming to a halt.

 Tiny, shocked eyes stared up at me and I allowed a quick grin to spread on my face before I caught her in my hands and held her close. Miko was such a troublemaker. We had that in common!

"You just can't stay out of trouble, can you?" I whispered as loudly as possible, already looking for an opportunity to move.

"Halo?" was all she could mutter, her hands gripping my fingers to keep herself steady. I practically leaped across four fallen bodies before I took cover behind a larger crystal, a bad choice of hideout. 

 Bulkhead rushed past us and I grabbed the chance to close the distance, swinging my servo to punch into the green Autobot's back hard enough to get his attention. It worked. Bulkhead spun around with speed I'd never expected, ready to smash down with that impressive wrecking ball of his, only to stop when he recognized me and I quickly tossed Miko into his other servo.

"Keep her at bay or she won't be this lucky next time!" with that I leaped away, just in time before a blast flew past between us. Turning, I caught a glance of an enraged Starscream aiming straight in our way. Oh, right. I'm supposed to be hostile with the Autobots. Scrap.

 Then I saw his expression change and seeing how the other Vehicons and Bumblebee backed off, I suddenly had a good guess about what they were staring at with such frightened looks. Bulkhead and I moved at once when we realized that the blast from a moment ago hit a blue crystal, causing it to overcharge.

 Oh joy.

 I managed to get to the entrance but the explosion threw me out, my back arching in an unnatural way as I flew against the opposite wall, then landed hard on the shaking ground. Orders were shouted through the air, I heard Miko shriek, then a green light illuminated my bruised figure and I felt servos helping me up.

 A Vehicon flung one of my arms over his head, supporting me on his shoulder as he helped me limp into the swirling ground-bridge. I had no protests, my processor barely registered anything until we were on the other side.

"Are you okay?" the Vehicon asked with concern and I wondered if we'd met before. Maybe at the party...

"U-humm," I nodded, almost immediately deterred by coughing and I needed a moment to recover before I could finally stand on my pedes by myself once again. The dizziness faded and my full consciousness returned. Just in time to hear Starscream yell at me.

"What was THAT?! I ordered you to STAY BACK!!!" he was fuming as he threw his servos up, continuing to curse me as if I've committed the greatest sin in my life.

"I took care of the problem," I wiped my mouth and dusted myself off. I was covered in dust from top to ped but fortunately I didn't suffer any serious damage aside from a few scratches. Luck was with me this time.

"When I order you, you do what I say!" the Seeker stepped closer, his wings throwing me in their menacing shadows. He jabbed a finger against my chest as his ruby optics stared me down with murderous intent. For the very first time, I felt truly threatened by him.

 I slumped my shoulders, aware of how I messed up big time this time. I should have stayed out of the fight. I shouldn't have helped Miko. I should've listened to him.

"Yes, sir..." I muttered, casting my gaze down. Submission was an unnatural response from me, one which I never took lightly. But at the moment pressing things any further would have just ruined the thin hope of our fragile alliance and I didn't need Starscream on my bad side. I have to constantly remind myself of that.

 A drone coughed, gaining our attention.

"Commander Starscream, sir, the mine has collapsed on itself. Energy signatures are blocked by the rocks and we don't know how many miners are trapped underneath."

 The Seeker snarled, raising a servo to slap this Vehicon too but I stood between them, blocking the way. Starscream didn't hesitate to hit me instead however. Only my words stopped him from doing so.

"Is there really any need for this? We should organize a rescue team and dig the trapped troops out!"

"We? I organize things, you do better shut your mouth while I'm still patient! But you are this close to crossing the line, femme!" The Seeker leaned closer, his raised servo now flexing before my neck cables, forcing me to swallow whatever I had on my tongue.

 Silence was the right action now, no matter how the word 'femme' sent an outraged fire through my energon lines. He was back at it again, and I could do nothing but nod. Maybe allying up with him didn't change anything. Maybe no matter what I do, I will never get any tiny insignificant show of respect out of him.

 I hated the thought because I knew he had every right to be angry with me.

Mercy POV

 The tension between us lasted longer than I would've expected. Even on the next day, my optics wandered elsewhere, my digits drummed on the keyboard mindlessly, my spark felt tight. How long will this uncomfortable silence last? Soundwave held longer pauses than usual, looking in my way more often than needed in my opinion. My odd, reserved behavior was starting to fill the room with unspoken questions from his direction. I could feel it.

 But he didn’t ask.

 He handed out silent instructions with short messages on my personal datapad and I eagerly fulfilled any task which had me outside the Communications Room. Talking to Vehicons felt somewhat relieving. They appeared to be clueless and they were exceptionally helpful. I assumed they liked me enough to help out with my tasks.

"Query: distracted?"

 My optics forgot to blink when I read the message on my way back to my work station. The silence broke. Soundwave wanted to know what's wrong. My servos gripped the datapad tighter, my gaze sweeping over the two simple words twice more like it contained my death sentence.

 What should I answer? I can't tell him I know it's his doing that we abandoned the idea of joining the Autobots. Or that it hurts me to think he played with my naivety even if it wasn't intentional. I was also a fool in the whole matter.

 Things spiraled out of control in my environment before I could've figured out how to proceed. Crossflare dashed past me with a look of obvious horror on her face and judging by the course of her run, she was heading towards the med-bay. She hasn't visited the med-bay since yesterday after her confrontation with Knock Out. The two weren't on speaking terms with each other and I had a good guess why, although she hasn't told us what the issue was all about. I remember how the whole thing upset Halo, but she was silently fuming, knowing that arguing with Crossflare about the topic would do nothing good to us right now.

 Crossflare was still angry with the mech. And with everyone else to be honest.

 But her sudden shift from mad to sickly worried caused me to follow her without minding my own problems, hurrying to see what the source of her distress was this time. I didn’t expect to stumble upon the scene that greeted us in the med-bay when we stepped inside.

"Then what should I have done?! Just watch the whole thing and stand idly by like the others?" Halo's strained, harsh voice filled the atmosphere. She stood beside the table where Starscream sat, pointing an accusing finger at him like she was lecturing him. That setup wasn't what made me gasp though.

 The Air Commander was beaten up, his frame covered by scars and dents all around, his mouth leaking energon. His broken, slumped posture suggested he wasn't up to anything Halo was throwing at him.

The next thing I noticed: four large scars lined her front chassis across her chest, energon oozing from the wounds, her other arm hung limply at her left side with wires sticking out. That she and Starscream were both covered in dust and dirt only raised more questions.

 By Solus, what happened here?

"Sorry to interrupt, but that was indeed a stupid thing to do. Your circuits must be fried. No one interferes when Megatron is beating Stasrcream, for a very good reason," Knock Out stepped beside her with a judgmental expression and put some distance between the two as he examined her limp arm, reattaching the severed sensory cables. She stood with a stubborn scowl but allowed him to work on her nevertheless.

"What happened to you?!" Crossflare flew across the room and ignored Knock Out's sound of protest when she grabbed Halo by the shoulders and turned her around to face her and take the damage in.

 Halo's reluctant grimace told enough. She cast her gaze aside and shrugged our friend's servos off. There was an almost touchable tension in the room. Starscream and Crossflare were obviously focused on Halo while Knock Out couldn't take his glare off Crossflare. Things were about to get even worse.

Halo POV

 This was my fourth day on the warship, recruited as a Decepticon, and I already got my first hand experience in why the Cons are afraid of Megatron's wrath so much. 

 Not long after Starscream and I made it back from the collapsing mine, we were summoned by our Lord to report on the incident which obviously didn't escape the always watching Soundwave's attention. Wait, correction: Starscream was summoned. I just tagged along for no particular reason except feeling partially responsible for what happened. 

 Megatron was seething in the command center, demanding to see Starscream right in the moment or else the ones present in the room will be all beheaded. Hearing his voice fill the large room sent horrible shivers running down my spine and I already regretted coming along. Glancing at Starscream, he flinched but showed no fear when we strolled in, immediately gaining attention. Without further instructions I slowed my pace and stayed behind beside a Vehicon who abandoned his work at his station just to watch what was about to play out.

"They are going at it again..." he muttered, almost inaudibly but my audio receptors picked up his words and my expression morphed into a confused frown. Again....? What again?

"Y-you called me my liege," Starscream stopped hesitantly in a small distance from his Lord whose optics roamed over the Seeker's sleek figure like a beast ready to tear its prey apart. I didn't like that look and I had no idea how Starscream could even stand in the focus of those terrible optics.

"Yes, I did. Explain to me, how could this happen?!" Megatron suddenly took a mighty step closer, pointing behind himself as footage of a collapsed mine came into view on the large screen behind the deck.

 Oh scrap. There was a large crater in the place of the once hill-covered terrain, vast smoke trailing up towards the gray sky. Many miners must be trapped underneath the boulders and debris. It will be a lot of work to get them out of there.

"The Autobots found an entrance inside and caused a ruckus, it's all their fault...!" Starscream tried to reason, his voice sounded nervous and his posture suggested he would run away at any given moment. Somehow I could relate to that.

"According to Soundwave's report, you sent a security squad to help out. Why couldn't they deal with the threat?" Megatron stepped closer, slowly closing the distance between them, but Starscream's reply was backing off with his wings lowering behind his back.

"I-it appeared that the Autobots left after my squad assumed chase but they returned...that was unexpected and..." the Seeker was only gabbling at this point, reduced to a puddle of trembling energon. The proud, confident and superior mech almost completely gone. The change was more than a surprise for me. I've already seen him act similarly when around Megatron, but I've never seen him so...scared.

 Pity and a familiar sense of empathy emerged to the surface of my spark. This wasn't right. Nothing that was going on felt right because I had this suspense that something even worse is going to happen.

"Unexpected? Unexpected?! This is the second mine you have lost to Autobot tricks this week! You don't have any excuses, Starscream! I could pardon one failure, but two? Next week we lose another two or three of our most resourceful territories?!" Megatron's harsh words echoed back from the walls and my tank felt tight from anticipation. I must say something. I must do something. It was partly my fault the mine collapsed. Starscream shouldn't be the only one yelled at, this is not fair.

"But Master, I..." the Seeker hunched, wishing the floor would swallow him, his wings almost flat against his back.

"I heard ENOUGH! Now I will make sure you remember not to fail me again!"

 Before I could've figured out what to say and soothe Megatron's anger, Starscream's slim figure crashed against the cold floor meters behind where he stood a moment before. My spark jumped from the sight and I took a step back in terror when the robust warlord grabbed the pleading Seeker's helm and lifted him only to toss him against the closest wall, screens flickering and consoles beeping when Starscream bounced off the counter helplessly.

 There was no time for him to regain composure or get up because Megatron's large fist collided with his face and chest, sending sparks flying as circuits buzzed with electricity.

 Astonished, frightened and disgusted by what I was seeing, I turned to look at the others standing in the room. I don't know what I wanted. Maybe help. Someone to interrupt. To say it's enough, that it's not right. But no one even flinched. 

 I couldn't believe that everybody was just simply watching, some Vehicons weren’t even interested, they continued typing like nothing of significance was happening. Or maybe just out of fear they would get their share of Megatron's wrath.

 Before it registered what I was doing I found myself between the menacing warlord and the broken Seeker on the floor. There wasn't any plan in my mind, nor a prepared speech or a good excuse. I caught surprise in Megatron's optics when I appeared at Starscream’s side but it quickly vanished as soon as he noticed I was shielding the second in command with my short figure which wasn't exactly doing a very good job at it.

"Please, my Lord...." I started, my voice dry and strained with audible fear, "There is no need to..."

"Out of my way," was the angered answer, the raised volume only indicating there was no place for me to resist. I would have obeyed without further objection if I wasn't firm in my decision. I'm not going to let this continue.

"There is no need for this!" I held my servos up in a placating manner, hoping I will be able to stop his rampage. Judging by the stunned silence and tense attention from everyone else in the room, there was very little chance of that. Oh Solus save me...

"You forget where your place is, Halo. It would be wise of you to stand aside and learn that I do NOT take such failures lightly," Megatron leaned close, all that filled my vision was his scarred face and those scarlet, invasive optics. The way he spelled my name caused my plating to tremble and my intake got caught in my throat. There was no confidence or courage left in me, yet I didn't make a move. I couldn't. I was cemented there, hearing Starscream's pained groan as he tried to get up.

"But my Lord it's my fault...."

There was no time for me to end the sentence, a pitiful plea that wouldn't have been acknowledged anyway. Megatron’s large servo slapped me aside like I was just a small object in the way. His sharp claws cut into my armor and a silent scream escaped my lips when I crashed against the wall. The impact was greater than I expected. My left side cracked painfully and I knew my arm was somehow half-detached because I couldn’t feel it anymore. 

"There is no 'but' when I order you!" I heard Megatron's disdainful voice but I couldn't look up. Not like this. I was defeated, just as helpless and miserable as Starscream was, but inside I was fuming. My spark screamed for justice.

 Megatron had no right to do this to any of us.

But finally I knew the rumors were true. That I had a good reason to be afraid and that I better be cautious and well-behaved, because there is no way I can fight back. Not to him.

 I hated the very thought of it.

 When the warlord finally felt satisfied after one last threat barked at the Seeker, he released Starscream and let him crawl into the med-bay and have his wounds tended to. I also made my way out, away from Megatron and his burning red optics. When we reached far enough I stepped beside Starscream and took his left arm to put it over my shoulder in an attempt to help put some of his weight on me but he snapped with a loud growl and pushed me away.

 I blinked in bafflement and hurt.

"I just want to help...!"

"Nobody asked for your help!" Starscream bit back harshly, baring his denta, scarred wings flaring in warning, "Why the pit did you even interrupt anyway!"

"You were being beaten for no good reason!" I threw my healthy servo up and followed his stubborn figure.

"I failed. That is the punishment I get for it. Get used to it," he snarled, sending a cold chill over my frame. What? How could he say something like that? Was this really common? Something you can just 'get used to'? I'm sure as pit never will.

"You just shrug it off like this? You can't be serious!" I caught up to him, trying to get him to look at me.

"Stop nagging me femme, your obnoxious voice hurts my audio receptors," was all he grumbled.

 I was starting to get angry with him too. Was everybody on this ship this senseless? This dumb, arrogant, selfish? No, I wasn't asking for gratitude or respect for standing up for him. I just wanted him to see how wrong the whole concept which he had already accepted was, though how, I had no idea.

"Halo! My name is Halo for the sake of Solus!" I yelled, losing my temper, then quickly fell into silence. There was no point in arguing. We were a slagged duo and none of us were in the mood to pick up a pointless fight. 

 After limping through corridors in complete silence, I quietly muttered in a sulking manner:

"No matter what you say, you didn't deserve that. And Megatron had no right to do that either. This just sucks."

 The momentary calm changed into another argument when we stepped into the med-bay. Knock Out didn't look surprised to have Starscream as a patient (again), but he appeared stunned to see me.

"Halo? What a surprise...What did you get yourself involved in?" The medic ignored Starscream's complaints while the Seeker sat upon the table and tried to get attention for himself, pointlessly.

 Knock Out examined my limp arm, moving it up and down and just shook his helm in disapproval at the sight of my dents and scars.

"I tried to stop Megatron," I rolled my optics, expecting him to laugh at me. I wouldn't really care at this point.

 There was a pause in his movements, then he straightened and stared at me with optics wide and his mouth slightly agape.

"Come again?"

"I tried to stop Megatron. From beating Starscream," I huffed, avoiding optic-contact on purpose.

"Idiot," Starscream growled, probably saying what was on Knock Out's mind.

"Oh just shut up you ungrateful slagger!" I pointed at him with a swift movement, my gaze burning with anger and frustration, "Someone wants to help you once and this is how you treat them!"

"I owe nothing to you. Your actions, your problem."

"Then what should I have done?! Just watch the whole thing and stand idly by like the others?"

The doors swung open but I didn't notice my friends barging in worriedly. I was too focused on the two mechs who were too comfortable with this whole situation and I wasn't about to let this matter slide. No. I will never get used to it.

Crossflare POV

"What happened to you?"

 Although the injuries were obvious - and I heard most of the story from the Vehicon who contacted me from the command center - I still wanted to hear her side. Why did she do something that stupid? When would she ever learn to keep her mouth shut? To behave and have self-control? To realize when she has no chance to stand up for herself? When will she grow up and get some sense beaten to her?!

"I'm really not in the mood to explain this," she countered, shrugging my servos off her shoulders, "I know I'm an idiot, I've heard that enough already."

"But Halo..." I reached after her, unable to hide my worry. She had no idea what kind of danger she was putting herself into with actions like this.

 She turned, lifting her gaze to meet mine questioningly, her features softened momentarily just to put my spark at ease. Halo had her own tactics to avoid further interrogation when she wished to. 

"It's okay CF. Really. I was just being stupid, like usual."

"This is not like usual at all. Why couldn't you just leave?" I forced the conversation to go on, no matter how she tried to get away from it. The responsibility for her life weighed on my shoulders and having Megatron on her bad side wasn't something she or any of us could afford. In spite of the circumstances, we still had to hold onto our posts and keep up appearances, even if all lies were starting to fall apart. Illusions never remained standing for long enough, that was something I've learned in my youth.

"Because that big jerk was hurting this small jerk and it wasn't fair!" Halo pointed at a beaten up Starscream who was already laid back on the table and treated by Knock Out who hadn't spared me a word since I entered.

 Although it’s not like I offered any time or need for that since I stepped inside. My spark felt regret for what I've done but it couldn't erase the grudge that still lingered. At least Knock Out wasn't pretending as if everything was okay anymore. But that didn't mean I liked his new attitude.

"Why can't you just stay away from trouble...?" I sighed, huffing in resignation. There is no way I will be able to handle so many stressful matters at once. Not while Knock Out was basically killing me with that radiant furious stare of his he didn't even try to hide. 

"That's not exactly her strength," Mercy muttered, her silent and observant demeanor now appearing to be different from what I was used to. There must be other things on her mind. She could never hide well how distracted she was. But investigating her will be postponed for later.

 Halo sat down on a farther positioned medical berth and swung her pedes with a sulking pout on her face. She was stubbornly staring at Starscream, for reasons unknown to me. Mercy and I took places beside her with the intention to stay until she is taken care of properly. I had one more reason to stay and I couldn't tell I was eager to get over my plan. But some things must be cleared, grudges must be resolved.

 It's never as easy as it sounds.

 Starscream was one of the loudest patients I've ever seen. His constant complaining and hisses, shrieks when something hurt was the least pleasant thing to listen to. Yet it somehow kept both Halo and Mercy focused during the whole time. Knock Out nodded, hummed and responded once or twice to the Seeker's whines but didn't really pick up the conversation. He let the second in command drift into long monologues about how things just never work smoothly on the warship and how everybody else is responsible for the mistakes he made.

 Only once, I caught Knock Out's gaze. He looked up but just for a moment to check on us, then quickly returned his attention to the troublesome Seeker in hand. There was coldness and venom in that look. Far less pleasant than the bright, cheerful atmosphere that usually filled the air when he appeared. It troubled me more than I thought it would.

 When Knock Out put Starscream in stasis to quicken the Seeker's self-repairing ability, he finally beckoned to Halo who hopped off and nudged me slightly with her good elbow before she jogged to the medic. I guess that was a way of saying 'come on, talk to him'. She was right, it was time to talk and I couldn't keep my voice back any longer anyway. 

 Watching as the mech cleaned off the dried energon from Halo's front and sterilized her wounds completely, I finally took the opportunity to talk to him while he was occupied.

"Knock Out."

 He froze momentarily at the mention of his designation but didn't look up, probably with the intention to ignore me. But I wasn't going to let that happen.

"I'm sorry for the way I confronted you. Even though I have every right to be angry, it wasn't exactly right to do as I did,"  I continued without acknowledging his stubborn silence.

"She is talking to you," Halo whispered, staring suggestively at him from up close.

"I know," Knock Out growled with his voice held back but I could hear him clearly. He finally looked up and his gaze locked with mine as he took in my regretful but still disappointed expression.

"If you think looking at me like that will do any good, then you are wrong," he focused back on Halo's wounds and frowned even deeper than before.

"Then let's talk this over and not just stare each other down," I suggested, pushing myself away from the table to step closer, ready for another confrontation if needed.

"I have no excuses. If you seek apologies or regrets, you won't find any here."

 Those cold words halted me, unsettling something in my spark.

"So you don't even feel any regret about deceiving us all this time?" I barked, my voice sharp and demanding.

"Dear, I am a Decepticon. This is my job. I do what I'm told without questioning the morality of it. If you can’t understand that, I can't help you," Knock Out finally turned to me, one servo resting on his hip, the other holding the microfiber cloth like he was ready to throw it at me.

 I cast my gaze aside because I had to admit there was some truth in his reasoning. He was fulfilling his duty. He obeyed orders. What would three femmes and their feelings on the matter mean to him? Probably nothing.

"I understand. But that doesn't change the fact that I feel betrayed."

"Hmph. Betrayed," Knock Out chuckled at that, looking genuinely amused as he stepped over to me, his red optics practically drilling holes into mine. Something in his gaze shifted. A strange kind of curiosity I couldn’t name was suddenly directed at me.

"Did you truly think you can trust me? Or you just wanted to? Do you think I was ever honest with you?" he leaned in close, a daring smirk creeping to his face.

 I felt threatened. Betrayed. Mocked.

 Hardening my features, I finally snapped. That was it.

“Yes! I thought you were different! But frag it, I am the stupid one, aren’t I?! You want to mock me for it now?! Go ahead!”

 Pushing at his front with both servos I shoved at him, making him recoil in surprise and confusion, lifting his servos in vain attempt to calm me. He was late with that. I cornered him against the computer panel while the others looked on with wide optics.

“Come on, laugh at me till your spark’s content! Why aren’t you Knock Out? Isn’t it funny?! I really wanted to rely on you just a little, but you had to go and mock me about it in decent Decepticon fashion, didn’t you?!”

“Hey, hey, calm down for a nanoclick…” he tried to interject but I revved my engines loudly in his face, silencing him entirely.

“Don’t you ‘calm’ me when I’m venting at you, slagger! You deceived me and you just admitted it and I have every right to be mad at you!”

 Deep silence followed the outburst. Nobody dared to say a word. There was a touchable tension in the air as we stared each other down from close. I don’t even remember getting this close. A bolt of electricity rushed down my spark. Stupid. You are so stupid Crossflare. Get out of his face!

 I bounced back on my pedes to get more space between us.

 Knock Out was awestruck for a few more seconds but then the look in his optics changed again and a new smirk crossed his face. This fragger seemed to be enjoying my fury! Ugh, how could he still mock me?!

I wanted to yell more, but I just shoved at him again, then stepped away.

"And here I thought you had some sense of empathy! When you told me about your home, I felt that you were honest. I could feel homesickness in your voice and I could entirely relate. I thought you empathize with us a little bit too.” 

Knock Out only scoffed.

"And what now? You are betrayed, so let's just go and announce you want to desert?" Knock Out finally spoke, in bitter mockery.

 I hated him at that moment.

"No. What has been done is permanent. For now. Whether we like it or not. We won’t cause a ruckus for now.”

 Knock Out only shook his head with an incredulous look.

"What is going on here?" Suddenly Breakdown broke the tense silence of the room. We haven't noticed him coming in and I don’t remember hearing the doors sliding open.

 Knock Out stepped away, finally calling for retreat and I did the same. Whatever had been on his mind a moment before never left his mouth and I felt like this conversation was far from over.

"Hhh...Breakdown..." the medic sighed and spared a brief glance to his assistant before returning to a stunned Halo who was looking at me with a perplexed expression I couldn't read properly.

"...Just when she was starting to get interesting..." my audio receptors caught Knock Out's quietly mumbled words which he probably meant for himself and my spark jumped slightly at the sight of his mysterious smirk. It wasn't smug, malevolent or cocky like many times before. I haven't seen that smirk so far. And now it unsettled me because I had no idea what to make of it.

 I felt a servo gently brushing my arm from the left and I glanced questioningly at a hesitant Mercy beside me.
"Is everything ok?" she asked, her jade green optics analyzing my confused expression thoroughly, only to make her feel more anxious.

"I don't really know," was my short reply. I had no idea what to think and I locked my gaze with an equally puzzled Breakdown in search of some sort of help. For me it wasn't even clear that Knock Out and I had made up now or not. 

Mercy POV

 At first I didn't really know what to make of what happened, but it appeared that Crossflare wasn't sure herself. She left the med-bay rather abruptly, knowing that everything is going to be fine with me and Halo from now on. We could consider that fortunate because what Halo said after a few moments of silence was something CF would have surely been against.

"Uhh, moving on, Knock Out, remember when I asked for a little upgrade?" she expectantly stared at the medic who glanced up briefly but didn't turn his attention from the buffer he was working with, finishing the last touches on her fixed armor.

 Breakdown strolled over to me and his single optic sent me a series of unspoken questions but I could only shake my head and offer him nothing but questions myself. 

"Yes. Now that you are an official member I have no excuse not to serve you. What do you need?" his voice sounded somehow distant, like his mind already drifted elsewhere.

"A complete makeover."

 Knock Out halted his movements and straightened himself, his optics quickly roaming over her figure then he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"In what sense?"

 Halo's serious expression didn't disperse completely when her mouth curled into a confident, determined smirk that suggested she already had a picture in her processor. I knew her well enough to see, she had a plan.

"I've made up my mind. I know what I need to become and if I want to make the most out of being a Decepticon, I'm going to take what needs to be changed. Give me wings."

 Silence followed her demand and my mouth was left agape. After all these eons I should've expected that sooner or later she will grab the opportunity to have herself upgraded into an airborne vehicle. But just imagining that it could actually come true was thrilling. Halo with wings? With me in the sky?

 My enthusiasm soon came to a halt when I thought of what Crossflare would say. She wouldn’t approve, probably. But to be honest, did she have the right to stop our friend?

"Wings...? You mean you want to be airborne?" Knock Out was astonished and somewhat concerned as if Halo had just announced she would jump out of the ship without the ability to fly right now.

"Isn't that obvious? What are wings for?" Halo enjoyed the shock on everybody's face and she puffed her chest out prouder than usual.

"R-right, but you don't have the programming. The procedure of your upgrade will take time and learning to adapt will take even more. Complete makeover by my measures can take one to three months," the medic counted on his digits, already frowning at the amount of work and time he will have to kill into this project if he agrees.

"Like I said, I will take it," Halo's determination was admirable and I flashed an encouraging smile at her, nodding in agreement. It would be nice to fly together.

"Or is it too much for you to handle?" she asked in a challenging tone and Knock Out stiffened. His digits curled into a fist and he straightened himself, optics flaring with a hint of warning.

"There is nothing I can't do. Give me a few days to complete a design."

"Excellent! Can I have a saying in the design-part?" Halo giggled triumphantly and clapped her servos together.

"If you wish to."

 I was happy for Halo. Truthfully. But as soon as I left the med-bay to return to my own tasks, I was cruelly reminded of the short message I got from Soundwave. Crossflare and Knock Out's confrontation left me questioning many things, doubts stirred in my spark and I didn't really know what to do. Now we know about the Decepticons' lie which they fed to us. But do I have the right to talk about that with Soundwave? Everybody, even his own comrades were afraid of him and were desperate to hide even the smallest secrets they had from him, for a very good reason.

 Silly me. Silly crush. Silly problems.

 There wasn't anger in me anymore, not as if I had any in the first place. But my disappointment grew with each moment because all I remembered and saw was generosity when it concerned Soundwave. I had no idea how he would react if I told him I know everything. But I wanted to talk about it.

How can something simple like that be so hard? The hesitance between the two options, staying silent or voicing my opinion, was driving me crazy.

 Leaving the route I was heading on I found shelter in the mess hall. I sat at one of the tables with my head resting on my folded arms on the table's surface. My wings twitched once or twice when these troubling thoughts rushed through my processor. The seat felt uncomfortable and no position I sat in felt relaxing. I must have looked miserable.

The room was vacant save for three other Vehicons who were apparently enjoying their breaks and refueled quietly. One of them came over to check on me but I just shook my helm, refusing to open my mouth. He even offered to bring me some energon. I refused silently. My tank felt almost empty but I felt no hunger. 

 Glass clinked with the surface when it was placed in front of me and my hazy optics first focused on the crystal clear blue energon, not the type which we simple subordinates are usually allowed to drink. This one was definitely a better grade. Then my gaze wandered up, only to widen and I sat up abruptly when I realized Soundwave stood by the other side of the table.

"S-s-sou..." I stuttered, unable to put a coherent word together.

"Let's talk about it," Starscream's unpleasant recorded voice resonated through the air and I clasped my digits in my lap, casting a look down at them when Soundwave seated himself in front of me.

 So he knows about it. Am I under interrogation now? Is he angry?

The silence stretched and I chased nonexistent words to somehow express myself until I noticed him pushing the glass closer to me carefully. Then he retreated his servo and waited, his visor reflecting my shorter figure. I looked frightened although it wasn't exactly what I felt.

"Why did you do those things?" my voice was quiet, almost inaudible and I feared I would need to repeat. Risking a glance up at him again, I waited for some kind of response. Of course, he sat still and his visor remained blank, void of answers. No tension or frustration could be detected in the air and I cast my gaze aside shyly.

"I know. You probably fulfilled orders."

Again, silence.

"Would you've ever told us you all misled us?"

No response.

"Probably not. Sorry, I know you haven't lied, but...hiding the truth is almost as bad as lying."

 His figure appeared like a statue. No sound, no movement and no reaction. At this point I could easily just talk to myself, answering my own statements without thinking much of the consequences.

"Maybe I'm the wrong one. I must have projected an image I created and thought it was you. After all, nobody knows you. Not even your comrades.”

When I expected another pause of silence, a recorded, unknown voice to me asked, driving me out of my reverie.

"Do you know who I am?" 

 Strange question, especially from him. I mused about how to interpret it. Soundwave couldn't express himself very well, dependent on recordings and prefabricated sentences so his intended words usually wouldn’t come out as he meant them. I learned that quickly after I noticed he sees that sometimes I don't understand him properly. But I was happy to hear at least some kind of response. Silence was a way of rejection when used for too long in a conversation.

"Just vague information. Mostly rumors. I....asked some subordinates under your charge. But they couldn't tell much," catching myself telling such a thing turned the whole situation awkward. I remember being greatly intrigued by him after we first met and I made an attempt to discover all there is known about him. But it wasn't much really. The Vehicons I asked were unsure about what to say or if what they told me was true at all.

 Some facts were widely known of course.

"You are Lord Megatron's third in command, his right hand Con and the so-called 'minicon deployer'. Rumors say you were the first Decepticon who joined our master and that he considers you a friend. It is also said you have no failed missions and that you never recharge. I heard...I heard that you deleted your emotions only to have more room for data...."

"Perceptor."

"Um...who?"

"Heard about it? Perceptor has deleted his emotions to process information faster...." another unfamiliar voice I couldn't recognize, but this time the message was clear, and I allowed a small, relieved smile to form on my face.

"So it wasn't you. That's just a fake urban legend."

 Finally, he nodded. Relief washed over me and I felt more at ease than a moment before. The thought of him having no emotions has troubled me for a while but now that he confirmed it was false, I had no reason to be concerned anymore. With the thick atmosphere now lightening, I reached for the glass he brought for me and pulled it closer, cupping it with both servos.

"Kaon," was all he said, this time with Megatron's easily recognizable voice. Kaon was a city's name, that's all I could think of.

"Kaon....was the capital of Decepticons. Right?" I knew very little about that part of Cybertron because I lived on the exact opposite side of the planet and I never left Praxus until it was raided by Decepticons. Kaon was also the city where Megatron hailed from. If rumors are true, Soundwave might have called it home once too.

 His nod was slow and I awkwardly rubbed the side of the glass, averting my optics elsewhere. This conversation has gone into an unexpected direction and I wondered why I'm not forcing him back to the original topic. Maybe because for the very first time he was willing to tell me something about himself and my silly curiosity and desire to learn about him just got the better of me.

"Paid—a visit?"

 My optics found his visor again when I heard Halo's voice from his records. I almost chuckled. So he was recording our voices as well. I wonder how many of my sentences are stored in his record banks. Quickly running over my own memories, I shook my helm hesitantly.

"No...I don't remember ever visiting Kaon. I..." my voice trailed off. Crossflare's warning sounded in my processor like an alarm. Girls, do not talk about our pasts to anyone. Especially you, Mercy. I had no idea why. But if she insists, it must be important. So I closed my mouth and turned my gaze to stare at the wonderful, blue energon in my glass. 

 Something stirred on Soundwave's chest. At first I believed it to be an illusion of mine, but then I heard quiet chirping noises. Raising my look, I stared intently at his upper body. It stirred again.

"Is that...?" before I could have asked, a small bird-like minicon separated itself from Soundwave's chest and flew into the air. Gasping, I followed its movements with my gaze until it landed on the table with furious chirps.

"A minicon?" I heard myself exclaim in delight. The very first minicon I've seen in my entire life. My servos were already itching to touch it and pet it but I realized it might seem rude and I withdrew them awkwardly.

"Um...sorry. This is the first I've met one and...it looks cute."

The chirps got louder and the minicon fluttered its wings, only to be calmed by Soundwave when he placed a servo on its back gently.

"Laserbeak."

I guess that would be his name.

"Oh. Hello Laserbeak," I flashed a bright smile and the minicon squirmed slightly under my gaze. Maybe he didn't like me.

 When I looked back at Soundwave, I noticed he was staring at me intently. There must be something on his processor. But like always, I had no idea what. Perhaps it was time for me to call for retreat and leave Soundwave alone. I must have asked too much, took his time and...and I didn't really solve any problems at all.

 He was still the one who arranged everything in the Decepticons' favor. Not like he could be blamed for that, it was his job. And I became a part of this game, there is nothing I can do but go by the rules they set.

Maybe Crossflare was right. What has been done is permanent, whether we like it or not. It's time to step over it and continue what had been started. But this time, I will have to be careful with whom I trust.

Standing up abruptly, I almost caused the glass to spill.

 My mouth pressed into a thin line as I offered an apologetic look to the mech. Soundwave has abandoned his duties only to listen to my petty questioning. I should be grateful he didn't go immediately reporting me now that I know about the truth.

"Sorry for taking your time with this. I promise it won't happen again."

"Still upset?"

"No, I'm not angry anymore. I wasn’t really. Maybe only with myself because I...I wanted to know more about you. To get to know you....from a bit closer. Now I'm not so sure anymore."

 Biting down on my lower lip, I scolded myself for saying the last part aloud. It was true and heartfelt, I wanted to learn about him and see who he really was. But now I know that there is very little chance he would let even a small glimpse of himself be shown except the loyal servant he proved himself to be.

"Wanted to—get to know you—from—closer," my words were replayed and mixed together, directed right back at me.

 My optics opened wide, meeting a blank visor when understanding hit. He felt the same way.

Crossflare POV

 As we looked up at the constellations of the night sky from the upper deck, we all sighed at once, then a small smile crept to our faces as we exchanged amused glances among each other. Today was...let's just say exhausting. I sat beside my friends at the right side with Mercy in the middle and Halo on the other end. The deck vacantly stretched before us and the only living bot in the area was a guard who roamed way farther, checking the antennas as he passed by. The ship's loud humming and the relatively strong wind’s whistle somehow relaxed my sensors and I found myself enjoying the night air and the gentle brightness of the moon.

"So...is everything okay now?" Mercy spoke up first, her voice uncertain but hopeful.

"You mean between us and the Decepticons?" I muttered, my optics half-closed as I stared into the vast distance.

"Well, we are Decepticons," Halo pointed out and leaned forward, her expression somehow excited, "And I think nothing is lost yet. I mean, I know they lured us into a trap and lied and all, but let's just think about our possibilities now. I say, let's make the most of our allegiance and get to the bottom of it with everything it comes."

"Speaks the one who was just beaten by our supposed-to-be-boss today," I remarked harshly and she puffed her cheeks, her eyebrows coming together in a frown.

"That was exactly what set my course. I'm determined now. I'm going to become a warrior and will stand up for myself. Megatron will respect me and you two as well. We have to show them we are not just three disposable femmes who can come in handy on occasions! Crossflare, you already are a brilliant chemist and Mercy isn’t just a pushover either!"

"But I..." Mercy wanted to cut in, only to be interrupted by a dramatic Halo who appeared to be in a very epic state of mind tonight.

"You remember during our first check-up, Knock Out complimented how capable and useful your sensory arrays are when it comes to deep and detailed radar research! There is more to us, we just have to discover and expand our abilities. That's why I'm taking that upgrade we talked about today. Maybe the Decepticons are not as good as we believed them to be, but they can definitely give us what we need: power and knowledge."

 Silence fell upon us, both of us absorbed by her words. She was right. In a sense. And none of us could have said it any better.

"So are we Decepticons now?" Mercy raised an eyebrow, catching her uncertain look from Halo to me, "Like...like for real?"

"Seems like it. But I'm not enthusiastic about it," I huffed in resignation, then I caught a small glimmer in her optics like she had just been given permission.

"But it seems Mercy is," Halo chuckled and Mercy slumped her shoulders, turning her face away nervously, "Let me guess, this means a pass for Soundwave."

"Why do you always come up with him..." Mercy mumbled in response, obviously flustered.

"Girl, have you seen yourself lately? You can’t talk about anything but him ever since we joined and after it turned out he did all the scrap that happened to us, you had a mental breakdown from forcing denial on yourself. Correct me if I'm mistaken," Halo poked Mercy's shoulder and our friend quickly hid her face behind her servos, her wings fluttering in shame.

"Is that so obvious?" she muttered.

"Yes, it is," we replied at once, Halo with some enthusiasm, me with bitterness. Soundwave was one of the few mechs I couldn't stand on this ship. First reason being his constant eavesdropping hobby and the insecurity and lack of privacy that haunted me from the slightest thought of him.

 A very short pause settled in, then Mercy finally looked up, her servos clasping and falling in her lap.

"But...I think he likes me."

In a moment of stunned silence, Halo and I exchanged troubled looks.

"You are just imagining it. Like you just made up this silly crush of yours."

"No, I'm not!"

"Mercy, I know you admire him but admiration is not equal to..."

"It's more than that."

"No, it's not, you are just being sentimental and..."

"Hey, hey, don't we start arguing about this!" Halo waved her servos frantically, trying to stop both of us from saying something we would regret later.

 Maybe I should just close my mouth. Mercy's feelings were always a delicate matter. She was a fragile person, easily shattered. But for this reason I wished to protect her from anything that could hurt her. And having a crush on a Decepticon officer would surely end in nothing else but pain. She could be spared from that if only she listened to me.

 I turned my optics away, returning to watch the stars above us, knowing that I had no right to control her feelings. I may guide her but I cannot tell her not to feel. Like I do with myself.

"Sorry Crossflare, I know you are hurting but..." Halo searched for words, only to get tangled in her own choice of expressions. What she said though gained my attention and my spark clenched as I looked at her with a stunned frown.

"Who said I'm hurting?"

"I...we...well, let's just say your last outburst just told it all."

"Outburst?"

"Yes, when you went at Knock Out with brutal force earlier. At first I didn't understand why you would do that but I guess you didn't mean it that way. You just went a little overboard..." Mercy looked at me just as sadly as Halo beside her.

 Was I really that upset? Did I scare them? I have to get my emotions under control…

 At least that’s what I told myself I would be doing for the time being. Control, calmness, focus. My routine helped in reinforcing these rules again in my behavior.

 The following days flew by quicker than I thought they would after that. Resigned to our current positions, we surrendered to the fact that there is not much we can do for the time being and that the Decepticon symbol will more than likely stick to us. Sometimes I recalled our interactions with the Autobots, with Optimus, and I couldn't help but regret our rash actions. The attack confused us so much we actually believed the Decepticons were there to help. Meanwhile, everything was their doing and we acted exactly as they predicted we would.

 Knowing this and feeling utterly betrayed was one thing, accepting it as something said and done was another. Halo's words kept ringing in my mind, convincing me of the fact that this can still be profitable for us on the long run.

 Surprisingly, Starscream had kept himself to his deal with Halo. He uttered no bad word about us and occasionally showed up, checking on us to make sure we are behaving well. Observing the two from closer, I could notice a change in their behavior. I was almost hundred percent sure that Starscream was silently measuring Halo but for what purpose, I had no idea.

 Mercy, the one the most affected by the truth, quickly regained her cheerful manner and I had a bad feeling about it all. I could only hope this childish crush of hers won't last long, but just the other day I saw her trotting next to Soundwave with a big smile and I sourly reminded myself of the fact that this was Mercy I was thinking about. She wouldn't get over him for a long while.

 As for my work, I felt determined to sink into the depths and secrets of the new formula I was tasked to bring to life without stopping.

 Knock Out came around too. He was back to his usual snarky self and remarked that my enthusiasm over the project is quite amusing to look at. I shrugged off the supposed-to-be-compliment, and focused my attention only on the data provided to me.

The mech had already occupied himself with Halo's new upgrade but he also spent lots of time in the laboratory afterwards. His behavior was...questionable at best. At some point he acted like his usual carefree, narcissistic self, then sometimes shifted back to superior mocking Decepticon-mode. I had no idea what he wished to accomplish with that, and it became harder to ignore his jabs.

"Crossflare."

 His serious tone caught me off-guard one time, and I don't remember ever hearing my designation so clearly from his mouth. Suspecting that something wasn't okay, I looked up and placed the bottles full of green liquid on the counter. Knock Out strode closer from the doorway, holding a datapad tightly in one servo.

"You haven't checked in for your thorough medical examination for the fifth time. You had promised you will come this time," he looked at me with a hint of disapproval and a very suspicious glare.

"I forgot about it. Sorry. I've been too..."

"Busy, I know," Knock Out finished the sentence with annoyance in his voice, "You always come with that."

 Shifting to avoid his invasive stare, I turned back to my tools and closed my optics for a moment. What now? He had become angrier with each time I refused to go and have myself examined. Mercy and Halo were already over the procedure, both of their medical files have been updated and registered. Only mine was missing because I escaped the examination whenever an opportunity came. Some would say it's foolish, but I didn't want anyone to know my true condition. Suffering alone has been hard enough on its own. Thorough examination meant taking a sample of your innermost energon as well. But to let anyone see that horrible, disgusting darkened orb which could be hardly called a spark...no. I wasn't about to let that happen. No matter who threatens me, I would never.

"You can make a new appointment for later and..." I started, only to be interrupted when he stepped beside me and bore his brilliant red optics into mine.

"No. You come and we get it over with now."

 My spark jumped in panic, but only for a moment because my usual self-defense protocol kicked in. I stepped back, creating a distance and glared back resolutely.

"No."

"Why not?" Knock Out leaned closer, forcing me to take another step back, "Are you just not...afraid?"

That naughty glimmer in his optics only deterred me even more.

"I'm not."

"Then why do you resist so adamantly?"

"I have my reasons," was all I muttered, starting to feel threatened while he appeared to be amused by my reaction.

"Your friends can tell you for sure that I stayed professional from the beginning to the very end, there is nothing to be afraid of," his voice came out as a low purr, taking me aback. What has gotten into him again? Trying to create a bigger distance, I backed off but he continued to advance stubbornly, ignoring the warning glare I shot him.

"I'm not afraid of you," I blared, coming to a stop when my back bumped against the wall. Great. Now where can I go?

"Aren't you? I have a very good reason to believe you are avoiding my examinations because you have problems with me touching you."

"That's a way to put it, but for an entirely different reason than what you believe," I hissed through bared denta and I considered grabbing something within my reach and just punching him with it, then make an escape as long as he recovers. 

"Is that so?"

 I had a very vague assumption about what was going on. His servos found the wall at my two sides, uncomfortably close to my waistline. The tension was nothing like the heat his frame emitted and my processor spun erratically at the very thought of what he wanted. This mech sure had the balls to come up to me like this. How would such an approach convince me of his professional distance during the examination?! Is he out of his processor?!

 During the short time I prepared to say something harsh and tell him to frag off, Knock Out reached for my chin, directing my gaze to look into his crimson red optics that surely had many femmes mesmerized.

"Come on dear, don't be shy. I know you are frustrated. It's not healthy to keep it piling up. I can help you feel better," his voice was smooth and velvety. I could feel a soft rev vibrate through his chest. The worst part was that my body responded with a deep rumble, something which I wasn't about to admit myself. By the Allspark, he can't be serious....

 Lets just say your last outburst told it all.

 So it wasn't only Halo and Mercy who were taken aback by my burst of emotions. I practically threw everything on Knock Out and it appears he completely misinterpreted it and now he thinks it's actually a different kind of frustration. I was an idiot for lashing out like that while acting the way I did. I should've known he would misjudge it altogether. This whole thing is probably my fault.

 Finally finding my strength to retaliate, I placed both servos on his chassis and pushed him away. Not as rudely as I meant to at first, but still strong enough to inform him, it's best he keeps a respectful distance. 

 He looked surprised at last.

"You have no idea what you are talking about so you better stay away from me with such intentions. I'm not interested in you and I'm in even less need of you. I will forget you tried to seduce me and in exchange you leave me the pit alone."

 What I said however, finally got through, judging by the mix of disappointment and shock in his expression. He didn't understand, it was obvious. His mouth opened to say something but then he closed it into a thin line and I pushed myself away from the wall, making sure I'm not touching him anywhere when I passed by him to leave the room. After this spark-attack I'm in need of some fresh air.

 Yes, Knock Out surely looked like the kind of mech capable of doing such things, but I never would have expected him to try it on me. But at least I know now why he has been behaving so weirdly these days.

Halo POV

 Starscream was watching. I could surely tell that. What or why exactly, I felt uncertain. It must be related to my little stunt I pulled a few days ago. Megatron's wrath knocked me out of my usual self-confident self but not for long enough because after I made up my mind, it was no question I'm not going to repeat such an incident once again without having the means to retaliate.

 The process of rescuing the trapped troops from the collapsed mine had started and I volunteered out of guilt, knowing that I better just go and fix whatever I can. The rescued Vehicons were grateful and I tried encouraging them with hope for a swift recovery. They had gone through some serious slag and it's partly my fault. Meanwhile I had Starscream's tireless glare stabbing my back, like dealing with his annoying behavior wasn't enough itself. It's not that he hated me now, the contrary: I appeared to have picked up his interest. I could only guess why he was silently judging me.

 Knock Out and I spent a minimum of two hours a day with designs, mostly because my imagination hardly collided with his. He couldn't stress enough how little knowledge I had about airborns and I better shut my mouth when he points out something important. Sometimes he snapped out of the blue and I had a very good assumption why. He and Crossflare weren't exactly on talking terms - again - and this time it seemed to bother him more than usual. I didn't ask though, hoping that somehow they would smooth their opposition out.

 All I wanted from him was a good job done on my upgrade, I didn’t need the extra drama.

"What is that?" A strident voice pulled me out of deep thoughts one morning during my way to the training room. Crossflare, Mercy and I may have proved ourselves useful in certain fields but our Master wasn't pleased with our lack of training in combat. Therefore we were scheduled to have one hour training in the morning with some higher ranked Vehicons who showed the basics of servo to servo combat. Something I was always looking forward to, unlike Mercy who would never hit anyone in this world by free will.

 I looked up and slowed my pace as Starscream caught up to me and conspicuously stared at my arms.

"Ah, these," I lifted my servos and clasped my new ebony black claws in delight. I was so proud of them. The new arms were the very first installments of my new upgrade and I already loved them and the feeling of those blasters stocked under the dark blue panels and the energon circulation that now buzzed through it, ready to boil and explode once charged. It provided a sense of power.

 Some time will be needed though to adjust and to have my body reprogram the material and make it my own. My original frame and protoform weren't made of the ordinary sentio-metallico afterall.

"My new upgrade. Looks nice, huh?" straightening my back proudly, my optics glimmered and I let my servos fall back to my sides, followed by his observant gaze all the while.

"Seems like a petty change to me."

 My big smile immediately morphed into a sour pout and I shot him a mean look before shrugging off the rude response. I've already noticed that whatever Starscream says does not always match what he actually thinks so I better not take everything seriously.

"I think you wanted to say pretty," I corrected him, the grin returning to my face once more, causing him to scoff and shake his head.

"Don't try me."

 I chuckled, already having some sassy replies in store, but then I just turned my gaze forward, contemplating on something else to say. For the first time in a relatively long while, we were walking together again. I might grab the opportunity to question him. Nothing much happened since we formed an alliance afterall.

"Sir, I have a question," I started, inwardly laughing at his expression because barely anyone addressed him as 'sir'. He has voiced enough times he prefers 'Commander', though rumors say he would eagerly accept the title 'Lord' as well.

"Then ask," he growled while trying to bore a hole into my helm with those disapproving red optics.

"I know you have been watching me for a while. Got some results?" I flashed a knowing smirk and he flinched, wings perking up as he grimaced and turned his gaze somewhere else.

"Results? What are you talking about?"

"There must be a reason behind your exceptional attention. The question is, what is your conclusion?"

 Starscream and I walked onward in silence and I waited for his response patiently. Then he finally locked his gaze with mine, the atmosphere changing with a chilling flick as he beckoned to me and quickened his pace.

"Come with me. We shall discuss this elsewhere."

 Jogging after him, I wondered what made him so tense all of a sudden and I followed him out to the upper deck, surprised to be led there. Why would he want to talk here? There was a storm raging outside and water poured down from the sharp edges of the Nemesis. Raindrops prickled my armor and I shivered at their cold touch, especially the fresh metal on my arms.

"Soundwave is less attentive out here," Starscream explained like he just read my thoughts.

"Oookay...so what’s the big secret for which we had to come all the way here?" I folded my arms over my chest, ignoring the rain for now.

"There is a choice you have to make sooner or later and I think time has come for you to decide. And I warn you, what I say now will never get into anyone's audio receptor. Not even your friends are allowed to know about it, got it?" his piercing optics managed to quicken my sparkpulse, their glow even more mesmerizing in the dark and rain. That look can't mean anything else but trouble. Stiff and nervous, I nodded, inwardly scolding myself for agreeing to his terms without questions. But to the trash with caution, I wanted nothing more than to hear and know what he had to say! He made me curious!

"Your loyalty is at trial, Halo. And your choice is either Megatron or me."

 I should've known. His words hit me, causing the spiteful feelings I’ve been trying to suppress to rise once more, setting the fire of rebellious thoughts against Megatron ablaze. Once, I was intimidated by the warlord. I respected him for who he was and might have believed he actually had great charisma and I can accept him as a leader. But ever since I saw what he was capable of doing to his own soldiers, I had no more delusions. Somebody has to show him limits.

"Is that really a question?" gathering courage from the thought that Starscream was known for his rebellious streak as well, I drew my mouth into a firm, confident smirk, "Of course it's you, Commander."

 Nothing else satisfied me as much as the evil smirk that crept to his face.

 We reached a new level in our alliance. I was ready to put my wits and strength into it. The prospect of an exciting conspiracy behind Megatron made me giddy. Crossflare wouldn’t approve for sure but when did I ever listen to my conscience?

 That evening, I was early to my appointment with Knock Out to check on my upgrade and I also intended to have a little chat with Breakdown. During my little conversation with Starscream I learned that I'm not the only one he sees as a potential ally who would fight on his side when time would come, but Breakdown also has already been put into the position of choosing. The problem was, Breakdown hasn't decided yet, or at least hasn't given any signs he did. 

 While mulling over my choice, secretly excited about all of this, I found my way back to the med-bay which stood empty by what I could see. Huffing, I hopped on the dissection table and decided to sit and wait until the medic returned. Swinging my peds in boredom, my audio receptors picked up voices coming from the back of the room and I narrowed my optics in concentration as I increased the capacity of my receptors to hear better.

 Oh. Knock Out and Breakdown were in the spare-parts room and judging by the noises, they were organizing stuff. They might be picking the possible materials for my next installments! Immediately, a smile spread on my face. Within a month or two, I will be completely new and powerful and even Starscream will consider me a worthy equal.

"But doc, is she really worth the effort? I mean, there are the other two. You can play with them if you want."

My smile turned into a very deep frown. What was Breakdown talking about...?

"You haven't experienced that burst of energy between us, I did. And I want that."

"I did feel that there was something off...”

"Exactly. She hides her frustrations, but I will surely lure her out of her shell. No femme can deny me."

 I didn't even realize I was marching towards the room, upset and angry because of what I heard and knew exactly who they were talking about. Stomping with my pede to make sure both of them were aware of my presence I folded my arms over my chest and swept a glare over them when they looked up from a pile of limbs they were picking at.

"Oh, Halo, you are early to the..." an enchanting smile appeared on Knock Out's face, ready to pretend he hadn't said anything wrong just a moment before but I wasn't going to let him get away with it.

"If you want to frag CF, you better realize you have zero chance to win her over like this," I blared loudly, my words sharp and on point, hitting just the right spot because he froze and stared back in shock.

"How do you know..."

"I heard everything."

"Look, this is none of your business," the mech turned away and waved dismissively like he could shrug me off like that. It was making me furious.

"Is it not?" I dared him to continue, "Her problem is my problem. You hurt her, you hurt me so I have every right to be involved. She is not just any femme you can play with!"

"So she isn’t, but I would have no problem getting my way with you or Mercy, no?" he retorted with a knowing look and I forced my expression to remain calm although my body temperature skyrocketed in a span of a second.

"W-well, I would probably not kick you out of my berth if that's what you ask, but Crossflare most certainly would! She...She has high standards and you don't meet them!"

"Don't be ridiculous, I meet all universal criteria in the world," he scoffed, much to my annoyance. Seriously, who thinks like that? Glancing over to Breakdown, he raised his servos innocently, not wishing to be part of this whole ordeal.

"So you want to seduce CF?" I turned my piercing glare back to the medic who smugly crossed his arms over his flashy chest.

"And what if I do?"

"If it's only physical attraction, then you already lost because she is not interested," I stated harshly.

One of Knock Out's optics twitched in irritation.

"First of all," I started, pausing for a moment to think over what should be said without revealing too much, "You should go and talk to her and apologize for whatever you said to her. Then you would do better to realize that she is not fond of any physical contact. And there is that tantrum thing you misinterpreted completely. She is frustrated because she is in pain. Not the physical kind, mind you.”

My words hung in the air for longer than I expected and Knock Out seemed to be lost in thoughts, probably contemplating on what to say next.

"Why is she not coming to the compulsory examination then?"

 Biting on my lip, I considered the idea of telling him the truth. But knowing Crossflare, she would feel betrayed if I did that. Her secret was my secret and I had no right to brag about it if she wished to keep it hidden.

"Her problem is not you. Don't think everything is centered around you, Knock Out. If you want to know her reason, move out of your comfort zone and try to understand her. Then she might open up."

 It looked like my words reached him at the moment. The medic took one or two of my advice but not exactly as I expected.

 The next few days he and Crossflare remained as far from each other as possible and I couldn't help but sigh and watch as the two avoided the other like a bad virus. I tried to talk to Crossflare about it but she wasn't up to any conversation about him and spent her days and nights in the laboratory as if it provided some kind of shelter from everything disturbing her peace.

 Then Breakdown got involved. Knock Out wasn't sure whether his close proximity would be a problem or not so he sent his assistant with a short message and waited for a response in hope Crossflare's ice would break.

 Crossflare looked up from her notes in annoyance when Breakdown shuffled into the laboratory as carefully as possible between the fragile equipment.

"Um, the doc has a message for you," he started, rubbing the back of his helm a bit awkwardly. My friend's displeased frown didn't help him feel any better at all.

"Well?" she lowered the datapad with an expectant, impatient voice.

"He...he wants to apologize for the way he advanced on you."

"It took him some time," she muttered but her frown dispersed when she let out a deep sigh.

"And he wants to talk to you personally," Breakdown added cautiously, waiting for some kind of outburst that never came.

"No way. I don't want to see him yet," she turned away, optics focusing on the wide, glowing keyboard instead. Then she quietly muttered, more likely to herself:

"It's bad enough that I constantly hear the sound of his engine in my head."

 Breakdown shifted his impressive weight from one ped to the other and observantly tilted his helm, waiting for some additions until he decided to break the silence and spoke:

"Wanna message back?"

Crossflare raised her optics and tapped a digit on her chin, her mind drifting away for a second.

"Tell him that his apology is accepted. My question is: what does he want?"

"That's all?"

"Yes. This would be it."

 The mech strolled out and made his way back to the anxiously waiting Knock Out who immediately rose from his eat when his assistant and I entered the med-bay.

"Well?" the medic feared the worst but Breakdown offered a reassuring but also uncertain smile.

"She said your apology is accepted but she doesn't want to see you."

Knock Out pouted, his servos falling at his sides in disappointment. He should've expected that but it could've gone worse.

"And she mentioned something about constantly hearing your engine. That part was weird though," Breakdown added, awkwardly scratching his chin.

The medic first only raised an eyebrow, then chuckled and a smug smirk crept to his face.

"I knew that she liked me afterall!"

"Oh, and she has a question: what do you want?"

"What do I want?"

"Uhumm."

"Well....I want to know why she refuses to have herself examined," Knock Out chose an easier option, though he had no idea what reaction he would get for that.

And so Breakdown returned to the laboratory once more.

"I don't trust him yet to share such information. I'm not going to talk about this topic so he better drop it," was Crossflare's answer.

"Fine then. Does she hate me now?" Knock Out started to doubt he can actually win this game.

"No, I don’t hate him. But I don’t like him either. Somewhere between the two. To be honest, I liked him better while he was...yeah, when he was pretending to be nice."

"So she wants me to act nice and friendly again?"

"I think he can be nice without pretending. But even if not, I asked him to show his true self so I will bear the consequences. If this is who he is without a mask, I will get used to it sooner or later. Probably."

"Sooner or later? It sounds like she will only tolerate my existence. I'm not that bad."

"This is not only about him. I...have my own personal problems he doesn't understand."

"Then why doesn't she just tell me what the problem is then?"

"...."

 The messages continued to come and go for days long and whenever Breakdown had some free time, he was forced to deliver the messages because the two refused to just simply message over datalink. Whenever I was around I noticed the small smile that hid at the edge of Crossflare's mouth when she noticed Breakdown coming in. Sometimes a message contained only professional questions concerning some science stuff I wasn't really familiar with, sometimes Knock Out returned to the ominous 'problem' of my friend which she always refused to answer. Then one day, after a similar question she simply rejected a reply.

"Why didn't she send a message?" Knock Out angrily glared at Breakdown like he was the party at fault. I was sitting on the table, one of my new pedes was propped up and Knock Out was tending to the small scars the process of installing it caused. Of course when his assistant entered the med-bay, the medic was expecting a message, strangely excited and concerned at once. 

"She said she has nothing to say," Breakdown shrugged. He was growing tired of being the medium between two people who were unable to get things cleared among each other. Somehow I could understand his annoyance.

"Why not? I just offered an audio to listen to that big problem of hers and she just shrugs me off like this? Not fair!" Knock Out threw his servos up in frustration.

Shaking my helm with a deep sigh, I started to pity him but only a little bit.

"Why are you pressing the topic? She won't talk about it. Not so soon, believe me," I dropped my chin in my palm, looking at him with an amused expression. He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, unable to understand why he is constantly denied.

"What can be so horrible she can't talk about it?" the mech puffed his cheeks in a sulking manner.

"If you treat her problem like it was nothing of significance, don't expect anything else. It is...something that has changed her whole life. And ours too," I cast my gaze down, staring at my servos in my lap, trying to shut out the memories which wanted to flood my mind.

 Knock Out narrowed his optics, measuring me with an observant gaze before he turned to Breakdown and opened his mouth to dictate the next message but his assistant quickly raised his servos, stepping back in denial.

"No way, I'm getting tired of this doc. No more messages."

The medic wanted to retort, only to realize there was no point. Disappointed, he clenched his fists and lowered his gaze like a sparkling who was just scolded for doing something bad. Breakdown and I exchanged concerned glances, then an idea popped into my processor. I think Breakdown didn’t like it as much as I did.

 After making sure Knock Out was in the right room, we told him to wait there and don't give any sound. He began to suspect what we were about to do and already voiced his disapproval.

"Not a great idea, she will punch me in the face. I would rather not have a dent in my jaw."

"Shut up KO. We are doing you a favor," I sat him down, much to his annoyance and he crossed his arms, tapping one ped on the floor impatiently.

"Just try to be understanding," I winked an optic before I pushed Breakdown out and we quickly left the perimeter, knowing that Crossflare can be here at any given moment because I called her over here asap. Helicopter-mom would never refuse to come whenever Mercy or I released a distress call.

Crossflare POV

 Halo's voice sounded anything but afraid, causing me to reconsider my answer but then I just assured her I will be at the mentioned place within minutes. If it was another one of her pranks, I will make her pay for playing with my precious time. As much as I loved her easy-going attitude, I also felt irritated whenever I was involved in the stunts she pulled. Sometimes she simply forgot to think of the consequences of her actions. And who was the one cleaning up after her? Of course, it was me.

 Making my way down the long hallways I passed by some Vehicons and Megatron once. I bowed my helm, casting my gaze down when I passed by him. His heavy steps died soon behind me and I reminded myself of how 'normal' he can be when not in one of his bad moods. As days passed he showed more and more of his true self, the role play and charade long forgotten. The sheer cruel truth of what being a Decepticon meant was now clearer than ever before.

 Choking on the thought, I remembered Halo's request for immediate help. What did she do again?

 Striding with a quicker pace this time, I practically barged into the room, calling out her name in worry and hoping she was fine. The surprise hit me stronger when I realized it's not her waiting for me but the red mech I've been trying to avoid for a good while. Knock Out looked up with a flinch, his sitting posture stiff and now tense from my obviously dubious entrance. The door slid shut behind me and I inwardly cursed Halo for luring me into a trap like this. I should've known.

"Knock Out? What is the meaning of this?" I asked, unsure about how to react. Maybe I wasn't the only one deceived into coming here.

"I told them this is not a good idea," he exhaled an annoyed sigh and shook his helm in resignation, "But I didn't stop them from trying."

"You knew about this?" now my features have hardened, expecting anything to come. With him, I would never know.

"I had a suspicion. But look, I'm here if not for anything else then to clear things between us," Knock Out stood up, rising to his full height but he didn't take any steps closer which was a big relief for me.

"Clear things? As in trying to figure out what the problem is with me?" I narrowed my optics in hope he realizes I'm not keen on talking about it.

"Ye-I mean no. Let's talk about simple things first, like we were just introducing ourselves," Knock Out scratched the back of his head, visibly anxious and uncertain about what or how to say, "Just asking short questions, okay?"

 With distrust apparent in my gaze, I nodded still and leaned my back against the closest wall, crossing my arms. I was waiting for him to ask first.

"Okay, what's your favorite color?"

"Seriously?" I scoffed. He must be out of his mind to take my time with this.

"I asked first," there was persistence in his optics, something I haven't seen in a good while. It made me wonder why. Why would he keep coming after me, seek ways to talk to me when I've given him so many reasons not to? Anyone else would have already given up and considered me a lost cause. That was what I preferred, what I grew accustomed to.

Rolling my optics, I muttered reluctantly:

"Purple."

"Haha, should've known," he chuckled as his gaze wandered over my plum colored frame. That look disturbed me more than anything else because he appeared to see more than what he let on. 

"And yours? Wait, let me guess: red," I couldn't help an amused smile of my own in spite of the circumstances. This conversation was just weird and pointless on so many levels.

"Doesn't it fit well?" Knock Out smugly patted his chest, puffing it out just a bit more than usual.

"If you want me to praise you, you will have to try harder," I shook my head, wondering why I'm not snapping at him or arguing, but then I simply concluded: I didn't want to.

"There was a time or two when you actually praised me!" Knock Out pointed out, his smirk growing wider and more confident. Whenever he found something to boost his ego with, he stood firmer, I noticed that.

"Those times, if I remember correctly, you were a fake, cheerful mech and not the present selfish you," my words came out harsher than intended and I scolded myself immediately after.

"Must you always bring that up? Deceiving the enemy is the basic requirement of being a Decepticon!" the mech grunted, almost offended, "Anyway, don't you dare call me selfish when I'm showing willingness to listen to whatever overwhelms your spark but you constantly reject my good will."

 Confused and slightly perplexed by his answer, I frowned while rearranging my thoughts. He made attempts, indeed. But I couldn't believe they were actually true and sparkfelt. Knock Out just wasn't the type of mech who sought out people and asked them about how they felt. His attention’s center was himself and no one else. I doubted his honesty and his recent actions also verified my suspicion that his advances towards me are not meant for me but only to stoke his own ego.

"I'm not going to give in to you just because you offer an audience. I’m not that cheap. If pleasure is what you seek, seek it elsewhere," my optics burned with anger at the very thought. Neither my glare or voice seemed to have an effect on him though because he threw his servos up in frustration as if he was done with me and his patience was cut short.

"To the pit with interface, I want the taste of that sweet tension again!"

Stunned silence followed his sudden outburst and I flinched under that intensive, glowing gaze of his which quickly vanished as soon as he realized what had just left his mouth.

"Oh...I just said that aloud, didn't I?" Knock Out drew a servo over his face like he wished he had never opened his mouth in the first place.

"That was my mistake," I sighed, forcing the uncomfortable tremor in my spark chamber to still, trying to appear calm and collected, "I shouldn’t have shouted at you that time.”

"Did you even hear what I said?" there was disappointment in his voice, as if my reaction let him down for some reason.

"Knock Out, I’m not all that interesting, I can assure you," I raised my servos as if proving my innocence. Somehow I felt like nothing I said would convince him.

"I think I am the one who defines what interests me."

 Growing irritated by his lack of understanding, I pushed myself away from the wall and took a step towards him.

"Knock Out I have nothing you would want, get that clear in your processor. My personality is..."

"Difficult, yes, but interesting nevertheless ," Knock Out finished eagerly instead of me and I pressed my mouth into a thin line. The more he talked the greater the weight felt in my spark, long forgotten wounds tearing open. I didn't want to hear any of it but I had no strength to retaliate because he appeared to be just as stubborn as me when it came to beliefs. Closing my optics to regain some clarity and have a patch of clear thought, I suddenly recalled what James used to say about me when I was in a bad mood.

"Others would say I’m like a sour cherry," I sighed in resignation, small threads of memories clouding my processor for a moment.

"A what?"

"A sour cherry. It's a small round shaped fruit that humans eat. Usually it tastes sweet but when there is something wrong with it, it turns sour. My human friend always compares me to one whenever I’m being difficult."

"Anything can be helped if you add some sugar," Knock Out's playful tone caught me off guard and I spared a brief glance in his direction before turning away to avoid his optics. I was beginning to run out of arguments to convince him, I wasn't the best choice of interest.

"Oh come on, I know one or two human related things as well."

"It's not that. You keep on pursuing me when...don’t you take a hint? Can’t you find someone else who is easier to persuade? Save yourself the trouble.”

“As much as easy catches used to entertain me before, I find myself gradually enthralled by the way you resist."

 My body stiffened, plates pressing together as I processed his words which sounded way more honest than they should have. I protested because I didn't want to do anything with him aside from the professional work we have to perform. Normal people would think when you say 'no' the pursuer takes the hint and gives up. What in the name of Solus did he find attractive in resistance? My right servo absently found the edge of the counter along the wall and I gripped tight on it. Knock Out must have noticed my discomfort because he continued talking as if that would ease the piling up tension in the room.

"Anyway, surely you don’t mean your dear friends when you say ‘find someone else’ do you? I mean, your friends are lovely but Halo is certainly not the type of femme I would stick with for long and I better keep away from Mercy because Soundwave would come to creep me out in the hallways if I ever tried...."

"What?" I jerked my gaze up, releasing the counter and standing straight and concerned. This time I had my complete attention on him, "What do you mean by that?"

"By what?" he wasn't sure what I meant and questioningly raised an eyebrow.

"The Soundwave and Mercy part. What do you mean by that?" I gestured with my servos feverishly, knowing that now my suspicions might turn out to be true.

"Oh, that. Well, anyone with functioning optics can see that Soundwave has a thing for your friend. The way he moves around her leaves no place for misunderstandings. You know, Decepticons can be pretty possessive and crossing their borders might get you into a lot more trouble than necessary," he chuckled, shrugging a shoulder casually like it was a petty issue he could simply ignore.

"Are you sure?" my spark felt heavy at this reveal and I scolded myself inwardly for not monitoring the two more thoroughly till this time. This happens when I get absorbed in my own problems and mind. And it seems Mercy was right the last time we were aboard the deck...Her special interest was not one-sided.

"Believe me, I would know," Knock Out assured with a knowing look.

 Shaking my helm, I suddenly felt tired. Overwhelmed. Things were spiraling out of control and for the better or worse, my friends were becoming more and more independent. They come to me for advice on less and less occasions and they bring choices without me knowing. I know, I can't control their lives, it wouldn't be right. But I hated this feeling of not being able to predict the outcomes. Even I got tangled in a very tight situation myself. And I just wished I could free myself of this mess I fell into, with Knock Out being just one of the many problems I had to deal with.

Mercy POV

 I would lie if I said I didn't notice Crossflare's disapproval ever since I admitted that I had a crush on the Communications Chief but because she hadn't said anything afterwards aside from some brief comments, I guessed it can't be that much of a problem. So I kept following Soundwave almost everywhere he went and he didn't seem to mind. 

 I remained careful when addressing him, keeping myself to formalities but sometimes his name just slipped out of my mouth. I know, not much of a sin, yet I wasn't sure I was allowed to get casual around him.

 Everything has pretty much fallen back to peace and routine between us but Soundwave never came with me when I invited him to refuel. That would mean he would have to take his visor off which he didn’t wish to by what I’ve gathered. Respecting his choice of being secretive about his face (if he had a face at all), I didn't press the issue any further. If he doesn't want to come, so be it.

 As days flew over my head, I realized we have been cooped up inside the ship for more than two weeks and my wings began to itch for a little flight. Of course I would need permission for that. When we agreed to join, we were told we won't be able to leave the ship alone for the first months to ensure we don't get in contact with the enemy. It wasn’t much of an issue for my ground-based friends but I was a different issue.

 Speaking of which, Halo has been stuck in biped mode ever since the first installment of her upgrade was placed on her and she gradually became more and more frustrated for not being allowed to transform. For us, whose lives were based on transformation, losing this ability for a longer amount of time than needed was quite the torture. I pitied her a little, but not too much, because she was the one who chose this and she firmly assured us that she would get through it no matter how much time it would take.

 I believed her. Crossflare wasn’t so happy about the changes though. But on the bright side, she made up with Knock Out. At least they weren't arguing anymore from what I've seen. Halo proudly boasted about her genius plan where she locked the two together after the messaging game had failed and now the two seemed to get along nicely, although not smoothly. I heard once or twice as the medic invited her out for a drive and although reluctantly but my friend tagged along.

 I had no idea why Halo wanted to work things out between them since CF already had the love of her life and lost it. It's not likely she would get into a new relationship, no matter what kind. I kept these thoughts to myself of course, especially because Halo was positive about this despite the obvious difficulties.

 Knock Out wasn't the ideal mech for our friend, I was hundred percent sure. I could not wrap my processor around the idea of him becoming decent in a way Crossflare would truly appreciate him.

 But it wasn’t my place to judge on that. Crossflare was more than capable of dealing with such things. More than I was with my problems anyway. 

 Bringing myself back to reality, I passed by two guards before reaching the bridge where I assumed Soundwave to be and I smiled when I spotted him. It had been just half an hour before he had left his post beside me and during the time of his absence my desire to fly had only grown. So I began searching for him and had his permission for a little exceptional break.

 I noticed more people present in the room than usual, including Breakdown who I nodded to when I stepped beside him and he offered a similar nod of his own, then focused his attention back on Megatron and Soundwave who was standing beside his master and showing him something on his visor by what I could see. Waiting for them to finish whatever issue they were going through seemed to be my only option.

"I recognize this magnetic signature Soundwave. And it would be unfortunate to have a Decepticon invention such as this used against us," our warlord straightened to his full height after taking a look at Soundwave's findings. I could only wonder what Megatron's words meant.

"I will secure the weapon, Lord Megatron," Breakdown took a step closer with hope in his voice and I glanced in his direction with a soft smile. I've noticed he had been pretty reserved ever since he was rescued but I wouldn't be surprised if his sudden motivation was based on the desire to prove his worth.

 Megatron looked up and turned towards him with amusement and disdain in his optics.

"Breakdown? Ha, if you can be bested by mere humans, what chance do you have against the Autobots?" Our Lord approached with a causal pace but his steps shook the floor beneath us and he looked the bruiser down when he stopped in front of him.

"Allow me to redeem myself master!" Breakdown's voice wavered but his determination not when he followed Megatron as he passed by, "What I have lost is a constant reminder that I must never again fail you." 

 That eye patch put me into deep thoughts sometimes, especially when I looked at him optic to optic. Whatever he went through, I will never understand, and his hurt pride will never truly heal if he doesn't get a chance to make up for the failure. Megatron should give him more trust than that. Not that I would dare to speak up for him. I still needed to get accustomed to the intimidating close proximity of Megatron which was a challenge in itself.

 A slim figure entered the side of my vision and I looked up at Soundwave with a small smile. Blankness returned to his visor and he questioningly tilted his head in my direction, probably inquiring why I left my post in the first place.

"Sorry, I know I shouldn't be here but I need urgent permission for a break...I...I would like to have a flight outside," I clasped my servos behind my back while we turned and left the bridge to return to our workstations, "And I know you are busy and I need a supervisor so it's okay to send a Vehicon out there with me, I promise I will behave."

 Soundwave walked calmly beside me, his silence my answer as usual. Then the plates on his chest shifted and allowed Laserbeak to detach. The minicon rose into the air and sped forward, then made a sharp circle and flew over my head, a gust of wind causing me to halt in my steps and recoil.

"Of course, he will do fine just as well. Thank you!" my smile turned into a wide grin as I dashed after the minicon in delight. Soon, I will feel the wind caressing my wings and I will have cute company as well. Laserbeak wouldn't be happy to hear I find him cute though.

 As we disappeared from Soundwave's sight, I felt his gaze linger on me for a moment longer.

Crossflare POV

  The swirling portal closed as soon as our pedes touched the floor of the Nemesis and I sighed in relief, processor already drifting towards the laboratory and what I left there in half, now waiting for me to get back to it and continue with deeper focus.

 Knock Out's chatter barely registered in my mind, sounding more like a distant rant to me. He noticed my lack of attention because he strode forward and waved a servo in front of me. I blinked at least twice before looking at him and noted that I didn't like the knowing smirk on his perfectly shaped face.

"It's funny how you switch from adequately casual to stiff office mode whenever we return," he commented in amusement, continuing with long steps to keep slightly ahead of me.

"Adequately casual?" I repeated with a bitter undertone.

"Cooler than usual is what I mean," he chuckled and I cast my gaze aside, "You like the mountains don’t you?"

"I guess," I muttered, keeping my optics strictly away from his because I knew I would have to deal with his observant gaze all the time otherwise.

"Have you ever visited the Tagan Heights?"

The question caught me off-guard and I glanced at him in surprise. The map of our dead home stretched before me as I pinpointed the mentioned location in my mind. Tagan Heights. The other side of the planet from where I lived.

"No, I haven't," was my simple answer and he kept smiling.

"What a shame! It truly has one of the most phenomenal scenery across Cybertron. Especially in the sunset."

 He looked excited while recalling some memories. I suppose he had been there, or else he wouldn't be talking about it like someone who had witnessed its wonders first-hand. Knock Out mentioned places from all across our planet, referring to them as cities he had visited. Maybe he was a traveler. Or was it the war taking him to these places? Decepticons raided many of our glorious city-states, reducing them into ashes and ruins.

"Too bad the war had destroyed it all," he added after short silence, optics looking down in what looked like a pitying manner and I wondered if he felt any remorse.

"You speak as if you weren't part of it," I pointed out, colder than intended. As a Neutral, like most of the others, I always put the blame on the factions who turned our cherished world into hell.

"I wasn't. I'm a medic, remember? All I ever did was tearing bots apart or putting them together within four walls. Destroying cities and crashing buildings down has never been my cup of Engex," Knock Out bit back, parrying my accusation smartly.

 Nodding slowly, I quickly regretted the way I put that into words. It must be pretty annoying to always hear me accusing Decepticons with anything that comes to mind while I joined them by free will. Speaking of the irony of life.

"Sorry. It has been...a nice drive by the way," I countered awkwardly and I hated how his pout turned into a wide grin.

"Oh, I knew you would like it in the mountains! Next time we could...!"

But before he could suggest anything, our attention shifted to the running Halo who approached with a nervous and upset expression. With a moment of delay, Mercy came running after her in a similar state. What on Cybertron could have happened again?!

"CF! CF! You are not gonna believe it!" they came to a halt with the screech of their pedes and Halo anxiously spread her arms wide, causing me to recoil.

"There is a new femme on board!" they yelled in unison.

 Knock Out and I exchanged looks of confusion before blaring at them at once:

"What?!" 

Mercy POV

 Laserbeak has been quiet ever since we took off from the upper deck and I wondered why. He didn't seem to be as silent as his master but not very talkative either. I still needed to get accustomed to his preferred language. No matter how educated I was, the language minicons preferred fell out of my practice and translating it took me more time than I would have liked.

 I tried to shake him up and I managed to get a chase out of him but he remained cautious. He monitored my ascends and dives, my twirls and my sharp circles but only tagged along and didn't really participate. My spark dropped at the thought that Laserbeak might not like me.

 My flight came to an end when we began our way back to the Nemesis which was still in sight and I landed with a quick transformation, fluttering my wings as they folded behind my back, finally satisfied. Sky-hunger taken care of. What a privilege it is to fly freely!

 When we exited the elevator I followed after Laserbeak who was most certainly in search of his master. While trotting peacefully after the minicon, I spotted Breakdown coming in the next crossing. His head hung low, optic focused in front of him, his massive shoulders slumped and his every step reluctant as he dragged himself ahead.

 Breakdown passed by us without even acknowledging our presence and I watched him leave towards the bridge in what was evident to be defeat. He must have failed....But before I could have felt any sympathy, my optics locked with glowing pink ones and I gasped at the sight of a black and purple armored femme with golden highlights, hanging helplessly from Breakdown's back like she was stuck to him.

 Her arms were folded over her chest and her sulking posture stiffened when she noticed me. We stared at each other with unfathomable expressions until she reached out of sight and I exchanged a perplexed look with an expressionless Laserbeak.

"We have to find Soundwave quickly," I breathed, still under shock to see another femme aside from my friends on this ship.

The minicon didn't hesitate, he turned and stormed through the corridor with me tailing him. After turning to the right and left many times, finally Soundwave's calmly walking figure came into sight and my spark felt lighter in relief.

"Soundwave!" I called his name with a bit more agitation than needed, causing him to stop abruptly and turn around with a questioning tilt of his helm. Laserbeak approached him slower and reattached himself back to his master, a show of a well-trained routine.

The mech stared down at me when I caught up as well and I vented a little before starting my speech.

"There is a new person on board and I don't know her! It's a femme, a Decepticon for sure. She arrived with Breakdown, you must know about it!"

 Soundwave nodded and his visor lit up, running several files over until one highlighted image came forward. I leaned in close, narrowing my optics at the figure in the picture. The femme's profile I had seen.

"Yes, she is the one. But who is she?" I inquired, falling into pace beside him when he turned and blankness filled his face once again. His silence unnerved me this time. For all these weeks, the three of us had been the only femmes in the Decepticon ranks and even a blind could see that we weren't made of Decepticon material. Now that a true Decepticon lady has arrived, I wasn't sure if this would affect us negatively. Rumors said femmes can be worse than their mech counterparts in the military. What 'worse' refers to has yet to be figured out.

"Does this mean...will we be assigned under her from now on?" I glanced at him in worry, fearing that she might be some kind of high ranked individual and would demand us to be put under her command. No matter how positively I tried to look at the situation, somehow I had a bad feeling about this. Those optics I've seen promised nothing good.

 Soundwave didn’t answer and only headed straight back towards the Communications Room. I convinced myself that nothing will change in the near future. I will be allowed to stay under Soundwave's command and that's how I wanted it to remain. I didn't want to admit that I feared being placed elsewhere. Stupid crush again. As we turned to the left, an unpleasant voice cut through the air and soon its owner made her appearance as well. Soundwave and I stopped at once.

"Leave me, I can explore the ship myself," the femme was talking to Breakdown who she left far behind  with a dismissive flick of her wrist, then she finally turned in our way. 

 The meeting was inevitable. I felt my spark tighten with doubt as I locked my gaze with the femme once again. One of her eyebrows rose, then her optics shifted and fell upon Soundwave and her mouth curled into an amused smile.

"Ah, Soundwave! You have changed a lot since we last met."

 So the two knew each other. Great, now I felt my wings flattening against each other as my optics darted from her to him with many nervous questions in my head.

Soundwave didn't respond, like always.
"But you still don't speak, I see," her smile widened, then she lazily turned her attention back to me, "Is she just not what I think she is?" 

 Soundwave looked down at me, then back to her, once again silent and unresponsive. I felt threatened by the way the femme referred to me. What does she see, what am I? Just a simple femme like her. Though 'simple' now became a relative definition because I noticed long helicopter blades folded behind her back in a way that reminded me of an organic spider's legs. Amy used to be scared of those even though she was a thousand times bigger than those small organic creatures. One thing I knew: spiders were supposed to be scary and better be avoided.

"Interesting. I had no idea Decepticons are keeping one of these on board," she took a few steps closer, her servos placed on her hips as she measured me with her vibrant pink optics. Although she was shorter than me, her close proximity unnerved me to the point where I backed off in hope she would stop boring holes into me with her gaze.

 Before she could have reached close enough, Soundwave extended an arm and cut her way from me with a simple movement, his servo standing between me and the other femme who frowned at him with a perplexed and offended expression. I felt grateful for his intervention because I couldn't find my own strength to move into action myself. Those optics of hers reduced me to submission the more I stared into them.

Then the moment of silence broke when she chuckled, mockingly.
"Oh, I see. Not a common but a personal berth-warmer she turns out to be."
Soundwave straightened to his full height, looming over the femme without giving any sound, but the message was clear and she took a step back, her look shifting to me once more. Her words confused and embarrassed me at the same time and I uncomfortably increased the distance between us.
"But where are my manners?" she smiled softer this time which didn’t look genuine to me and a cold chill ran down my spine, "Will you fill me in with your experiences, dear? Maybe in the company of some high-grade in a peaceful environment. How does that sound?"

"I-I..." my mouth failed to move adequately and my answer ended in an anxious and confused stutter. What did she want? Was that an invitation for a little talk? The tone of her voice hinted at something between the lines but I was unable to get to the depths of it.

 Soundwave's movement snapped me out of my helpless state when he simply turned on his heels and left without minding our new company any longer. I caught my gaze from his leaving form to the femme and I apologetically bowed my helm.

"S-sorry, I have to go. It was nice to meet you..."  and with that I was already running after Soundwave in hope I could get out of the other femme's sight. When I glanced back, I saw her crossing her arms with a malicious smile on her face and my spark pulsed faster in response. This meeting wasn't nice at all. Not even pleasant. Another chill rattled through my plates. Yes, I was scared of this Decepticon.

 Soundwave noticed my anxiousness and tilted his helm. I forced a small smile, trying to straighten myself and settle back to normal, but those pink optics and vicious words continued to haunt my thoughts.
"I-I'm fine," I assured him, but my voice betrayed me.

Soundwave didn't seem convinced. 

"Really. It's okay as long as I don't have to meet her again," and my body shuddered once more.

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV 

 The mess hall was almost full. Vehicons chatted loudly and some even greeted us upon our arrival. Sweeping my gaze over the crowd, I easily spotted the dark armored femme who sat at a table alone, with curious yet cautious stares focused on her. She seemed to ignore the obvious gossip behind her back because she sat with her back straight, her poise confident and her expression unfathomable.

"Whoa. Am I the only one getting the vibes of a queen?" Halo commented behind my back and I shot a disapproving look over my shoulder.

"Let's act normal and be nice. We shouldn't get on her bad side, so try to behave."

 Mercy looked doubtful but nodded and cast her gaze down as she and Halo followed me. We brought over a few glasses of energon for ourselves. The femme looked up when we stepped to her table and I asked politely, hoping that she was up to some company:

"May we sit with you?"

She chuckled darkly but gestured invitingly as if looking forward to talking to us. Is this a good or a bad sign? She was hard to read, mysterious, and I couldn't help but be cautious with my first impression on her. Decepticon femmes tended to be twisted personality-wise. The bad kind of twisted.

 We all took seats on the opposite side of the table and I saw Mercy squirm uncomfortably, her gaze wandering everywhere but in the direction of the new femme. They had already confronted each other and by what my friend had told, the femme was not really amicable.

"I think we haven't met before," I started with a small smile just to ease the tension and my optics focused on hers, keeping them from threatening any of my friends, "I'm Crossflare and my two amica enduras are Halo and Mercy. "

 The femme took them in with a quick glance as she placed her glass down. Then her optics returned to me.

"I’m Airachnid. And pardon my bluntness but none of you look like you've ever killed anyone."

Her harsh answer made us all flinch with her raw choice of words. Simply as that, she expressed her disdain. She thinks we don’t fit the image of a true Decepticon. I can’t deny that she is right.

"Is that a problem?" Halo dared to deflect, almost looking offended.

"In a war? Yes. It makes me question how you've gotten here and remained unscathed so far. A Decepticon unable to kill is as good as a dead bot," Airachnid supplied with a soft yet dangerous smile. The tone of her voice sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine. She was already pushing us into a subservient position just by having small-talk. This femme was testing our positions. She wanted to know if she was to play dominant or stay put. Both options depended on how we handled this meeting.

"That story is rather complicated to tell. But I can assure you that we are here with permission, we are accepted and we are to serve the cause in spite of appearances," I sipped my drink, my gaze intently on the femme, who batted no optic and only smiled more.

"I see. Didn't intend to make you feel agitated," she tapped a claw on the brim of her glass, paused, then continued much softer than before, although all of it felt only like an act, "What are your functions?"

"Mercy is Soundwave's assistant, Crossflare is a chemist and I am to be the best femme warrior ever lived," Halo answered instead of me and I appreciated her boldness this time. She would not bow to anyone she didn't choose as her own boss. If tested, her rebellious nature like an emergency protocol took over and she would fight back, making it known that she was questioning the righteousness of forced authority, no matter where it came from.

"Warrior? You don't look like one," Airachnid chuckled in amusement, much to Halo's annoyance.

"I will. Soon," my friend leaned closer, her optics beaming with resolve.

 I can't say our first encounter with the new femme offered any insight to who she really was, but we most certainly had our first impressions, none of us considering it positive. Airachnid was observant and curious, so my instincts told me to be cautious when around her and watch my choice of words. After our rather short exchange, I noted that we held to our dignities and stood up for ourselves, even though only as a team.

 Individually, we will all have to make her know, we are equal to her and nothing less, nothing more. Worries already surfaced when I thought of Mercy. She had been silent and shy all through our conversation which wasn't a good introduction from her but at least Airachnid didn't bring up what she had accused my friend of the first time they met.

 Airachnid supposedly knew what Mercy was. Or rather what she was originally meant to be. I had every right to be nervous and concerned about a possible scenario where my friend would figure out things I've purposely kept from her since eons. How I managed to be silent for that long was a mystery itself. It weighed on my spark and the longer I held the secrets back, the more I hated myself for doing so. But I made a promise, I had a duty, and I wished there would be a way to protect Mercy in her innocence.

 Primus, I feel like things will catch up to me sooner than I would like them to.

Halo POV

"I don't trust her," was all Starscream muttered and I felt satisfied hearing that. I would have taken Airachnid's approach towards him a personal insult, not to mention if he shared interest. Fortunately, the new femme was not a popular individual in the ranks and by the way the Seeker uttered her name I could tell he was far from being fond of her. Was I possessive? Maybe. But I quite enjoyed the monopoly of being Startscream’s most loyal and secret ally, a position I grew proud of and the more he shared his views with me the more eager I became to be a part of anything he was plotting.

 Then Airachnid crashed into our lives unexpectedly and tension grew in the air. Mercy was afraid of the femme for a good reason and I could already see how the spider picked at her. Crossflare tried to appear friendly as long as Airachnid hadn't crossed any lines. I felt irritated though when I caught Knock Out flirting with her as well which Airachnid shook off just as coldly as my friend did. This mech had a very hard time lately, having the only two femmes in existence who weren't interested in him on board.

 The Vehicons I had everyday chat with also confirmed their ambivalent feelings concerning the new femme. Some of them looked at her in awe, interest or disgust. All opinions differed and I couldn't determine how to categorize the femme in my helm either. Then I decided to simply judge her in one way: was she threatening me and my position? If yes, then she was a foe.

 After Starscream's clear announcement of not trusting her, I noted that she wasn't a threat. For now. And I grimaced at the thought that I was seriously worrying about such things as my position beside the Seeker. It wasn't that important but after some Vehicons remarked how the Commander seems to favor me over others I began keeping our alliance at high regards.

"Do you know her?" I casually leaned back in my seat across from him and Starscream's optics shifted to look at me before his gaze returned to the datapad in servo which he had been looking at for some time now but hadn't gotten anything done yet. We were in an empty conference room, lengthy and oval with many seats and a large screen in the middle for everybody to see. The Commander had a habit of coming here when there was something on his mind which I came to know by following him around when I had the time.

"All I know is that she is a sadist and an expert of that," he grumbled, emotions barely existent in his voice except venom.

"Well, that explains the dark and twisted aura she carries," I commented casually, "No wonder no one likes her."

 For a moment he paused, observing me quietly and I raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner.

"Don't be so cocky. I do not trust you either."

His words practically punched me in the face.

I frowned in offense.

"Take that back quickly!”

An amused grin crept onto his face as he realized how his words upset me, then he turned serious all too suddenly before I could make a scene and demand that he correct himself.

"I'm not that naive. We might be allies but I never trust anyone, not even those who pledge loyalty to me. Many had done so and let down. Primus knows I don't even trust my own shadow on the wall even though it never leaves my side.”

"Good to know," I growled and stood up abruptly, although aware of the fact that my anger was meaningless. We hadn't known each other for a long time, loyalty must be proven, promises must be put at trials.

 Trust is a fragile bond. With Starscream, it will be quite a feat to achieve.

 I left him in the conference room and my only regret was that I couldn’t slam the door like humans do in the movies.

Mercy POV 

 I nervously stood at my post, trying to focus on watching the data Soundwave was downloading to the datapad in my servo, but there was that certain gaze on my back which made it impossible to concentrate.

 Airachnid, who curiously watched everything we did, hasn't got a specific position yet, so she killed her time here, annoying us with her presence at the bridge. Vehicons didn't seem to mind her though, they considered her air unless she spoke to them.

When I left Soundwave's side at the main computer to hand the datapad over to an already waiting Vehicon and passed on the instructions, Airachnid grabbed the opportunity to step over to me.

"What was your designation again?"

I shyly looked down at her, trying to remind myself that I was taller and had nothing to be afraid of because she hadn't got authority over me. Yet her optics demanded respect and fear, forcing me to believe she had the control.

"M-Mercy..." my voice quickly trailed off.

"What a soft name for a Decepticon," she smirked, "Never thought of changing it?"

"No. I like it," I admitted, now starting to feel ashamed. In her optics, I was just an inexperienced youngling, probably useless to the cause.

She huffed in amusement and looked over to where Soundwave stood, busy as ever with all the tasks he had to perform. I should head back and help him, but Airachnid held me firmly in one place with her intense gaze and invasive questions.

"You are afraid of me, aren't you?"

Opening my optics slightly wider, I couldn't help but nod and bit into my lower lip when I realized my mistake.

"No need to be. We are on the same side, fighting for the same cause, are we not?" there was a mischievous glimmer in her optics which I couldn't put anywhere so I nodded again, casting my gaze down.

"You wish to return to Soundwave?"

"Yes, I have plenty of work to do," I answered quickly, making her chuckle. It seems I just confirmed some theory of hers because she looked oddly satisfied with my answer. Her observant nature made me feel even more uncomfortable and aware of my every single misstep and mistakes.

"Isn't it troublesome that he never speaks to you?" 

For a moment I turned my head to look at him, his posture statue-like as always, attention on the screens, nothing distracting him. As hard as it was to get his point across sometimes, I think I could understand him most of the time. 

"I like his silence," I responded with a small smile, gathering some courage, "He doesn't say much and he communicates only what's important. That is not a bad trait. Sometimes actions make a greater impact than words."

To my remark Soundwave stopped typing and tilted his head in our direction, now listening intently. Airachnid noticed and exchanged a look between me and him, her mouth curling upwards in a knowing manner.

"Oh, look at that. You've got his attention," she commented with a hint of mockery in her voice.

 She kept her gaze on me when I slowly backed away with a short excuse, returning to Soundwave with a small relief. He focused his attention on the task in servo once again, not asking anything.

Crossflare POV 

 My frame felt a lot more relaxed as I laid my back against the wall, my attention on the soft sponge in my servo, rubbing it over my arm as my mind felt turned off for a while. 

The water was hot and cozy as it sprayed from up above me and prickled my armor, streaming down along its curves.

 Beside me, Mercy and Halo also enjoyed the warmth of the shower which we had to share. There were no private wash-racks on board except for one and Lord Megatron had it all for himself. The big room we now were in could give place enough for at least twenty cons, maybe even thirty if crowded together. The stations were barely separated from each other and there were no walls or panels in between in order to provide more space for larger cons. There were two walls in each wing of the room, stations on each side of them with panels to place armor on if somebody wished to shower without outer plates on.

"Get out! Get out! All mechs out!" the first time we came, Halo was the one to throw the Vehicons out of the room. Reluctantly, but all of them left and Mercy placed a magnetic board on the door with a clear warning not to enter on it.

 Fortunately all mechs learned to leave whenever we showed up, except Starscream. He was the only one who had the whole room for himself when he showered and nobody dared to enter until he exited. It was an unspoken law the soldiers all knew well and they warned us as well to keep away from the wash-racks when Starscream is inside. He preferred to shower completely alone.

 Strange, given the habit that almost no one showered alone. It was a custom we brought from our home, since no one can clean themselves properly without additional help.

 There were days though when we arrived to the wash-racks at the same time as a few others and a small quarrel started about who should enter first and who should wait outside.

 Today was one of those days a day and the two who wished to join in was Knock Out and Breakdown, intent on ignoring our need to be left alone.

"Don't be so shy. We will be on the other side of the room." Knock Out tried to compromise but to our luck, Halo wasn't taking any of it.

"No!" her firm answer and piercing optics seemed to convince them, "Dare to come in and you are all dead like scrap!" she snapped and left no choice for the two mechs as the door closed behind us, shutting them outside.

"Oh, and don't let anyone in!" Halo called after them loudly and they mumbled something incomprehensible from the outside. Since then we had peace and nobody disturbed us. 

"I've been wondering..." Mercy, who was rubbing Halo's back with her sponge, suddenly spoke up and Halo looked over her shoulder with a questioning expression.

"....about how the Autobots are doing?"

We exchanged puzzled glances, not sure about what to say. In here, hopefully no one was listening in, but who knows. We had to watch how we spoke about the supposed 'enemy'.

"I'm sure they have already figured out what happened to us and would do anything to contact us," I spoke after a brief moment of silence, drawing attention from the both of them.

"Would we answer their calls?" Mercy inquired with caution, her optics analyzing my reaction thoroughly.

"No. Probably not. It would get us into trouble," I sighed, knowing well that what I just said was not in sync with what my spark told.

"Is it bad that I started to get used to this? I mean...don't...don't you too?" Mercy looked at me with uncertain optics, then at Halo, her voice sounding almost guilty like she had committed a crime and didn't want to face it.

"Hm, I have to agree," Halo nodded thoughtfully and her gaze expectantly hung on me for a reply.

 I kept silent. I didn't know. I liked being Neutral. It was peaceful, not without hardships, but safe. Our human companions were more than enough help for us to cope with certain circumstances and it has never crossed my mind that I would ever choose a faction willingly. Now that we actually did it, I still had ambivalent feelings.

 But I was resolute in the decision we have made. Maybe a bad one but still our choice. It had its negative and positive sides. We weren't short on supplies anymore, we had absolute protection and work to do and we were among our kind.

 And then there was Megatron's crazy attitude, constant other worries I had every day, Airachnid, and of course Knock Out like a bad virus. And I could go on.

In the end - no matter how I looked at it - we didn't belong here.

"For the time being, our lives are tolerable. But let's never forget how we got to this point. Any life which is a lie is not a good one," I finally answered, my words creating a negative atmosphere which immediately soured the mood.

"She is right," Halo sighed and straightened herself, taking the sponge from Mercy and motioned her to turn around. Mercy gratefully opened her wings wide and let her friend rub over their edges, carefully dealing with sensitive parts which made Mercy giggle from being tickled.

 I smiled at the sight, like always. When the three of us were alone, I felt a hint of familiarity from our past. It relaxed my spark and momentarily soothed the ache that resided in it. Silence enveloped us for a while, each of us reflecting on what had been said. Then Halo spoke up suddenly with a smile on her face:

"Hey, don't you want to sing something Mercy? You like singing in the shower."

"Yeah, that's true...." our friend admitted with a flustered expression.

"I wouldn't mind listening to your voice either. How about something calm and nice?” I nodded with an encouraging smile. Whenever we were let down or just simply frustrated, Mercy worked her magic on us and everything looked much brighter. She had the talent for making people happy and feel appreciated, loved and cared about. Sometimes I wonder how so much selfless love and devotion can fit in her.

 Mercy tapped a digit on her chin, running a few songs over in her mind until her optics glimmered when she found a good one. Somehow I guessed she was going to sing an Earth song. Human music has enchanted her ever since we arrived on the planet and she often remarked how much better humans can express their emotions through lyrics than our kind.

"I think I got one."

"Let's hear it," we returned to cleaning but focused our attention on her.

She crooned the melody at first, picking up the tunes before she actually opened her mouth.

"~I remember tears streaming down your face, when I said I'll never let you go~..." she started, her voice soft and careful. 

 Halo joined, humming the tune quietly with a smile stuck on her face. My friends sounded quite good together, though I didn't feel the need to take part as well. I just wanted to listen to the. As the lyrics said, I closed my optics and leaned against the wall, letting the water wash over me.

"~Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now. Come, morning light. You and I'll be safe and sound~" 

My processor and spark relaxed at once. Mercy, bless your voice and your pure spark. 

"~Don't you dare look out your window, darling. Everything's on fire. The war outside our door keeps raging on~" 

 How true...forget about the war. Forget about what we have been pulled into, willingly or not. Even if only for a few minutes. My thoughts drifted to more peaceful fields and the end of the song came too soon, leaving me unsatisfied. I would have liked to hear more.

Mercy crooned for a few more seconds, then the tune ended and she cast her gaze humbly down.

"It was beautiful," we said in unison, making her even more flustered. But her happy smile revealed that she appreciated the praise. It’s funny how she always felt embarrassed whenever she sang for us. As if we would judge her when it never happened. We would always sing compliments to her.

 A loud knocking on the door crashed our momentary peace. Breakdown's knock sounded more like banging with that large servo of his.

"Can we go in already? We have been waiting for long enough!"
"Hey, stop it! Behave!" Knock Out's voice could be heard from the outside and for some reason I felt grateful to have him keep his impatient friend in check.
"A moment, please!" I shouted, then hurried my friends who put the sponges away and turned the shower off above our stations. Quickly, we dried ourselves with soft microfiber towels then lined up in front of the door and finally let them in. To my surprise, Soundwave stood next to them, his attention shifting almost immediately to someone behind me. My instant guess was Mercy's direction. 

"Oh..." Mercy touched her lips with the tips of her fingers in embarrassment, "How long have you been there?" 

Breakdown passed by us while mumbling something but Knock Out didn’t move. He chuckled and shot an amused glance over to Soundwave. 

"Heh, he has been here the whole time ever since you started singing. Would have gone in unless stopped by us."

I frowned in the mentioned mech's direction, making my disapproval very clear. Must he always show up when it comes to Mercy doing anything in general?

"You have a nice voice by the way," Knock Out winked at Mercy who quickly caught her gaze away, murmuring a quiet thanks.

"You gained new fans, girl," Halo whispered into her audio-receptor teasingly but even I could hear.

 Mercy, as talented as she was, never showed off with any of her skills. Whenever new people heard or saw her sing or dance, she would be nervous, fearing that people didn't like it. Feedback usually told her the opposite though.

 Uttering a short excuse, I grabbed my friends' hands and led them away from all the prying optics and I shot Soundwave a murderous glare as we passed by him. Mercy turned her head and smiled apologetically, practically erasing my point. I didn't like Soundwave's attention on her nor the way he approached her all the time. We better leave.

"Hey doc, coming in or not?" we heard Breakdown calling out from the room.

"Of course! Hey Soundwave, wanna join us?" Knock Out expectantly looked at the Communications Chief before the silent mech finally averted his invisible gaze from our disappearing figures and entered the wash-racks as well. 

Halo POV

 Replacing my car engine with a jet one was quite a feat. Knock Out had chosen a fairly powerful one, warning me not to even think about activating it because I had no programming and would go flying all around without wings and ability to keep myself steady. It was funny to imagine that, though I would probably not laugh if any incidents happened so I took the good doctor's advice to heart.

 Crossflare checked in to see my progress and she inquired a lot about the whole process from Knock Out who was more than eager to explain everything to her, boasting of his skills during the time. My friend just wanted to make sure everything is going to be fine with me.

 I frowned when Airachnid paid a visit as well, unusual for her to show up in the med-bay. Feeling her observant gaze wander over my frame, I narrowed my optics and stared back.

"Do you have something to say?" I asked impatiently.

"Just wondering why you want to become airborne," she walked around the place, stepping to the screens which showed my current data. Why would she be interested at all?

"Maybe because flying in the sky is better than rolling in the dust?" I crossed my arms with a pout.

 She turned in my direction and smirked, her knowing optics making me shudder.

"Or just trying to show off in front of the Commander?"

Scoffing, I stared at her with wide optics. How would she even come to such conclusions!

"This has nothing to do with Starscream," I stated firmly, then thoughts popped up in my helm, correcting some of that sentence, "Well...partly....but not really."

"See, I've known," she was satisfied with my reaction and I hated her for accusing me with who knows what was going on in her head.

"I wouldn't change my appearance for anyone's opinion, that's just ridiculous. I do this for myself and because I see it necessary," making my point clear, I straightened my back and stared her down. She has quite the nerve to try her mind-plays with me. She might toy with poor Mercy but I'm not tolerating such behavior. I could only hope she isn't prattling to Starscream about such things. He would think even lower of me than he already does and I'm in no need of that.

"My apologies for hitting a sensitive point," she chuckled darkly and my frown deepened into a warning glare. She was making my patience run very thin.

 Knock Out's appearance saved the situation and he questioningly looked from me to the other femme when he strolled closer. He didn't need to ask though, a glance at my sour expression was enough for him to understand and he politely asked Airachnid to leave the med-bay for the time being. The femme left without resistance and I saw a pleased smile at the corner of her mouth, irritating me even more.

 To get my frustration out on something, I headed to the training room after I finished up with the doc, and commed D7D6 if he had any mood to spar with me. He helped me out on trainings more than once and we even sparred occasionally to help me put the learned knowledge into practice. At the start I made countless rookie mistakes. But I improved slowly, surely. I had my hopes high.

 My fist collided loudly with his elbow as he parried the blow and moved his ped to sweep me off mine. I sprung into the air, barely escaping being knocked off my balance. The next hit came and this time I was late with my reaction and got a small dent in my side. Vehicons, as light-weighted as they appeared to be, could punch quite hard when they wanted.

 Continuing our little fight for longer than usual, I noticed a figure from the corner of my optic, standing in the doorway and casually leaning against the wall while watching us with mild interest.

 With my attention now drawn away, I was quickly off my pedes, crashing loudly against the floor without time to regain balance. I cursed, touching my back but not reaching the still too sensitive engine which had been freshly mounted on me just hours ago. I shouldn't damage it already, I had to be more careful.

"Are you okay?" D7D6 asked, offering a servo in concern. I grimaced, nodding my head and taking the servo as he helped me stand up.

"That will be enough," Starscream approached, his servos folded behind his back and his always critical gaze wandered from me to the Vehicon beside me, "You may leave."

"Yes, Sir," D7D6 obeyed without questioning, nodding his head to me before quickly taking his leave. I was slightly disappointed but knowing that Starscream surely had something to say, I preferred hearing the possible criticism alone.

 After glaring at each other in silence for a few seconds, he made a circle around me, his optics sweeping over every new detail on my frame. I remembered Airachnid's words and convinced myself that I wasn't expecting him to make any positive comment on it. But I could feel his gaze and it sent a chill up my spine. In spite of the situation, I stood still, waiting for him to finally say what was on his processor.

"So you are truly serious," he muttered, more likely to himself as he stopped before me again.

"Serious about what?" I raised an eyebrow, displeased with the way he treated me.

"About becoming a jet."

"Yes I am," I answered immediately, my voice loud and resolute, optics locking with his while searching for questions and opinions he didn't speak of.

"Even if you become one, you will never understand what being created as airborne means," Starscream's expression held disdain but also a certain curiosity and interest.

"Right. But that won't stop me from reaching my goal. I will get used to it, learn everything and soar the skies like Mercy does. Like you do."

 His eyebrows rose, mouth slightly parting at my response.

"Do you envy us?"

"I do. Mercy loves the sky and I always wondered how it feels to be so free and limitless. And I've seen you fly. You...look happy when you fly," I admitted, casting my gaze aside.

 My words surprised him and he frowned immediately with suspicion.

"Are you secretly monitoring me?"

"No. I just happened to be on the upper deck when you left for a little flight once," I shrugged, avoiding his prying optics, "Like you are the one to talk anyway with you being the one who constantly watches me."

"I must keep an optic on you. Who knows, you might betray me, talk to Lord Megatron or something else," he retorted, his wings perking up like a  warning sign.

"If you just trusted me, you wouldn't need to monitor me. I've already promised to shut my mouth."

"Promises are worth nothing to me."

Growling angrily, I threw my servos up.

"Fine! Should I say that too? That what you promised me is worth nothing to me? If you were just a tiny bit nicer, I would actually believe that our alliance exists!"

"It exists, don't speak nonsense," Starscream huffed in annoyance and I bared my denta, trying to hold back a few not so polite things I wanted to throw at him.

"Yes and when will you fill me in with your plans?"

"When I see that you've proven your worth."

 Bam. That was it. I had enough of him. Swinging my left servo to punch him in the face with the intention to pick up an actual fight with him, I was quickly halted when he swiftly caught my wrist and drew his eyebrows together in a very disapproving frown.

"And just what do you think you are doing?" he growled, leaving me uncertain whether he sounded amused or annoyed. Maybe both.

"Continue my training session. To become worthy," I spat suggestively, my optics offering a challenge and his mouth formed into a smirk when he twisted my wrist to backhand me, unsuccessfully, because I expected this move and readily moved out of his hold.

"You have to learn more than simple combat moves to take on me," Starscream grinned, charging against me without restraint and I welcomed the advance with full blow. Lets see if my Commander is as good as he boasts of his unparalleled skills.

 Sharp claws swiped in my way, known tactics and predictable attacks followed until I realized I was gradually backing off, reduced to defense while not being allowed to retaliate, to move against him or do anything but parry his blows. Starscream was keeping me busy with his untiring strikes, his predatory gaze hunting for all the weak spots of my body and going right towards them without mercy.

 Unbelievable how much strength and stamina was stocked in his fragile-appearing, slim frame. Sometimes I forgot that I was dealing with an Elite Seeker and he was probably capable of so much more, handling me proved him no difficulty, I was probably an amusing toy in his vision.

 For the second time today, I crashed against the floor, forcing down a curse as I felt my new upgrade sting in pain. I'm really a careless bastard.

"Is that all? You put up no more effort than a sparkling," Starscream triumphantly placed one of his high-heeled pedes on my chest, pushing down just so that I could feel the weight.

"And yet you boast proudly like you have beaten a whole army," I bit back, calculating while he was distracted.

"I do like savoring every moment of victory, no matter whom it concerns," he leaned forward, purring dangerously. That's it, stoke your ego for all I care, it gives me more advantage.

"Triumph never lasts long, believe me," I chuckled, optics locked with his and he realized late what I was about to do. Taking the opportunity that lay in the position he was in, I swept him off his pedes with a quick move as I got up and rushed at him right in the moment he was down.

 Now posing proudly above him with a wide grin, I giggled at how he let his ego blind him at the worst of times. Now stuck under me with my thighs holding his sides and arms firmly down and together he could only kick pointlessly if tried to.

"Get off me," Starscream ordered, voice strained and furious. I just buried his dignity once again and he wasn't taking it too well.

"What if I don't?" I pushed my limits just a little bit more but I could already see he wasn't tolerating my sass much longer.

 With one swift motion I didn’t even have time to register in my processor, he flipped us around and I found my neck cables clasped by razor sharp claws, my wide optics staring into wicked fiery red ones.

"I will make you regret the day you were sparked."

Crossflare POV 

 A month has passed since we joined the Decepticons and exactly four days since Airachnid arrived. Looking back at our time spent on the warship, I admitted that we adapted quickly in spite of the rather bumpy start. Conflicts were still present which never comes as a surprise with so many individuals stuck under one roof, but with each day passing by I felt this suffocating feeling gradually disperse.

 Halo was in the last stadium of her upgrade's installment. Her favorite part just now came: her tires exchanged for wings. I must admit, Knock Out did a spectacular job on her, making most of Halo's weight disappear as her slender frame became more emphasized with the humble curves of a Cybertronian fighter jet. According to his explanations, it was not speed the design was going for but agility.

 Watching her change from week to week and adapt to her new weight and body, I saw her determination, the hope in her optics and how she fought to keep it together through the whole procedure, even with her transformation ability forbidden. Mercy was always beside her, assuring and encouraging her, dreaming about their future flights together. I had been against the whole idea at first but now I could see: Halo needed a change. And maybe this all is for her best benefit. I might never get to understand her decision to abandon the land, but I will surely support her if this is what she needs.

 My tires screeched in the next sharp turn, pulling me back to reality from my deepest thoughts. Knock Out was driving not too far in front of me, seemingly respecting my need of silence and peace. He had been remarkably patient in the past two weeks ever since he invited me to his drives down on the surface. Although I reluctantly agreed to join him, I actually enjoyed these small tours of ours on various landscapes. We never chose the same coordinates, always exploring new territories while also keeping a sensor out for possible energon readings.

 There were times we drove in complete silence, and other times we talked. Mostly he spoke, telling stories about his past, describing his home city and how he left it when he joined the Decepticons. He talked about his years at the academy and even about his experiences as a Decepticon surgeon. While listening to him, I noted how dull and gray my life appeared now compared to his. Knock Out had traveled a lot, had seen many things and had met many people. He never went into too much detail but it still surprised me how open he was to tell such things. After a while I started to feel the urge to share something of mine as well, but what could I say? Nothing of great interest came to mind and I didn't like to talk about my past anyway.

 Like always, he was curious and had many questions. But he learned of our previous conflicts, so Knock Out chose to drop topics I wasn't keen on answering and I felt grateful for that. I had many questions as well, but many of them never left my mouth in his presence.

"Breakdown do you have a sec?" I grabbed the opportunity a day ago when Breakdown and I coincidentally had a break at the same time and I sat him down with me in the company of some energon.

"You don't wanna start messaging again, do you?" he narrowed his one optic and I shook my helm with a small smile. Messaging through him was a silly thing we did I must admit, but the bruiser managed to gain my trust during that time and now I felt like I can rely on his opinion.

"No, I just want you to help me...see things in the right context. Your friend has been on my tailpipe ever since we 'made up' and while he hinted at things, I'm still not sure about what he wants from me."

 Tapping my fingertips on the table, I looked up at him with my optics filled with hope. Maybe he can offer some insight into Knock Out's true motives. Breakdown also drummed his digits, holding my gaze in deep thought before opening his mouth to answer.

"He likes you, I guess."

Well, this wasn't the answer I expected.

"Okay, but why? I gave him plenty of reasons not to," I scoffed, finding the idea ridiculous.

"Look, I'm not an expert at this sort of thing but I know Knock Out. He wasn’t that fond of you back then, but I guess you just grew on him. He has been obsessing over you ever since you put up that tantrum the other day. Dunno why, doc is weird sometimes," Breakdown shifted and shrugged a shoulder, gulping the content of his whole glass down at once. I sat stiffly and listened with growing concerns.

"I told him to give up many times. What his goal exactly is, no clue. He had never pursued a femme this long before."

 Pulling my mouth into a frown, I knew my spark jumped slightly, but on the outside I was still calm and collected, reflecting on his words one by one.

"You mechs have no taste."

We both laughed at that, a short but sincere laugh. 

"You might be right because I find Airachnid attractive and don't even know why," he admitted, taking me aback with such a confession. I stared at him with my mouth slightly agape to which he embarrassedly scratched his chin.

"Um, yeah, I know..."

"No, no, it's fine. It just....surprised me," I assured him, now immediately canceling my idea to tell him to make Knock Out pursue Airachnid instead of me. These mechs surely had weird taste.

 My conversation with Breakdown left me with fewer but still heavy questions in mind, my spark restlessly pulsing in its chamber whenever I recalled his words. He admitted he was at a loss as well, unable to understand his friend's strange behavior lately. He also mentioned that Knock Out always preferred the 'easy catches' and never really put great effort into seducing a femme.

"You are an exception and probably in every way."

I tried to see things from the perspective Breakdown told me but I still failed to understand why Knock Out would treat me differently. It just didn't make sense to me.

"Up to a good race, sweet cherry?"

Knock Out's hopeful, purring voice grabbed my attention and I sped up, closing the distance that had grown too large between us while my mind drifted away.

"Now? Where? And...you just gave me a nickname?" a soft tremor buzzed through my circuits when his engine roared in response, escorted by a deep chuckle.

"I picked up a radio transmission. There is a race a mile away on a new road. It leads up to the mountains and it would be worth it to check it out. And yes, I just gave you one. Don't you like it?"

 Grumbling to myself, I forced down a rather unpleasant reply and only huffed instead.

"It could be worse."

 Knock Out laughed, once again driving my sensors crazy. If he keeps on doing this I will consider just simply turning around and asking for a ground-bridge. But I couldn't deny that the opportunity of listening to his powerful engine being on fire sounded way too tempting. A guilty pleasure I couldn't help.

 The new-built road was smooth under my tires and I noted that it ascends to the mountain in a spiral. A dangerous place for a race. If not focused enough, one can go flying off in a badly taken turn. There was a fence on the edge but it didn't convince me of its security and I thought my decision over once more.

 A few cars joined us and we all rolled into the circle of the awaiting human cars and their owners at the foot of the hill. The environment felt familiar, thanks to that one time Knock Out took me on a race of his. Few admiring gazes followed my company's arrival and I received disdainful looks, some whispering among each other what the heck did I want with a car type like mine here. I could somehow understand their bafflement. The type of my alt-mode was an average car, not a turbo-speed-demon like theirs which were upgraded with all kind of stuff and patterned paintjobs the humans considered 'cool'.

"I still feel nervous," I spoke quietly through our comm-link, keeping close to him which didn't go unnoticed.

"No need to be. I will keep an optic on you. If you are in trouble and stuck behind, call me" Knock Out assured me, surprising me with how he really meant it.

 The start was rather rough, louder than the last time, and my spark pulsed in nervous excitement when all the cars shot out of their places. My intention was to stay behind Knock Out but a peculiarly aggressive driver cut in my way and took over the lead with a furious screech of tires. The vehicle itself was bright azure blue with green stripes and highlights, giving it an exotic, yet conventional look, especially with those neon-green framed rims.

 Knock Out noticed the opponent who was driving like a tank, not acknowledging anyone's safety whatsoever and the medic took it as a challenge, eagerly showing the human who dominates this track. I let out a displeased huff, reminding myself of the fact that mechs were just mechs and they would always try to show off, even at dangerous places like this.

 The constant turns finally stretched into a somewhat straight line, giving a chance for a quick speed-up and every car pushed ahead. I grabbed the opportunity as well, accelerating ahead to catch up with the front two. Then I noticed something and I commed Knock Out in horror:

"Watch out, he is closing in from the side!"

 Knock Out growled in response, well aware of the danger the human was trying to put him into by forcing him to the edge of the road. If the medic slows down, he would be able to get out of the situation but the other would gain advantage. If he accelerates, the crazy driver might bump into him to hold him back. But Knock Out wasn't going to slow down, I knew that. He was too vain for such a move.

 Fearing the worst, I accelerated, still lagging behind but getting closer, until the road curled into a sharp turn and Knock Out's rear scraped the blue car's side who was unable to pull away in time.

"The jerk deserved it," satisfied, Knock Out shifted his rearview mirror to see the fuming human in the car. I couldn't feel any sympathy for the driver, he was the one responsible for that injury. Next time try not to cheat.

 The rest was a descending hill and our blue racer company couldn't make up for the distance he had lost while throwing a tantrum about the scar on his vehicle and Knock Out easily won the race with a black car in tow, then with me as a third.

 My engine purred with satisfaction and I shifted gear as I tried to get around the people and roll up to my only Cybertronian companion who was more than proud to show off and boast in the light of his victory.

 The blue car turned up from nowhere and sharply cut Knock Out's way, forcing him to pull the breaks immediately. A relatively young man, maybe in his twenties, got out and some of his friends from the group of humans joined him, checking on the damage of his vehicle.

 Oh, I started to suspect where this thing was going to escalate, especially when the furious man made his way up to Knock Out's hood, pointing an accusing finger at him and demanding the 'driver' to get out and pay.

"How pitiful, isn't it?" Knock Out chuckled, amused by the sight of the small angry creature, whose fury looked petty in his optics, "These puny fleshlings wouldn't have such a loud voice if I showed them my true self."

"Don't you dare," I hissed, my spark picking up a quicker pace. Revealing our identity and hurting these humans hadn't been on our to-do list of the day.

"Nah, I have handled worse, I won't do anything....." Knock Out's sentence was interrupted when one of the men handed a thick wooden stick to the hysterical one and he didn't hesitate to swing it and hit on the medic's hood.

 Oh my.... He shouldn't have done that.

 Knock Out instinctively reversed, yelling a loud 'hey!' before the stick went flying against his window, a loud crack followed. The humans in the background either cheered or shouted stop, and I quickly realized that the mech wouldn't leave this without revenge. Feeling as my own anger seethed through my tubes, I rolled into action and pushed against the crazy man, sending him to the ground with a painful yelp. His friends ran to his side and he stared at me in shock and fear, seeing how I wasn't about to stop at that.

"Get lost you damn cheater or I will roll over you!" my window lowered and my holoform shouted out in rage, making my point clear by loudly revving the engine, a threat and a warning at once.

"He started it! Look at my car, look at what he has done!" the man still had the balls to argue with me but I wasn't having any of it and I advanced aggressively once more, making him and all of his friends get up and run scattered.

"Lets go," I commed the dumbfounded Knock Out and he followed me without resistance until the upset people were left behind, their tiny forms disappearing in the distance.

 There was a thick silence between us for moments longer before Knock Out chuckled in amusement, a reaction I didn't expect.

"My, my, what has gotten into my sweet cherry?"

"That bastard almost pushed you off the road and then cracked your window. I am surprised you are not the one throwing a tantrum!" I scolded him angrily, still feeling the urge to chase that human up the hill. I might have a soft spot for these fleshy creatures but jerks are jerks no matter what species and they never escape my wrath. There are no exceptions.

"I'm capable of protecting myself, you know."

 Why was he so amused by all of this? There was nothing funny here!

"I know. But if I let you take revenge, you would have killed him."

"Can't argue with that. My window is ruined," Knock Out dramatically huffed as he caught up to me.

 A portal opened down the road, requested by him, and he shot forward with newfound strength, engine roaring, practically pulling me with himself as I accelerated to keep up.

This event made me really upset. But I had to admit that racing was not that bad afterall. There was a certain thrill it offered and I just loved this sound. 

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV 

 I glanced back and saw Breakdown coming to sit beside us while loudly arguing with Halo as he did so. It has been a while since we last visited the surface of Earth together.

 I ignored Halo's sensitive yet awfully cheerful mood as she bickered. She still couldn't use her alt-mode and it started driving her more and more crazy each day. Taking her mind off the problem was the most efficient way of soothing her frustrations, so Mercy had suggested going to a drive-in-theater which was weird enough because she's never visited one before, given her alt-mode complications.

 Knock Out and Breakdown also became interested and before I realized, all of us were sitting on a dusty hill next to a nearby drive-in-theater. From our spot, there was a great view at the large screens and we were far enough from any human prying eyes.

"So what exactly are we gonna see?" the red medic expectantly looked over to Halo on my other side.

"A movie."
"Movie, okay, but what kind? Are human movies any good? Better than Cybertronian ones?"

"Way better. Humans can express emotions much better through their expressions. They have a large variety of genres, vast cast of actors unlike on Cybertron, and music accompanies the scenes. It gives them a deeper dimension. I love human movies," Mercy fluttered her wings in excitement as her optics focused on the human made parking lot.

"If you say so," Knock Out crossed his arms and expectantly turned his attention towards the screen. Breakdown passed over the bowl of energon sweeties and I picked one round shaped one before giving the bowl to Halo who took a few out.

 This was our first time participating in such a hang-out event together and I noted in surprise that I don't feel out of place. Actually, it felt kind of nice. A moment of calmness settled in my spark for once, knowing that my friends and I deserve a small distraction once in a while. Especially now, when there was hardly a day I didn't feel that intensive, spying gaze locked on my back.

 Airachnid creeping in the background has started driving me up the wall as of late. I had no idea what she was searching for exactly, but she certainly enjoyed instilling fear in others.

 My paranoia was getting the better of me again.

 The film was a typical action movie with science-fiction elements which caused both mechs to laugh out loud. Especially at the poorly explained technology the humans tried to come up with. I enjoyed those parts, finding the creative yet primitive ideas interesting, unlike Mercy who was all in for the emotional parts while Halo was loudly cheering for the protagonist during the car chase. Yeah, a typical movie night among us, only with two mechs added to the mix. The experience was rather pleasant.

 Knock Out and Breakdown were quickly sucked into the human-created fictional world and they started putting up questions when they couldn't understand something. We answered everything with incredible expertise on human slang, customs, culture and behavior.

 It was fun while it lasted, but I was a bit relieved when it ended and I stretched my numb limbs with a sigh. We chose to sit for a while longer and wait till the end credits rolled over. Breakdown couldn't stop commenting on the film and he started an argument with Halo and Mercy about how the protagonist's annoying friend should have died because the character was simply irritating.

"So how was it?" I asked, turning to the red medic beside me with a questioning look. For some reason I wanted to hear his opinion the most.

"Interesting. I had no idea these fleshlings have so much…creative energy. Maybe a bit too much, especially on the science related parts. But there were a few nice looking cars here and there...Can we watch more sometime in the future?" he tapped a claw on his chin, contemplating, then dropped his servo to his side and flashed a bright grin, "Perhaps only the two of us next time?"

"Perhaps. Halo and Mercy would never miss a good movie," I offered a small, reserved smile and averted my gaze to look at my friends instead. I realized lately that it's getting harder to hold eye-contact with Knock Out for longer than necessary.

Halo POV

 My friends and the dear doctor did everything to keep me sane during this week and I was really close to losing it without having anything to focus on besides pushing my mini-trailer to destinations or arguing with Starscream over and over again. So when those beautiful wings were finally mounted on my back and I eventually had my first test-transformation, I felt like I've been starving all this time and only now I'm satisfied.

 Installing the programming itself took longer than I expected though. My inner chronometer had measured ten hours in stasis before I finally came online and with an almost completely different structure of vision. My processor registered the previously unknown weight on my back and new receptors came alive in a span of a second. I gasped, paralyzed and shocked by the new sensations at once. Knock Out wasn’t joking when he warned me about the side-effects of activating the restricted receptor network of the wings which I wasn't familiar with before my upgrade.

"Halo? Halo do you hear me?" Knock Out's face came into view and I groaned uncomfortably, squirming on the berth. So it wasn't only a rumor that airbornes didn't like lying on their backs on a berth which wasn't designed for them.

"Loud and clear," I rasped and shut my optics for a moment, "Can I sit up?"

"Yes, please move carefully," he instructed with a calling move of his servo and I slowly rose, fighting against the weight of my sharp edged wings pulling me back down. And then I just sat there, staring forward and moving my wings. Up, down, up, down. Folding in, folding out and opening wide. The sensations were overwhelming.

"Just take it easy, I can lower the capacity of your receptors if taking it all in is too much for you all of a sudden," Knock Out held his servos up in warning and I firmly shook my helm, fascination evidently written all over my face.

"No way! This feels...heavenly."

 He chuckled and stepped closer to look over the work he had done on my back, clearly satisfied with the results. My hydraulics were working perfectly, all parts moving in sync and in a harmonized order as I explored these new movements carefully but eagerly.

"Well, wings do need special treatment. I advise you to keep them immaculate clean and pay attention to the joints and sensory cables."

"Noted," I said mechanically, more focused on other things such as my new programming and the automatized instructions which now lay in the back of my processor, waiting to be properly investigated and put into practice. I couldn't wait to have my first test-flight.

 When I gained some balance after finally getting off the berth I happily watched Knock Out tick something off on his datapad. His smile turned into a knowing smirk when he looked up.

"I think it's time we tested your t-cog. Let's see how it deals with your new structure."

 Oh yes! I've been waiting for him to say this since when! The jet's form which had been installed with the programming now visualized in my optics as my parts and gears shifted and folded, clicking together to form a new shape. The feeling was familiar yet alien, the routine transformation of my old alt-mode now forgotten forever. My engine heated up in anticipation and suddenly I itched to see myself in a mirror.

"Whoa, whoa, calm down you are between walls!" Knock Out stood in my way and disapprovingly shook his head to which I grunted in irritation.

"I wanna go outside! I wanna fly! Am I allowed to leave now? We are over the process, right?"

"Not yet. Transforming is one thing, flight is another. You are not ready," the medic patted the nose of my jet form and I transformed back with an impatient huff.

"Why? Everything went flawlessly!"

"You still barely hold your balance. First try to get accustomed to the wings. You will probably hit them against things or slap somebody in the face with them until your processor registers the extension of your body. After you master them on the ground, you can fly into the skies but until then, you are grounded. Doctor's orders."

 Knock Out's firm words left no room for pleas or 'buts' so my shoulders sagged in disappointment and I forced down a rather rude response. When will my day finally come? The day when I leave the ground and rise into the heavens? I swear I won't come down once I'm up there. Nobody will be able to drag me down to the surface once again.

 With my determination set and sour mood forcefully dispersed, I barged out of the med-bay to show myself in full glory to the faithfully awaiting audience who has been standing before the door since a good while. Only to witness as my dream finally comes true.

"Kiss goodbye to dust and pebbles, I'm airborne from now on!" I spread my arms wide with a similarly wide grin in front of my friends and my Vehicon colleagues who all clapped their servos and flooded me with their compliments.

"You look fabulous! Let's go fly together!" Mercy grasped my servos and giggled in excitement. I would have eagerly said yes and ran off to the outside deck but I could feel Knock Out's strict glare on my back as he joined our circle and I sighed in resign.

"Can't yet, sorry Mercy."

"She needs time to get used to her wings," the medic explained curtly instead of me and Mercy quickly got over her disappointment because she simply shrugged:

"Later then. But I will be the one to escort you on your first flight!"

"And me too!" D7D6 raised his servo and two other Vehicons with jet modes joined voluntarily.

 Heck, I will have a whole guard just for myself. Not bad for a start!

"I will just watch you from the deck, I guess," Crossflare unfolded her arms and smiled, secretly sharing my happiness in spite of worrying for me, I knew.

"Fine, fine, all of you can come," I giggled, already looking forward to the moment I took off on my own.

Mercy POV 

 One of the rarest things was me being tasked with monitoring duty over energon transport procedure, even more rare with the unwanted company of Airachnid. She had been fairly silent for a while during our task, only speaking up when giving instructions, yet still managed to make me feel useless beside her. She had a presence which commanded respect, she had the optics of a manipulator and she carried herself the way queens do. Watching her from afar, she looked just as astonishing as intimidating. Overconfident and especially charismatic for a femme her size.

 Something I envied and feared at the same time.

"Is something the matter?" her voice snapped me back from my thoughts and I straightened myself involuntarily. I clasped my servos behind my back with shame for spacing out.

"No..." I wanted to explain things further, then stopped after the short word of denial, unable to come up with anything better.

 She stepped next to me and swept her gaze over the mine from our high vantage point, watching in satisfaction as the Vehicons loaded their trailers full of cubes and transported them to the Nemesis with the help of the bright yellow elevator. Everything went smoothly so far and I had very little doing in the whole process to be honest. I guess monitor duty doesn't necessarily have to be more than supervising.

"That sounded like the exact opposite, dear," Airachnid folded her arms over her chest and sent me a knowing look which made me flinch like a kid caught red-handed.

"I have been wondering..." I started, unsure about how to continue but she appeared to wait patiently so I took my time putting my thoughts together, "...so I've been wondering about what makes a good Decepticon? You have mentioned that I'm not good material and I can see why, but then...what do you think is necessary to become one?"

 My question surprised her much more than I expected. She blinked in confusion.

"You want me to tell you what makes a Decepticon a Decepticon?"

I looked at her expectantly.

"Oh dear, who the pit signed you up?" she shook her head with a troubled sigh. "First of all, remember your oath?"

"I do."

"Great. Can you recall what it was about?"

"Yes. Didn't sound nice," I grimaced, making her chuckle.

"Well, that’s what makes the backbone of a Decepticon. Be ruthless. That's the only way."

"Um...what about a more diplomatic and less aggressive approach?" I tried, not entirely satisfied with her answer. There must be a way without doing all of the destructive stuff we swore to do under the Decepticon banner.

"Then you are useless."

"Oh..."

"With time, it will stick," she shrugged, then flashed a malevolent smile before turning her gaze elsewhere. She barked a command, catching some Vehicons off-guard and making them flinch at the sound of her harsh voice. She was demanding, fierce and hard to impress.

 Someone I will never become. Someone I don't want to become.

 I didn’t like working with her at all.

 With our assignment finished we returned to the ship and I quickly parted ways from her, eagerly returning to the monotone routine of filling out and checking reports. Soundwave was not present in the command center but I wasn't left without company. Laserbeak flew over my head and circled before finding rest on my shoulder which I didn't really mind. I gently patted him, which earned an annoyed chirp but I ignored it. My thoughts and attention drifted to the conversation going on behind my back on the bridge.

 I never expected to find Halo having casual talk with Megatron, but I guess things always change quickly when she is involved. Or she was growing really irritated with not being able to fly yet so much that she was now approaching the warlord willingly. She awoke this morning with a new programming and wings but had no permission to test her flight ability yet. I could absolutely understand her restlessness.

 Oddly enough, she wasn't driving her frustrations out on Starscream, but coming to think of it, he had been away for a while. His piled up outside-duty assignments were now catching up with him.

 Unfortunately Halo didn't find spending time with me and Soundwave very exciting and she also mentioned that Crossflare and the med-bay duo was becoming a different world which she wished to leave unfold on its own. Her Vehicon colleagues kept her company most of the time, but variously scheduled duties made it hard for them to hang out together much.

 Megatron, who was always either plotting something or just grumbling about, calmly watched the horizon, as the setting sun turned the usual gloomy atmosphere of the bridge friendlier in its orange, bright crimson colors. It was a rare occasion when the screens were turned off and the windows were allowed to be transparent to show the fascinating scenery of the sky from above the clouds.

 Halo casually stood beside him, with one servo on her hip, the other hanging at her side. Her optics shifted from one cloud to the other, then back to Megatron's undisturbed expression who seemed to be lost in thoughts. She wouldn't be silent for long though. I knew her well enough.

"Can I ask something, my Lord?" she spoke up eventually, earning a side-glance from the robust silver armored mech. It more or less counted as a silent permission.

"What is our purpose on this planet? I mean, our army is scattered across galaxies, much stronger troops are occupied with a larger number of Autobots just a few galaxies away. Why stay here and not hurry to catch up with them and turn the tides on more profitable fronts?"

 Her bravery amazed me. You don't just go and investigate a warlords' intentions without being in a position where you are allowed such things. Halo has never been one restricted by limits or rules though. This bold behavior didn't escape Megatron's attention either. His observant optics wandered over her new frame, taking in all the changes as he frowned into those fearless, yet respectful optics which so daringly locked their gaze with his, like him beating her had never happened and she didn't have a good reason to fear him.

"Have no one told you before that a good Decepticon doesn't ask much?" he answered with a question, the irritation and warning evident in his voice. Halo wavered only for a moment, then she innocently clasped her servos in front of her.

"I was only curious, my Lord. Isn't it essential for a newbie like me to know my exact purpose? To know what I'm fighting for? How can I become one with the cause when I can't see the goal? It's like blindly shooting in the dark."

Megatron's surprise was evident, even if only for a moment. He smirked, almost like he appreciated her reply.

"And you only come to me now to ask about this? Could have come sooner."

"I...had a very good reason not to approach you, my Lord," she admitted, now feeling uncomfortable under the knowing gaze as she cast her optics down.

 Megatron seemed satisfied with her reaction, and his attention was quickly captivated by the horizon once again.

"We are here to eliminate Prime."

"Huh?" Halo caught her head up, staring at him with wide optics, "Optimus? Optimus is the reason?!"

"Never heard of taking off the powerful leader of a weak army first? The Autobots, without Optimus Prime, are insignificant and easy to trample."

 Now that sounded logical. The Autobots put so much faith in Optimus, one would believe they would be lost without him. He was a moral compass, the solid ground under their pedes, a leader like no other. But that necessarily drew the problem of his troops being too dependent on him.

"T-true..." Halo mumbled, scratching her helm in thought.

"I have absolute faith in our distant troops being able to handle the remaining Autobot threats. As soon as we finish our most important duty here, we will see to the other sides of this universe," Megatron's heavy gaze landed on my friend once again who nodded silently, realizing that she was getting into much more serious topics than she originally intended.

 I pretended to work but their conversation drew me in, my processor unable to focus on the task in servo. Laserbeak continued to rest on my shoulder, undisturbed, and I tried to stay still, as if any of my movements could stir him. 

After silence that felt like eternity, Halo returned with another example of her bold, unparalleled questions:

"Is it true that you started out as a miner, my Lord?"

"It is," Megatron wasn't even surprised to hear such a question this time. He was getting accustomed to Halo's unashamed directness I guess.

"And then you became a gladiator?"

"How attentive of you to be informed of my past," he grumbled, showing less appreciation this time, "I did become one. The champion of the arena, alongside Soundwave. The pits of Kaon is a place you would only dream of visiting in your nightmares."

 I couldn't help but turn my gaze towards them this time, breaking out of my still statue posture. Soundwave? Does that mean that they got to know each other in the arena? Was Soundwave a gladiator too?

"I heard rumors of what was going on in Kaon. That city was the core of the uprising."

"That city was the starting point of many things," the warlord started, a smirk hiding at the corner of his mouth. The nostalgic glimmer in his optics made me perplexed. He looked like he was about to tell more, and he did, "Ever since I stepped into the arena, I’ve known my purpose and with my fame my words have spread wider. The idea of forming a faction had not yet been born at that time but I had followers, listeners. I planted seeds of doubts into many sparks and encouraged fellow gladiators to rebel against the oppression we have been suffering from long enough. The true breakthroughs started in small places when large masses of slaves started singing the song of conquest and fate...Ah, yes. Those times were thrilling."

 Halo somehow managed to get him into a talking mood and now he was revisiting old stories, first victories and the early phase of the Decepticon movement’s formation.

 I couldn't do anything but admire Halo for being so talented at making our Lord talk and I saw a mischievous but also genuinely interested smile on her face as her curiosity savored every word that left Megatron's mouth. What a rare moment between the two. A rare picture on the bridge as well.

 Then a returning Starscream appeared from nowhere as he strolled into the command center with a tired sigh, seemingly annoyed and upset. He was escorted by a few Vehicons who tried to keep up with him and his tantrum, pointlessly, because he wasn't accepting any excuses.

"I heard enough of this, if it happens one more time, I will..." he stopped abruptly though, the odd scenery putting him into an equally shocked disposition.

 Halo and Megatron turned to stare at him in mild surprise almost at once, making Starscream flinch as his wings conspicuously lowered behind his back.

"Did I just interrupt something?" and there it was, a certain unmistakable venom in his voice, which was meant in Halo's way by that look full of grudge as he glared at her.

"Not by any means," she was quick to dodge the hidden accusation, whatever it was.

Halo POV 

 When I approached Megatron, I had many serious questions in mind, but one of his threatening glances was enough to throw them out of the window. It has been a good while since I stood in close proximity to him and I could tell I was trembling under my new armor. He had no reason to beat me up again, but there was this tiny chance that perhaps he wouldn't tolerate me if I probed at him more than his patience lasted.

 And yet, I was just standing there, pretending to be cool and asking nonsense like we were on good terms. I think he only answered my questions because he understands the necessity of clearing the differences between us as boss and subordinate.

 I did not except my dumb questions to find replies, let alone long ones. But Megatron appeared to be calm as he recalled the uprising he had started and I listened with gradually growing interest, amazed by the nostalgic tone of his voice, which was a rare thing to hear. Who knew I'm able to make him talk? A small victory, and not really a big achievement, but something at the least.

 He did not comment on my wings and upgrade though, and that truly disappointed me.

 Then clicks of high heels signaled the arrival of the upset second in command, whose return caused my spark to jump in excitement. I couldn't wait to see his reaction to my new appearance. He will have to respect me from now on!

When I turned around to greet him with a wide grin, I realized that he wasn't as enthusiastic to see me. 

"Did I just interrupt something?"

 To be frank, he looked repelled, and pretty offended if I squinted hard enough.

 Starscream's optics darted from me to Megatron and back to me again. The frown on his face, the suspicion in his optics was barely masked by his quick recovery and cold flap of his wings as he straightened his posture.

I was confused at first, then it dawned on me, and I grimaced like an annoyed kid caught stealing. Seriously? He can't possibly think I'm talking him out to Megatron behind his back? Is that what he believes now? So much for the trust in our relationship.

"Report, Starscream," Megatron now fully turned towards his second who sneered but obeyed without adding anything further to the unaddressed tension between us - which didn't seem to escape our warlord's attention.

Knowing that it's best to leave them to be, I quickly excused myself and left the bridge. While on my way out, I threw a playful kiss in Mercy's way who smiled in response and beckoned to me in relief. I guess she was worried that the three of us in one room again would lead to more serious consequences than last time.

 I halted after the doors closed together behind my back and leaned against the wall at the side, deciding to wait. Whatever was Starscream's problem, he won't shrug me off until we talk it over.

 Long minutes ticked by before he exited as well. Upon seeing me still standing there, his optics narrowed and his mouth pressed into a thin line. Then he simply passed by me, not even giving me time to voice my question. I stared after his leaving figure, unsure if I felt offended or angry, or both.

"Hey! Starscream! Wait!" I called after him but he ignored me and quickened his steps. Growling in irritation, I continued to follow him, not ceasing to speak to him:
"Can't you hear me? Hey, I'm talking to you!"
"Yes, I can hear your obnoxious voice. You just can't shut your mouth, can you? What had you told Megatron while I was gone? I leave for a few days and you already plot against me!" he snarled.

"Nonsense! I did nothing against you!" I retorted harshly.

"And why should I believe you?"

"Just because I stand beside Megatron for two nanoclicks I'm not a traitor!"

"It looked like you two were engaged in a very entertaining conversation."

"We just simply talked! At least he answers my questions properly. Unlike you!"

He growled but kept his own reply to himself as he strolled onward without any intention to stop. Taking longer steps, I managed to get before him and make him halt as I spread my arms wide.

"Starscream, almost everybody on board talks to Megatron, you have no problem with that."

"But you are a wild card. I can't be careful enough with you!" he pointed an accusing finger in my face, crimson optics drilling holes into mine.

"Trust me for Solus's sake! I'm not you to backstab everyone!" I threw my servos into the air, unable to believe he couldn't get over this, "Here I do everything to live up to your expectations but you do nothing to be nicer! Alliance needs two people! Two! Got it?"

"First of all, your ally needs to be put at trial," he stepped closer, lowering his voice to an intimidating level, "And you've proven nothing yet. I keep my caution. You better prove."

 The tone of his voice hinted at a challenge, and his high and widely spread wings spoke of a threat. Did he truly think that I would be such a turncoat?

  I might be selfish and ignorant at times, but I would always stick to my promises, facing whatever obstacles may come my way. The fact that he was blind to that after I’ve shown so much devotion to my words, I felt offended beyond comprehension.

"Fine, I'm done with you!" infuriated to the brink of my patience, I spun around and stomped away in the opposite direction. I had enough of his attitude, his constant paranoia and arrogance. Why had I ever felt the need to meet his standards? To be an equal when it's clear such a thing is never going to happen? Inner fire raged in me, paired with hot resentment.

 People who make me mad commit a fatal mistake. I've never been the easily forgiving type.

Crossflare POV 

  It hadn't escaped my attention that Airachnid has been following Mercy around, and even visited Halo occasionally. She has come to my laboratory a few times as well, without my permission or in my absence of course. The laboratory was my sacred chamber, my safe haven, my field to rule. I grew possessive of the place and even Vehicons quickly learned that I do not tolerate disorder in my workplace. Airachnid appeared to be blind to these unwritten rules, although I wasn’t the only one whom she disrespected by ignoring personal customs. She was watching, investigating, tampering with every bit of information she could find about us, I was sure of it. Her intentions remained hidden and made me even more worried as days passed.

 Knock Out shared my suspicions while Breakdown remained solid in his growing interest in her. Which I found weird, and I wasn’t alone with that opinion either. The medic also voiced his complaints regarding the triple changer's behavior, especially her resistance to compulsory check-up. He found himself in a similar situation to what he encountered with me.

"She declines my orders. Like you do. I don't understand you femmes sometimes," he commented one day, somewhat in amusement.

He didn’t seem to hold any grudge against her for this. I guess he was slowly adapting to the fact that 'we femmes' have petty quirks he can't do anything about. Especially if said femme is strong-headed and steadfast in her beliefs. This line of thought made me question a few things. Did he find Airachnid's resistance attractive as well? Did she awake similar feelings inside him like I did?

 The more my processor thought of this the harder I scolded myself for even showing concern over such a thing. Wouldn't it be a blessing for me if he pursued the other femme instead? Surely. It was a shame my spark didn't have a strong opinion about it, leaving my emotions in a limbo.

"Isn't she interesting because of that?" I asked involuntarily, considering a little too late that he might get offended, but knowing him, he would probably laugh and shrug it off.

 Knock Out turned from the screens he had been studying and stared at me with a perplexed frown, and a clear message of disapproval in his posture as he looked me up and down with observant optics to ensure he deciphered what I said correctly.

"If what you inquire is whether she had piqued my interest the way you did or not, then my answer is no. She is not my type. Besides, she is partly organic, rude and an infamous sadist. Ugh, thanks no thanks."

"I...didn't mean it that way," I stepped aside defensively and averted my optics in a hurry. Sometimes I hated his blunt, straight-forward nature. But at least he was honest. Brutally honest.

"What’s more," he stared down at the keyboard he had been typing at, unsure about where he had left off, "Breakdown seems to be showing interest in her. I might do many nasty things but I'm not hunting for a friend's interest."

 That mindset, as much as I worried for Breakdown, I could appreciate. It made me regret putting the stupid question up in the first place.

 A little later after this particular conversation I finally made up my mind to seek out the femme who seemed to be the center of everyone's attention nowadays. It's time I set boundaries with her. It’s not like I was so delusional to believe that I can force her into anything or stop her from whatever she wanted, but a clear warning is better than nothing.

 I set out that afternoon to find her. Ironically, Airachnid appeared to be the type of person who didn't appreciate being followed around. When I showed up in the room she was in, she spared me a brief glance before she left and I had to follow her through several hallways until she finally stopped and acknowledged my presence.

"Is there something you need?" she narrowed her vibrant pink optics and fixed them on me, her arms crossed over her flat chest like she knew what was coming. My expression must have told it all.

"Yes. A few clicks of your time for a personal conversation," I spoke up, standing purposely in the doorway. Strange enough, our chase ended up in the room for the airlocks. Did she lure me here on purpose?

"Do I look like I'm up to anything personal?" she didn't hide her disdain nor reluctance.

"You stalk Mercy, you keep watching Halo and you are frequently visiting my laboratory. You must have a reason and I must know what it is. If you have a problem with us, then tell me. We have tried to be welcoming."

"Your laboratory? Getting possessive of things quickly, aren't we?" she scoffed, to which I only frowned, "I'm not stalking anyone. I would just like to have a nice personal conversation with dear little Mercy, but she keeps running away from me when opportunity rises. Isn't that rude?"

"Or just a way of saying Mercy is not up to personal conversations," I backfired with her own words and she pursed her lips, one corner curling into a knowing smirk, "You embarrassed her enough already. Stop calling her bad material for the cause."

"Embarrassed? I simply pointed out some of her shortcomings."

"She is your comrade. She does her best to prove her worth. At least appreciate her efforts," my features hardened. If there was something that upset me greatly, then it was certainly anything concerning Mercy. Her evolving relationship with the Communications Chief had been bad enough on its own, I didn't need Airchnid added to the list of people who I should fear her from.

"Oh, right," Airachnid chuckled, her optics shining with a hint of mischievousness and a knowing smile that made a chill run up my spinal strut. What did she know?

"She could make great use of herself if only she just did what she was designed to do. At first I thought that's exactly her function around here but I was truly shocked when I found out that she was in the communications department. What a pity. Her model is capable of so much more at entertainment."

 My optics opened wide, my spark beginning to hammer with growing dread. So Airachnid was truly aware. No mistake, she must have recognized Mercy's very special design, a type of thin frame, a scarce and much more exposing armor than the average, the diamond-shaped shiny jewell adorning her crest and the delicately lined bio-lights that covered her protoform, all trademarks of a certain model made for entertainment. Mercy was a sight to behold, a polished gem in its true glory. War and time had worn her out too, but her natural beauty hadn’t eroded.

"Don't look at me like that. It is obvious to anyone who comes from a high caste that she is a courtesan. You can't possibly think it is a secret."

 A courtesan. I refused saying it out loud, as if that alone could protect my friend from the truth. There was a difference between a simple pleasure bot and a courtesan. A pleasure bot only sold her body, or more accurately, their owner sold their body. A courtesan on the other hand, offered company in more ways: culture, art, dancing, music and pleasure. For a fairly high price. These unfortunate femmes were created to be perfect in every aspect of their existence and their protoforms were heavily manipulated. High caste individuals often used their services on festivals, galas, meetings, conferences and for personal needs of course. A courtesan served only one mech at a time that paid her adequately for the high quality pleasures she provided. These femmes were bound to the authority of their trainers who qualified them, and these higher ranked, older femmes sold them out to mechs who needed such company. It was a network with a flourishing market, yet hard to get into if you didn’t have good connections or enough money. So the poor and unfortunate sought out pleasure bots.

 That’s how life was back then in the shadows of society.

 One terrible aspect of our fallen, twisted society. Mercy would have been a victim of it, weren't it for her creators, mainly her Carrier, who made it possible for her to avoid this all and live in isolation, safe from the industry's curse. But they paid a high price.

"No mech on board knows of this. And they won't learn of it," I said through gritted denta, not even realizing that I balled my fists, seething as a familiar protective instinct took over me.

"With no data to her name, I imagine you think so. What a mystery. A courtesan who has no pre-war records of her existence," Airachnid enjoyed the way she was able to trigger me based on how her hungry optics took in my upset expression.

"Quite the hypocrite, isn’t she? Acting like she is the purest thing in existence. I don’t know whether to find it annoying or admirable because she puts up quite an act," the femme continued, still thoroughly satisfied with her observations.

"She doesn't know."

"What?" she blinked in confusion, her superior smirk disappearing momentarily.

"She doesn't know she is one," I hissed quietly like Mercy could hear it from wherever she was right now, "Mercy was brought up in complete isolation. She is not acting. She truly has no idea of who she was meant to be."

Astonishment was clear on Airachnid’s face as she processed my words. Saying the facts out aloud was more painful than the fact that I was keeping Mercy away from her own truth.

"And I would like to keep it that way," I added bitterly, optics narrowing at the femme who was now a weak-link. I hated people who knew things I would prefer them not, but there was nothing to do now that she has figured it out.

"Is it a common habit of yours to keep life-changing secrets from your own amica enduras?" Airachnid regained her composure and now smiled again, with the newfound confidence of someone who knows that she has found valuable blackmail material.

"There are just some people who can't handle the truth," I deflected the question. I kept secrets, more than my friends ever could imagine, and I wasn't proud of it. They shared almost every bit of their lives with me while I kept my secret behind tightly guarded walls and barricades.

 Airachnid chuckled at my answer, and her casual behavior did nothing to ease my concerns at all. She surely had something in store for us. What exactly, I have to figure out.

"Well, luckily amicas are less intimate than conjunxes. Imagine trying to hide such secrets from a conjunx. Quite a challenge.”

It momentarily occurred to me how she would even know that. I answered before I could think it through.

"Both make more trouble than necessary. But with a conjunx, it would be impossible.”

 For a moment I halted my thoughts, noticing where she was guiding this conversation. Judging by the smirk that crept onto her face immediately, I realized belatedly that she had discovered something I should have left in the dark. Her pink optics widened in manic interest as she fully turned to me, making a chill run through my frame once more.

 My paranoia got the better of me and I sent a distress signal to Halo and Mercy. They should know where to find me if things turn violent. I will fight back if necessary, and it won’t be pretty.

"Oh, you have a bond? What an astonishing twist. Wouldn’t have expected."

"No, I don’t," I hastily dodged, but a little too late.

"You spoke as if you would know from experience," she stepped closer, a threatening act which warned me to be especially attentive now. She had never approached me willingly before and I immediately regretted sparking her interest. What was going on in her twisted mind anyway?

"It is a commonly known thing."

"Then you won't mind if I..." I only briefly saw it, but the energon froze in my veins when I noticed sharp needles extending from the tips of her fingers. I've never seen such a thing before and I didn't wish to witness what those things were capable of.

 The next moment there was a harsh sound, the whine and release of a weapon.

 Both Airachnid and I recoiled from the blast out of instinct. It cut through the air between us and left a smoking dent in the wall. When I glanced back at her, the needles were gone but my dread remained. Knowing she had those was enough to produce nightmares for the following nights.

"Stand back and don't even think of trying anything funny!" Halo stood in the doorway with her blaster pointed right at the other femme, the weapon charging again. This was the first time I saw her using it and it looked like her aim was not quite accurate. Also her arrival was quicker than expected. Was she in the near or had she any way of finding me was to be investigated later.

"I'm not the one shooting around like an idiot," Airachnid rose onto her spider-legs, increasing her height and stability.

"What do you want from CF? Isn't it enough that you stalk Mercy and me constantly?" Halo's optics narrowed, her blaster buzzing from the restraint, "Sorry, but the fact that you don't have any fans around here is only your fault. We had tried to be friendly and you denied us. Now stop being a bitch and leave us alone!"

 Airachnid approached Halo slowly, her optics glowing with glee at the sight of the unexpected challenge.

"Look at the little soldier," she crooned, mockingly staring down my daring friend, "Putting up a tough attitude after getting some upgrades."

"I have enough firepower to wipe your wicked face out of existence," thoroughly insulted, Halo retaliated with a bold threat and took a step forward, her blaster still pointed at Airachnid out of bravado. I could only hope she wouldn’t fire. 

"Halo! Stop right there!" I called out, trying to sound commanding enough, and if I had the power I would have prevented the situation from escalating into something worse than a verbal fight.

"Me? You called me here! I'm your backup right now!"

"This is not the way I wanted you to help."

"Leave her be, lets see what she has got," Airachnid stood between me and my friend, claws flexing in anticipation. Halo transformed her other arm into a blaster too, now pinning them right against the other femme's chest.

"Told you to back off," she hissed, undeniable hatred and impatience resounding in her voice.

"Halo!" it felt like me repeating her name angrily all over again was equal to shouting at the wall in an empty room. It seems releasing a distress signal to my friends is one of the worst ideas I can come up with in a tight situation.

 A warning shot was fired and Airachnid charged against Halo without a second of hesitation. My friend quickly skidded under the other femme, getting out of harm's way but only for a moment because the spider was quick to turn and her sharp edged supportive legs drilled into the ground beside Halo. My friend raised her blasters once again, firing upwards almost blindly. Before I could act on impulse I was thrown back by a layer of thick organic webbing, unable to interfere or stop them, helplessly struggling in vain to free myself from the disgusting fabric that stuck me to the wall. That's it; I was left to watch and shout without being heard. 

 I blamed the whole incident on myself. It was my fault. Again…

"What the hell is your problem, huh?!" Halo rolled aside and rose to her pedes, her weapons charging once again and optics flaming with murderous intent. I've never seen her so angry before and I was pretty sure that there has to be something more in the background than just her loathing Airachnid.

"I'm afraid the problem is not with me, my dear," was the taunting answer before they got entangled in the mess of their pointless fight, with me as their disabled spectator. No matter how much I yelled or kicked my pedes against the wall, I couldn't gain their attention nor could I prevent them from hurting each other. Airachnid got shot on her abdomen, Halo was bleeding from her limbs and the latter was the one losing the brawl.

 Then one badly aimed shot caused everything to spin out of control. All my processor registered was the airlock on my left pinning loudly as it opened when the stray blast hit the control panel and then all the air and what was inside got sucked out by the vacuum.

 I clawed into the wall, head spinning from the pressure, its force straining me against the webbing that kept me firm in place, only to watch as both Airachnid and Halo flew out into the open. My outcry was deafened by the wind and before I knew it, I was dragged towards the opening as well, webbing tearing in resignation to the elements.

 Shutting my optic, I braced myself for the impact against the airlock's frame, but instead something smacked onto my back panel and pulled me back with brute force and the airlock shut with a loud thud. Everything stilled within seconds and I crashed onto the floor with my nonexistent breath knocked out of me.

 When I looked up in a daze, I found Soundwave standing in the doorway with a stunned Mercy staring at me by his side. 

"What is going on? Crossflare are you okay?" she ran to my side and helped me sit, her gaze darting from me to the airlock door.

I nodded shakily and watched still in shock as Soundwave detached and retreated his tentacles, from my frame, standing ever so calmly. So he was the one who drew me back from death’s door. My relief was short-lived though. What I said next made both him and Mercy flinch.

"I am. But Halo got sucked outside and she can't fly."

Mercy POV

 Soundwave located Crossflare for Halo when I got the distress signal and she found her quicker than we did since she had been closer to the pinpointed location. When we arrived - slightly late to the events happening - I didn't expect to find what we did. My spark skipped a beat when Crossflare explained what happened in short, rushed sentences.

 Without hesitation, I ran to the airlock on the right side, pushed the opening button and jumped into the air, transforming as I took off into the dark clouds which surrounded the ship like a gray blanket. A storm's promise hung in the air and flight was not advised in such an environment. Especially not for grounders.

 I trusted Soundwave to take care of Crossflare instead of me and I knew he already informed Megatron of the tussle. It’s probably only a matter of time until I get an order to return and leave the rescue to an Eradicon team. But until then, I will do everything in my power to find Halo and help her get back to safety.

 With sensors at their top capacity, I focused on nearby energy signatures as I swept the sky and entered then exited clouds all over again with increasing speed. Then a helicopter's rotor sound picked my attention and I changed course to see as a black chopper rose and left towards the ship where I came from. Airachnid was on her way back and safely survived the freefall.

 Where can Halo be then?

 Worry grew in my spark and desperate imaginations flooded my mind. But before panic could have overtaken me, I caught a faint distress signal from somewhere under me. I dove immediately, wings folding back slightly as I cut through the dark. Lightning danced on my right threateningly and the sky thundered like a violent beast. I have to be quick and careful or else I’m as much a goner as Halo is in such an environment.

 Then a slim jet shot out of a cloud from beside me, and it almost collided with my left but I spun out of the way just at the right time. A rush of air followed. Halo! It was her! She successfully transformed! My spark swelled in relief as I saw how her turbines propelled her upwards and her wings stretched to keep her steady, then I realized that something was wrong because she couldn't keep her course straight.

"Mercy, oh thank Solus, HELP ME!!! How the frag do you fly straight?!" Halo shrieked over the comm-link, her signal was constantly disturbed by the foul weather.

"J-just fly straight!" I yelled back, unable to come up with a good explanation. But really, how do you instruct someone to fly straight? It is...natural to fly straight, isn't it?

"But I can't! Oh slag I'm gonna DIE!" she was more angry with herself than fearing actual death judging by her voice and I followed her, watching as the wind threw her around. She hardly had control over her new alt-mode in such an environment and I had no idea how to help.

"Keep calm, I will try to get closer and lend you a wing, okay?" I tried to sound heartening but I doubted the success of trying to get close to her without getting hurt at the same time.

"And how exactly are you going to do that?"

 Before I could have answered, a lightning struck between us, throwing Halo back and she accidentally deactivated her engine and ended in freefall.

 Oh no….

 I dove after her and she quickly regained composure, activating her engine. She tried to rise once again, but the wind mercilessly tossed her around and I was helpless to watch. Why was I so helpless all the time when I was needed?

 Then my messy thoughts were halted when I was thrown back by the arrival of a gray jet who shot through the dark with unparalleled precision, transformed in mid-air and slammed onto Halo's back, sending them in a twirl out of my sight.

Halo POV 

"Do everything as I command," Starscream hissed, quite irritated and mad, which I could somehow understand. He arrived from nowhere and was now taking a free ride on me, and I was actually happy to have him around. Yet I could barely withhold curses because of how his heels dug into my back and how his claws grasped the edges of my wings tightly. 

"I'm not talking to you!" I snapped out of spite, still angry with him for everything from earlier.

"Then I might just fly off and leave you to crash to death, because obviously, you can't fly," he bared his denta, leaning dangerously close to my cockpit before dragging my left wing upwards and my whole body jerked and turned right, avoiding a lightning's unexpected strike. It hurt. Everything hurt and my wings ached the most. I had no idea simply staying in the air could be so painful. His extra weight on me didn't help.

"Okay, fine, you are right, I'm slagged! I can't fly but then at least admit it's not my fault!" fearing that he would truly leave me alone, I submitted. I needed him to take me back to the ship in one piece.

"Focus on your course. Increase speed and rise higher. I will maneuver you," Starscream ignored what I said and true to his words, piloted me around when I followed his instructions.

 Mercy flew way ahead of us, asking concerned questions every two nanoclicks, but I assured her about my safety. Well, as safe as a grounder can be in a storm and in the air. I had to admit this wasn't how I had envisioned my first flight, especially not with Starscream crouching on my back and barking commands at me. Things were uncomfortable enough as they were. Then my turbines started to lag.

"Keep your speed," Starscream immediately noticed and I groaned in pain and exhaustion.

"I'm getting tired and..."

"Keep it up, we are almost there," he accepted no excuses and sounded harsher than ever before.

 I strained, fighting against the wind and my blurry vision. My sensors started to go haywire, wings screaming from pain and engine lost strength to carry on. If I have to fly any longer I will simply fall into unconsciousness, I was hundred percent sure. Then the ship appeared from behind a thick cloud and my spark pulsed in relief as it got closer. Finally, I can't wait to have a solid floor under my pedes.

 Starscream instructed and navigated me and I followed his commands without a word, too exhausted to put up a verbal fight. If I hadn't got him with me, I would be slagged. I doubt Mercy would have been able to help me out like this and it made me wonder how much experience did Starscream have with this maneuver of his.

"You are on your own from now on," I felt him let go of me when we reached the ship and I panicked for a moment as his weight suddenly disappeared and he transformed above me, leaving to land gracefully on the upper deck. I followed out of instinct but due to my lack of experience, nearly crashed during landing.

 My armor was scarred and slightly dented but it was nothing to the euphoria I felt when I touched the floor. Finally stable, out of harm's way and safe. Then the pain struck. I folded back to bipedal mode, every single part of me stinging as I did so.

 Starscream jogged closer to me with clear disdain and annoyance on his face.

"Even I land better with a half wing and a broken navigation system," he mocked, but his words flew over my head, my focus entirely on this horrible condition I was in.

 Mercy landed a few feet away from us and ran in our direction with clear relief and concern. I barely acknowledged her presence.

 My body shivered, the joints of my wings were on fire and I tried to flap them in and out, the pain only increased and not ceased. I knelt there, my servos planted on the floor, my optics wide and my intakes caught in my throat. I was helpless, screaming inwardly and now wishing to go into stasis and let nothingness envelope me with its numbness. But no, my receptors were very much alive and experiencing the hurt at maximum capacity.

"Halo! Halo, what's wrong? Look at me!" Mercy knelt down beside me and tried to help me get up but I winced away from her touch and groaned shakily.

"I-it hurts..." I breathed, voice weak and trembling. I raised my optics to look at Starscream who was now thoroughly observing me with a frown. Somehow I had the feeling that he knows what is going on with me, "My wings...they hurt...Starscream it hurts so much...I..."

 My voice trailed off, my claws etched into the surface and my wings started to rattle, my body going into a trembling mess until my processor was practically blocked out, at the edge of losing consciousness.

 For several minutes I felt or registered nothing but numbness and pain, but I was clearly dragged back to the med-bay because I woke to find myself surrounded by frustrated voices all around, between them Knock Out's the loudest.

"Can everybody shut up for a second?! She has awakened."

 Crossflare and Mercy leaned into my vision, worry and relief washing over them at once as they attacked me with questions which ended as a vocabulary mess in my mind. Then it stung again. My wings were aching. I sat up abruptly, making everyone recoil and my wings rattled again, tension building in my frame once again. 

"What's with her? Knock Out what is happening to Halo?!" Crossflare grabbed my hand and couldn't take her optics off of me in her helplessness.

"I already told you," Starscream entered the circle, now every attention focused on him as he swept his meaningful, surprisingly serious gaze over those who were present, "Flight paralysis. It is not uncommon among greenhorns who still learn to fly and do it wrong."

"Is there something we can help her with?" Mercy was holding me, patting my back gently but unable to cease the pain.

"No. You can't."

"Maybe I could massage her wings, that usually helps fliers ease the tension in their frame," Knock Out offered, seeing that no sedate would help right now. I doubted that touching me right now would do any good for me. I mean, I was hurting literally everywhere, sensitive to the lightest pressures.

"Leave that to me," Starscream interrupted, and even I looked at him as if he had grown two heads. He quickly added when saw the stares, "Only fliers know how to handle this. Knock Out, your knowledge on this field is basic and finite."

"Erm...no arguing there but..." the medic hesitantly looked from me to Stasrcream. Crossflare frowned and narrowed her optics like always, and I just sat there, fine with whatever they did to me as long as it saved me from this slagging hell I was currently in.

"You are dismissed," the Seeker sent a pointed look towards Knock Out who glanced questioningly in Breakdown's way. Crossflare already stepped forward to object but Starscream raised a servo and repeated, emphasizing each word, "You are all dismissed."

 Mercy gently touched my arm before she went to follow a pretty reluctant Crossflare who was assured by Knock Out, though not completely convinced about the fact that Starscream can be trusted to handle me alone. Her problem probably was that he wished to do it in privacy, and I also questioned why.

 I winced when the door closed shut and Starscream approached with a dragging sigh like treating me was the last thing he would look forward to. The rattling sound of my wings now sounded louder than moments before when all those voices deafened it. It started to drive me crazy.

"I will only help you this once, but consider this the first and last occurrence," Starscream motioned for me to turn around and I shakily obeyed, swinging my pedes to let them hang at the other side of the berth and my back now faced him.

"You said this reaction isn't uncommon. What else is there I have to know about?" I asked, my voice strained and alien to me.

"A lot more. More than you would be able to memorize now," he leaned down and inspected my spine from closer, only observing with optics so far. I watched him from above my shoulder and narrowed my optics at him mistrustfully. This was the first time I was uncomfortable with him inspecting me since settling our alliance. Though that alliance mattered very little now, considering how he refused to treat me with respect and trust.

"May I?"

 That question sounded so foolish yet meant something inexplicably serious in this situation, that I turned my head to stare at Starscream with a weird frown.

"Well, didn't you say you will treat my wings?"

"Your ignorance shows how much you don't know about airborne customs," his expression turned sour, his gaze sharp, "We never touch each other's wings without outright permission."

"You have my permission, just make the pain go," I bit back then turned away from him, sulking. Yes, I might be uneducated on that part but I was brought up as a grounder for Solus' sake! He can't expect me to know everything about airborne customs and habits after changing alt-modes from one day to the other!

"It will take a while. Do not move too much," he instructed in his usual commanding tone, which started to upset me lately. Will he ever talk to me like a person and not as a soldier, a subordinate or someone to look down at? I had hopes for change on his part but now I wasn't sure I can make him change that way. Not now and not ever.

 Starscream grabbed the base of my wings and before I could have objected, pushed them up.

"OUCH!! What the hell, I thought you were supposed to help!" I shrieked, sitting up straight and seeing stars from the pang it caused.

"Shut up, I know what I'm doing," he continued to stretch the joint, then moved my wings manually to close and open, meanwhile drawing them in a circular way. I thought I will cry. No matter what he said, this wasn't helping at all. It just made everything feel ten times worse.

 Starscream stretched my wings upwards one more time and then let them ease back to their normal position. As they settled, I felt the change and the unbearable stinging ceased, though numbness and a dull ache remained. The mech continued, now dealing with each wing individually. He started with my left one. He planted his servos on the outer and inner side and applied light pressure, then repeated this until he reached the top of the wing and then made it through once again downwards. The touch was medicine to my pain receptors and I wondered where his expertise came from. Has he ever done this to others? How much is there I don't know about my new body?

"Airbornes do this often?" I asked suddenly, feeling the urge to talk because silence has stretched for too long.

"It depends," was his curt answer and clearly not a sign of being up to chit-chat.

"On what?"

"I thought you were not talking to me," Starscream remarked mockingly and I huffed with a pout.

"That was an hour ago. You kinda saved me there so now I'm in debt to you. The least is that we talk again. Thanks by the way."

 Starscream would have replied with an ‘I do not need your thanks', but instead remained silent and focused his attention on what he was doing. I had to admit his servos did wonders and as much as I doubted his help at the beginning, now I certainly enjoyed this little session and wouldn't mind having it again someday later.

"I consider us even," he muttered more quietly than before. Even? Why would we be even when I’ve never saved him before? Does he refer to that time when I stood up for him and got beaten? I would hardly consider that something that would put him into debt.

 After another short silence I repeated my first question and he growled in annoyance, seeing that my persistence is strong. If I wanted to learn something, I learned it, no matter the time or cost. He should have realized that by now.

"Wingmates usually do this for each other. There are times when the tension in your frame just wouldn't go...and a little massage on the wings always helps."

"Will you be my wingmate from now on?"

Starscream nearly choked on his next word, halting in his movements abruptly.

"NO," came the quick rejection, in a form that sounded quite defensive. I threw a questioning look over my shoulder and he replied with a sharp glare and a digit pointed at me strictly.

"You don't just ask such a thing out of the blue! That is a term you don't understand and a relationship far too intimate for my liking."

"Oh. Didn't know that. Have you ever had a wingmate?" anyone would have dropped the topic by now, only I dared to pursue him for more answers.

"I had two," he paused momentarily, like there was something more which he felt conflicted telling me about, "But I don't need any right now or ever again."

"What happened to them?"

 Starscream let go of my wings and growled loudly as he turned on his heels.

"We are not having this conversation."

"We should!" I called after him, intent on getting the most out of him, "You are the only one who could explain these things to me! We both know I need help and I'm a useful ally only if I'm fully aware of myself."

"Oh, you are into the ally-thing again?" he turned slightly, voice taunting as he stopped in his leave, "I thought you've given up."

There it was. In his optics which now roamed over my features, searching for proof. So that's what he was seeking. Persistence. A loyalty beyond words and orders. With him, being the big jerk he was, sticking out for long could be called similar to self-sacrifice. He pushed me, humiliated me, mocked, irked and left me at odds, unsure, confused on purpose to see if I would turn back. If I back off, if I retreat or give up on him. All this time I had been so uncertain about what he intended to do, now I finally understood: Starscream knew exactly what he was doing all along.

"I never give up," my voice was firm and sincere this time, void of insecurity. If that's what he is asking me to provide, I could do that. Consistency and persistence. Maybe not matching hundred percent up to his standards, but he has to get accustomed to my standards as well, doesn't he?

"Good. Then prepare a good excuse for your questioning because Lord Megatron will expect you to explain this incident," Starscream turned, now intent to leave. He wasn't fast enough because I caught a glimpse of his pleased smile, and a small hint of satisfaction in his optics. 

"Will you be there?" I called after him, another question hidden between my words.

"I will," was his short answer, but told more than enough. The doors closed behind him and I grinned like an idiot. Yes, maybe our interactions were rather rough but dealing with him proved to be quite a challenge for me, and a way to improve myself. Each time Starscream upset me to the point of considering giving up, I got to see more of him - and surprisingly, more of me.

 It would take more to make me quit, I realized. And there was another thing: my frame felt relaxed, all ache gone and contentment settled in my wings.

Crossflare POV

"I swear they will be the death of me someday," I grumbled under my breath, reluctantly following Knock Out and Breakdown. The former convinced me about the fact that I need to clear my head and he knows a good way to release stress, the latter tagged along because he wanted to know where we are going this time.

 The incident with Halo and Airachnid yesterday had left me tense and riled up and anyone who spoke to me quickly realized that I'm not the best choice to talk to. I snapped, and although I tried to find my inner peace, every attempt proved to be pointless. Such accidents can't happen again. Never.

Thank Solus Starscream was fast to assess the situation, or Halo would be slagged. I had a very serious conversation with her after she recovered and she swore she won't be so reckless again, but how many times have I heard that? More than I could count.

 Airachnid had been punished, but not as much as she should have been. I mean, extra compulsory duties will not make her think of her actions seriously and although Megatron seemed to favor us, he also pointed out that there should be no discrimination, Halo received extra duties as well.

 Maybe that's what irritates Airachnid: that everybody favors us and not her.

 I remembered the needles. What their purpose was, or why she intended to use them, remained a mystery I will probably not learn of, not from her. We will have to keep an optic out for a possible retaliation. She will not leave this case without getting revenge, I felt sure of it.

 I cursed myself for releasing that distress signal. I should have dealt with the threat alone.

"You might be right about that," Knock Out stepped to the bridge-control and swiftly typed the coordinates. Moments later the swirling portal opened for us, painting the gloomy, dark room blue and green.

"But try to take your mind off of them and their problems. Believe me, it's healthier to be concerned only about yourself sometimes."

 I grimaced and followed him into the ground-bridge with Breakdown in tow. He says that easily, being the narcissistic one. Although he had accepted the fact that I deeply care for others around me, he found it a waste of effort and outright foolish to give so much of me selflessly while taking the risk of not getting anything back in turn. At first I couldn't even comprehend such thoughts, but the more time I have spent among Decepticons, the clearer it became that nothing is given for free around here. No help, information, friendship, promises without something precious in return. That's how their society worked and Knock Out was bound to these rules.

"I don't think I can afford that. I'm selfish enough as I am now," I sighed, resigned to the truth of my situation in the present. 

"Haven't noticed that yet," Breakdown commented as he shot me a puzzled look, and I rewarded him with a small smile. Sometimes he could be unintentionally sweet.

 We stepped out of the portal, our pedes touching the dusty, solid ground. There could be no better timing: we arrived at sunset, the most beautiful part of the day on this planet. The simplicity and pure beauty of the landscape being painted by the settling sun has never ceased to amaze me. Mercy, Halo and I often sat to watch it during peaceful evenings. It was one of the many things I missed from our rather uneventful previous life.

"Feels familiar?" Knock Out gestured towards the road and I narrowed my optics, recognizing the territory and this well-known scent.

"Yes...but why did you bring us here?" I gasped, suddenly afraid of what their intentions were.

"I guessed you might wanna go home and pay a visit to your fleshling friends. You seem to value them very much," Knock Out sent me a knowing glance and raised his chin proudly as if boasting of his observation skills. I watched him fold into his alt-mode with puzzled feelings. I was genuinely surprised, grateful yet doubting his sincerity at the same time, like always when it came to him. With him, you never know.

"Naaah, we are really visiting humans?" Breakdown whined as he transformed and rolled up behind his friend. I followed suit and we headed down the road in a lazy pace. The house, my previous home, was already visible in the distance.

"I don't want to believe it either," I drew beside him, letting Knock Out take the lead as he always loved to and the three of us approached the wooden house, its shadow growing darker and longer on the ground the lower the sun had sunk on the horizon.

 Breakdown scooted closer and comm-linked me privately.

"He goes out of his way to impress you," he said with an audible smile in his voice.

"He keeps surprising me, I have to admit," I mumbled, denying the part of me which liked it when Knock Out actually put in some effort to do things for others he usually wouldn't. It showed that he is capable of change, but it would certainly take a while for him to show true signs of a changed spark. If it is possible at all...

 I emerged from my thoughts when I spotted James already standing in the yard. He had probably heard the engines and came to check. A rifle hung on his shoulder. As if he could stop a Decepticon with that. Or two in this case. Any bullet would probably just clank off Breakdown's thick armor, reducing all effort of resistance pointless.

My human friend had an easily recognizable frown on his face, the type which warns uninvited guests to frag off. But as soon as he realized I was accompanying the other two vehicles, his expression switched to confusion.

 Knock Out slowed down and I took the lead, appreciating the fact the he allowed me to overtake him which was a rare opportunity when rolling with him. When I finally turned into the yard, James stepped aside and let me park but he eyed my company doing the same with mistrust in his eyes.

"Welcome home," he limped to me and gently put a hand on my hood, a small spark of fondness present in his gentle human eyes. I swear no Cybertronian could look with as much love and care as a human did. Our mechanical optics were just physically incapable of doing so and sometimes I envied these fleshy creatures for having the ability to tell emotions and whole worlds through their eyes, with no words needed.

 My hood shifted back, seams parted and metallic clicks sounded as I transformed into bi-pedal mode and knelt beside my human friend with a similarly gentle smile gifted to him.

"I missed you," was all I said and he patted my servo which rested on my knee before he shifted his attention to the other two transforming vehicles. Knock Out and Breakdown rose to their full heights and a choked 'oh f*ck' escaped James' mouth as he stared up at them in awe.

"You roll with two guys now? Where are the girls?"

The expected interrogation had started and I chuckled at the suggestive, disapproving tone of his voice which heavily implied that he didn't like what he saw already. I couldn't blame him though.

"Halo and Mercy are fine and back on the ship. Sorry for leaving in a hassle and not contacting ever since but we were....busy. These guys are Knock Out and Breakdown by the way," I explained everything the shortest way possible, but failed at summarizing one and a half month's happenings for him because I certainly didn't find the good words.

 "And they are here because...?" one of his eyebrows rose high.

"Just tagged along," Knock Out answered, shrugging a shoulder casually.

"To monitor her?" James was no dumb man, he quickly put one and two together. His expression was not impressed when he locked his gaze with Knock Out's surprised optics. My companions surely didn't expect to face a fierce human that wouldn’t bat an eye while facing Cybertronians. James had seen too much to be afraid and I proudly called him a friend.

"It has a big mouth for its size," Breakdown raised a fist, showing how he didn’t appreciate the tone the human allowed with them.

"Crossflare, you are not supposed to be here. Nor them," James ignored the remark, "I warned you. Once you pledge allegiance, I can no longer care for you. It might sound harsh, but this is no place for you, Mercy or Halo anymore."

There was pain in his eyes, maybe even denial, but I understood his reasoning. I've always known the rules I must play by and the last thing I would wish was to cause harm to him or Amy.

"I know. But there was a chance I could see you once more and I took it. I promise we will keep our distance from now on," I answered quietly, trying to sound reassuring.

"This place can stay neutral and we Decepticons will have no interest in it," Knock Out spoke up as if to support my words, and took a few steps closer, his optics inspecting my small human friend thoroughly, "Or are you afraid we would kill an insignificant human for no reason?"

"You are not as frightening as you imagine yourself to be," James bit back with a composed expression, voice calm. His reply earned a glare from the medic though, "And as far as I know Decepticons are not on friendly terms with my kind. So don’t expect me to believe you. How did you even get my girls to join you, I can't wrap my mind around it."

"Don't underestimate a Decepticon's charm," Knock Out jutted his chin out, "We offered what they needed: a place among their kind. What can you, a human, possibly know of our needs and wants?"

"Possibly not much but the Autobots would have been a better choice. They at least make an attempt to leave humankind out of your pointless war," at this point James stared the mech down in frustration then turned to me and continued more quietly, "Do you know you have been deceived?"

 My mouth closed tightly at first, then twisted into a grimace and I reluctantly nodded, admitting the uncomfortable truth.

"Yeah. Halo figured it out pretty soon."

"And you are still with them?!" the tiny human threw his hands up. His sudden outburst caught me unprepared and I recoiled slightly like a kid scolded for doing something bad they didn't know of. 

"Hey, we are not a bad team," Breakdown dropped flat on his aft, tired of standing around and picked up some larger rocks to fiddle with, "Megatron might have high expectations, Starscream is bitchy at times but the rest of us are good fellows. As if you wouldn't find such people among humans anyway."

"That still doesn't explain why you have to conquer our planet," James pointed out and I stepped aside to let him walk up the Breakdown, which itself was a sight to behold, since no human dared to approach a Decepticon willingly.

"Calm down little one, we haven't hurt anybody yet," Knock Out placed a ped in front of James, getting in the way just to get my human's attention for himself.

"Yet. I don't like that word," the man held the mech's harsh gaze, "But how long until you go around destroying towns and killing innocents who have nothing to do with your war?"

"You are in no position to talk," Knock Out lowered to one knee and pointed a sharp digit in Breakdown's way, "Who started picking at the other when some of your fleshy friends captured poor Breakdown and took one of his optic, hm? You meatballs would have declared war on us already if we did that to any of you and yet we Decepticons tolerated this shameless brutality because we don't wish to oppose humanity yet."

 James lost words for a minute, his gaze wandered over the eye patch Breakdown wore, which reminded the mech constantly of his failure and always reminded me of how I helped patch him up after he dragged himself back to the med-bay, thanks to a surprisingly cooperative Starscream. That was the first time I got a taste of humanity's sick, cruel curiosity which I don't wish to explore any further or become an object of.

 The corner of Breakdown's mouth turned downwards as memories flashed past his one functional optic and he narrowed it, focusing on the tiny human who shared species with those who dissected him yet he made no move. If he wished he could have crushed James under his mighty hammer in no time.

"I don't know who did that. But they had no right to take your eye away. Nor do you have any right to take any of ours," my human friend finally spoke up, "I know what loss feels like. A grenade took my leg when I was on duty in Afghanistan. But that was the enemy responsible for it. Humanity and Cybertronians are no opponents. Let's keep it that way."

 James patted his left thigh and a glimpse of his prosthetic leg could be seen where his jeans ended and a part of his ankle showed.

"Can't promise anything," Knock Out straightened himself and folded his arms, though my attention was captured by the look in his optics, that small hint of appreciation and tiny respect which was directed towards my courageous human companion, almost impossible to believe.

 And then running footsteps and a loudly snapping door interrupted us, a distressed Amy arriving in a hurry to stop beside me and frantically started gesturing with her hands:

"James, what are you doing?! Get away from them, these are...!"

"Decepticons, I know," was the man's quick and calm answer which baffled Amy into silence at once.

"...Y-you know?"

"Of course. Do you think I can't recognize one when I see one?"

"B-but....I spotted them through the window and....I thought we were in danger," she caught her confused gaze from him to me and then to the two mechs, recognition filling her eyes when she looked at Knock Out.

"Not a danger I can't deal with. It's okay as long as CF is near you know," James sighed and walked up to her, hugging her reassuringly and she tightly hugged back, her puzzled expression still present as she continued to stare at the cons with wide eyes.

"James..."

"Yes?"

"I did something stupid then."

"What?" he let go and frowned hard when facing her.

"I panicked and called the Autobots," she admitted in shame and her hands dove into her messy hair.

"Oh, don't tell me....," I rose to my full height, exchanging a desperate look with Knock Out before we heard an opening portal come to life just a few feet away from us.

 Breakdown jumped to his pedes right away, hammer immediately at ready and the rather peaceful atmosphere got filled with tense anticipation for a fight. Unbelievable how things can change from one moment to another.

 Two silhouettes emerged and then Bulkhead and Bee stepped out to the concrete, blasters and wrecking balls pointed in our direction, ready for action.

"Looks like we arrived at the right time," Bulkhead commented to Bumblebee who beeped back in agreement but I corrected him less enthusiastically:

"Arrived at the worst of times."

"I've been looking forward to meeting you, Bulkhead," Breakdown took significantly large steps forward, a grin forming on his face, and the humans had to run out of his way not to be crushed.

"After being stuck to that spider for so long, of course you wanted to, Breakdown," Bulkhead wasn't backing down either but kept his enthusiasm level at minimum.

"Oh, the Bumblebee one," Knock Out's attention was also fully devoted to the other race car in sight and he sent a menacing growl in the scout's way, "You still owe me for that door."

 Bumblebee beeped wildly in response, his wing-doors fluttering aggressively and I already regretted coming here because there was no way this fight could be prevented. Why couldn't things go smoothly for once? Why do the Autobots always have to show up everywhere where they shouldn't?

"Hey, hey! Guys! Stop at once!" I stomped between the two lines, holding my servos up in both directions as I cast strict gazes at both parties that didn't seem to appreciate my interruption.

"Get out of the way Crossflare, we can handle this," Knock Out swung his electric rod out of nowhere and it extended and whirred to life with a promise of lots of pain for whoever it collided with.

"Crossflare you can join us and leave them. Optimus knows what the Cons had done and we know you wanted to side with us. James and Amy will stay under our protection so you don't have to worry about them," Bulkhead called from the other side, surprising me with the sudden offer.

"Don't listen to them, you know where your place is!” Knock Out raised his voice in warning.

"They had done nothing but deceived you all this time, why would you listen to them?"

Bee beeped, asking me in a more friendly manner but then Breakdown joined into the pulling game:

"You swore an oath, don’t you remember it?!"

"SHUT UP!!!" I roared, silencing everybody at once. I had enough of them once and for all. I hated being faced with my bad choices but I would always shoulder the consequences with a responsible mind. My chances of switching sides had already run out and thinking now was too late. The Autobots must realize that too.

"Nobody changes sides, this house and its humans will stay Neutral now and forever, I'm done with you, you and you and you too," I pointed at each one of them, piercing optics making all of them shrink visibly, only Knock Out dared holding my murderous glare and huffed in offense, "Now go and take pleasure in beating each other to scrap somewhere else because if you ruin this property, I will end all of you myself with my own bare servos!"

 Disappointed beeps followed my threat and order but the mechs eventually left the yard and ran at each other farther down the road. 

 Meanwhile I offered a deeply felt apology to James and Amy, who watched me in worry as I left once and for all, knowing that this is the last time I see them. I had to step out of their lives, it will be the best for them. If I don't, I will keep putting them into danger and I wouldn't live with the knowledge that I had hurt them. Directly or indirectly, it doesn't matter.

 Loud blasts and crashing sounds could be heard in the distance, and the cry of two powerful race car engines filled the air which would usually arouse me but I couldn't care less now when I turned my back on them and comm-linked Soundwave to lend me a ground-bridge portal.

 Things never worked the way I wanted them to and wherever I went, I brought disappointments and sorrow along the way. Even if I didn't wish to. But such was the curse of this life I’ve chosen.

Chapter Text

Halo POV 

"Who did this to you?"

"I told you to get lost already!" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My questioning, curious expression urged him to continue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lets return the my present problem:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Damn, I was starting to pity him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 I said nothing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Yeah, maybe she has a point...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Why couldn't I make an impact too?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He shot me a glare.

"Are you with me, or with her now?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starscream stopped with a hint of amusement in his smirk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again, no answer, nothing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I'm trying, okay?!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Move it!" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mercy POV 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Halo and Starscream have been captured by the Autobots.

Halo POV 

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

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

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

 We were tied up pretty well nonetheless.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Did you have any better ideas?"

Silence fell on us again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What? You weren't there."

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

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

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

"Tailgate."

"Who is Tailgate?"

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

"You are the one! You extinguished Cliffjumper!"

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

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

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

"We had just enough talking!"

"Arcee please!"

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

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

But Arcee ignored all rational reasoning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple hatred. That moved everything.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Whatever you wish to name it."

"But what about CF and Mercy..."

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

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

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

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

Mercy POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Perhaps..."

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

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

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

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

Crossflare POV 

"What?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Fine."

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

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

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

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

Mercy POV 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"CF, don't you see?"

"See what?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossflare looked perplexed and lost at words for a moment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halo POV 

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

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

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

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

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

"Good night."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mercy POV

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

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

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

I missed being Neutral. 

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

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

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

"Khm..."

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

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

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

"But..."

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

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

Crossflare POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mercy POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"A what....?"

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

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

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

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

"I-I don't!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She succeeded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What in Solus' name was I doing.

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

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

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

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

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

Yet here I am now.

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

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

Crossflare would tear his servos off for this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You startled me!"

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

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

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV 

 I learned of Mercy's confrontation with Airachnid much later than should have. What bugged me more than the actual problem was that Mercy has already processed it and spoke of it with a calmer mind than I was used to at times like this. Whenever she crossed paths with that femme, Mercy came to me in tears, desperately questioning why Airachnid was against her so stubbornly.

 The truth was that Airachnid had a problem with all of us but she found joy in satisfying her sadistic needs with terrorizing the emotionally weakest of us. That I warned the femme to keep her mouth shut didn't work of course. Now that she was the official second-in-command, I had to be careful with how I addressed her because she had authority over all of the crew. We weren't playing by the old rules anymore.

 The worsening atmosphere in the ship had lightened only a few days later when a strange signal popped up on our radar. Almost all officers were sent out to retrieve whatever it was, but the Autobot team had reached it before we did and I watched the screens in concern in the Command Center, following Soundwave's industrious work to keep track of the events. I hoped Halo would be there but a Vehicon confirmed it negative and I sighed in disappointment. Halo might not have changed sides but that means she is locked inside the base, and we have no way of contacting her.

 Knowing that there is not much to do about that, I focused my attention on the object in question. I rarely paid any mind to random signatures on the radar but this one was reported to be a Data Cylinder which probably stored hidden secrets of ancient times. It could be anything: technology, mythology, history, war related or any other information which could be to our advantage. If possible, I wanted to have a first look at its contents. You don't just stumble over a Cylinder any day so it would be a fortune to get our servos on this one. There was a reason why they were heavily guarded in the Vaults of Iacon after all.

 Megatron has been drumming with his digits impatiently since a while and I could see how his optics darted from Soundwave's ever so calm figure to the screens, listening to the oncoming status reports. Every time the team on mission mentioned a bad turn, our Lord growled and labeled the whole squad 'good for nothings'.

"As requested, my liege," Knock Out triumphantly held the Cylinder up when they stepped through the ground-bridge sent for them and I sighed in relief at the sight. Both him and Breakdown survived the clash unscathed and didn't fail this time. My unusual reaction to that made me realize that I felt concerned when they were away and I immediately frowned mentally, knowing well what that meant.

 Attachment. I started to care about them and their safety.

 "Uh-uh. Top secret," Knock Out stopped me when I intended to follow them and upon seeing my affronted expression he just shrugged apologetically, "Sorry. Big M's orders."

 Airachnid folded her arms in a similarly disapproving fashion and watched the three go. She was the second in command yet had no permission to see the Cylinder's contents either. I exchanged cold glances with her and left. There were plenty of reasons to not like being in her presence longer than necessary and ever since she hurt Mercy with things she knows by my fault, I've stopped trying to treat her fairly. If she wants war, she will get it from me.

 My thoughts still circled around the Data Cylinder later that day, even after it turned out it was empty and while I pitied Knock Out and Breakdown for receiving the extra duty to retrieve the info at all costs, there was that certain worry in my spark that almost made me uncomfortable. One of my bad traits was that whenever I started worrying about someone, it would become an obsession. I couldn't help it, I just like to know my things and my people safe but everybody around me has a knack for running into trouble.

 Yes, I wasn't called helicopter-mom by Halo for nothing. Oh I wish she was here, then my worries would be focused on her and my attention wouldn't choose new targets like the medic and his assistant. 

 Maybe I just need to cut ties while I can. Knock Out has been persistent but I was unsure if he was just trying to seduce me or he was truly courting me for real, like Mercy suggested. Whatever the case was though, deep down in my spark I was aware that nothing serious will be able to bloom between us. It was just impossible and the party at fault was me, no matter how I looked at the matter. I recalled Mercy's encouraging words but even if I listened to her, I felt unable to open up my spark for anyone. There was nothing much left in there besides wounds, pain and self-hatred. Seriously, who in this world would like to have that?

 It's time I got things cleared and had false hopes put an end to. There is no other way.

 My spark stung at the thought, even regretted the decision immediately, but I stuck to my decision. I have to fix things. I have to rebuild my walls because I've ventured too far out of my comfort zone in the past few months and while I can't deny how I enjoyed certain moments, it was all an illusion.

 I can't be like Mercy who builds nice and warm dreams then has them shattered by people who don't care.

 In spite of how many times I've thought about what I want to say over, I stood dumbly when opportunity arose to speak.

 Knock Out had a short break before a transport monitor duty which he had to take over now that Mercy was relieved of the task - much to his annoyance - and I strolled into the med-bay rather confidently, only to have my courage fly away when I had to open my mouth.

"Is something the matter?" the medic has developed an ability to tell whenever he had to prepare himself for something bad coming from me and he clearly saw the I didn't come in the name of science. He rose from his seat and put his cleansing tools away.

 Breakdown uncomfortably shifted in the background and slowly backed into the other side of the room, suspecting that whatever I intended to throw at his friend this time will be something he doesn't want to be part of.

 I clenched my fists and took a deep breath when I leaned against the side of the dissection table and repeated my monologue mentally once more.

"Knock Out," I started, his name alone halted him and he shot a questioning, cautious glance over his shoulder, "I think it's time we finally reduced our relationship strictly to simple collegiality and nothing more."

 The tension in the air became palpable when he turned in my direction, his expression a mixture of shock and offense at my sudden statement.

"What is that supposed to mean?" he visibly fought the urge to raise his voice but a deep frown settled on his face. 

"That our relationship shall be void of emotions. No nicknames, no joyrides, no…tension. Just work.”

"Hey, wait a click, where is my saying in this?" he snapped and threw his servos up in frustration, "You can't just come in here and announce such a thing out of the blue! I thought I've achieved something in the last few weeks!"

"You did and that troubles me," I replied with as little emotion in my voice as possible yet I still managed to keep the hope in his optics alive.

"Oh, so it's you again," the mech growled like I just said a personal insult, "You and your problems you don't talk about."

"Partly, yes."

“So you decided to stay blind to the obvious chemistry between us?”

“There is nothing between us Knock Out.”

“Yeah well, I guess, if denying it helps you recharge at night.”

Silence fell on us, angry and offended glares exchanged.

"So that's it? A final no?" he straightened his posture but looked away, almost in defeat. For him, it probably was.

 My hard features softened briefly, the sting in my spark blaming me for not being brave enough to accept, for being afraid of feeling again, yet I had made my choice.

"It's what's best for you too, Knock Out. You shouldn't waste your potential on someone like me. I should've announced sooner. Much sooner. For that I apologize."

 My gaze fell on Breakdown's concerned figure who rose from his seat in the back as if making an attempt to come and interfere but wasn't sure.

 Knock Out raised a servo with the intention to say something and then changed his mind and closed his mouth tightly. I nodded to him and pushed myself away from the table then left towards the door.

"Crossflare..."

 I ignored when he called after me and the door shut behind my back. Not the best way to end a serious conversation such as this but when have I ever finished my conflicts in a pretty way? Settling things badly was one of my common bad traits and I could do nothing against it.

Mercy POV

"It's not a tragedy," I patted Breakdown's shoulder in an encouraging way but it didn't seem to help much.

The mech lay on one of the medical berths, one servo hanging off, the other covering his optic as if hiding behind it in shame. Five other Vehicons were laid out in the med-bay, temporarily in stasis and taken care of. Knock Out had plenty of work to do after a certain ambush by Ratchet of all Autobots. When I first heard about the incident from the witnesses I refused to believe. Ratchet was known for almost never leaving the base and even if he did, he liked to stay out of trouble. Knock Out couldn't stop repeating how the Autobot just punched Megatron in the face and sent him flying against the wall. I only stared at him with wide optics, baffled. Sometimes I questioned if I had ever known the Autobots or I've only seen what was on the surface. 

"It is," Breakdown muttered, wishing that the ground would swallow him whole, "I was defeated by a simple medic in hand to hand combat within a blink of an optic!"

 Shaking my head in pity, I couldn't offer him more than empathy and heartening words. What I've quickly learned among Decepticons was that the most important thing a Decepticon had was their reputation. No warrior could afford incidents such as this because it stained their pride. You have to keep your profile clean if you want others to respect you and find you useful.

"Look at the circumstances, Breakdown. Ratchet was powered up by Synthetic Energon and you weren't the only one knocked out. Even Megatron got his share."

 The mech fell into silence and moments passed before he dropped his servo on the berth and glanced in my way. I shrugged with a smile:

"We all have bad days in our lives."

 My words fulfilled their purpose because Breakdown replied with a half-smile, a small thing his pride still allowed. It was an improvement. Then the momentary relief vanished when his expression turned into a frown and he rose to sit, a troubled look settling on his face. I didn't ask, suspecting what had changed his mood so suddenly so I just waited for him to speak.

"Have you heard?"

"Yes," I cast my optics down, focusing on my servos lying in my lap as I sat quietly for another minute beside him.

"I thought they were okay. I mean, they looked like they were getting along for a while," he admitted, a silent wonder hidden in his voice.

"This outcome has been evident from the start," I shook my head and continued to avoid looking him in the optic. As much as I pitied Crossflare for bringing such decisions, I still respected her choice and didn't want to sound like I'm talking her out, "CF is afraid of not being good enough for KO. So in order to protect herself she pushes him away."

"I never understood why femmes keep making things more complicated than they are," Breakdown sighed deeply and dropped his chin in his palm, "I don't think the Doc has any standards your friend wouldn't live up to. Okay, maybe the attitude. She could be nicer."

 Before I could reply, the med-bay doors slid open and Knock Out walked in with a slower pace than usual, a troubled frown making his face look like he was pouting. Knowing where he had gone, I could guess what his problem was.

"What's with the formula?" Breakdown chose not to ask directly of CF and rather went onto the most interesting achievement of today's incident.

"The droplet was proven to be enough to produce more of the material. A certain someone had taken it under observation more eagerly than anything else," he pressed some of the words too much, emphasizing the grudge he still held and will certainly do in the future. I guess that means he and my friend had quite a bumpy exchange just minutes ago.

 Breakdown and I glanced at each other from the corner of our optics but said nothing to that, hoping that Knock Out would eventually get over his rejection if the topic was left alone.

Halo POV 

 I can't really call our few days out in the wild a success. The terrain we have discovered was short on energon, which I could see from the start but Starscream of course wouldn't believe me. Out of the two of us I was the one with experience when it came to scavenging fuel out of Earth and this type of soil was not potent enough for energon crystals to grow. My dear ally on the other hand was desperate to show that he knows everything better and when I said A, he said B on purpose. No problem though, a few days of failure will teach him to be reliant on me when the need calls for it.

 We walked quite a long distance from the cave we have used as shelter on that certain stormy night and I annoyed Starscream to the extreme, making him snap at me to shut up.

"Okay, but for the thousandth time: can't we just fly? We won't ever find any energon like this," I suggested as I bent a branch out of my way. This forest was just a pain in the aft.

"We can't waste fuel on flight. We have to cope with being grounded until we find resources," he growled and refused to even spare a glance over his shoulder, stubbornly going forward and pretending to be smart.

"You are low on energy, but I'm not," I pointed out, knowing that he had foolishly wasted energon on that fight with Arcee and hadn't refueled properly before he left the Nemesis. My fuel tank fortunately was almost full and I've never felt any better. 

"That doesn't change the fact that you can't fly on your own. You have as much talent for flight as a stupid wrench."

 My eyebrows twitched wildly and I closed my optics, mentally counting to ten before speaking up again, intent on avoiding a fight right at the beginning of our journey, no matter how unwilling this jerk was to show any sign of cooperation.

"Then, you could maybe teach me how to fly and I will make use of myself," I stopped with crossed arms and he finally turned towards me, halting his steps.

"We don't have time for that.”

"If I remember correctly, you told Airachnid that I will 'learn along the way'. So, why not now?"

He opened his mouth to defy, quickly realizing that I've turned his own words against him and just muttered something to himself before turning on his heels and continuing his way.

"Fine. I will teach you. Are you happy?"

"Yesss!!!" I giggled and jogged after him with a big grin, to his greatest annoyance.

"Don't get so excited about it. We can start only if we find energon first."

 Determination set, I stomped forward and increased the capacity of my sensors. I won't stop until I find him some energon, or he won't cease the whining otherwise. 

 A couple of miles later I stumbled upon a chunk of fuel and happily dug it out. With a little victory in servo there was no excuse anymore and Starscream couldn't chew it any sourer than when I poked his shoulder and suggestively wiggled my eyebrows.

"It's time to start!"

And reluctantly, but he agreed.

 Starscream wasn't a nice and patient teacher and I didn't expect him to be. Every single time I made a mistake he eagerly hit me with his newfound stick that he picked up from the woods and lectured me like I was a useless youngling. I shrugged it off most of the time, knowing that it must be very annoying to him to waste time on me when we could put our energy into more important matters.

 My upgrade had more potential than I could make use of at the moment and certain skills needed to be improved. I had problems with long distance flights, maneuvers and my landings were obviously unprofessional. All in all, these were completely new experiences to me, but to him basic knowledge. As an ex-commander he wanted achievements very fast but I as an ex-grounder barely met his standards.

"Where are you aiming? Can't you fire straight?" he snapped at me for the thousandth time after a week of practice without showing results because I was still unable to shoot a tree with my blaster for the fifth time in a row. And the tree stood only  in a ten foot distance.

"It's not that easy!" I retorted, feeling ashamed of being so clumsy. My friends and I have been taking lessons in how to use our newly inserted weapons - courtesy of Knock Out - but out of the three of us Crossflare was the best in aim, Mercy was also quite punctual but rather unwilling to fire at anything and yes, I was the lamest. D7D6 always made a joke out of it and swore he wouldn't trust me to cover his back in a fight because I would shoot my own teammates sooner than the enemy. He was close to the truth, I have to admit.

"Argh, you never learn!" Starscream threw his servos up and I stared at the smoking spot on the ground  in disappointment.

"Stop annoying me all the time and shut up for a second, then I will have a chance!" I snapped.

"Tch, I'm wasting my time here instead of searching for energon!" he muttered to himself as I continued to fire at the tree. 

"It's not pointless! If we run into an enemy you won't be enough on your own and I don't want to be a helpless canon-fodder! You teach me how to fight and I will fight alongside you. It's just the matter of time and your attitude." 

 We continued my training for the rest of the week. Meanwhile we walked long miles in hope of finding more energon in the area but our environment remained fruitless. The few chunks we came across were still better than nothing though.

 My skill in hand-to-hand combat improved faster than other abilities and while my strength still wasn't enough to beat Starscream, I had my own moments of victory at times. With constant training my frame collected scratches, scars, dust and dirt from all around and I often picked leaves out of my seams. 

 At recharge times we powered down under the stars when proper cover was nowhere to be seen. I remember my first attempt at trying to squirm closer to him and he immediately distanced himself as much as possible while growling threateningly at me as if I was trying to sneak up on him with murderous intentions. At first I laughed at his reaction, then I realized that this was only the start of getting to know Starscream's unhealthy recharge habits. The Seeker jolted me awake more than once when he got caught in horrible nightmares. Every second or third hour Starscream woke up and checked the area before going back to bystand mode. He never entered proper stasis and I started to get concerned with each discovered abnormal behavior.

 Starscream was a bad recharger. And definitely paranoid.

"Have you always had these nightmares?" I asked one morning after a short flight. He always looked relieved after a tour in the sky.

But talking about things that bothered him was not one of his strengths.

"None of your business," he focused on the path before us without minding me a glance but disapproval was evident in his features.

"I don't think it's healthy to keep this up for long."

"This?"

"Not entering stasis. Your systems won't thank you for that," I pointed out and he glared at me sideways before scoffing in an offended manner.

"I can't afford to shut all my systems down for a longer period of time out here. It's like letting your guard down in a dangerous environment," he explained like it was the obvious.

"We can have shifts at night if you feel threatened," I offered, not impressing him with the way I put that into words, "Now I see why you are so twitchy all the time."

"I'm not twitchy," he puffed his chest out and perked his wings up as if to emphasize his arrogant bouncy walk.

"You are. Because you are paranoid."

 He said nothing to that, only grumbled something under his breath and walked onward more quickly. I giggled, just to ease the tension but  he immediately looked back over his shoulder with murderous optics.

"Do not laugh at me like that because I will strangle your vocal box and will leave you...WAH!!!" before he could finish his threat, Starscream slipped on something and fell head-first into water with a loud splash.

 I blinked in shock for the first few seconds, then ran after him, pushed the rich foliage of the trees aside and stared widely at a large lake's beautiful scenery in front of me. The setting sun painted the whole lake's surface orange and wine and the trees on the other side leaned over the water softly as if trying to reach it with their branches. No life could be detected aside from the frightened birds who escaped the area with quick flaps of their wings as the water swayed wildly from Starscream's rather ungraceful entrance.

"Wow," was all I gasped before my arrogant comrade started demanding attention for himself.

"Don't you just stare and gape! Can't you see I'm in need of...!" Starscream shrieked and spit the water out of his mouth like poisoned energon, struggling onto his knees while noting how the mud stuck to his armor annoyingly. Rolling my optics, I decided to have enough of his whiny attitude today. I waded into the tepid water and lowered to my knees, much to the mech's surprise who thought I would help him up.

"I see, but isn't this a great opportunity?" I purred and smiled mischievously at his reaction. I crept closer on four limbs, making him recoil once I reached far enough into his private space, my inner thighs brushed against his outer ones and I planted my servos right beside his thin waistline underwater.

"Why would it be..." he sat as awkwardly as a jet his size can while trying to figure out my intentions, which were obviously heading in a seductive direction.

"You just found a lake and we can finally wash this irritating dirt off ourselves. Good job Starscream, you just fulfilled one of my unspoken wishes," I leaned close, my gaze daring him to go and try to take the opportunity.

 His optics opened ridiculously wide as his focus darted around my figure in an almost helpless, confused manner. It was funny how visible his messy thoughts were on his face, as he made a desperate attempt to come up with something smart like he always did. But I wouldn't let him have the opportunity to ruin the moment so I giggled and backed off, rising to my full height. No doubt I enjoyed the way water droplets from my armor fell all over him, my body engulfed him in a shadow.

"Oh, just joking Star," I raised my servos innocently before he could have snapped at me for being indecent, "You've already declared that I'm not your type anyway."

 His focus seemed to be distracted by something over my head, then he slowly processed what I had said and his expression turned into a grimace. There must have been something on his tongue he didn't vocalize but I enjoyed his undying attention for as long as it lasted and walked deeper into the tender waves, carefully making sure the sun stayed behind me.  I think I had an idea about what grabbed his attention: he probably saw a halo over my shoulders. Ha! It seems Knock Out really made a good job when I asked him to make my wings imitate the previous position of my doors and my nanites already reprogrammed the new material, making it possible to create a half halo from one shoulder to the other when standing in the right position in front of the sun. It looked pretty, but served no more purpose than momentary hypnotism.

 Aaand it seems he quickly snapped back to his usual mood because he crossed his arms in a sulking manner and pretended to look ignorant.

"Not even close to my type. Have you ever seen a real Seeker femme? One of our warrior class? They are a sight to behold," he scoffed and probably expected me to drop my confidence, but obviously didn't succeed.

"I can imagine. But where are they now?" I teased, earning a surprised blink from him. He didn't have an answer for that.

 Grumbling something under his breath, the Seeker turned away with a significant pout like a big baby and I couldn't help but laugh at his display of discomfort. Starscream could act so theatrical at times, it was funny.

 After minutes of him sulking alone, I returned to him and sat beside him with a much friendlier smile, this time honest and encouraging.

"Come on, don't you need a little help?"

"You will NOT touch me," he barked loudly but quickly fell back to silence when my expression didn't change. I knew he would break eventually if I stared faithfully for long enough.

"I mean...you will not touch my wings."

"Understood, sir," I saluted with a big grin and he huffed as if I had talked him into the worst deal he has ever made.

Mercy POV 

 I was meant to avoid Airachnid for the rest of my life ever since that certain day. And I did, until confused thoughts and morbid curiosity got the better of me. Although everybody believed that I've moved on from that confrontation already, the conversation repeated all over again inside my head during the following days. Even when I tried to recharge but only managed to walk around restlessly during the night. Crossflare hasn't noticed and I wanted to make sure she won't. She had her own problems to focus on, my inner battle was mine alone to fight this time.

 Airachnid knew something I didn't and that bugged me more than anything else. Why would she call me a slut for no reason? my appearance can't be all that there is to it.

 My spark raced wildly in my chest when I peeked out from the corner of the corridor and saw Airachnid heading in my direction with a datapad in her servo. She scrolled files on it with an annoyed grimace on her face. Just a few seconds and we will cross paths, I just have to step out and take the chance.

 Am I brave enough to do that? Will this meeting end up with me running away in tears again? I would like to avoid that at all costs. Soundwave saw me in that state once already and it was embarrassing enough as it was.

Now or never Mercy.

 Airachnid looked up in confusion and surprise when I stepped out and stood in her way, with forced confidence in my gaze as I stared at her.

"I-I want to know!" I demanded loudly but my voice obviously wavered and it didn't seem to escape her attention because she looked at me with clear disdain in her optics.

"What exactly?" her grimace turned sourer. It seems she wasn't  enthusiastic to see me either.

"Everything you know! About me. I know you know something! You said all those things and referred to my function as well and I just want to know what you meant. Tell me!...Please..." my words flew out of me in one breath and I lost confidence at the end, the daring start turning into a failed attempt at being resolute.

 Airachnid's sour expression turned into a superior smirk as she scoffed and passed by me without minding a glance back. I turned around to call after her now desperately for any kind of answer but the reply she threw back over her shoulder cemented me to the floor with million question marks:

"Ask your know-it-all friend you love and trust so dearly. She will surely provide you with all the answers you seek."

What would Crossflare know about my questions....? And why did Airachnid sound so sure while saying that?

 My spark pulsed painfully at the thought and fear started creeping into my mind. What do they know that I don't?!

 With my thoughts circling wildly, I absently walked away and regretted even talking to her. I've never ever doubted Crossflare and her truthfulness before. I shouldn't start doing now.

 No, this must be another mind-game of Airachnid's. She wants me to lose trust in my dearest friend but she won't have any of it as long as I can see through her words.

 But what if I'm wrong?

 Worried voices from ahead of me pulled me back to reality, and I looked up to see some distressed Vehicons trying to help up Megatron, who had fallen on one knee and trembled all over his frame as if wild electricity had ran over him. He growled in pain and I automatically ran up to the group, catching my worried gaze from the Vehicons to Megatron whose optics glowed in sick purple instead of the healthy but lethal crimson red. The symbol on his chest also shone bright with a radiant purple light coming from his spark. What was happening to him?

 Everybody seemed to be helpless and someone already commed Knock Out to hurry and come but a moment later the purple light vanished and Megatron's original colors returned. He looked around in confusion before collecting the strength to stand up. He shook all helping servos off and straightened to his full height.

"Um...are you alright my Lord?" a brave Vehicon came up with the question first. 

Megatron stared down at his large servos and frowned, as if still lost somewhere in his mind, then his gaze sharpened as he looked over the concerned group around him.

"Unicron's blood...it's seething in my veins," he stated as if it was the obvious and we all exchanged perplexed glances.

 What? 

 Without further explanation, he left our circle and walked away as if nothing happened and we were left in confusion and worry about the thing we had just seen. Everybody stared after him for long after he disappeared from view until the sound of his giant steps died in the distance.

This was the first time I saw him losing his mighty composure. For just a short nanoclick, he seemed vulnerable. But I had no idea, and I don't think any of the Vehicons knew either, that it was a foreboding sign of something darker coming in the near future... 

Chapter Text

Halo POV

"Ah! This hurts!" I struggled helplessly in Starscream's grasp as he pinned me against the solid ground while putting all his weight on me.

 He wrapped one of his arms around my neck, pulling my head backwards. His high heel dug into the back of my servo. I clawed into the dust from pain while my other servo was stuck under my chest in a twisted position and I had lost all strength to move, unable to free myself.

"You are still weak," he stated in disdain but rather matter-of-factly. 

"I know, I know! Just let me go already! You are snapping my neck cables!" I squirmed frantically and he finally loosened his grip then retreated and stepped aside casually.

 I coughed violently when I sat up. Like always ever since we started training, I ended up being the one beaten. Not like this fact could have discouraged me or hit a hole in my determination because I had greater ambitions, but it still stung a little.

"I have to admit it's satisfying to be the victor and not the one being beaten," Starscream stretched and flexed his claws with a smug smirk and turned towards the scorching sun as if it rose today only to bath him in glory.

I touched my aching shoulder-pads and mockingly mimicked what he said.

"After getting beaten by Megatron so many times, no wonder why," I remarked and he visibly flinched, wings lowering slightly as he turned to look at me with a frown.

"I'm different from him," Starscream grimaced as if Megatron's name alone would disgust him, "I'm generous to you. He is merciless."

"If I remember correctly, Mercy is still on the Nemesis."

 I really tried to keep up the pokerface but when he stared at me with that 'You really had to? Seriously?' expression, I burst into laughter.

"What? You don't like puns?" I giggled wholeheartedly and he threw his servos up in frustration.

"I hate them! Ugh, Knock Out and Breakdown have driven me up the walls with their horrible name-puns right after they arrived to Earth, I don't want to hear one more idiot coming up with such designation-related bad comedy!"

"You presented an opportunity, not me!"

 Before he could have retorted, we were both distracted by noises of vehicles from somewhere nearby and although trees and hills surrounded the area we were in, there was a road on the east not so far from us.

"Have we been noticed?" I gasped quietly and Starscream flattened his wings as he listened carefully. 

"Time to find out," he muttered after short consideration and left me behind just like that and headed into the direction of the sounds. I rose to my pedes and followed him with a hiss of pain. If an enemy was near it wasn't good timing because my body hurt.  Wouldn't it be wiser to make an escape instead of running straight into foes?

 While doubts rose in my head, we reached the top of the hill and Starscream cautiously peered out from behind a large tree's shadow. I hid behind him and curiously looked over his shoulder while bending his wings aside. Ever since that bath in the lake he stopped minding my touch on his back and although wings were still off-limit, he completely ignored me now.

"What is it?"

"A human military base by the looks of it," Starscream thoughtfully examined the hangar-like building where numerous military vehicles lined up. Humans in strange suits were running all around like busy ants.

 Then a big scheming smirk crept onto his face and my companion chuckled darkly, "Heh, isn't this actually MECH by chance?" 

"MECH?!" I snapped in awe and straightened abruptly. The ones who caught Breakdown and took his optic! The humans Knock Out despised so much!

"It seems they are up to something again. What a bunch of idiots," Starscream huffed as if our discovery wouldn't be of any significance and turned away from the base to leave in the opposite direction. I called after him almost immediately:

"Wait! Shouldn't we destroy them?"

Starscream looked back in surprise and doubt. 

"What? You? Destroying humans? Isn't that a bit out of character for you?" 

"These aren't humans. These beings are monsters," my expression darkened at the thought of these poor excuses of humans having pleasure of ripping other creatures apart in their wicked laboratories. They tried to make experiments on Breakdown. It's outrageous! No matter what species, what they have done is unacceptable. They deserve nothing but rightful judgment in the form of death brought by my kind.

A suggestive smile crept to Starscream's face. 

"If I'm not mistaken you are craving for revenge, aren't you?" 

 He was left without an answer because I kept my mouth shut and glanced aside in denial. Maybe. Maybe not. The whole thing just infuriated me to the core. Ever since I saw what they had done to Breakdown I couldn't help but imagine it happening to my friends. No human would survive my wrath if they hurt Mercy or Crossflare. These little evil creatures would be better rid of instead of remaining a possible threat.

"How cute. But Breakdown has never been your friend. Why would you avenge him?"

"It's the right thing to do," I muttered firmly.

 Starscream started laughing and I frowned at him in disapproval because I saw nothing funny in what I intended to do.

"Let me remind you," Starscream stepped to me, amusement still apparent on his face but his voice got more serious. He raised my chin by the tip of his sharp index finger, "that you are not with the Decepticons anymore."

 My optic ridges twitched in irritation but I said nothing.

"I never forget transgressions," was all I replied eventually when I slapped his servo away and left into the direction of the base without asking for permission.

 I would have turned the place upside-down weren't it for the helicopters that appeared from out of nowhere and the wind picked up around us. Sharp light entered my optics when they illuminated the trees where we were hiding. Great. We were detected.

"Vengeance delayed. Fly for your life," Starscream hissed while folding into alt-mode and before I could blink he shot into the sky like a bullet. Angrily dropping my original plan, I transformed less majestically and gave in everything to rise up as quickly as possible. The helicopters opened fire and I cursed quietly as I sped after Starscream way ahead of me. Distance grew between us and I strained my engine to work at full capacity until all enemies disappeared behind me. Phew, we outflew them.

 Then an awful crack could be heard and I whispered a quiet, horrified 'oh no' and then things got messy. My engine gave up for some reason and  I fell into a lethal free-fall. Great. My luck. My talent.

"Ugh! Just work already!" I did my best to turn it on again but my concentration was everywhere else as the world spun around me. This must be a joke really. Am I going to die like this?!

 Clang.

 Relief washed over me as I felt someone catch me mid-air and I transformed back to bipedal mode quickly to clung into Starscream with all my might, but happiness disappeared as fast as it came because the ground found us next.

 With a series of groans and yells, we crash-landed and rolled a long distance until we finally came to a rough stop.

"Argh, this was the last time I saved your aft! You are in debt for a lifetime!" Starscream shrieked loudly and tried to push me off of him without success.

"Okay, okay, thank you. That was my fault," I hissed in pain and attempted to sit up, only to be pulled back by my wings. It felt like they were somehow stuck.

"Hey, let me go!" I demanded, pulling forward in a desperate attempt to get free.

"No, you let me go!"

"I'm not even clinging to you anymore! ...wait..." we settled in a back to back sitting position and I reached behind to touch out what the problem was. The more I tapped around, the clearer the source of the problem became. Oh no. No way.

"Scrap!" Starscream pulled away and I did the same but we only ended up arching back in pain because pain struck into our beautiful wings in an unnatural way.

"T-they can't be separated..." I huffed after long minutes of pointless struggle.
"What if we transform?" Starscream suggested as a last hopeful attempt.
"And what if that rips our wings off?" 

 Silence fell on us for a tense minute. Then we loudly snapped at each other and a long, angry quarrel started.

Crossflare POV 

 Knock Out expected me to quit  learning after I curtly expressed my intentions regarding our relationship, but he didn't know me well enough: if I start something, I'm seeing it to the finish. So I turned up in the med-bay two days later, datapad in servo, ready for a new lesson.

 He doubtfully eyed me at first, then extended a servo and took my datapad with a sigh and a frown.

"Have you read the files I told you about last time?" he asked while going back to his table, professional attitude and voice covering any emotion or personal opinion he probably had.

"Yes," was my short, flat answer.

"Then we shall look into the intricacies of the neuro network," Knock Out switched on the screens above his computer and a basic protoform's holographic model appeared above the table with the mentioned network's complicated structure highlighted inside the body.

 I had no difficulty masking my own discomfort during the lesson because I was used to always acting reserved and formal, but Knock Out has always been far from cold. The chilling atmosphere made it hard to concentrate, almost causing me to question my decision about continuing this training.

  Fortunately things got more casual in the next few days and slowly Knock Out's grudge has dissipated as well. I think he has finally gotten used to the new circumstances.

 Breakdown would look at us questioningly sometimes but everything seemed to fall back to normal. I had the Synth-E project going, and medic training to fill the rest of my time and these used up most of my energy for a day.

 Mercy made me worried on occasions when we had some time together. She looked restless but overall fine and I couldn't put her unusual silence anywhere. Soundwave seemed to ignore my warnings and I became suspicious after the third time Mercy missed a shower with me. It's not like we were tied together and she would have no choice but to shower together with me...it's just that I had this bad feeling that these cases had nothing to do with overwork like I first dismissed them as such. It might be time I ask her outright...

 Coming to think of it, I haven't seen her today at all...

 I joined a group of Vehicons heading towards the mess hall and I wondered about all the wrong choices of my life as I stood before the energon tanks. Without thinking much of it, I filled three cubes and returned to the lab, then went back for another three cubes and brought them all back.

 At that moment I didn't care. I needed some mood-lifting high-grade even if I wasn't allowed to drink while on duty. I worked my way through each cube until I was pleased with the brightly shining color and the taste, then I dropped myself in a comfy chair and started sipping the first cube, savoring my beverage contentedly. 

 At least this is good. The only good thing I can get nowadays anyway. Am I getting depressed? Perhaps I shouldn't have made so much high-grade. If I get drunk on duty, who knows what punishment I will get. But will that scare me off?

 Of course not.

 I placed the first cube down and took the next while my optics focused back on the text written on the display of my datapad.  Another medical file I had to go through for the next day's lesson. It was hard to concentrate on what I was reading.

 Again. I'm thinking of Knock Out again.

 But how can I not when he is all over the place and our jobs are intertwined? I hated him for pursuing me for this long and I hated myself for turning him down. I really shouldn't.

 And Mercy... I hated myself for not paying enough attention to her. She needed me much more than what I was providing right now.

 But I have been a mess for a good while now and my conflicted feelings began to drive me crazy. It was time I drowned them all.

Halo POV 

"Left, right, left right, left, righ-OUCH!" I screamed as his heel accidentally hit my ped and we halted our foolish and graceless march.

"I told you it won't work! We can't walk like this!" Starscream growled in irritation. 

"Okay, then we should try something else..." 

"I had enough! I will carry you on my back and I won't care about your whining!" he leaned forward abruptly and I got lifted from the ground. I gasped in surprise, wincing from the pain striking my wings. Starscream folded his servos under my thighs, ignoring my complaints.

"You are touching my aft!" I whined.

"Get over it," he rolled his optics.

"If I could take a proper look on our wings and see the problem I would handle it," I sighed in defeat and crossed my arms in a sulking manner.

"You think I wouldn't? This position is too humiliating to my liking," Starscream huffed in annoyance.

 We traveled in silence for a while, my companion doing all the walking while I let myself be carried. I have to admit, he has quite the stamina because he was bearing my weight rather easily.

"Hm, now that we are so close, won't you keep me entertained?" I broke the silence first.

"Me? You should be the one doing it and prove that you are worth the trouble at all!" 

"I'm absolutely worth it. You have company at least!" I pointed out and tried to stay positive.

"A very annoying company." 

"But at least you are not bored. Imagine how lonely and dull your days would be without me! Who would you talk to then?"

"Myself."

"Oh, come on. I have lovely wings, pretty optics, good humor, I'm brave and sassy and I'm not afraid of challenges. I have everything that's needed in my opinion. I make a damn good ally and company!"

"Oh Primus, give me patience..." Starscream raised his gaze at the sky dramatically and I burst into laughter.

"Haha. You know it's true! You like me!" I dropped my head on the top of his with a suggestive grin.

"No, I don't."

There was a smile in that reply, I could feel it.

"Liar," I whispered mischievously.

"Hm, you think you know me, femme?" Starscream scoffed.

"I don't know you well, but here I've got all the time in the universe to learn everything!" 

"Please keep yourself out of my life." 

"I'm already in." 

"Argh...you little...!" but he found no insult effective enough to break my optimism and nothing could wipe that triumphant grin off my face. Except his next nasty move when he grabbed my rear and I jumped with a shriek, kicking around loudly while he giggled on malevolently behind my back.

"QUIT TOUCHING MY AFT! STARSCREAM LET IT GO IMMEDIATELY!"

Crossflare POV 

 I sat with a foggy mind, all six cubes emptied on the counter beside me. My servo barely held the datapad and I had no idea what was written on it. The euphoria of the well-needed high-grade has already vanished, leaving nothing but a void behind and all I could think of was the exact same void inside of my chest.

  Sidewire...

 I wanted to purge it all.

 An opening door sounded in the distance but it didn't register in my processor. I was swaying with my emotions, letting dark thoughts envelop and bury me like the waves of a wild ocean. I shouldn't have drunk so much... Maybe I should take some medicine to prevent a hangover...

"Crossflare, I know you are not a fan of the topic but we have to go through your compulsory check-up. Will you come this time?" Knock Out's voice.

"Of course, just one minute..." I muttered absent-mindedly and threw the datapad on the counter.

"Uh...for real?" the mech sounded shocked and I saw his figure approach slowly and hesitantly.

"Yes, yes..." I groaned and rubbed my optics, trying to clear my aching processor.

"Well, that's....quite an unexpected turn. What changed your mind...?"

 Thud.

 I landed face-first on the floor after a failed attempt of standing up. Knock Out had no idea what happened at first, then he rushed to my side and helped me sit.

"What the...you are drunk," he gasped.

"Don't worry, I'm sober," I assured him, gaze unfocused.

"Tell this to someone who is blind. Look at you! Argh, examination delayed," he growled in annoyance but I shook my head fervently and rose to my pedes rather clumsily.

"Let's get it over with. I had enough of....enough of...."

"Crossflare you are in no condition to do anything!"

"Lets go," I headed out without minding him and Knock Out ran after me while feverishly gesturing and telling me to stop and explain myself. I gave nonsense answers of course and he grew all the more impatient and angry.

 Breakdown stared at me with a perplexed expression when I entered the med-bay in the miserable state I was in and after seeing Knock Out's tantrum, he saw it better to leave the room as quickly as possible.

"Sit there!" the medic ordered, not happy with how this turned out but now intent on grabbing the opportunity to update my medical files as long as I'm unusually cooperative.

 I obeyed him and sat up on the medical berth, absent gaze wandering all around and head aching like pit.

"Now all the results will be altered thanks to the amount of high-grade running through your tubes," Knock Out muttered in frustration and completed a series of scans.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, voice wavering. The mech looked up from the results on the display and frowned.

"I'm so sorry for everything."

"Why are you apologizing?" he asked questioningly, then turned his attention back to the readings.

"It's better like this isn't it? I would keep letting you down," I continued my monologue while sadly looking him in the optic, and he frowned even deeper.

"Why do you keep saying that?"

"Because it's true," I sighed, "I've let so many bad things happen to my friends in the past. Then I let Halo get lost. And Mercy...I hold so many secrets...I don't deserve their care. Nor their trust or friendship. I'm a bad friend. A bad person. I should've died with him."

"Him?" Knock Out turned from the screens and walked up behind my back to take a look at my tires and see if rust had returned but fortunately not.

"My life makes no sense ever since. Things aren't the same. Before he came, I was nothing. After he went, I'm nothing again. Or even less than before."

"You are talking nonsense Crossflare because you are drunk," Knock Out hooked me up to the machines hanging above the medical table and took a sample of energon from my arm joint.

"Don't you believe me?" I whispered, close to crying but I didn’t know why. Either because of the sudden flood of memories, or the remaining effects of high-grade. Or both.

"I believe you," he raised both of his servos in a placating manner, too afraid of an outburst of mine, be it wrathful or hysterical.

"No, you don't. I don't blame you though. I was mean to you," I admitted, lowering my head in shame.

"Just-just wait here, okay?" Knock Out sighed and went to fetch another small and empty syringe, then he took a deep breath and gestured towards my chest.

"Would you please open up? I need a sample of your innermost energon too."

 Innermost energon. The only type of energon that is born with us in our spark chamber and will stay there, out of circulation, untouched. It carries our energy signature and our own, original CNA, unlike the rest of the energon that flows through our body.

"It's going to be ugly," I warned him and he shot me a puzzled look.

"Are you going to fight back?"

"No. That's not what I mean," I vented out and looked at my chest as the plates shifted aside and light broke through. Around my closed spark chamber's casing there it was: the innermost energon required. But I knew well what had his horrified stare fixed.

"For Primus...for Solus...and Prima and the rest of the primes..." Knock Out gasped and gawked and dropped the syringe.

"Ugly, isn't it?" I kept staring at it as well. It was unhealthily dark, swollen and the energy it emitted was sickening. If I wasn't drunk I would have never opened up with a sane mind. I hated looking at it. I hated seeing it or feeling it.

 But this was me. With all its ugliness and pain.

"That is...Lie down and open it up! Open it up quickly!" Knock Out demanded and I whipped my gaze up in shock.

"No! What do you think!" I snapped defensively.

"Open it up, doctor's orders!" he accepted no protests and I was forced to lie down on the berth and unfold my spark chamber against my will.

 Knock Out returned with heavy machinery and connected something to my chamber's surface. After getting some results he pushed everything back to place and examined my spark from closer himself, all the while muttering inaudible, repulsed comments by what I could make out.

 Then he finally straightened himself and went over to the screens, feverishly starting to type. I sat up, not waiting for permission and stared at the floor in defeat.

"Since..." he turned to look at me again, "....since when have you been living with...that thing?"

"17 human years, three months, one week, five days, six hours, twenty-two minutes, fifty seconds," I replied quietly. Knock Out's grimace made it clear that it wasn't good news. He typed again, then stepped away from the computer and walked closer to me, seemingly hesitant about what he wanted to say.

"If my results are correct, half of your spark is dead."

"It is," I nodded heavily.

"It keeps dying," he pressed and I nodded again.

"So you knew all along and refused to tell me?!" the mech snapped, "I'm your medic! I should be the first to know if you are dying!"

 I remained silent, knowing my reasons well enough.

 Knock Out angrily glared at me, then sighed again in an attempt to calm down. Then he asked again, much quieter this time:

"It's a dead fracture bond, isn't it?"

I nodded. Expression blank.

"There are other two signatures detected," he continued and I looked up expectantly, "They match Halo's and Mercy's frequencies."

"My amica enduras," I whispered.

"I have suspected that you are the third match. Their sparks also show extra two signatures. I guess it's an echo bond*?"

I didn't have to answer to confirm that fact and I knew well what the following question would be.

"They keep you alive, don’t they?"

The question hung in the air heavily as tears entered my optics. They didn't know. None of them.

"Crossflare! Crossflare wake up! Come on!" Halo shrieked hysterically over my still, unconscious body. The air in the small escape pod has become suffocating ever since we departed from the ship and Sidewire disappeared from my sight, then his spark vanished out of existence and took half of mine with him.

 After crying and howling for what felt like eternity, my body had fallen into a comatose state and my consciousness slipped away. My life seemed to follow it very soon. The shock, the death of the bond, the loss of the connection proved to be too much for me to handle....I was about to follow my bondmate into the Allspark.

 Weren't it for a desperate Mercy and a determined Halo to try something, a last attempt to save me before my light goes out. I felt nothing when they tore my chest open with tear filled optics, pleading me not to go yet, to stay with them. They were scared kids seeking a way to bring me back from the edge of death because for them, I was the only shield, their guide and family.

 Upon my dying spark, they gifted me with the light and life of theirs in a bond of amica enduras, friendship for a lifetime through good and bad. The energy that hit me through them pulled me back to the living. I was alive. I felt everything again.

 They were clinging to me when my consciousness returned like lightning from the sky. They cried loudly against my frame and cradled me in a tight embrace, whispering and whimpering incoherent words and thanking Primus for being merciful to them. To me.

 Their sparks saved me that day. And their energy has granted me life ever since.

"I'm so selfish!" I hit a servo on the berth, tears flowing like waterfalls, "They don't know I live from them! Like a parasite! Unless they are close to me, my spark can't support itself, I need them...! I need them to be close...I don't want to die...."

"Crossflare," Knock Out spoke up, trying to stop me, and I raised my gaze upon him, begging.

"...I would be better off dead...but I don't want to die...not yet."

"That's enough," he stepped to me, visibly shaken by my display, and closed my chest back manually, carefully, "You are drunk. I will give you antidepressants."

Halo POV 

 I squirmed uncomfortably all night. Recharging was almost impossible in this position thanks to the constant pain in my back and my beautiful wings. After miles of exhausting walk (okay Starscream did all the walking, not me) we stopped in the middle of a huge forest and searched for shelter. If anyone saw us like this, we would have been laughed at. Even I admitted the hilarity of the situation.

 From right behind me, I heard Starscream's systems humming quietly, something I grew fond of. Tonight he looked peaceful. I was convinced he was too exhausted to care about his aching wings. I started to pity him for having to bear with me all the time. I was a walking troublemaking machine and quite literally.

"Hm, I have to prove myself somehow..." I mused restlessly. I shifted again and a little click could be heard. My optics widened and I continued to move my wings upwards. Not good. I tried to move it around in different positions until another click and a hiss signed that I was on the right track.

 Ooooh, yes! My wings separated from his without much trouble and I could barely believe my insane luck.

"Success!" I hissed quietly in joy.

 The first thing I did was sit up, then stretched my body and fluttered my wings in delight. What a mesmerizing feeling! 

 I glanced back and noted that Starscream didn't even notice a thing. He will definitely be surprised tomorrow morning! My mouth curved into a wicked smile as I approached him and pressed a servo lightly on the surface of his outer wing. They all closed together and relaxed. I was sure he felt a little residual pain just like me and I gently petted the wing before quickly retreating as if I'd committed an evil deed. Starscream snorted in his dream but didn't wake up and I couldn't help but giggle inwardly. He could be so adorable when not acting like a jerk.

 After minutes of absently watching him recharge for no exact reason aside from feeling content just by seeing him rest, I curled up beside him a little bit closer than usual. Finally, I managed to close my optics again.

 I was woken up by a push and an impatient growl in the morning.

"Wake up! Wake up you useless scrap! It's time to go!" 

 My optics opened slightly, blinded by the sunlight. Starscream stomped a ped just to hurry me and I yawned loudly when I sat up and stretched my arms.

"What's with the rush? Did we miss the bus?" I rubbed my optics. 

"We have wasted lots of time so we have to go faster today." 

 He didn't even question how we managed to separate our wings, as if the stuck-together accident had never happened.

Starscream walked farther down the hill and checked the area ahead. It was quiet, save from chirps and various noises of the forest that I already grew used to. I sleepily rose to my pedes and dusted myself before I went to follow him.

"Do you plan to fly?" I asked, a small hope evident in my voice.

"You need to learn so the answer is yes. Now transform and do a circle around this territory as a warm up!" he pointed towards the sky and I obeyed with a pout. Can't he ask nicely once in a while?

 With a series of clicks and shifting sounds, I transformed into my jet mode and took off. For the very first time, it was awesome. The feeling of freedom, the wind, the speed... Halo, focus!

 Concentrating very hard, I did my best to maneuver perfectly but I still lacked elegance. Unlike Starscream, who was perfection itself given form. The word 'envy' didn't describe my feelings when I saw him fly. His form was just purely beautiful and breathtaking. I wished I could fly at his level sometime in the future. Maybe he would even say a compliment.

 What a stupid thought.

 My landing improved because I managed to land on my pedes even if not as gracefully as Starscream. He was standing with folded arms where I left him, and impatiently tapping a ped on the ground. 

"Finally! I almost thought you crashed somewhere." 

"You are so mean," I stuck my glossa out, "It's your turn!"

 The mech straightened himself, smirked as if ready to present the best show of his life, then folded into his alt-mode and rose high.

"Let me show you how it's done!"

 I rolled my optics and followed him back to the sky. We made a few large turns and switched to comm-link communication due to distances. Starscream was on the front and my job was to imitate him, like previously when he showed tricks in the air.

I mimicked the sharp turns, the dives, transformation in air forth and back, and such. But that spectacular drill he just did was too much for me and I stopped in the air, hovering helplessly as I watched him return to me in confusion.

"What are you lazing around for? I told you to imitate me!"

"I know, I know! But...I don't think I'm ready to spin like that. It looks too extravagant and difficult for me." 

"Oooh..." Starscream cooed in a mocking tone, "Are you just not afraid? I can't recognize you, Halo. If I say you can do it, then do it."

 He was challenging me. Even if my rational side urged me to retreat, I wasn't the type to back away from a challenge.

 And I did it. Right, I got dizzy and almost fell into a free-fall at the end but I did it!

 The next try was better. Each of our training improved my skills with visible results. I learned how to change speed swiftly without my engine giving up on me, how to transform in midair and back, how to stop suddenly, how to make the drill properly, and how to maneuver between trees and rocks. There was one thing I wanted badly: making the vertical spiral. Starscream told me I'm better but not good enough to go that high because I wasn't used to the sudden change of atmospheric pressure. 

 We spent hours flying every day and Starscream didn't forget to complain about our lack of energon. The small crystals we came across didn't make up for the energy we wasted. He was right, but there wasn't much to do about it on such a barren land.

"Can't we just...steal it?" I suggested one day when we stopped at a cliff and had a small break from training. I swung my legs above the abyss beneath the cliff. A large valley spread below us like a colorful blanket. The sun was at its peak, scorching the surface beneath.

 Starscream raised an optic ridge at my question, then got lost in thoughts while musing over it loudly:
"From where? The mines? There are too many Vehicons in there. It's too risky. Although that could be our only chance..." 

"And the Nemesis? Once we find it we could rob it. Also...I would like to meet my friends again. I've been away far for too long and I constantly wonder how they are." 

"Even bigger risk. But robbing the ship in front of a helpless Megatron would be quite a pleasure," Starscream grinned maliciously and I practically saw the cogwheels turning in his head. Uh-oh, he is up to something.

 Suddenly his grin vanished. I tilted my head in concern. 

"What?"

"That won't work. You can't fight well and your flight leaves much to be desired."

I felt like I'm just a nuisance again and pouted.

"Aw, aren't you just worried about me?" I chose to tease instead, hoping to get a reaction, but he only shot me an irritated frown. 

"No. I just don't want to get killed because of you."

I laughed loudly at his answer because it sounded more forced than sincere and I stood up, fluttering my wings readily.

"Fine, you wanted it. I will do the spiral!" I stated resolutely, determined.

"Don't be stupid! You have been practicing only for a month!" Starscream protested and underestimated me as usual.

"Just watch me!" I stepped forward into nothing and fell, transforming with ease now after practicing it so many times. I rose into the sky with great ambitions. I wanted to be good enough and go back to the Nemesis and meet with Mercy and Crossflare... Nothing and no one can hold me back from seeing them!

 As I ascended and increased speed, wind whirled around me and pushed against my frame, as if trying to stop me but I fought on. I had to concentrate. Do it like Starscream did. Yes...The first turn. And then do the circles, wider turns, continuous ascension. The risk was high: I could have gone off track and lost control. Starscream might not get to me in time if something goes wrong.

 But I don't need him right now. I can do this.

 I just rose and rose higher! Yes! I screamed in joy as my spiral ended perfectly, with only my spinning form at the top. Then I took a sharp turn and began diving back. My head kept spinning as an aftereffect but the thrill was stronger. I flew back to my comrade standing on the cliff where I left him, and judging by the stunned expression he wore, I did good.  I paused to hover in midair in front of him. 

"Hahaha, I told you!"

"H-how did you...? You've never tried it before! " Starscream was speechless. 

"I had a good teacher!" I teased him, then made a circle around his figure happily, "Come with me this time! It was amazing! Come, come!" 

"No way, I'm tired," he refused swiftly but I continued to nudge him until he resigned and flew off with me. 

"Now be prepared to be beaten!" he yelled over the comm-link and sped forward, leaving me far behind.

"Oh, a challenge? I'm in!" I shouted and shot after him.

 Even with constant bickering along the way, I liked flying with Starscream. He never ceased to entertain me. This time I chased him around and he couldn't shake me off. Then our childish play changed into showing off difficult moves and of course he emerged victorious. I pretended to be upset when I lost but I laughed in mirth at the same time.

"Hey, Star! Ever wondered why I'm called Halo?" I suddenly asked, my spark hammering in excitement. I had an idea and I liked it.

The mech pulled closer and questioningly tilted his wings.

"No. I don't think I had."

 He had. I could feel it in his voice.

"Would you like me to show the reason?"

 He grumbled something under his breath, but didn't tell me no, so I told him to stay where he was and watch the sun. He complained about it but I was already far from his whining to care, ascending higher with a racing spark. I can do it. I will do it. I will amaze him and he will have no option but to admit that the sight was cool.

 A thick white cloud swam towards the sun, perfect for the performance I had in mind. It has to be effective and it should have a great impact. With an elegant turn I got lost in the cloud, away from Starscream's optics.

 The mech was circling for seconds, waiting, then he changed back to bipedal mode and crossed his arms, carefully balancing himself in the air with only his engine working to keep him hovering. He was getting bored, watching the large cloud above and waiting for me to appear again with whatever I've prepared.

 Minutes went by and he started to become impatient but I knew I needed the full sun. With my course set, I increased speed and cut the cloud from the inside, slicing horizontally like a sharp knife this time. I saw the ending and transformed in the exact moment I burst out of the cloud, arms and wings spread wide, the sun behind me, the world below me. I will never get used to such a panorama.

 Way beneath, I spotted Starscream staring upwards, completely caught off-guard, and yes, he was speechless.

 A beautiful rainbow colored halo surrounded me in full glory for a few moments: it was brilliant and the impact was perfect.

 If positioned in the right place, with adequate lighting from behind, the alloy of my armor was able to create a phenomenon like this, a halo. This ability was my pride and joy that no one could take away.

 As I dove back, still in my bipedal mode, I grinned like an idiot. Oh, I got him. I got him well!

"See? Do you get it now?" I giggled when I reached him.

 Starscream opened his mouth and then closed it, unable to come up with anything. He saved himself by transforming back to jet mode and I followed suit a bit in disappointment.

"It was...a sight to behold," he admitted reluctantly and shot away as if escaping the consequences of his words. My spark burst in joy. He complimented me! Starscream complimented me!

"Wait! Tell me more! Did you see a full or a half halo? Starscream wait!" I sped after him, spark hammering in delight.

"What does that even mean?" Starscream sounded defensive but I didn't press the matter. I must be satisfied with the smallest acknowledgment I got out of him.

 Then the mech stopped abruptly and I almost collided into him from behind.
"Decepticons!" he whispered in fright and pushed me in the opposite direction, "Hide! Hurry!" 

 I obeyed a little bit in panic and immediately set course to fly back where we came from. I couldn't see the enemy but I knew that Starscream wasn't playing around when he sounded like that.

 We watched a squad of Eradicons fly over the sky but they fortunately haven't spotted us. Maybe because we were too close to the ground. 

"Are they on patrol?" I asked quietly. 

"No. They are...they are heading back!" Starscream rose up suddenly and I followed him in confusion and doubt.

"Wait, are we chasing them now?" 

"We must follow them! They will take us to the Nemesis!" there was a smug, confident grin in his voice, I could feel it.

 We quietly joined the squad from behind and they failed to realize that they were being tailed the whole time. I tried to make out who they are, hoping that I can recognize someone I know, but unfortunately I was unable to tell them apart just by looking at their jet forms. Blimey.

 Sunset came sooner than expected, and when we spot the ship in the distance, darkness had already fallen upon us and I began to feel a bit uneasy. Will this plan work? Starscream hasn't come up with a fully detailed plan so we have to improvise on board. I nervously glanced at the Seeker on my right side. I had to trust him. Trust...what a stupid thing. It doesn't exist between us. Yet I have no choice but to rely on him for now.

 I will get to see my friends soon.

Mercy POV 

 Looking back at the last month, I can't say it was the best for us. I mean, Airachnid is here and I've been having doubts ever since. Crossflare closed herself off like a shell and she is far less talkative than usual. Knock Out only shook his head when I asked him why and I had to accept the fact that there was something between them again and had no right to interfere. Breakdown and I were in the same boat, similarly left out, only guessing what was going on from a distance.

 What troubled me more though was how Knock Out refused to tell me what's wrong. He said:

"Doctor's silence. I can't give any information regarding my patient's issues."

 Was he talking about Crossflare's state of mind, or is there something wrong with her?

 Now there is one more thing added to my 'to worry about' list among many others. Things became quite hectic beside our personal lives inside this warship.

 Megatron's condition got worse and he started having seizures more often. Knock Out felt helpless, declaring that whatever Unicron's blood was doing to our leader, couldn't be stopped or fixed. Bizarrely, Megatron welcomed the news.

 Soundwave and I were trusted to gather information about Unicron, all myths and prophecies regarding him. I have only become more confused with each file we translated from ancient Cybertronian. I had read most of these during my studies back home because I had a subject in Mythology and Folktales but back then I had no idea that I would once present these fairy tales to a Decepticon warlord who seemed to be unnaturally interested in such tales.

 Megatron's optics dimmed during my long reading session in the Conference Room where he sat in his mighty chair at the end of the long table and I stood at the side with a datapad in my servo. I got used to these sessions quite easily after I realized that not much was asked of me aside from reading out our latest findings. I sounded unusually confident while reading to him. Only Soundwave and a few Vehicon Officers were present in the room, stiff and unmoving like statues. For some reason Communications officers shared these attributes in common.

 When I finished, I tapped a digit on the display and opened another file, momentary silence settling on the room. I was pretty sure that before I joined, Soundwave was the one presenting information to our Lord, probably not audibly, but since I'm here now, Megatron wanted me to present and I always cared not to let him down. At least I can make use of my studies this way, it's time to put my knowledge into practice.

"Your voice makes me feel nostalgic," Megatron's low, musing voice sent a chill up my spine as I looked up in fright. Was he talking to me? I glanced aside and got a nod from Soundwave.

"Pardon, my Lord?" I asked, questioningly looking at him, then quickly cast my gaze down in respect. I could never see him optic to optic for long. It made me feel insecure and he knew that well and seemed to appreciate my modest behavior.

"I wonder why that is," he dropped his chin in his large palm as his gaze scanned me.

"Have we perhaps met before, my Lord?" I dared to ask out of modesty, although I highly doubted we had. I would have surely remembered him.

"Perhaps. Or you just remind me of someone. Although she was a lot fiercer and more inspirational...ah, nevermind," Megatron appeared to wander far in thoughts as if recalling old memories, then he just shook his head and beckoned to me, "Continue."

 I tapped on the next file immediately. No questions, no hesitation. Only fools would make him wait. I quickly learned to be obedient and fast in order to be useful. Megatron liked these traits and quietly honored them. That's why he had very few complaints about me yet and probably because I was working under Soundwave's wings. Probably.

 Days later, the prophecy that has caught our Lord's attention became a reality. The Nemesis had to leave Earth's atmosphere because the weather has started rampaging all around the globe. I was listening to radio transmissions, watched human news and got no positive theories regarding the planet's strange behavior. Earth was changing. And changing fast.

"I hope James and Amy are okay," I mentioned once when we watched the chaos through the windows of the Command Center.

 Crossflare put a servo on my shoulder.

"I'm sure they are. Both of them are tough survivors," she assured me. But for some reason I couldn't believe her. She looked weak and restless as if she hadn't been recharging for a while and I often sensed high-grade when she was around. Crossflare was having a bad time lately and I had no idea how to help, especially now that Airachnid has planted this bug in my head.

 What if Crossflare truly knows the answers to my questions? Why am I even afraid to ask? We are friends, amica enduras! Our friendship would survive through good and bad, wouldn't it?

 The timing was probably not the best when I decided to give it a try. We were barely over an operation that almost claimed Lord Megatron’s life after he allied himself with the Autobots and wandered deep below the Earth’s surface. We could only stand and watch, hoping that he would return. Soundwave tried his best to keep track of him, but we lost signal.

 Then Airachnid tried to take control, suggesting we abandon Earth and Megatron altogether. As the second in command, her words were commands - or so I thought until Soundwave beat her to the floor.

 I remember gasping in awe, watching as he wretched control from her grasp without much effort.

 Things didn’t fall back to normal as Megatron returned though. He brought an unexpected guest along, someone I wouldn’t have been able to imagine seeing on the warship before.

 Optimus.

 But we were not allowed to say that name. We had to call him Orion Pax, and strangely enough, he answered to that name. He had the most innocent and confused optics I’ve ever seen, and he didn’t seem to know what was happening around him.

 Crossflare warned me not to approach him because she doubted that I could hold myself back from telling him the truth, which would have been punished via death by Megatron. He had made sure he emphasized his rules concerning Optimus.

 So I didn’t try. As strange as it was to see him walking around.

 I had other worries to think of.

 Crossflare saw it better to remain in the laboratory and continue with her research until she was needed. At least she won’t be crossing paths with Optimus too much. So I took the opportunity, deciding to stand up and have that necessary talk I had been previously so afraid of. Now or never. No more running.

"Hey CF..." I waved to her with a forced smile when I arrived.

 The doors slid shut behind me.

 She looked up from beside the sea of different bottles, tubes and cubes but didn't answer. Her whole appearance has changed so drastically since she ditched Knock Out...she wasn't herself. Just weeks before, I have started to believe that Knock Out may be able to give her the push that she needs and she looked more lively than before...now all of that has been thrown into the trash by herself. I will never get to understand why being alone is better than together.

"Is there something you need?" she put her tools down eventually, turning her attention to me fully this time. She looked tired. So very tired.

"To be honest...yes, I wanted to talk to you..." I nervously fidgeted with my hands and she immediately walked over to me. I was gently escorted to a table and we sat across each other on two comfy chairs. The table was full of samples of different versions of Synth-En and other liquids I couldn't recognize.

"Did something bad happen? Is it Soundwave? Or Knock Out again?" she assumed instantly but I continued shaking my head.

"No. This time, it's me. Or rather, us."

 She blinked in confusion, then frowned in concern.

"What do you mean?"

"CF, you are my friend right?" I felt the urge to ask this and she stared at me like I'd grown two heads.

"Of course! Why would you ask such a silly thing!"

"Sorry," I chuckled nervously, "I know you are. You care for me like a carrier would and protect me like a sire  would. I don't want to doubt you. Ever."

A myriad of emotions danced behind her optics, but her intense worry was the most apparent.

"It's just that..." I continued, "...that it came to me that there is something I don't know. It's related to my past, my origins, and...you've always told me not to talk about these to anyone."

With each word her expression changed drastically, shock and fear settling on her face as she listened.

"You know something...don't you?" I whispered quietly, my spark beginning to race. She knew what I was hinting at. And she knew the answer to it too. I could read it from her optics.

 Airachnid was right.

 Crossflare sat in front of me, stunned, speechless. When the silence and the tension grew too long, I was about to ask directly, spark hammering in denial, but she spoke sooner:

"I made a promise, Mercy. I had no choice but to keep silent, I didn't want to lie to you or keep something from you...." she whispered, taking my servos in hers, "I know what you want to know."

"Why don't you tell me now? I'm not a youngling anymore, if you think I can't handle the truth...I can. I surely can," I assured her, tightening the hold on her servo. She looked back doubtfully and I forced a smile.

"Please. I think I have the right to know."

 CF cast her optics down, staring at our servos stubbornly before she shifted in her chair in discomfort.

"Your....carrier said I must keep my promise."

"My carrier? Luster? When did you two meet?" I gasped in awe, not expecting to hear about her from CF of all people. I lost my creators during the raid on Praxus. Few survived. I was among the lucky ones, forever thankful for my sire who made it possible for me to get away in time. I never saw him afterwards. Nor my carrier.

"She was...she was brought into our camp at the foot of the Manganese Mountains. Remember that place?"

"The sanctuary camp for injured citizens...." I nodded in disbelief. No way. I would've been informed if my carrier was there. The camp was built by ragtag medics, nurses and other medical officers who believed it's their duty to care for the wounded. Crossflare was among them. Halo served as a scout during that time, searching for survivors beneath the ruins of the fallen cities. She found me too.

"I wasn't the medic caring for her but she was feverishly searching for a femme called 'Mercy'. She was found a month later than you, her spark was weak, she was about to head to the Allspark. I heard about her and went to investigate. I told her I know you and she was relieved to learn that you are alright. She knew there is no way she will survive and she told me who you are, what I can't tell you and what I have to protect you from. Then she died while holding my servo, with my promise the last words she heard. I'm sorry... for never telling you this Mercy," Crossflare didn't even sound like herself. Her voice was strained, weak, guilty and quiet, her posture screamed defeat and her optics avoided looking into mine.

 I sat there, clinging into her servos as her words settled down. Previously, I had expected to feel free after her revelations. I thought the truth would give me peace. But my spark turned into a hammering, unstoppable mess, a battlefield of emotions, confusion, doubt, realization and fear.

 Crossflare saw my carrier die. And she never told me.

 She saw me staring at her blankly, my processor out of touch with reality as memories flashed before my optics. Was everything I believed false? Were the people I believed to be on my side fake? Who can I trust? My best friend, my advisor, my second carrier kept the most important secrets from me....

"What else is there?" I asked, my voice broken by fear, "What else do I not know?"

 Crossflare averted her gaze, ashamed and guilty but not holding back a thing anymore.

"Do you remember what the functions of your creators were?" she asked as if the worst part was just now coming and I took a deep intake in fearful anticipation.

"My sire was an Elite Guard officer. My carrier was a public entertainer like me....weren't they?"

"Everything is true about your sire," CF nodded slowly, heavily, "But your carrier was a special type of entertainer and as a bond-created bot you were meant to follow her role as the caste system dictated..."

 Her voice trailed off and I let go of her servos, straightening myself in my seat, spark stilling as I stared at her with wide optics.

 A slut. A whore. Whatever you wish to name it. It's your function, dear. Do not act as if you don't know.

"My carrier was a prostitute," I stated what was already obvious and my friend visibly flinched from the truth finally spoken aloud.

"So everything she taught me...what I learned and loved in my entire life...." my processor was now overheating. The dance lessons, singing, art and poetry, literature....all for the sake of becoming someone like her. It's logical since the very rare bond-born off-springs belong to the caste of their carrier.....but my own carrier had lied to me my whole life. She told me I'm training to be an entertainer, someone who shares art in so many different forms, someone who will show the world talent and beauty, that I will be free to do it my own way.

"She taught you because she had no choice," Crossflare quickly interrupted, halting my desperate train of thoughts, "Your sire loved her and loved you but all he could do to protect you was hide you away and let your carrier train you herself in private. That you grew up in isolation, far from the abuse others from your caste suffered from, was all thanks to him, and your carrier. They tried to protect you from reality, from what would await you outside."

"And after I was ready? I would have been faced with the truth then? Given to slave-owners from high-castes who would then sell me to rich mechs afterwards? Why did they all lie to me when the end was inevitable?" I rose to my pedes, unable to sit anymore. Tears stung my optics.

"They tried to protect you as long as they could! You have been untouched your entire life and its all thanks to them!" Crossflare tried to reason but all I could think of was what Airachnid had told me.

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

 Is this the reason why most people like me? Because they look at me and find me desirable to look at? And Soundwave...?

 I ran. Crossflare called after me, but I didn't stop. I didn't care. I hid in my room and locked the door. My vision was messy from tears, my digits trembling over the keyboard when I entered the code.

 Stumbling inside, I saw my reflection in the mirror on the wall. I couldn't stand looking at it.

Crossflare POV

 I regretted everything.

 I wished I could turn back time, erase my mistakes and make everything right. This is why I kept things from Mercy: she was unable to handle it. Ever since I told her the truth she hasn't left her room. She was skipping work and excused herself with sickness but she wasn't sick. She was broken.

 Soundwave has come for the fifth time today, getting impatient and more forceful each time he demanded to be allowed in and 'speak' to her. She turned him down and I kept him outside. Mercy needed some time alone in order to digest what has been revealed. There is nothing more I can do for her now.

 I walked absent-mindedly down the corridor. At some point Optimus - or rather Orion - joined me, trying to create conversation. He wished to get to know everybody on the warship, and was very curious about what I was working on.

 Seeing him act so out of character made me squirm in discomfort, but I did my best to answer his questions as vaguely as I could.

"Synthetic Energon?" he gaped when I told him about my work in progress and he was amazed to learn I was close to creating fuel synthetically.

"Yes. It's still incomplete, but I'm on a good track," I chuckled awkwardly.

 It was strange. Our roles have reversed. The last time we walked like this I looked up to him and saw a noble, wise, experienced leader. Now I only saw an inexperienced young librarian with many question marks and unquenchable curiosity while he was the one holding me in high regards.

"And your work? What has Lord Megatron entrusted you with?"

"Decoding the Iacon Database. Many important relics have landed on this planet and with proper coordinates, we can find them. Megatronus....I mean, Megatron is worried the Autobots might use these relics as destructive weapons if they find them first," Orion was sincere, naive and open, like a sparkling. He reminded me of Mercy. Only if he knew the truth....

 But I didn’t dare gamble with my or Mercy’s life. So I kept my mouth shut and smiled, hoping that this situation would resolve somehow by itself.

Halo POV

"I can't believe it! We made it!" I whispered excitedly after we landed inside the ship and made sure that every Eradicon left.  The fact that we managed to sneak in without even being detected was a huge miracle itself.

"Shut up! Anyone can hear us!" Starscream hissed nervously and tiptoed to the door. We headed down the corridor and peeked out at every corner. Our destination was obvious. The supply-room, with rows and rows of energon cubes in there waiting just for us. We would have raided it immediately, but an unusual sight stopped us in our tracks: two guards stood by the entrance door. I used to work on this level but no guards have been stationed by the door before. What happened while we were away?

"And now?" I asked quietly, mildly irritated by the fact that we will have to get through those poor Vehicons.

"Leave them to me," Starscream straightened himself and stepped out of our cover without giving me a warning. I gasped in fright, my spark missing a beat.

"Starscream!" the Vehicons pointed their blasters at him the second they noticed him, clearly not as a sign of welcome.

 Great, my dear ally forgot to fill me in with his plans. What am I supposed to do....

"That's Commander Starscream," he corrected them and raised his chin stubbornly. Oh...I see where this is going.

"What's your malfunction? Lower those weapons immediately!" he barked at them when the confused Vehicons exchanged a hesitant glance but didn't seem to obey him.

"I'm sorry Sir, but Lord Megatron ordered that you be taken into custody should you ever return to the ship," one of them answered apologetically.

 What?! Why would Starscream be taken to custody? Is it because he deserted?

"What?!" Starscream yelled but quickly eased back as soon as he realized his pokerface fell for a second there, "Clearly, there has been a mistake." 

 I highly doubted that he would talk this out but before I could have stepped in, I heard a shot, metal clashing and the well known sound of Starscream's claws ripping something apart. My optics opened wide as I stared at the sight of the two guards now still on the floor, energon oozing from the hole Starscream practically punched into them. 

 Starscream took a look around like nothing happened then beckoned to me to follow him. 

"It's clear. Hurry," he stepped over the dead bodies and entered the code for the door.

"Seriously?! You had to?" I hissed as I joined him.

"I had no choice, you know," he grumbled flatly and the door opened.

"What is it?" he asked after he noticed I wasn't following him inside.

"I... I will be back in a minute," I told him but he grabbed my wrist before I could walk away. 

"There is no time to find your friends! What if someone detects you? You can't protect yourself!"

"Is that worry I hear?" I concealed my nerves with sass and he let me go with a scoff.

"Fine. Go if you want! I give you five minutes. I will leave you here if you don't arrive back in time." 

 I gratefully nodded and ran off into the direction where my old room was. The room I used to share with Crossflare and Mercy. The idea of meeting them warmed my spark but I knew I was risking my life. This was a stupid decision and I might pay for this if I'm not careful enough.

 Running across hallways, I practically fell into our room after punching the code in and I was greeted by a sight I didn't expect. Crossflare was nowhere to be seen but Mercy was there, curled up in a ball in the farthest corner and she was sobbing quietly, miserably.

"Mercy! What happened to you?" my protective nature awakened immediately, I rushed to her side and she looked up in disbelief and shock.

"Halo? Am I hallucinating now?" she rubbed and wiped her optics, shaking her head when I didn't disappear and when she touched me she found me solid and very much real. How long has it been since we last saw each other?

"What's wrong Mercy? Who hurt you? Why isn't Crossflare with you?" I bombarded her with questions and she cast her optics down in shame. She was about to cry again but I shook her shoulders until she answered me:

"Crossflare saw my carrier die and never told me. Then it turned out that I was always meant to be a prostitute. Halo, nothing is the same anymore! Crossflare doesn't even look like herself anymore and I don't know who I am right now... Everything was an illusion, a dream...but Airachnid was right, I have to wake up. And here I am, weak and miserable, not a Decepticon, not a Neutral, not an Autobot either and not even the person who I thought I was!"

 I listened to her with growing disbelief and I grasped her servos, holding her tight when I embraced her in a tight hug, unable to say anything at first. She whimpered quietly on my shoulder, asking many whys and hows. I didn't understand everything she said. How...? When....?

 What happened while I was away...?

 My inner chronometer ticked.

"Mercy, listen to me," I pushed her further but kept my strong grip on both of her arms, my optics locked on hers as she sought help in me and I was intent to be a support, "I don't know what happened to you, who said what to you, but I don't have much time..."

"Are you going away again?" she cried, fear cutting into her like a blade.

"I HAVE TO!" I snapped, frustrated and conflicted as I weighed my choices. My spark pulled me in two different ways: I'm needed here with my friends but I'm also needed by Starscream's side. The tension in my frame was overwhelming and I shook my head apologetically when I saw that I frightened her, "Sorry....I didn't mean to yell at you. I've made my choices, there is no way back for me. Let me tell you something and please mark my words."

She nodded, an understanding but desperate gaze meeting mine.

"I went rogue by my own decision. I saw many things and chose to be Neutral again. Yes, I left you two behind and for that my spark still aches but Mercy, we have the right to choose! Most of my life, I followed others and this war uses us as tools to feed the machine of hatred and destruction. I won't be a servant to anyone ever again! No one defines me, no matter what others say. You are no different! You can live your own life Mercy and your past doesn't matter when you start anew! You are who you want to be, not who others say you are."

 Mercy's grip on me tightened, tears streamed down her face as she closed her optics, shaking her head and it pained me to see her like this. I continued, now unafraid to ask:

"Come with me. We can go back to our old days. We can live on our own, no rules set for us, no one to tell us who we are. Let's escape this madness and we might be able to outwait the war!"

 I was hopeful when she looked up, wishing that she would say yes and take my servo, run with me. I know Starscream would complain of another liability, but I would make sure Mercy would be alright. We could make life bearable together.

"I can't think that way Halo," she muttered, "I can't run anymore. You followed others in your entire life, I ran from my past whether knowing it or not. I can't...go with you..."

"Mercy," my shoulders slumped, disappointment and sorrow weighing them down as I watched her, the brightest person in my world broken like a bird without wings to fly.

 Who did this to her? What has transpired during my absence? I can't wrap my processor around it...

"HALO WHERE THE PIT ARE YOU?!"

 I froze when Starscream's voice filled my comm-link and judging by the sound of his voice, he was in trouble. Oh no. Time is up.

"Is that...?" Mercy heard it as well and stared at me in awe when I nodded and stood up, straightening to me full height nervously. I didn't want to leave her here like this but my help was needed elsewhere.

"I'm sorry but I have to go," I headed for the door but my friend called after me in despair:

"Don't leave please! There is no one else I can trust! Halo!"

 My spark skipped a beat when I stopped, my servos clenching into fists, trembling. I can't stay, I have to go. There is no other way for me.

"You have Crossflare, Mercy. Whatever happened between you two, please don't shatter my spark with the thought that any kind of misunderstanding you two currently have would be able to erase eons of friendship and trust just like that. You said yourself: you don't want to run. Then don't run. I'm sorry Mercy, but this is a good bye from me. We will meet sometime...eventually."

 With that I was outside the room, running, denta barred and spark hammering. What have I done again? Why do I feel like I'm torn in two and how could I leave my best friend behind in a state like that?

 Starscream's signal was fading which meant he left the ship and I almost stumbled over my own ped.

"Oh, don't tell me..." I gasped, running into the hangar and jumping out into the air through a hole blasted into the wall. I never flew without him before and it was pitch dark outside. But I had no time to list my fears, I had to find him.

 I followed the faint signature with a quickly pulsing spark and I chased a trail of smoke leading into the woods. Not a good sign. I could only hope I will find my idiot partner in one piece. Just the idea that he could be dead by the time I reach him made me shudder in fear. 

 I was afraid to lose him, it was futile to deny that.

 Crushed trees and a few scattered energon cubes led the way once I finally touched the ground and I ran around feverishly until I found Starscream. He was lying on his back unconsciously, resting against a large rock twice his size.

"Starscream!" I yelled and skidded next to him in panic. His left leg was damaged and leaked energon but I couldn't measure how serious it was. He coughed roughly.

"I shouldn't have left him alone!" I hissed, blaming myself for the whole incident. If I were there with him this might have never happened.

"Starscream! Can you hear me? Starscream!" I slapped his face from the right then the left until he finally opened his optics and grunted, batting my servo away.

"Stop it!" he growled and I sighed in relief while he struggled to sit up. I helped him carefully and he sourly assessed the damage on his limb.

"Scrap..."

"Don't move," I said and he frowned at me. 

"As if I could!" 

"Sorry. It was my fault," I cast my optics down in a guilty manner. 

"Yes, yours! I shouldn't have waited for you so long! Argh...!" he caught his servo to his wound and groaned painfully, "I need a medic. Immediately." 

"But where should we get one from? Knock Out is aboard the Nemesis!" I looked up at the sky helplessly and the ship was already lost in the darkness. It will be impossible to locate it again.

"We have another option."

Mercy POV 

 When I finally emerged from my room the next day I met Halo -who I strongly believe to be my hallucination- , I found the ship upside-down and Megatron was seething. I had no idea what was going on.

 In the end, closing myself away for such a long time didn't help at all because the only thing that actually motivated me was Halo's appearance. I mused over what she said and she was right. Just because Crossflare tried to protect me from something she thought would hurt me, I can't lose my trust in her. She did as she believed she should. I can't blame her for not telling me the secrets she harbored when the ending result was this. I can't even recognize myself.

 But I can't run away anymore. Whatever happened resides in the past and therefore I can't change it but who I am going to be, well, I can work on that. I must settle everything with Crossflare because she is still dear to me and I don't want to lose her. She is the only one who I can trust. Do I need more?

 Crossflare was shocked when I popped up in her laboratory out of the blue and jumped at her, embracing her in a tight hug while flooding her with sorrys and apologies. The way she hugged me back, the relief in her embrace told more than any words she could speak and I felt stupid for not doing this sooner.

 I was never angry with her after all. What kept me from her was the fear that we might never be the same way we had been before.

"It's okay. It's okay. I am the one to say sorry," she held me close, stroking my head gently like my carrier would.

 Making up with her gave me much more relief and peace than I would have imagined.

"What happened here?" after we finally let go of each other I put up the question that has been bugging me ever since I left my room.

"You won't believe me," she rubbed her forehead with a tired sigh and I eagerly drank her story about an Optimus who turned Decepticon and helped us decode the Iacon Database and just left the ship yesterday when Starscream sneaked on board.

"Oh...so Halo was not my hallucination after all...." I thought, choosing not to tell my friend about it. Crossflare would not take it well and would only overreact, and besides, Halo came and went like a fairy who appeared only to help me. It better stays that way.

"Mercy..." Crossflare called after me when I was about to leave and have a decent shower I hadn't taken in about a week or two, "....is everything okay then? I mean, this change is so sudden, I’d believed...."

"It doesn't matter anymore, CF," I smiled, a first smile in what felt like an eternity, "Past is past. I can't help the way I was born but I am the one who decides who I want to become."

 Crossflare blinked in surprise, then a gentle smile spread on her face.

"That's right."

 I waved a servo and left, feeling fresh just by talking to her and saying what mattered out aloud. Halo was right and I will not run anymore, no matter what others or even Airachnid say about me. This determination put me back on track, or so I believed.

 I hadn't reached the wash-racks yet when I bumped into Soundwave who turned on the same corner and was seemingly in a hurry. Startled for a second, I jumped back but seeing that it was only him, I eased with a huff.

"Oh, it's you. Sorry for crashing into you, I was not paying attention..."

"Explanation," Megatron's voice demanded from his record banks and it suddenly dawned on me that he had no idea why I was locked away this whole time and I shut out my superior officer selfishly for a week or more as if I had the authority to do that. I am in trouble.

"Um...must I do that now? I need to shower and clear my processor first..."

 Soundwave stepped aside and gestured towards the wash-racks as if letting me pass and I nodded to him gratefully. Judging by the way he followed my every move with his gaze, he was about to join me this time too and I found nothing unusual in that, given that we have been showering together for a while on occasions.

 If Crossflare knew, she would surely beat him up and then lecture me, but I already convinced myself that Soundwave is not one to take advantage of a lady. And I stayed resolute in that belief ever since.

 When we stepped into the room, the three Vehicons inside quickly excused themselves like usual. They knew the unspoken rules well when it came to being near the Communications Chief and I wondered how CF doesn't know anything from the possible gossip that may go around behind our backs in the ranks.

 I stretched my limbs as I headed to the farthest stall, trying to soothe the remaining tension in my body. There is nothing wrong, I made up with Crossflare, I got to learn my carrier died in peace and my origins have nothing to do with the present me. Afterall, I can't be something I never knew about, can I?

 Today it was really hard to practice my optimism but I think I was doing alright. Halo couldn't have timed better. I have so much to thank her for.

 When I opened the casing on the wall and picked up a sponge, I noticed the expectant stare of Soundwave who followed me but didn't seem to be taking my silence well. I wonder since when can I read him so expertly.

"Oh, right, explanation," I scratched my head and turned to face him sheepishly, "Um...I had an existential crisis."

"...for two weeks?"

 I fiddled with the sponge nervously.

 Soundwave was obsessed with learning information, including personal information you might not want to share. Well, there were certain things I didn't wish to tell him or let him know. It was one thing to accept my past and my origins but it is certainly a much different thing to share this information with him of all people. To be honest, I would prefer him not to learn of it ever.

"Yes," I muttered, turning on the shower tap above me. I must do something while I figure out how to present the truth in a less revealing way, "Sorry for closing you out but I just couldn't bring myself to see anyone. Not even my friend....I'm truly sorry for not saying anything. I guess you are not pleased with my behavior."

 Soundwave stepped under the water and confirmed my words with a nod. I glanced down at the ground while rubbing my shoulder.

"These past few days have been a real mess Soundwave. I...I've learned things of my past I didn't expect to."

 I felt his body stiffen beside me but I continued, focusing too much on what I was saying.

"All this time I've thought I knew who I was and then things I didn't expect were suddenly revealed to me and I had to reconstruct this image of myself. I'm still not sure in the details but I know I will eventually overcome my doubts. I must start anew and..."

 There was something in his still body-language that made me feel alarmed. It felt like tension suddenly skyrocketed between us and I had no idea why. Did I say something wrong? Was he angry at me? My explanation must be too vague, not certain enough. But I can't tell him the whole truth...

 Two servos took my hips in a gentle grasp but firm enough to make me flinch in alarm. My wings flattened out when a chest came in contact with my back panels, the heat of a spark sensible through every sensor in my spinal strut.

"What exactly - have you learned?"

 Dread filled me at once. I've never feared Soundwave but he was starting to scare me right now. When I backed out of his hold and turned around with the intention to clarify his intentions, my way was blocked by his arms as he slammed his servos on the wall and I found myself flattening against it out of instinct as well. My thoughts circled wildly, spark hammering in doubt and anticipation of what was to come.

 It just can't be.

Soundwave has never taken advantage of me. I refuse to believe he would.

"What are you...?" I gasped, my optics darting around feverishly. This was the first aggressive action I've seen from him so far and it scared me. 

"What exactly - have you learned?" he repeated the recording with growing impatience.

  I wouldn't have been able to talk even if I wanted to because all I could think of was an escape route. Crossflare's warnings might be true after all. Why didn't I listen to her? Was I naive again? Was I....?

 Was Airachnid right after all?

 Laserbeak's uneasy chirps snapped me back to reality. Soundwave seemed to ignore the minicon's protest or warning or whatever it was, I didn't bother to translate in my current state of mind.

"Soundwave, I don't know what's going on but I'm not going to talk about my past," it took me all courage to speak up. My voice wavered and I uncertainly edged towards the left where I could slip away if I was quick enough to sneak under his arm.

 I was calculating, nervously tapping on the wall with my servos behind me but I actually froze when he retreated one of his servos and lifted it to his face. Expecting anything but that, my mouth parted slightly and my optics widened when the edges of his visor clicked and the mask that has been concealing his face all this time was taken off carefully.

 Red optics stared down at me and I found myself gasping in awe at the sight of the face I've always wished to see but never thought I would ever lay an optic on. Soundwave had a smooth, dark gray faceplate, a thin mouth and narrow optics with two black lines framing his cheeks. One would expect rougher features, maybe even scars or a battle-torn face but I found none of those and for a moment I just stared in disbelief and shock and the question of why he even shows me barely raced through my processor.

 His optics searched for something, I could sense it, but I had no idea what or what I should do now. 

 But my fascination was cut short when a digit gently touched the side of my face, trailing down its curve and my intake got caught in my throat. If I wanted to run I was surely unable now. A dozen thoughts whirled in my head and my cooling fans kicked in when Soundwave planted his other servo on my waist, his chest brushing against mine. Cold lips met my warm ones in a kiss that sent shivers down my spine.

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

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

 Soundwave has never taken advantage of me. I refuse to believe he would.

 He did. I shut my optics, fighting tears, pushed him away with all the strength I had, breaking body-contact and in the brief moment I gained, I slipped away and dashed out of the wash-racks. Water dripped off my frame, concealing the tears that mingled with it.

 Just when I thought my world would fall back into place, the ground disappeared from under my pedes once again.

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV

 Mercy barely left when Knock Out showed up. He curiously glanced over his shoulder, then looked back to me with a raised optic ridge.

“She is out of her self-induced detention?”

“We made up,” I sighed with a small smile.

Knock Out took notice and mirrored the smile as he strolled closer. There was a datapad in his servo but he didn’t look like he was going to talk about work. He just leaned against the table next to me and stayed like that for about a minute, quietly watching as I reorganized the samples I prepared before his arrival.

“What?” I asked once I caught him watching me.

“You look happy.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“You practically glow, it would be hard not to notice.”

When I looked up again he was grinning.

I thought we had established that he won’t flirt with me anymore but he didn’t seem to remember at the moment. I chose to ignore it.

“I’m just glad she has forgiven me. And that she is alright. I couldn’t ask for more.”

“Hm, maybe it is time you started forgiving yourself too?”

I was struck by his words. He nodded in my direction and there was something in his expression that oddly pacified me. I couldn’t bring myself to get upset by the personal conversation he was instigating.

“Want to talk about it?”

There was a moment of silent tension.

“I’m still sorry you had to witness that.”

“For Primus’ sake, stop apologizing for once. I’m your medic, I’d have had to see it sooner or later and I’m obligated to check up on you.”

“I’m okay,” I lied. I was far from it, and the deadpan look he gave me told me he knows as well.

“Well, I guess as okay as a dying person can be.”

“Very funny, Knock Out.”

“I wouldn’t make light of it if you took it more seriously yourself, but since you insist on being ignorant, I feel like acting ignorant as well.”

I released a loud sigh and turned from the table, going towards the computer displays.

“What do you want? If you’re interested in the improvements of my research, I can quickly summarize for you.”

“We’ll get to that, don’t rush. I’m still waiting for my previous question to be answered.”

Growling, I turned sharply. He raised an optic ridge and crossed his arms.

“What now? Will you yell at me? I’m the only one who knows of your condition. You may as well just confide in me. I wouldn’t tell anyone, doctor’s oath and all.”

I felt like I was being manipulated, but the growing tension in my frame slowly dissipated as I realized that indeed, he was absolutely right. He knew my secret. He saw the worst part of me and yet was willing to learn. What a strange thought. And an even stranger feeling.

Resigned, I put down my own datapad and sat on the nearby counter. Knock Out took my silence and position as an invitation and strolled over to me, leaning against the counter as he settled beside me in a respectful distance. How strange of him.

“So? Ask away. I assume you have concrete questions in mind.”

Knock Out tried to seem nonchalant but I had a feeling he was anything but.

“Well, pardon me my curiosity but it is rare to come across anyone with a fracture bond*, even less with a…well, dead one. Care to tell me when did you acquire that bond?”

“You make it sound like a bond can be bought at the market,” I huffed, eyeing him with a hint of offense.

“It’s hard to word it in a way that isn’t personal,” Knock Out shrugged. “It is a rare thing nonetheless. So, how did you?”

“It’s a long story. His name was…Sidewire. We worked in the same field and he…he was an annoying coworker but his spark was in the right place. He just wouldn’t leave me alone. Pestering me was his favorite pastime. I guess he just grew on me over time. We did quite a few projects together, like the cure for the Nanovirus that paralyzed many in Uraya.”

“Oh, I heard about that one. How come we never met at the medical academy?”

“Different faculties I guess.”

“What a shame…”

“Khm, yes, so we spent almost all of our time together. He introduced me to his friends, to the social life he led, and for the first time in my life I wasn’t living for my work. You see, my function has been the meaning of my life ever since I came online. Then he showed up and told me that there is more to life. I didn’t want to believe him, but he proved me wrong. We decided to bond on the 50th anniversary of our first meeting.”

“You didn’t rush,” Knock Out commented with a hint of sarcasm.

“Why rush? I wasn’t sure. I thought he could do much better than me. Sometimes I was too preoccupied with work to notice him. It wasn’t healthy. I feared that I wouldn’t be a good match in the long run.”

Knock Out hummed but didn’t say anything.

“So that’s how. He convinced me with sheer willpower. I’m thankful to have known him.”

“And…how did he…?”

“Die?” I breathed, optics staring ahead with an empty expression, fighting a surge of emotions. “He was protecting me. Us. Halo and Mercy were with us at that time. It happened on a Neutral ship. We were attacked by pirates. It was a hopeless fight so we chose flight. He….”

Knock Out remained quiet. I hated him for it because his silence made the droplets of my tears that much louder.

Halo POV

"I can't believe that Ratchet and Bulkhead were such jerks! They almost let you die!" I snapped furiously. Another negative point to the Autobots. On top of the reluctant behavior Bulkhead almost punched Starscream in the face. How very kind of him.

"What did you expect from them? Sympathy? They brag of empty ideals but in reality they are just as merciless as we Decepticons," Starscream huffed in annoyance, checking his treated injury for the sixth time.

"We are Neutrals dear," I corrected him as I sat down next to him at the large boulder he sat by.

"Whatever," he shrugged, then tipped the cube of energon in his hands and drank from it.

I also had one with me and proudly held it up. Starscream’s initial anger over our predicament was quickly erased beforehand when I showed him the three cubes of stolen energon I stole after I collected them from where I left them.

He was hungry, no wonder. I chuckled at the sight of his pleased expression and he seemed to ignore me as he refueled. I couldn’t stay quiet for long though.

“What will we do?" I carefully glanced at his injured but treated leg.

“No idea. Recharge, wait until I heal then look for an opportunity to kill Megatron!"

“Um...why that revenge-plan again?”

“Because he ordered to extinguish me should I ever land on the Nemesis! Snuffed by Vehicons? Really? How dare he!" Starscream growled and almost crushed that cube between his claws.

"You are terribly sensitive to such things. Just let it go, when did he not want to extinguish you, really?" I poked his shoulder armor but he only frowned at me.

"You talk easily. You haven't been injured or beaten as many times by him as me!"

"That's true but what can we do, really? We have just experienced first-hand how dangerous it is to go back to the Nemesis. It would be easier to rob the mines next time," I took a swig from the cube.

Starscream murmured something under his breath but I didn't mind him. My thoughts drifted from our predicament to the troubling news I’ve learned about Optimus and my friends as we continued refueling until nothing but a few drops of energon remained in our cubes. What an eventful day! I licked my sharp digits in satisfaction and noted that my tank was full.

My always complaining partner didn't comment anything this time, he just lay back and closed his optics with an exhausted sigh. I yawned. I was also tired so I did the same. An eventless night of good recharge didn’t sound so bad…

Except I received a good swat in the face in the morning when Starscream pushed my head away. Oh. It seemed like my head lolled to the side and found purchase on his shoulder plate during recharge.

Starscream got to his pedes with an irritated growl.

“I would appreciate it if you kept your parts to yourself during the night.”

"Hmph, It’s not like I cuddled up to you on purpose," I rubbed my optics but grinned nevertheless, then yawned loudly as I did every morning.

"Do we want to argue or can we head off already?" Starscream pointed in a random direction with a deadpan look.

“Gimme a nanoclick,” I stretched a little more as I stood, then dusted myself off and grinned at him. “Ready!”

He just rolled his optics then started forward and led the way. It took him two days to heal enough to be able to transform and he wasn’t listening when I told him to take it easy. I had a hunch that he was just pretending to be strong. But I didn’t argue.

It was a cloudy day when we began heading east and I could tell he hadn't got any plan in mind, he just wanted to fly as far as he could. After several miles my sensors picked up a signal.

"Starscream," I caught up to him in confusion, "Do you...?"

"Yes. I've also noticed it," he answered, "We should check it out. Let’s be cautious, it can be a trap."

I anxiously followed him as we tracked down the signal. It led us to a wasteland. We landed on a larger cliff in a safe distance and carefully inspected the environment. Then we spotted a prominent and familiar figure down below.

"That's Bumblebee!"

The yellow Autobot was lying unconsciously next to a strange machine pinned into the ground. There were humans buzzing around the fallen Autobot. I felt my spark clench at the sight.

"It would appear that the signal was a trap. Heh, better Bumblebee than us," Starscream smirked, almost wickedly.

"That's MECH! Again!" I bared my claws. They were trying to get something out of the poor bot. Those heartless cruel aftholes! I felt the urge to jump down and step on them but Starscream held his servo out and shook his head.

"Don't do anything reckless. Or you will be the next on their dissection table."

"B-but I can't let them do this!"

"Why not? We are Neutrals, don't you remember?" he grinned at me, enjoying how the situation upset me. This jerk!

I relented with a huff. Yes, he is right. He is barely healed and wouldn’t want to pick a fight. I felt guilty for not helping Bumblebee, but getting Starcscream and me in trouble just to help him out didn’t seem to be worth the effort.

Soon the humans managed to get something out and they left as quickly as they came. I felt relief wash over me when I noticed Bulkhead coming to the rescue. At least Bee will be home soon. Maybe missing a piece of himself, but not offline.

"Hm...we are done here. Come," Starscream leapt into the air and I followed him without hesitation.

To my surprise he chose to track the helicopters.

"Hey, why are we following them?" I asked in confusion. Aren’t we avoiding them? Shouldn’t we keep our distance?

"I'm curious about what they are up to."

I felt bad about this. Shouldn't we continue our journey? We headed back where we previously came from until we reached the same place in the forest where the secret base we last came upon stood. Just seeing it was enough for me to shudder in disgust. Did we really need to come back here?

We landed a bit farther in a safe distance, yet I felt like we were already in crosshairs.

"Starscream..." my voice wavered more than I expected.

Not minding me a glance at all, he sneaked closer to the entrance and examined the area carefully. I angrily followed him and poked his shoulder as I peeked out beside him.

"What?"

“You don't intend to go in, right? We should just destroy the whole place and go!"

"Hm, that wouldn't be fun. There is some serious mystery going on in that building, and I have an idea of what they are planning. We could use them to our advantage if I’m correct and I’m willing to give it a try."

I frowned, perplexed, then the pieces fell into place.

“W-wait... you want to cooperate with them?!" I snapped.

"If it means getting energon then yes," Starscream grinned viciously. Idiot!

“No! Uh-uh! Nope! I’m not partaking in this! These humans can't be trusted! No way!" I shook my head with great emphasis and turned away. I hoped he would follow my example but I should have expected that he was just too stupid for that.

“Fine. Then stay here and wait," he shrugged nonchalantly then carelessly stepped out of the woods and made his way towards the building.

"Starscream!" I spun around, not surprised, just disappointed, and called after him in concern. He turned his head back one more time and I couldn't hide the worry in my voice as I asked:

"Please be careful!”

A wide, almost affectionate smile spread on his face.

“If I need backup, I will comm you. But don’t worry, these are just clumsy humans anyway."

With that he left and I watched him in fear as he peeked through the slightly ajar door of the hangar. My claws etched deep scars into the tree trunk that I was holding onto as my spark raced. If they shoot him, if they torture him, if they dissect him...no way I will let them do that! I tried to calm my thoughts so that I would be ready when the time comes to protect my careless partner, but I had a hunch that things will just get more complicated.

Mercy POV

The silence which was so comfortable in the Communications Room before now screamed loudly at me. Even the Vehicons noticed the tension in the air and although they haven’t commented on it, I felt their stare.

Soundwave seemed to be fine, too fine, for a situation such as ours, which made me even more nervous and desperate to know what was going on in his head. Why is he acting like nothing happened? Why do I feel like I just made up the whole thing and nothing really happened? Was I hallucinating in the shower? Why am I the only one affected so much? Why was I so naive?

If Crossflare finds out she is going to break Soundwave’s arms first, then lock me up in my room next. I still haven’t told her - and for obvious reasons - didn’t plan to at all. But I really craved some good advice, because I was completely lost.

I felt betrayed, yet also disappointed.

Soundwave seemed to ignore my occasional stare in his direction. I knew he knew, of course he did, nothing escapes his attention. Then why doesn’t he make an attempt to settle this…whatever this is between us?

I was willing to forgive and move on if it meant we will be back to what we had if only he explained his reasons and intentions. Is it pointless to hope for an explanation from him? Probably.

Was it really as simple as Airachnid suggested? Attraction to my frame and function? Is that all?

But the fact that he showed me his face spoke volumes. This was the tiny detail that kept bugging me and made me second-guess everything I felt about the incident. Is there more to his actions than what I assumed first?

Was Airachnid right or wrong? Am I making any sense with all these chaotic thoughts at all?

Argh, my helm can’t take this anymore!

When my break time arrived I quickly ducked out of the room as if running from the whole ordeal altogether. Nobody stopped me, but I felt the stares.

Then I heard a familiar sound and stopped in my tracks to turn and see Laserbeak catch up to me in a hurry.

“Laserbeak?” I asked in surprise. He wasn’t the type to hang around me more than necessary. Did Soundwave send him?

The minicon made circles around me and chirped in a frustrated manner. Ah, again. He had a problem with me. I cast my optics down and sighed. What do I do that makes him frustrated all the time?

His furious chirps continued and I frowned in concentration to decipher what he was trying to say. Out of everything he was barking at me one word stood out the most “promise”. He repeated it at least three times. I didn’t understand.

"What promise?"

Laserbeak made a few more rounds above my head, then settled on my shoulder.

“Can’t remember?”

“Remember what?” he was making me even more confused. Have I ever made a promise to him or Soundwave? I can’t recall.

“Where is Ravage?” he asked next.

“Who?”

Laserbeak whined and flew off again, disappointed. He kept repeating that I ‘forgot’ and I just watched him with a bewildered expression, helpless.

What on Cybertron is he talking about?

The feeling that I should know something bugged me all the way until I entered the mess hall and found Crossflare sitting opposite of Knock Out and Breakdown. I huffed in relief at the sight and jogged up to them with a forced smile. I had to pretend I was okay.

Laserbeak flew off after I took my seat at their table and I watched him go with a concerned expression. What was he trying to say with all that?

I was beginning to overthink and it didn't help. Should I try and ask Soundwave directly about it? Would he give me an answer?

I bit my lower lip. Seriously...what is going on?

Halo POV

I comm-linked Starscream when I noticed human movement in the nearby area and flew off. He replied curtly, telling me to stay close in case I’m needed but also stay unnoticed.

There was a risk in being separated but I was willing to take it if it meant at least one of us will be able to help the other in case of an emergency.

Just be careful Starscream...

I don’t think he had an understanding of my concern for his well-being. Even I was surprised to realize that the thought of him being in danger upset me a great deal. We were only two in this big hostile world and I grew attached to him as a companion. He can be a whiny little aft for all I care, but I want him to stay close and out of harm’s way.

Am I being sentimental?

Suddenly a nervous chill ran down my spine and I felt the urge to comm him. I have spent too many hours in the air and his silence was starting to unnerve me.

"Starscream, it's me. Need help?"

To my relief, his answer came almost instantly:

"I'm back at the base. Stay clear of the radars but be around."

“Should I come back? Do you need me…?”

"You worry too much. Everything is under my control.”

“Ugh, fine..."

I did another circle in the air. The base wasn’t too far off, I could still see it but my concern only increased with each passing minute. Will he comm me when he is done? Can I go already? I know it's better if I'm out of MECH's reach for the time being but will he be okay alone? He said he has everything under control, but does he really? He can be such a fool. And he is so fragile.

No doubt, I've built a very strong emotional attachment to him. I didn't deny it like some would do. I liked him and I was willing to show my concern and care. Just comm me already!

My wish was heard because the comm suddenly pinged, but my relief was short lived.

"Halo! Come immediatel-AAAAAaahhhh!"

My spark missed a beat.

Slag!

"Starscream! Starscream answer me!" I changed direction in a second and headed back at full speed. I fragging knew this! He is such an idiot! Making a deal with human scums, yeah good idea, slagger!

I tried to comm him many times on my way back pointlessly. I figured that he won’t be able to answer me yet I still kept calling.

Oh, please just stay online until I get back! Please don't die...don't!

The line remained silent. I wouldn’t have been able to really describe my fear. Many possible outcomes circled in my mind as I tried to come up with a plan. I had no idea what would await me. All I knew was that Starscream had to live and we had to get out of there in one piece.

To the Pit with that place and all those humans! Let there be casualties!

The MECH base came closer as I approached and I noticed smoke snaking from the building up towards the sky. Not a good sign. Transforming mid-air, I performed my first instantly-to-ped landing, which wasn’t a crash-land. I would’ve been proud if my processor wasn’t occupied with other worries.

I rushed inside the building after I landed in a frenzy and accidentally bumped into something yellow.

"Oh-Bumblebee?!" I gasped.

The yellow Autobot looked up at me with just a hint of surprise. He raised his sorrow-filled optics as if he had seen someone die but all I could see was a small burned part in his servos.

Wait, isn’t that a T-cog? Is it what MECH has taken out of him the last time I saw him? If so, it was beyond repair. Slag.

"Uh, I’m sorry for that…umm, I'm not an enemy," I raised my servos in a placating manner and carefully walked out of his way to take a better look inside.

No sign of Starscream. But everything was in disarray. What happened here? Was there a fight? Did MECH take him?

Where are you, slagger?!

I exited the way I came and quickly made a recon of the surrounding area. My spark hammered loudly in my chest as my worry and despair increased. What have they done to him? Where could they take him? Why couldn’t he answer me?

The questions were starting to overwhelm me but then I spotted him. Light glinted on a silver finish between the trees and I rushed there in panic.

"Starscream!" I cried out when I saw him lying unconsciously on the ground. He didn’t react to his name nor my arrival.

He just lay there, motionless.

I knelt down in a rush and shook him but to no avail. I tried slapping his face, hitting his chest, pointlessly. As if he was offline.

I pressed my audio-receptor to his chest and sighed in relief when I felt his spark pulsing. Tears welled up in my optics. This fool!

“You fragging idiot!" I choked on a sob, "I thought you died!"

Wiping my tears and trying to calm myself, I stood up and thought of a way to get out of here. There was not much to do. I bent my wings and hefted him onto my back. I’ll have to carry him.

Ugh, he was heavy!

I clasped my servos around his wrists which hung lifelessly over my shoulders and I took a few careful steps forward before I made my way through the trees.

We have to get as far as possible. MECH might still be in the near and the Autobots are surely due to arrive if Bee is around.

As if on cue, I heard a ground-bridge open and then the movement of an unmistakable team. I grit my denta and kept going at a faster pace.

I have no idea how long I trekked for, but I didn’t stop until I fell from exhaustion in the middle of the forest.

With the last of my strength I pulled Starscream into the shadow of a collapsed giant tree. I leaned back against the trunk as I sat beside him and positioned him to lay his head in my lap.

Wondering when he would come to his senses, I huffed and closed my optics, suddenly too tired and too emotional to think. At least we got away and he wasn’t offline.

With one last sigh, I made a mental note to shoot down anybody who approaches us. Then I nodded off a moment later, swaying between dream and reality.

Not much time went by when I woke up as he came back online with a jolt.

I let him sit up as he tried to make sense of his surroundings in panic.

“W-what? Where am I?"

"It's okay, I'm here.”

Starscream got to his pedes and looked over the area, then himself, and his optics finally settled on me.

“Where were you?! I commed!" and the first thing he did was yell at me.

"You told me to stay away but I came as soon as you commed!" I got up too, now scowling at him in anger.

"Couldn't you come sooner? Who knows what they did to me!" he glanced over himself again, patting his sides as if he was searching for something, then he tried to transform, only to find out he couldn't. His parts weren't shifting.

“My T-cog!" horror settled on his face as he realized what happened to him.

Oh, slag. I was fuming now.

"I told you it's dangerous! You should've listened to me!" I cried out in fury.

"You were too late!"

“No! You were too stupid! Admit it already!" I raised my voice, clenching my fists, "I almost spit my spark out just to arrive back in time! Do you know how much you worried me?! I thought they killed or dissected you! I imagined the worst! You made me fragging cry, you IDIOT!"

He recoiled with wide optics, stunned.

"Idiot, idiot, idiot!” I kept repeating, now hysterical, “Why do you always have to make such rash and stupid decisions?! Why can’t you just stay away from danger?! Have you no self-preservation at all?!"

Starscream averted his optics, now unsure, and muttered something under his breath which I didn’t understand but then he turned away completely. One servo still clutched his side where his T-cog was missing.

My anger only grew at the sight. I wanted to step on those humans for what they did. Oh boy, I was livid.

“Feel free to leave," Starscream’s next words were like a bucket of ice down my spine.

What?

He sounded tired. Defeated. As if he had enough and didn’t have the strength to argue anymore.

"No one asked you to follow me or care about what I do."

This little jerk….! The anger in me flared up again.

“Right. No one," I nodded my head and lowered my tone, "I decided to stay with you. It was a choice I made.”

“Then blame yourself."

I pressed my lips together in fury. How can he be such a prick even at a time like this? I wanted to punch him in the face so bad, my fists trembled. But then I recalled why I’m here with him in the first place and I forcefully cooled my temper down.

I have to break him in somehow. He is too thick-headed to understand. I have to make him understand.

"I’m not blaming anyone. I stand by my choices. But I also learn from my mistakes so you better remember this: I won't ever leave you alone again!"

Starscream glanced over his shoulder in disbelief and confusion. I managed to catch him off-guard and I continued with a now more confident grin: "You need me. More than ever right now. It’s pointless to deny!"

Crossflare POV

There was an air of undefined suspense between us now. Ever since I poured my spark out, Knockout has returned to his more friendly demeanor and I couldn’t feel any grudge in his voice anymore. It was as much a relief as a warning sign.

I confided in him. I cried in front of him. How could I be such an idiot?

It was like dancing back and forth. One time I tell him to frag off, next time I lay my spark out. Confusing behavior. No wonder he is always unsure about my true intentions.

I couldn’t get a grip on them either.

As usual, I tried to take my mind off the emotional problems in the only way I knew how: work.

Knock Out became busy too. He made more field trips with Breakdown, and it made me wonder why a medic would get so many outdoor assignments, only to learn that Knock Out sometimes unnecessarily tagged along just because he could. He called himself the ‘emotional support’ now, much to Breakdown’s embarrassment.

“I don’t need emotional support, Doc!”

“Nonsense! Everybody does! Right, Crossflare?”

I found myself chuckling as I sat opposite of them in the mess hall. Quite a weird duo they were, but I liked their casual dynamic.

“Listen to your doctor’s advice, Breakdown. He is only trying to look out for you,” I chided the big guy and he grunted in a disapproving but not really offended manner. I didn’t notice the way Knock Out’s optics lit up upon hearing my answer.

I sipped my glass of energon in silence as my optics returned to the datapad in servo, head still in work while ignoring but also enjoying the rest of the two’s lighthearted chatter.

Halo POV

Silence was a rare thing between us, but we’ve been walking without uttering a word for a good while now. Yet I somehow preferred this silence now, especially after that amount of yelling earlier.

Current circumstances made it impossible to travel faster, so we had to walk on the ground. I expected Starscream to complain all the way, but honestly, I didn't know what he was thinking at this point.

We returned to the mine which he and Silas had found and labored to take away as much energon crystals as we could. Now that MECH had escaped and hadn't got the time to come back and take all the resources with them, the energon was all ours to take. Our dumb luck.

We managed to get some boxes from the trucks lined up and left at the entrance and filled them. Much easier to carry now!

Unfortunately we didn't have anything to refine the energon with.

Our silence still lasted even as we left the site and I began to wonder how long we would keep it up.

Starscream was a chatter-box, no matter how I looked at him. He was due to say something at this point! I was sure he was going to break his determined silence sooner or later.

Soon it started raining and dark clouds covered the sky. I sighed in annoyance when the storm caught up with us, making our environment hard to see and the ground under our pedes sloppy.

We climbed a larger hill in the forest and found a large enough cave to settle down for a while. I placed the boxes on each other, then I looked at my sulking partner who sat down at the entrance of the cave and stared into the rain with a stubborn frown on his face.

Should I leave him alone to think? No, him and thinking alone are a bad combo.

I walked up to Starscream and he only glanced at me from the corner of his optics but didn't bother turning his gaze towards me completely. It troubled me a bit and I sat next to him, closer than I usually did, so that our shoulders and wings touched. He didn't shift away but I could see him scowl.

Long minutes passed and we only stared into the heavy rain without a word. I began to get bored.

Is this how he is going to play this game now? Fine. I have my own tricks too.

“Hey, Star,” I crooned, and couldn’t help a smirk as I leaned towards him.

Starscream shot me an indignant look, apprehensive yet not moving away. Oh. Something has definitely changed. Normally he would be complaining, yelling, lecturing by now. He never ceased to emphasize that he liked his private space respected.

I wondered if he was waiting for me to apologize.

“Sorry," I decided to say, without really meaning it.

“Finally! I thought you would never break!" he snapped immediately.

Moron. This was his problem the whole time? Ugh…

I straightened back up and rolled my optics with a huff.

“Don't tell me you have been keeping silent because of this.”

"I did so to make you reconsider your attitude! The way you spoke to me last time was unacceptable!”

I scoffed. In the end he is always a jerk, isn't he?

"But I've never had anyone as loyal as you by my side, so I will generously forgive you," he added, now in a more timid tone, which halted my thoughts immediately.

Oh. Oh.

I gazed at him with wide optics as an undoubtedly happy grin crept to my face. I couldn’t help it. His words made my spark jump in joy. It didn’t matter that Starscream was looking the other way with a stubborn pout, I knew that he meant what he said. He wouldn’t be so embarrassed about it otherwise.

He appreciated my efforts. His confession made me forget all the bad stuff he’d said before and I embraced his arm in a tight hug with a silly grin on my face.

"Hey, this doesn't mean that you are allowed to touch me!" he snapped with a jolt and tried to push me away and free his arm but I clung onto him firmly, laughing.

“You shouldn’t be saying nice things like that to me then! I feel like hugging you when you’re like this!” I giggled.

The mech grunted in annoyance, clearly embarrassed as he tried to avoid looking straight in my optics.

“Ugh, you’re making me miserable, you little…!” he pushed one last time and I let go with a chuckle. There was only so much he could tolerate at once, I knew.

“I like you too Starscream!” I winked, making him gasp and growl in discomfort, much to my entertainment. It was so easy to embarrass him, really.

He didn’t say anything but I had a suspicion he was thinking the same.

Mercy POV

Crossflare and Knock Out were acting strange again, but when I looked over to Breakdown in expectant of an explanation, he just shrugged. At this point, he just gave up trying to figure out when those two were on good or bad terms, because it was a constant fluctuation.

Crossflare assured me that there is nothing wrong but I wasn’t so sure about that. She also asked me if there was something wrong with me. I guess my troubles were written on my face now that time ticked by but I still haven’t made any progress solving the problem.

I wished I could be brave enough to speak up, or even argue if it came down to it, to settle things with Soundwave.

Work wasn’t much of a distraction either. I could barely concentrate and as a result I became sloppier. Soundwave had to snap me out of my musings more times than necessary and it was becoming embarrassing. I wished the floor would just swallow me sometimes.

As I made my way down the corridor in search of Breakdown to talk to - he was a good listener and I liked turning to him when I was in need of company -, I suddenly bumped into someone tall and broad. I blinked up in shock, surprised to run into a bot I couldn’t recognize.

An unknown blue mech with a golden face and red optics stared down at me with a raise of his optic ridges. He carried the aura of a Seeker, and the weight of someone charismatic and noble.

"My apologies," he stepped back with a polite nod of his head.

Oh. I was caught off-guard by the way he reacted. He sounded even more polite than Knock Out when the medic was in a good mood.

"Um, sorry," I managed to find my voice, embarrassed about my clumsiness, "I didn't pay attention...ah, but I don't remember ever seeing you."

“My designation is Dreadwing. I arrived only a little while ago," he answered my unspoken question and looked me over with a curious expression, "May I ask your name? You look too young to be a soldier."

“I'm Mercy, pleased to meet you. I’m a Communications Assistant under Lieutenant Soundwave. I don’t have any real combat experience yet.”

"I see….We will see each other later then," he nodded with a thoughtful gaze, then nodded to me once more and left.

I followed his figure with my optics as he rounded the next corner. Wow...what a polite Decepticon. It’s not what I would expect, and such behavior is definitely not the norm around here. It seems someone with good manners has arrived. Hopefully he will stay and be a good influence.

I was surprised to learn a little bit later that he was quick to act against direct orders. What his reasons were, I had no idea but he sneaked out of the ship in order to pick a fight with the Autobots and Optimus Prime.

Megatron didn’t appear fazed by the events. It surprised me. Shouldn’t he be angry that one of his soldiers was acting independently? If it was Starscream doing such a thing he would be fuming by now. At least, that’s what I was used to. His current calm unsettled me. It was so un-Megatron-like.

"Doesn't it trouble you that you might lose a great warrior, my Lord?" I asked carefully as I stood near the bridge next to Soundwave.

“It was a choice he made. He will have to live or die with the consequences. I know Dreadwing would be of great advantage to us, but with his processor occupied by a thirst for revenge, he would remain useless until he learned his lesson," Megatron answered patiently and folded his servos behind his back, watching the screens over the bridge with mild interest.

Revenge?

"Does that mean...you will just let him die?"

Megatron glanced back at me over his broad shoulder. I jolted in belief I overstepped and was about to get a scolding, but then he just smirked:

“I have no obligation to explain my intentions to my subordinates. Has Soundwave not taught you that a good Decepticon doesn’t ask much?”

I gulped and bowed my head in submission, spark hammering in fear and relief at once. He wasn’t angry, but he wasn’t pleased with me either.

“My apologies, my Lord. I’ll keep that in mind!”

Dreadwing learned his lesson quickly enough. He seemed troubled by his loss against the Autobots, but I could only guess why he was so restless and gloomy. He carried himself with dignity, yet with unmistakable sorrow as if he had lost someone important.

Had he?

I mustered up some courage a few days later when I spotted him at the mess hall. Crossflare was with me, and she made a note on how the mech isolated himself from the others. She didn’t know what to make of him yet but she considered him one of the better Decepticons on the ship. As we made our way over to him with a glass of energon in servo, I shyly waved his way.

“Um, can we sit with you, if you don’t mind?”

He raised an optic ridge but didn’t comment, just nodded and gestured towards the opposite seats.

Crossflare and I slid in and tried to put on our best smiles.

“I think I haven’t introduced myself yet,” Crossflare started, very business-like but at least it was a start, “I’m Crossflare, Researcher and Chemist. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I’m Dreadwing, Commander of the Air Forces.”

“So it is true that you’ve taken up Starscream’s post.”

“It was an unexpected assignment, but an honor nevertheless. I didn’t know Starscream deserted until a while ago,” he nodded, optics narrowing. “I heard he went missing with someone of importance to you two.”

Crossflare and I exchanged looks. The air tensed around us at the mention of Halo. I knew CF is still blaming herself for her disappearance.

“She was our amica endura. We believe she was captured by the Autobots and is still a prisoner. We…we hope that she is well kept, no matter the circumstances,” I answered instead of her, trying to lighten the topic.

Something like understanding crossed Dreadwing’s features.

“You can rest assured if she is still alive. Once we defeat the Autobots, she will be free again and you can reunite.”

His encouraging words surprised both of us. It’s not something you would expect from a Decepticon Officer.

“We hope so,” I smiled warmly, truly appreciative. He was becoming more and more likable in my optics.

Even Crossflare admitted that she had hope for the Decepticons as long as he was the commander of the air forces and was beginning to respect him.

Knock Out and Breakdown only shrugged when I inquired about him in the med-bay, and they said they wouldn’t be surprised if Dreadwing also went down the path Starscream did.

“Seekers are like that. They always act high and mighty. He might be polite but it can be misleading,” Knock Out explained, then shrugged again. “Why? You are really curious about him. Do you have a new crush?”

Cheeks flaming, I quickly hushed him. Even he knew about me and Soundwave? This is so embarrassing!

“N-no! He is just strange! I wish half the Decepticons were as polite as him! Even if it’s just an act!”

Knock Out chuckled and let the tropic drop, which I was thankful for.

I returned to my post at the bridge controls and tried to focus back on work, which was a real challenge with Soundwave around.

Some time later I noticed movement and looked up to see a strange trio’s arrival.

"Soundwave, open a ground-bridge for us," Airachnid passed by, swaying her hips as she usually did when entering the command center.

Dreadwing and Breakdown followed her figure with grim faces. I could only wonder where they are headed. And on what assignment? What a strange setup. It must be an important mission if these two big guys are sent to assist Airachnid.

Soundwave opened them a portal and they walked through without a glance back. I followed their figures with my gaze until they disappeared.

For some reason, I felt like there was tension in Breakdown’s posture. His grim expression also troubled me.

They will be fine, I calmed myself. The three of them can take on anything.

A few hours had passed till we received a call from Dreadwing to bridge them back. After the whirling portal was opened and the blue mech walked through, my eyes widened in shock.

Dreadwing was ripping off spider webbing from his body, grunting angrily as he did so. Isn't that Airachnid's...? My thoughts fell into disarray. Then I noticed the fresh scars on his frame and the portal closed. Confused, I stepped over to him instinctively:

"What happened? Where is Breakdown and Airachnid?"

The tall mech averted his gaze and hesitated before answering:

“The lot-legged managed to escape. And Breakdown is...already one with the Allspark.”

My spark missed a pulse.

W-what?

I stood frozen like a stone.

Breakdown died? His spark finished? He was no more? But-but he was just here a few hours ago….how could it be ... .No, it can’t be. This can’t be true….

Dreadwing was about to say something, but I already stepped back, a servo coming to cover my mouth as I whispered with a chill in my spark:

“Oh no…Knock Out…”

Dreadwing appeared to be confused but I was already running, away from the command center and through the dark corridors. With every step my spark ached more, memories and conversations flashing before my optics, turning into tears and painting streaks down my cheeks.

No. It can’t be….

I never thought that hearing about a Decepticon's death would ever shake me. I thought I wouldn't care. But Breakdown was different. He was close to my spark, mostly because we had so many conversations, so many encounters and some form of mutual understanding.

After the first impression I had of him - which wasn't too bright - it turned out that he is actually kind in his own brutish way.

He calmed Knock Out when the medic was angry with us, he came to offer compassion after Halo disappeared, he invited us out to drink, he escorted us to drive-in-theaters and debated any topic we brought up.

My tears were flowing now. Why...? He was just a Decepticon, just...No…he was a friend. Mine and Crossflare’s.

But more importantly: Knock Out’s.

He has to know.

I broke into the med-bay unannounced, startling both the medic and Crossflare in the procedure of treating a damaged, unconscious Vehicon.

They looked up almost in unison, clearly angry at first, but then their expressions changed.

Crying, I ran to my friend, grasping her arm in despair.

"M-Mercy? What happened? Mercy! Look at me!" she grabbed my shoulders and shook me, forcing me to look into her optics.

Knock Out stared at me in confusion and concern.

"B-Breakdown! Breakdown is dead!" I sobbed, burying my face in my palms.

"What?" Crossflare’s eyes widened in disbelief and shock. She glanced over to Knock Out who froze on the spot, completely stunned.

“What are you saying?" he stepped up to me and grabbed my arm. His claws cut into my wrists as he grasped tight.

"He died in action...Commander Dreadwing just told me..." I wiped my tears with one servo pointlessly and was unable to look at him. I didn’t want to see his expression. I didn’t want to know.

"S-stay here and continue, I’ll be back!" Knock Out let go and pointed towards Crossflare in a hurry, his voice a touch desperate and upset, then stormed out of the med-bay.

Crossflare watched him leave in concern, then she turned back to me and took my servos in hers. I cried like a sparkling but she didn’t condemn me. She hugged me tightly to herself and let me cry my spark out.

I hung onto her like she was a lifeline. She didn't say a word, she didn't let a single tear of hers fall. She was strong when others were weak. And I was grateful to have her here when I needed her the most.

Chapter Text

Crossflare POV

Knock Out locked himself in the med-bay after he returned from his talk with Dreadwing. Something changed in his optics. Drastically.

When he ordered us out - pained and angry - he felt like an entirely different person.

It hurt to see him like that.

He shed no tears, he showed no mourn - it was frowned upon among the Decepticons. Grief was a private matter inside these walls. And a heavy burden one had to carry alone.

Knock Out was furious because he couldn’t be anything else.

His reaction scared Mercy more than any of his previous dramatic episodes.

“Will he be okay?” Mercy hiccuped once we were already in our berthroom. I’ve been trying to calm her ever since she brought us the news. She was easy to comfort because she accepted the help offered. But I had no idea what to do with Knock Out when I saw him again. When we would meet, I had no clue because we were locked out of the med-bay for an undefined time.

I could only hope that he won’t shut us out completely. I knew he needed someone to lean on now. Even if his Decepticon pride told him otherwise.

But I didn’t expect to find the med-bay the way I did that afternoon when I went to check on him, hoping to find the doors unlocked. Indeed, they were unlocked, but Knock Out wasn’t in there, and what he left there made my fuel tank twist and turn.

Fresh energon dripped from the dissection table. It covered the floor, it was splattered on the walls, the computers, the equipment. Several body-parts lay scattered across the room, inner organs laid bare on the table with torn and scrambled circuits in between, smoking.

The Vehicon who we’d patched up….he was torn to shreds.

Optics wide, I stumbled backwards, vision blurring for a moment as I tried to regain composure. The sight sickened me. I needed to get away.

The doors shut behind me with a hiss and I felt relieved to be out in the hallway. My thoughts were a white noise for a while before I finally came back to my senses.

I tried to make sense of what I’ve seen but found no words. I couldn’t for the sake of Solus come up with anything other than….Knock Out has lost his mind.

The thought made my spark ache. I wanted to scream. Wobbly but standing, I found purchase against a wall.

Calm down Crossflare. You can do something. You have to do something. He can’t go down that path….he can’t lose his mind. He has to be alright….you have to help him!

Like he helped you.

My pedes moved by their own will. It was certain that I wasn’t thinking clearly. But I worried for what state Knock Out was in at the moment mentally, so I hurried, unsure and upset but still more concerned than scared.

I wanted him to be alright.

Courage almost left me in front of his door. I’ve never come to his room before. It was close to the med-bay, just over the corner. He always complained about not having enough space between his job and his private life. Breakdown used to be his roommate.

Used to be.

Oh Solus….

My spark ached with a familiar pain. Pain for a loss, but this time it wasn’t my own. It was someone else’s. And it still hurt. It still stung.

I pushed the bell button on the side panel, hoping that he wouldn’t reject, yet I had no idea what exactly I wanted or could do for him.

It took a minute but the door opened, revealing his perfect figure, haunted and dark.

His optics took me in with a cold, frustrated look.

“What do you want?”

His words stung. But I knew his pain.

“Knock Out, I’m just here to…”

“No need. I’m fine,” he replied curtly, almost hissing.

Frowning, I stepped towards him.

“Don’t give me that slag. I know you aren’t.”

“I’m grateful for your concern, but I’d like to be left alone now.”

“Knock Out….”

“I don’t think I was stuttering, Crossflare,” Knock Out raised his voice, optics staring at me menacingly now. It sent a shiver down my spine. “It would be best if you remembered your own words and stopped acting like you actually do care about me more than a fellow colleague.”

He knew how to slice with words. It was coming out of spite. He thought hurting me would deter me.

“Surely you know that you are more than that!” I snapped back, now desperate to reach him. I had to let him know. He didn’t have to be alone.

Knock Out was taken aback for a moment. Then his initial surprise turned into a mocking scowl.

“Is that so? What’s the cause of the sudden change? Now that I’ve also lost someone I’m one to enjoy your pity-party?”

“This is not pity, Knock Out!”

“Then what is it?!”

We stared each other down. There was fury in his optics, but I also noticed the helplessness, the pain and the need for comfort. He was telling me to frag off but he wasn’t making a move to close the door.

He wanted me in, but he didn’t know how to invite.

Sighing, I gathered courage and stepped up to him. I took his servo, and upon finding no rejection just surprise, I led him inside and closed the door behind us.

If he really wanted to, he could’ve kicked me out.

But he followed me in, quietly, resigned, and his fury dissipated like a puff of smoke.

I sat him down at the edge of his berth and took a seat beside him, still holding onto his servo. His grip on mine tightened.

There were no words between us for the first few minutes. It felt like there was too much to say and yet no correct words to use. I didn’t want to pressure him any more than I already have so I waited. I waited, and hoped that he would confide in me like I had in him.

“Breakdown…he was….” he finally spoke up, barely whispering, then buried his face in his other servo, his voice breaking. “I don’t have anyone left.”

I didn’t tell him it’s not true because I couldn’t fathom the depths of his emotions, so I just held his servo and let him continue.

“We did everything together. Through good or bad, we traveled together. We even joined the Decepticons together. We….”

Knock Out shook his head.

“Forget it….There is only me now.”

My spark ached for him. Seeing him, the usually snarky, proud, confident mech in such a crumbled state…. I saw my reflection in his image. His pain in my pain. Not the same, yet still unsettlingly familiar.

I gently squeezed his servo and drew closer.

“Tell me more,” I said quietly, encouraging him to talk.

Knock Out finally looked up, his optics meeting mine, helpless, confused, unsure.

“Tell me more about him. About the time you spent together.”

He seemed to wonder why I would be interested, so I added:

“I’m willing to listen. You’re not alone in this, Knock Out.“

“Why are you suddenly being so nice to me?”

I thought of an answer. There was no certain reason, just a feeling, an instinct, a strong emotion and a strong urge to comfort him, to be by his side.

“I…”

“You know what, don’t answer that,” he shook his head, sighing.

“Knock Out, I…”

“No please, like I said, I don’t need an explanation.”

“I’ll stay with you,” I stated firmly, annoyed by the way he kept interrupting me.

He blinked in confusion and surprise, and with something like a flicker of hope in his optics.

“You mean…?”

“I’ll stay with you for however long you need me.”

Halo POV

"Up there!" I pointed at a little crystal above us, stuck between the rocks that made up the inside of the cave.

"Too small..." Starscream pouted, displeased.

"Better than nothing."

With our resources completely depleted yet again, we were back to seeking energon crystals. Starscream was acting grumpy all the way, probably because walking on pedes for days was finally getting to his neural-circuits. I couldn’t blame him.

“Argh, this is so annoying!" Starscream growled then began his climb. I watched him struggle for a few minutes and tried to lighten the mood by annoying him to no end.

“Whoa Star, what a view! You have a nice aft!”

“Stop staring and start being useful instead!“ he muttered and pulled the little crystal out.

I giggled, but was then whacked in the head by something. Staggering back, I barely caught the small glowing crystal he threw at me.

“Hey!”

“It’s not like you didn’t deserve tha-Aagh!”

Starscream’s hold slipped and he fell down with a heavy thud. I stepped away just in time before he hit the ground and grinned as I leaned over him in satisfaction.

“We’re even I guess?” I offered a servo which he reluctantly accepted and helped him up.

"Argh, it was a waste of effort because it’s not enough for us both!” Starscream sighed and rubbed his forehead, clearly troubled with our situation.

I was about to say something cheerful when a distant noise caught our attention. Footsteps. We looked up and saw a large shadow pass by towards a narrow tunnel. The shadow was emitting the sounds of...a giant undefined creature. Creepy.

"What was that?" I straightened up, now alert.

"We should check it out," Starscream dusted himself off then began walking in the direction where the shadow left.

Oh great, a bad idea again! We should just simply leave and forget we've ever heard that thing! What if it's a monster?!

As we approached it, Starscream carefully peeked out from behind the corner and I did the same from behind his back.

What the...?!

A huge bug-like creature stood there, menacingly. Isn’t that….?

"An Insecticon? On Earth?" Starscream raised an optic ridge in awe.

No way, an Insecticon? We are slagged! I’ve never met one before but I’ve heard stories. They are not to be messed with.

The enormous creature dug into the wall and threw the smaller rocks away. It was searching for something. Then it grabbed a good-sized chunk of energon crystal and pulled it out. Wow, it can detect and dig up hidden energon!

Starscream suddenly stepped out into the open and headed right towards the bug. I gaped in fright. What is he doing again!

“Starscream!" I hissed, trying to get him to turn back, pointlessly.

Idiot.

"You there, scavenger! Deliver that energon to me!" he pointed at the Insecticon, issuing an order with his natural air of arrogance. Did he really think that thing would obey him?! What’s wrong with his processor at times like these?!

The bug turned to look at him, then turned away, ignoring Starscream completely.

I was about to follow and stop him from annoying the creature any further, but he suddenly snapped:

"You dare turn your back on a superior life-form?! I am Commander Starscream!" Starscream abruptly whacked the Insecticon and I knew at that moment that we should have just run away when we had the chance.

The Insecticon whirled around and growled, extending its disgusting bug-like arms threateningly.

Realizing his mistake, Starscream was the first to run for his life. Great. Heroic as usual!

"Wait for meeee!" I wasted no time running after him.

To my horror, the creature decided to chase us with an energon-chilling shriek.

“Where to?!” I yelled after Starscream who was looking around feverishly, trying to find a way to shake the Insecticon off.

Then he noticed a small crevice in the wall. Barely enough to fit someone in. Uh-oh.

Starscream didn’t hesitate to dive into it, and I followed his example, having no other option. It was too small for the both of us but we squeezed together and tried to move away from the bug's claws.

"Move aside!"

“Get your wing out of my face!"

"Wah! Watch out!"

"I don't wanna die this young!"

The bug almost caught one of my pedes but I clung to Starscream who pulled me closer just to squeeze us even more against the wall behind us. Suddenly he snatched the crystal from my servo and pushed it between the bug’s jaws, then he kicked it square in the face.

“Keep the energon you monstrosity! I hope you choke on it!"

The creature howled in pain but instead of clawing towards us again, it suddenly stopped and retreated.

We only watched, panting, sparks hammering in fear and confusion. It simply backed away from the crevice and walked off as if nothing happened.

There was a moment of stunned silence after the whole ordeal.

"You did it again! I knew it was a bad idea!" I hissed furiously once I snapped back to reality, "It could have killed us!"

“You could’ve helped out! Distracting it while I got away!”

“Oh so you could make an escape and leave me here?!”

“I can’t fly but you can, so you could’ve escaped easily after I was out of sight! Stupid femme, think for once!”

I was about to retort but then my mouth just shaped a surprised ‘oh’ once I realized he was making sense.

“Well… I had no time to think that deep into it!” I decided to say with a huff. Then I looked around and realized the position we were in.

"Star, you’re actually hugging me now?" I smirked in his face with mirth.

"N-no! You were the one clinging to me first!" Starscream immediately pushed me away in embarrassment and quickly scrambled out of the crevice.

I continued to laugh as I followed him out, but was instantly shut up by the scene in front of us.

A certain lot-legged lady was sitting on a piece of rock in the center of the cave, like a queen at her throne. Airachnid, ugh. Why here? Why now?

One of her spider-legs leaked energon. Oh, so she was injured. The Insecticon which attacked us stood rather peacefully beside her as if it was waiting for orders.

"What?! You reject a commander but grovel at the feet of that wretch?!” Starscream immediately took the Insecticon’s attitude as a personal offense.

Airachnid chuckled with a dark smile.

“Starscream. Don't get your turbines in a twist. After all, the beast and I are somehow related. You might even say we are of one mind."

What the frag was she going on about…?

"Why are you here?" Starscream put his servos on his hips, straightening his back and wings, "Decepticons never return to stripped mines."

"You are not the only rogue Decepticon in need of energon," she pointed at her injured leg, then her gaze fell on me as I approached.

"And look at that, she is still with you."

Starscream glanced back at me and I stopped by his side, raising an optic ridge at him, silently asking ‘now what?’.

"Sweet isn't it? She follows you around like a lost turbofox-puppy."

“Hey!”

"Quit provoking her," Starscream snarled in annoyance, "Now tell us what happened to you. Was it a run-in with the Autobots? Or did Megatron invite you on one of his field trips?"

“Megatron was otherwise engaged. But you should see his lackey,” Airachnid flashed a wicked smile.

I didn’t like the sound of that. What happened? Has she been cast out? For real? But why? And how? Who did she kill?

Starscream seemed to have a new idea.

"You know Airachnid, as fellow outcasts we should consider putting aside our differences. With this creature under your control and at our disposal we might employ it to terminate Megatron, allowing us to rule the Decepticons!" Starscream pointed at the Insecticon confidently, with that familiar smirk he wore every time he thought he was coming up with a genius plan.

Oh no, here we go again…

“I don’t think that’s a wise approach,” I shook my head.

“Shut up Halo, this is going to work!”

What did he just say?! I stared at him in offense.

"You mean, together?" Airachnid asked with a tilt of her head, considering. No way!

“We would simply need to lure Megatron here, away from his support systems. So that we might catch him," Starscream continued presenting his new plan, excited, and completely ignoring my logical complaints.

"With his guard down," Airachnid added, still looking like she was actually considering the idea. Then she smirked forebodingly:

“An intriguing proposal, if ruling the Decepticons or spending any length of time with you were of the slightest interest to me."

Starscream turned around and gasped in offense as he tried to find the right words to convince her. Heh, well-deserved.

It’s not like Airachnid has ever enjoyed our company to begin with. Our goals would never align.

“See? I told you. She is not worth our time. Let's just get out of here," I turned around, beckoning him to follow but he did not.

Ugh, this stubborn piece of scrap!

"Of course you had me at terminating Megatron. Payback would be sweet," Airachnid intertwined her fingers in her lap as she gazed over us with a calculating look. A chill ran down my spine as I looked back at her.

She was plotting murder, I could see it in her optics.

“However you wish to spin it," Starscream backed off, finally realizing where this conversation was going. I grabbed his wrist.

"I would need to ensure my assassin is up to the task. Perhaps a test run is in order," her smirk widened viciously and I didn’t wait for her to finish her pretty little speech.

"Out of here!" I yelled at my partner and pulled him after me. Starscream staggered after me, trying to keep up.

"Eviscerate them!" Airachnid ordered from behind us and we heard the Insecticon howl as it jumped to the chase.

Frag, frag, frag!

We ran back to where we came from and hoped that we would get out of the cave before the Insecticon caught up to us.

“This is your fault! Again!" I yelled at Starscream and pushed him forward. He didn’t need more encouragement, he ran a hundred times faster now that he had to save his own aft. Typical of him!

We mistook the direction though, and realized belatedly that there is only one narrow crevice leading outside from the small room we ended up in.

I cursed loudly. Slag, this day was just not my day!

We ran up to the opening and noted that we could squeeze through. But it will take some time. Someone has to cover the other while doing so.

"Go and get out! I will distract it!" I pushed him towards the crevice and spun around to face the enormous monstrosity.

Solus above….This will be my first real fight. I have to be smart because my brawn won’t matter here. I would only end up breaking every limb if I charged against this brute like an idiot.

"Stupid! It will kill you!" Starscream called back to me but I didn’t turn around.

"Just shut up and go!" I yelled back over my shoulder and transformed my arms into blasters. Opening fire, I ran in a circle to avert the Insecticon’s attention from Starscream.

I saw the Seeker’s form disappear through the opening and I noted in relief that he was out of harm’s way. Okay, the next one is me.

I have to make it quick.

I shot the ceiling, making debris fall and dust fill the air for a moment, a distraction enough for me to zoom to the crevice and squeeze myself through it.

My upper body was out in a moment, and I kicked with my pedes to move forward, only to get caught by sharp steel fangs.

“Ack!!!” my optics widened as a painful gasp left my mouth. My joints were being crushed between jaws and I could do nothing but shriek and claw into the rocks.

Starscream turned around in shock, still on the ground from falling over after he made it through. He was frozen for a moment and I saw an unmistakable thought cross his optics.

He was measuring the risks. For Solus’ sake, he was considering leaving me behind!

"Starscream!" I cried out, now desperate. Don't dare you leave me behind! Don't dare you run away now! You coward! You cursed piece of scrap!

Then one servo reached out and grabbed one of my wrists. With one incredibly powerful pull, I fell through the opening, the Insecticon’s jaw slackening as it was left on the other side of the wall. It howled in fury, trying to reach after us, but he was too big to get through.

I fell on Starscream as we both hit the ground loudly. I whined, trembling all over and in pain. My ped was mauled and my circuits were on fire. I reached a shaking servo towards the injury but it was swatted away by Starscream.

"Don't!" he sat up, helping me move with one servo holding me, "You can make it worse!"

I bit into my lower lip and tried to muffle the pained sounds. It ached like slag. It burned, it hurt...I wanted to rip my ped off just to make the pain go away.

"You stupid...!" I hissed weakly and fell back against his frame, entirely spent, "Why did you have to do that?! You know you can’t trust that wretch! Why don’t you realize that I’m your only ally?! Argh!”

Starscream didn't answer. Maybe he was too stunned or too tired to speak, I didn’t really care. I just wanted him to finally admit that he was stupid and this was his fault.

"It leaks too much energon," he said after a few clicks, moving so that he could get out from under me.

I hissed in pain, clawing into the dirt under me.

"We have to get away from here," he added, then slid his servos under me and lifted me up carefully, much to my surprise. Gentleness wasn’t the word I associated with Stasrcream.

Balancing me in his arms with caution, he stood and took a look around before he started in a direction.

He walked in silence and my head lolled against his shoulder-plate. For the first time, I had nothing to say. I did not try to make fun of him or talk nonsense just to lift the weight of the situation.

I was in pain, but in spite of that, I felt relief washing over me. Starscream didn't leave me behind when he had the chance. He usually did not have to think twice about running for his life and not looking back. So the fact that he did, filled me with happiness.

Yes, I was angry with him, but I was still happy.

I’ll thank him later.

Crossflare POV

It was peaceful. Well, as peaceful as it could be. I was just relieved to see Knock Out looking better. I kept rolling a tire on his back and he didn’t mind. It helped him relax and the tension in his frame lessened.

It was odd, the feeling of lying next to someone else again. I have always recharged in my alt-mode since Sidewire died. I couldn’t stand looking at the empty side of my berth.

Now Knock Out filled in the view. It was wrong and not at the same time. But I didn’t dwell on such questions now, I was more focused on making him feel better.

In any way I could.

So I was surprised he only asked me to stay with him for a while. It was an easy to fulfill request. But it meant much to him so I obliged.

At first it was just him looking at me with undefined emotions, then he spoke again, and recited tales of his past. With and without Breakdown. Some of them I’d already heard, yet I still listened quietly.

Talking seemed to quench his anger, and before he knew he was getting tired.

“Rest, Knock Out.”

“Will you stay?”

“Of course.”

He managed a small smile, easy to miss. Then he reached a servo over my waist and pulled me slightly closer. I did not resist, even if my spark ached because of the proximity.

“Wake me in about an hour, will you sweet cherry?”

I stifled a smile at the nickname I banned him from using.

“As you wish.”

And so I watched over him, worried and anxious, yet also oddly calm in a sense that now I knew without a doubt that I cared about him more than I let myself admit before.

Even if I denied, my spark was telling me the opposite. I did not want to see him hurt, I wished I could make him happy.

I wished I could just claim all the pain in his spark and encase it in my own. There is not much else left in mine anyway, a little bit of hurt I could still endure, if only it would help him forget the grief.

Things didn’t work that way though.

I woke him an hour later, and he muttered something before opening his optics. I sat beside him and rolled his tire once more as I offered him a sad but understanding smile.

“Ready?”

Knock Out chuckled, far from his usual carefree chuckle, yet still charming, even if filled with sorrow.

“I could get used to you waking me up.”

Rolling my optics, I patted his shoulder-armor and moved to get off the berth.

He made a displeased sound but didn’t call after me. It was time to get up, so he did with a reluctant face.

“To be honest, I don’t feel like being a medic today. I think…I think I need to feel the asphalt under my tires.”

“We can go racing if there is no one in need of medical attention….but um, we should probably clean up the med-bay beforehand….”

Knock Out glanced up with a raise of an optic ridge, then realization dawned on him and he put a palm against his face with a grunt.

“Oh slag, no! I was out of my mind! Now I have to clean it all up! Ugh!”

At least he was feeling slightly bad about it. I didn’t dare inquire more. It’s better if we leave this episode of him in the dark and hope it never resurfaces again.

Halo POV

How much time has passed, I have no idea, but the next thing I remember was the way Starscream put me down, positioning me against a giant rock in a forest. The place was oddly familiar. Without saying anything, he examined my injury from closer, careful not to move it too much.

"Press your servo on it!" he ordered, then stood up and reached for his comm-link and walked away.

Doing as he said, I placed a servo over the injury and cursed quietly. Uh, this hurts, dammit! I forced down a groan. A minute later he returned and lowered to one knee next to me.

“Who did you call?" I asked, trying to sound normal while averting my attention from the pain.

“I asked Ratchet to come," he answered with a small frown.

"What?!" I snapped, "Last time he wasn’t very accommodating!”

“He will have to do. I still can’t call Knock Out for obvious reasons, can I?”

Before I could retort, a portal was opened in front of us. First Bulkhead, then Ratchet walked through.

"Huh?" both of them blinked in surprise at the sight of our duo.

"I thought it's you who needed medical help," Ratchet raised an optic ridge at Starscream, then his gaze scanned over my frame and stopped at the injury.

“Hey guys!” I waved a servo and winced when pain shot through my body.

"Well, isn’t she a more welcome patient?" Starscream straightened as he gestured towards me with a wide grin.

I tried to force an innocent smile too.

"I would argue with that,” Ratchet shook his head and put his servo on his hips. “First is the information. What do you know?"

Starscream grunted, and cleared his throat before he offered:

"It would appear that, like ourselves, Airachnid has gone rogue."

"What's it to us?"

Uh-oh. That was the best he could come up with? I’m slagged.

It seems the Autobots were not impressed either. Come on, I’m dying here!

"She is planning to retaliate against Meg-erm, mankind. I can provide you with her current location."

Dear Solus, this mech lies so horribly!

"I don't believe you," Ratchet said coldly, unimpressed.

Fragging Autobots. Can't you be nicer? Ugh, all that crap about morals when all you do is being difficult when a seriously injured patient is right in front of you! Thanks a lot!

"Why wouldn't you? I directed you to the location of the Decepticon space bridge so you could rescue Orion Pax, didn't I?"

“Yeah, but then you helped MECH steal Bumblebee's T-cog," Bulkhead growled in frustration.

"So? He got it back, didn't he? And anyway! I’m not the one suffering here!"

"Yeah, come on Bulk! Ratchet!” I spoke up, tired of waiting for them to feel merciful. "I expected more empathy from you guys. I swear Knock Out would have already patched me up by now!”

Ratchet narrowed his optics, then I guess medic-vanity had won because he sighed in resignation and brought his medical kit as he knelt down next to me.

“Fine. But this is the last time I patch you up!”

“Ah, how kind of you!” I grinned, and gestured towards my aching injury.

Ratchet rolled his optics and got to work under Starscream’s and Bulkhead’s watch. The two occasionally glared at one another.

There was a palpable tension in the air. I figured it’s time I speak up again.

“Anyway, how is Miko? Rafael, Jack? It’s been a while since I last saw them.”

Ratchet only raised an optic ridge, but Bulkhead scratched his head and eventually answered:

“You know Miko. She is….energetic.”

“Haha, figures.”

“Rafael is fine. Jack too…..Bumblebee and Arcee take care of them well.”

“That’s good I guess. Tell them I said hi!”

Bulkhead nodded, a bit unsure. We weren’t on the best of terms but we weren’t exactly enemies either.

Starscream rolled his optics.

“I will never understand how you Autobots can stand those pets running under your pedes. Ugh.”

“No one asked you Starscream,” Bulkhead shot him a glare.

“Humans - I mean some of the humans - aren’t that bad once you get to know them,” I pointed out while looking at Starscream’s displeased frown.

“They are tolerable. Sometimes,” Ratchet muttered quietly.

“Hey, um, Halo? Have you maybe reconsidered joining us? You know, Miko would be happy to have you back.”

Starscream gasped in offense as soon as Bulkhead put up the question, and the Seeker jabbed a threatening sharp claw against the larger mech’s chassis.

“You might want to spare your attempts, Autobot! You are no better than the Decepticons! We went Neutral for a reason!”

“Halo never wanted to join you in the first place, she and her friends came to us first!”

Starscream growled in agitation and I quickly interfered before things could escalate:

“It’s fine Starscream, I don’t intend to leave you.”

He glanced over to me with narrowed optics, doubting me.

“True, the girls and I have chosen the Autobots initially and that little show Soundwave made tricked us into joining the Cons. But now that I’ve witnessed both sides, I already know that Crossflare had been right before I walked into this mess: Neutrality wins. So rest your spark, I won’t be easily convinced by anyone.”

“Once a Con, always a Con,” Ratchet muttered, finishing up his work.

“So you say neither side is good, but you still want to stay with Starscream? He is the worst! Do you know how many bots he offlined? Both Autobots and Decepticons?” Bulkhead gaped at me while Starscream gasped in offense once again.

There were many things I didn’t know about Starscream yet, but one thing I did: his trust was expensive and I managed to earn a little bit of it. There is no way I would dance back now just because he had an ugly past. Who doesn’t in the military? That’s what war is about.

“I guess,” I shrugged.

“Leave it Bulkhead,” Ratchet packed his tools away and stood, finished with treating my injury. It was just numb pain at this point. “If she is fine with being used as his tool, then let her be. It’s none of our business.”

I frowned and Starscream was about to voice his opinion, when Ratchet turned towards me again:

“How did you get that injury?”

"An Insecticon tried to eat me," I huffed.

"An Insecticon? Here?" Ratched frowned in disbelief.

"How?" Bulk exchanged confused looks with him.

"Dunno. It just appeared and cornered us," I shrugged.

"Why didn't you fly away? You have wings!" Bulkhead asked.

"Starscream is missing his T-cog so I had to stay on the ground to protect him."

"You are grounded?" both of them looked at Starscream in surprise.

"Y-yeah. So I'm not much of a threat to you at the moment," Starscream tried to hide his discomfort but he didn’t forget to shoot me a glare.

"Hm. Is this all related to what you told us about Airachnid?”

Starscream and I nodded in unison.

“Then tell us Airachnid's location."

"She is in an old Decepticon mine, two miles from here on the south," Starscream pointed in the correct direction.

"Sure?" Bulkhead glanced over to me, having more trust in me than him.

"Sure," I nodded, "Also, she is injured."

"Good. We will tell it to Optimus," Ratchet reached for his comm-link and asked for a ground-bridge.

They were about to leave when Bulkhead asked once again:

“Hey, still sure you don’t wanna come?”

Starscream growled and curled his sharp claws, daring the Autobot to ask it one more time. I simply waved a servo and sighed.

“Yes, Bulkhead, I’m still sure. Have a nice day!”

"Fine…take care!” there was disappointment in his voice as he retreated and passed through the portal with Ratchet.

"I hate the Autobots!" Starscream hissed in annoyance once we were left alone.

Grinning, I folded my arms over my chest-plates and cocked my head to the side as I looked up at him. He was still tense, his posture promising a fight.

"Aww, don’t be so worked up just because they almost won me over!”

Starscream snapped his gaze to me in alarm.

“Almost?!”

"Come on, Star! I’m joking!“ I giggled. “You don’t have to worry! I’ve already told you that I won’t leave you alone! How can you even assume that I would do it?“

“I-I don’t care whether you come or go! None of my business!” he denied instantly, flustered. How adorable. His wings always twitch when he is embarrassed.

“Oh, but the way you got upset and was ready to start a fight with Bulkhead clearly told the opposite! Be less obvious next time, dear!”

"Can't you just heal faster and chat less?" he whined and promptly turned away.

I chuckled but left it at that. He still wasn’t ready to admit that he liked my company. No worries, we had all the time in the world. Sooner or later he will slip up eventually.

We waited for a few minutes before I finally got to my pedes. It was easier than I expected and I only nodded when Starscream looked at me questioningly, wondering if I was truly ready to move.

It was a tedious walk, but with him offering me a shoulder, it wasn’t exactly a nightmare tour back towards the mine where we escaped from.

"You have something in mind, don't you?" I pouted once I realized he already had something planned.

"Do not worry, we will be only spectators. If my calculations are right, Megatron, Airachnid and the Autobots are currently busy eliminating each other. I want to see who comes out victorious. Don’t you?”

A small smile was my answer.

I guess I did.

Mercy POV

After Megatron and Dreadwing returned from their trip to kill Airachnid - which news was still a shock to me - our leader was sent to the med-bay immediately because of serious injuries. What happened to him?

I stood beside Soundwave and watched Megatron leave the Command Center after he announced that Dreadwing is the new second in command from now on. I felt relieved. At least a reasonable mech will rule things from now on and not someone like Starscream or Airachnid.

I still felt a little ashamed about running away and crying like a sparkling after learning about Breakdown's death though. Decepticons were known not to show grief and sorrow. One had to honor the dead by getting revenge for them but I had no such intentions. I was just sad that a friend died.

Soundwave didn't make a note of it. He didn’t ask, didn’t comment. To be honest, our communications were limited to the work we did.

Knowing how well we used to get along, this current predicament hurt my spark. I wanted to understand what went wrong and caused this sudden change, and this distance.

Soundwave ignored me. Did I hurt him that much when I pushed him away and ran? But...what was I supposed to do? I just couldn't wrap my head around it!

I bit my lower lip and returned from my deepest thoughts to concentrate back on work. I needed to focus!

Suddenly a tall shadow fell on the computer panel and made me turn around to see Dreadwing standing behind me with a guilty expression on his face.

“W-what can I do for you, Commander?" I asked, bowing my head a little in respect.

"I came to apologize," he started, casting his optics down, "I'm sorry for not being able to recover Breakdown's remains."

I stared up at him in surprise. He was worried about that? He thought he needed to apologize to me? But why? How strange of a Decepticon to think about others’ feelings...

“I assume you were in a close relationship with him?" he asked, seeing my stunned expression.

A small, sad smile curled at the corner of my mouth.

"We were…friends. We’d spent lots of time together."

“I see. I assumed so since you were quite shaken by the news of his passing. My condolences," Dreadwing bowed his head slightly, and I was surprised by the sincere empathy in his voice.

“Thank you…Commander.”

He simply nodded, then stepped back and left as he came.

I watched him leave the Communication's Room and wondered what to make of him. His words warmed my spark. This was the first time I actually witnessed a Decepticon care about his comrades aside from Knock Out and Breakdown.

Then I felt something prick my spine. As if someone was watching me intently. I turned around slowly, now alert and nervous.

Soundwave was staring in my direction with full attention. Oh.

He glared at me in a way I've never seen him before. Laserbeak nervously chirped and I retreated a step.

"Um, yes? Did I do something wrong?" my mouth opened from instinct.

My processor was a mess as I tried to see the error of my ways. But I just couldn't understand him! Before this whole mess it was always clear what he wanted. Now I could only guess. Why? Why was he doing this? He was confusing me! Why won’t he do something!

"Soundwave?” I called out a touch desperately, craving for an answer or just...just a sign, anything, "Please tell me what's wrong! What did I do? I don’t understand! Answer me!"

He didn't respond. Frustrated tears welled up in my optic. Oh not again! I can't cry over everything! Crossflare would stand strong and Halo would demand the truth. I have to be stronger too!

Then he suddenly moved and a servo of his caught my wrist. Startled, I gasped and stumbled after him clumsily as he pulled me away from the computer panels and out of the room.

Laserbeak chirped worriedly and I was no better at guessing what Soundwave wanted. This was the first time he touched me after the incident. My wrist burned under his slim fingers. Yet I braced myself and followed him, willing to sort things out if that’s what he made up his mind about.

He led me to the closest energon storage room and checked if anyone else was there before he turned back to me and let go of my wrist.

Spark hammering, I stared up at him in anticipation. Now what? Will he finally clear the misunderstandings? Will he apologize?

Laserbeak chirped again and Soundwave put a servo on his minicon before he deployed the small one. Oh. Why did he do that now?

Laserbeak made a few circles around us and kept repeating: “Doesn’t remember!” before Soundwave ordered him silently out.

Laserbeak reluctantly left through the door and so we remained alone.

I felt my pedes tremble but I clenched my fists and straightened myself. I can’t back away now. Here is the chance to settle things! This is what I wanted!

“Soundwave, I feel like there is something you’re not telling me and unless you do, I won’t understand. What you did last time…you know what, it surprised me! I was caught off-guard! I don’t know how else I should’ve reacted but….”

“Remember,” Soundwave interjected through a recording.

“But what, Soundwave? What did I forget?”

He remained silent for a minute, not easing my anxiety at all. I wished I could see his expression at times like this. I missed the red optics I have only seen for mere seconds.

Then he moved. I flinched when he extended an arm and slowly pointed towards my chest. Millions of thoughts rushed through my head, trying to decipher what he was trying to say. I decided not to move for now. I might get the explanation I’m hoping for.

Then he pulled his servo away and this time touched his own chest, making me even more confused.

What was he trying to convey?

“Me and you?” I tried.

Soundwave nodded and he now raised both servos, imitating a movement similar to opening a box. He gestured towards his chest and repeated the action.

Oh. Oh. Was he….?

My whole body shivered, now not only anxious but suddenly scared. What did he mean by that?! Does he mean he wants me to open up? But why? And why would I…why would he…?

I took a step back, afraid. Upon seeing my reaction he replayed another recording:

“Nothing to fear. It’s only an experiment.”

It was Knock Out’s voice.

I shook my head, still unconvinced.

“Please,” it was an Autobot’s voice this time.

I stared at him with wide optics, shocked. Was he actually begging me? But why? What would be the point…

I cast my gaze down, biting my lips. Should I or should I not?

Then my inner battle was interrupted by the noise of plates shifting. I lifted my gaze up in shock to watch as Soundwave revealed his own spark-chamber under all the dark armor and pretty biolights. I shouldn’t have looked, yet I couldn’t tear my optics away from the sight of the pulsating bright orb. Without realizing I stepped closer in awe, noticing how a small part of it was not purple but a faint green color. A multicolored spark?

Where have I seen such a….Oh. Crossflare’s spark. She used to have two colors as well. Her bondmate’s color mixed with hers. So this must mean…Soundwave has a fracture bond?!

A small part of me ached from the thought.

Then I….

Stepping back, I took a deep intake before I also let my plates shift aside. I don’t know what he wished to know, but upon seeing him open up like that this is the least I could do in return.

Mine was much smaller, more delicate, yet bright just the same, but only with one color, mine.

Shyly, I glanced up at his visor. I observed his reaction as he watched my pulsating spark. There was something very intimate about opening up like this. If only he explained why he wished to see mine, and why was he willing to show me his…

He stared in silence. I wondered what he saw, what he thought.

I hadn't got the chance to ask about it though because Megatron comm-linked us to report at the Command Center. What timing!

Soundwave closed his chest and I followed suit. Laserbeak flew in through the door in a hurry and reattached immediately. Our odd rendezvous ended on this note, unfinished.

We left the room to present ourselves in front of Lord Megatron as quickly as possible. He didn’t like to wait afterall.

But my thoughts were wandering. What was this all about? What should I've noticed? What did Soundwave want to tell me? And why do I feel so disheartened now that I know that he has a fracture bond?

Halo POV

Exhaustion couldn’t describe my current state. It was a torture tour but after what felt like eternity, we finally reached our destination: the Harbinger.

The place where our rogue days started. I couldn't deny the flutter in my spark at the memory.

Back then I was a weak, but determined rookie searching for fun and ways to annoy a certain Seeker, on the other servo, Starscream was the Commander of the Decepticons with a badly hurt pride. We both ended up betrayed and left behind by Airachnid, then found by the Autobots and were kicked out by Arcee.

Since then, we have been hanging out as a duo. Months have passed since those events. That point in time felt so far yet so close at once. Maybe because of the ton of things that happened to us during that time.

"Ah, just as I left it, the Harbinger," Starscream smirked in satisfaction at the sight of the crashed ship among the stones.

“You?" I put a servo on my hip with a hint of challenge in my voice.

"We," he corrected himself while rolling his optics in annoyance, “Things are finally looking up at least."

We entered the ship and went our separate ways in mutual agreement. The plan was simple: we searched through the place for hidden energon reserves. The one who finds something comms the other.

Fortunately the ship wasn't too big, so I wasn't afraid of getting lost or not being able to contact my partner. Starscream was in a reachable distance and that was enough relief for me. What harm could he run into here? Well, he surely was a trouble-magnet but this place was deserted so I didn’t worry too much.

But knowing him, he would eventually find a way to do stupid things even in such a place! Little did I know how right I was.

Only a few hours passed and strange noises from the other side of the ship caught my attention. The thought that something was happening and I wasn’t there made me uneasy so I reached to my comm-link and made a call. No response came, because he didn’t pick up. He just ignored me?

Quickening my steps, I headed back while preparing myself to see something horrible. When it came to Starscream, there was one certain thing to remember: if you leave him to his own devices he will come up with something stupid to harm his own self.

I needed a little time figuring out which room the sounds were coming from. Some kind of machines were running. Did Starscream manage to turn on the machinery? And….talking? Who was he talking to?

It sounded like he was talking to himself. Maybe he truly was...he often did that anyway.

I finally entered the room which looked like a laboratory at first glance. That’s an explanation for the machine sounds. But the interior wasn't the thing that crept me out.

I staggered back at the sight that welcomed me. What the slag?!

“Starscream?!" I gasped in panic. Yes, I was in panic. Were my optics or my processor malfunctioning? I saw six of him! Six!

The closest one who stood in front of the others glanced back at me in surprise.

“Oh, just you..."

“What is the meaning of this?!" I pointed at the many versions of him.

And they looked back at me! My servos were trembling now. I was freaking out. One of him was more than enough! Why five more?!

“Have no fear, these are just clones," he introduced them to me with a proud smirk, "Look at my new beautiful armada! With them I can take my revenge on Megatron!"

I blinked several times, too stunned and freaked out to speak, then I finally processed what he’d said and snapped in fury.

“Again! You idiot!"

He tilted his head in confusion.

“Why the pit would you make more of you! As if you alone weren't stupid enough!"

“How dare you speak about us like that?!" the other Starscreams gasped in offense, now glaring in my way.

I backed off immediately, frightened. I was really scared. They looked like him but they were not him. It may sound crazy, but they felt like aliens to me. Not the Starscream who I called my partner.

The true one seemed to notice my fear and stepped over to me.

"They are only clones, Halo. There is no need to be afraid. They are also me..."

“No!" I cut in, "They are not you! I'm not even sure that you are the real you now! I want the real Starscream and him alone! My Starscream!"

My outburst left him stunned, unable to speak up for a moment. I didn’t even give him or his clones a chance to speak a word. I stormed out of the room and shouted back:

"I can't stay in one room with them! Get rid of those clones! I won't show up until they are gone!"

The ship was large enough to hide. I found berthrooms and chose one to stay in until Starscream does something with those…things of his. Just the thought of having more of him crept me out.

I sat in anxiety, trying to avert my thoughts but my efforts were in vain, I couldn't shake this bad feeling off.

One. I loved only one.

I hugged my knees to my chest, rocking slightly. What a crazy femme I am! In a way very pitiful too. Falling in love with such an idiot. Really, weren't there plenty more normal guys out there?

No, I had to choose this jerk.

My face suddenly heated up. Wait a second...when have I ever admitted that I loved him?

Rubbing the sides of my face, I tried to shake off the realization. No, surely not. I can’t be this stupid…or wait, maybe I am.

I loved that idiot. I really did.

But now that there were six of him, I kind of got scared. I didn't want any copies. I didn't want him taking pointless revenge. I didn’t want him plotting anything that could harm him. Why couldn't he just focus on me instead? I was the best thing that could happen in his life. (Slight exaggeration.)

Surely he feels the same! He just hides it well.

If he is not willing to face his own feelings, I will force him somehow. And even if he isn’t in love with me, I will make him fall. He had no choices here. I made a decision and now I was determined.

With this newfound fire, I stood up and walked outside to have some fresh air to cool myself down. To my surprise Starscream was out there alone. If it was the real him.

"Um...are you my Star?" I asked carefully.

He turned around and raised an optic ridge.

"Yes, it's the real me. Though I didn't expect you to come out so soon."

I eyed him doubtfully.

"Prove it to me."

Starscream frowned, then rolled his optics and pointed to the scar on his right cheek.

"Only I have this. The clones have a complete, healthy body. They even have T-cogs."

That convinced me and I nodded in relief.

"They flew off then?"

“I sent them to terminate Megatron. I hope they won't fail."

"Hhh, I wonder when you will accept the fact that you are not enough to take Megatron down..." I sighed while rubbing my forehead.

"Tch. I will prove that's not true," Starscream huffed in annoyance and folded his arms over his chest. He pouted for a while, then his optics brightened again and he clenched his fists excitedly, "You’ll be surprised! I cannot wait to savor the vivid details of Megatron's demise! My clones are close!”

"Yeah, I would like to see that..." I mumbled sarcastically.

Suddenly Starscream staggered with a pained yelp as if he was hit in the face. I flinched and stared at him in confusion only to see him looking back at me with a similarly bewildered expression.

"What is happening?!" he looked over his servos and body and then it happened again, and he clutched his head in pain and fell on his knees.

"Starscream! What is going on?!" I knelt beside him worriedly and touched his shoulder carefully, afraid of hurting him even more.

"Slag! My genetic code provides my clones with a T-cog I no longer possess and all I get is their agony?!" he gritted through his denta.

Angered yet again, I yelled at him:

"See?! This is the result! You never listen to me!"

"You blaming me won't help me in this situation!" he whined pitifully.

I had enough and slapped him in the face. He stared at me with a baffled expression as if struck by lighting.

“Enough! Get yourself together! You invented this operation, so get over it and bear the consequences!"

Starscream rose to his pedes and shrugged my servos off.

"I don't need your...AAargh! Wah! What is going on up there?!"

I watched him agonizing, and stepped back with folded arms, refusing to give any help. This was his fight. A new lesson to learn.

But then I also realized: he never learns. Not in the traditional way at least. Maybe a little pain will help him see things from a new perspective.

After the seizures were gone, Starscream lay in the dust like a broken doll. I could tell he was greatly damaged through his clones even if no injuries showed up on his actual body.

So finally, I stepped over to him and decided to help. I wrapped my arms around him and dragged him back to the ship. Not knowing where to leave him, I made Starscream sit down in the laboratory.

He groaned but I ignored his whining.

"Wait here, I'm going to look for a little energon for you," I ordered, then quickly left the room. In the lowest part of the ship I found a few cubes of energon which immediately cheered me up. At least we won't die from hunger today.

"Be happy, I have fuel," I entered the laboratory with a wide grin but then halted immediately when I realized that there were two of him in the room. And one of them was ready to launch his missile at the other.

"NO!" my spark missed a beat. I dropped the cubes and I jumped at the mech, grabbing his arm, effectively hindering him from firing at the other.

The other Starscream turned around with a murderous expression and pointed his own missile at the former.

“How sly of you trying to terminate me!"

Now I had to think. Which one is the real one? I snapped my gaze from one to the other. The other one realized my confusion.

“I'm the real Starscream, Halo. Step aside and let me finish this pitiful clone!" he ordered.

"No! I'm the real one! Don't believe him, he is trying to deceive you!" the former, which I was still holding down, retorted.

They began arguing and I was only more bewildered with each argument thrown into the air.

"Enough!" the one I clung onto suddenly yelled and shook me off. Using my moment of surprise to his advantage, he wrapped an arm around my neck and transformed his other into a blaster. The mech squeezed me to himself while aiming his weapon to my helm. I gasped in shock and fright, realizing just what kind of situation I got myself into. I didn't dare make a move.

"Lower your weapon or else I will kill her here and now!"

The other Starscream frowned angrily but didn't obey. They eyed each other silently for a minute and I desperately stared at the other one.

Oh, the scar! He was truly the real Starscream!

"You wouldn't dare," the real one spoke firmly.

I wasn't so sure about that and panicked a little more, scared of being shot if my real partner angers the clone.

Another silent minute followed the statement and my sparkpulse wildly increased. Then the clone had enough of waiting and shoved me away to raise his arm and launch his missile. But the real one was faster than him.

I fell on the floor and the clone almost flew across the room with a boom. It fell with a burned chest, seriously damaged. It tried to move but Starscream stepped on it with a pained expression.

My eyes widened at the sight. Is he really going to kill off...himself?

The clone whimpered weakly. For a moment I pitied it.

Starscream clutched his aching chest with a servo but tried to ignore the pain and raised his left arm mercilessly.

"I feel your pain. Really I do," with that he launched his missile and it blew up the clone's spark entirely. The real one screamed so loud that my audio receptors almost went dead, "AAAaaah, scrap that hurt!"

He staggered and fell back, limbs spreading on the floor. Only his heavy panting told me that he was still online. I climbed over on all fours to Starscream and curled up beside him in exhaustion. We remained like that for a few minutes until I quietly spoke:

"Don't ever do anything like that again. You almost killed yourself."

He huffed, irritated, but didn’t answer.

"Anyway, did you really know that he wouldn't shoot me or were you just gambling with my life?"

Starscream glanced at me from the corner of his optics, then averted his gaze with a frown.

“The clones shared my memories, emotions and thought process...and I just don’t have the spark to harm you intentionally."

My sparkpulse quickened and my optics widened. I stared at him in stunned silence. Did I hear that right? Did I?! I couldn't help myself, a silly grin crossed my face. I was right! He does like me afterall!

Starscream made advantage of his own weakness to win this fight. And that weakness was me. Or rather, the way he felt about me. Even if it was not love but something else I was still happy to know that something was there at least. It seems I just have to wait until he finally breaks...

I shuffled closer in joy and threw an arm over him as I snuggled up against his frame.

“H-hey! No touching! Argh, why are you always like this!” Starscream pushed against me, trying to shove me away but I clung to him with more determination, giggling.

“Ugh, fine, I’m too tired for this!” he relented at last, and my spark soared.

Crossflare POV

I was busy dealing with the wounded Vehicons - who were damaged by Starscream’s clones - when the crash happened. The tool fell out of my servo and I lost balance as the ship tilted out of balance. The patient fell off the table with a painful groan but I managed to grab onto something before I could have hit the floor as well.

"Scrap! What's going on?!" Knock Out hung onto the computer panel in panic.

Did we collide with something? Were we under attack? Usually the med-bay was a safe place and information leaked in only long after something had happened - like the news that a dozen Starscreams came aboard - but now we could experience first-hand what was happening.

As if it weren't enough that Starscream suddenly appeared from nowhere and killed off many of the crew just today. No. Here was something else going on! Let's add to the fire!

I struggled to help the patient into a more comfortable position and to stop the energon leaking from his upper arm, but it was almost impossible while the only solid ground under my pedes was shaking and we were thrown around the interior like dolls. Then it stopped altogether and the ship finally came to a halt.

“Are you okay?" I asked, worriedly helping the Vehicon sit up. He coughed and his plating seized in agony. The damage on him worsened and I let out an irritated growl. Great. All my hard work has gone to waste.

"Crossflare, are you hurt?" Knock Out knelt beside me and offered a servo. I gratefully took it but I shook my head as we stood together.

"No. Help me get him back to the table," I asked and the Vehicon was laid back with our help.

After we settled him, I glanced over to Knock Out questioningly, "What happened? Did we land?"

“Yeah, it seems like it. But we never land without a good reason. We should check out what’s going on.”

"It must have been an attack. But we are full of patients at the moment and many others are still waiting. I can only hope no one got injured in this new incident."

“Don't have your hopes up, today seems to be a very eventful day."

The Vehicon groaned in pain and my mind immediately shifted back to work. I stepped to the table and offered a few calming words before I restarted my work.

Knock Out pouted with jealousy written all over his face but I shot him a 'do your work' look and he rolled his optics as he did as I suggested.

Working these last days has done a good job of calming him. We even sneaked out to work our tires. He was beginning to loosen up, returning to his usual self. The grief still haunted his optics, but he wasn’t consumed by it anymore.

I was proud of his progress. But I also needed him to focus on work.

Later it turned out that we had to land because the ship was so badly damaged that we couldn't stay in the air without risking a crash.

Megatron was furious. Many patients were waiting in line but Knock Out was called away for another assignment and I belatedly noticed that the number of our army fearfully increased in just a day.

Our new hires were, to my shock, Insecticons. They showed up from nowhere and joined us under the lead of Lord Megatron. Those bug-like creatures scared me to the core and Knock Out also warned me not to approach them. As if I needed a warning!

I gladly stayed in the med-bay, accompanied by Mercy, who tried to help me treat the patients while also avoiding Soundwave for some reason.

It seemed like the two weren’t on such good terms anymore. Has Soundwave done something? Or has Mercy realized that I was right?

Whatever happened, she wasn’t talking about it and I didn’t pressure her. The fact that she wasn’t so enamored with him anymore was enough to calm my spark.

Just as we were almost done with work, the lights in the ship suddenly changed color. We both glanced up at the ceiling. Purple...?

"What was that?" Mercy asked, uneasily observing the new tone coloring the med-bay.

"Who knows? Maybe Megatron was bored of red," I shrugged and didn't give so much thought to it, however Mercy wasn't convinced.

A few minutes later the ship took off. Finally, was all I thought but then an unknown deep voice echoed through the whole place, making us freeze.

"Who was that?" we exchanged concerned looks.

The voice was threatening and it didn’t seem to like Lord Megatron. I wondered what that actually meant. Were we under attack?

"This can't be good," Mercy worriedly reached to her comm-link, "Soundwave! Can you hear me? What happened?"

There was dead silence. He wasn’t picking up.

"I-I can't comm him..."

"Don't worry, I’ll call Knock Out," I placed a servo on her shoulder and called the medic with a hint of anxiety in my spark. Something wasn't right.

"Um, sweet cherry, it's not really a good time for chit-chat..." he responded, and I sighed in relief.

“What is going on? Who was that voice just now?"

"Please listen Crossflare. We are in great trouble..." he whispered and that planted worry in me as well, "The ship’s consciousness awakened on its own. Stay in the med-bay and don't touch anything. I will come as soon as we have found a solution."

"But-"

"No. Stay there. It's safer."

He hung up and I couldn’t hide my shock when I looked at Mercy.

"The ship is alive...and Knock Out told us to stay here until they stop it from controlling itself."

“And Soundwave?"

"I'm sure he is doing his best at the moment..."

We were confused. We had two people on this ship who we cared for and now that we weren't allowed to leave our current spot, both of us just walked from left to right with increasing worry. Nothing changed, the lights were purple and we heard screams from the outside.

“Argh! I can't wait anymore! This is like a bad horror movie!" I snapped suddenly and commed Knock Out again. But he wasn't responding this time. My optics widened in shock and my spark was about to jump out of its chamber.

"We have to go," I stated and ran out of the med-bay without a second thought. Mercy followed me in panic and we both gasped at the sight of the hallways.

Frozen soldiers and Insecticons stood everywhere, motionless.

"What happened here?" Mercy shuddered at the thought.

"The ship seems to be able to put anyone in stasis-lock. We have to be careful, Mercy. Come, I'm sure Knock Out and Soundwave are victims as well!"

I started running again but soon came to a sudden halt because I noticed something tiny just ahead on the floor.

The tiny beings also stopped in shock, staring up at our giant figures. Mercy peeked out from behind me and she gasped in surprise:

"Miko? Jack? Raf?!

The three kids seemed to be just as stunned as us,

“Wow, you really are Decepticons!” the kids gaped at our insignia. Oh right, we haven’t met them since….

“What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you guys caused the ship to malfunction!” I knelt down with a scowl.

“No, but we are here to solve the problem!”

"Do you know how to stop the ship?" Mercy immediately had her hopes up.

"Ratchet told us how," Raf nodded again and pointed down the corridor, "But we need to go. Will you help?"

“Of course! Lets go! Come on kids!" Mercy giggled and scooped them up in her palms.

They showed the way while Jack informed Ratchet about us through the communication device on his ear.

"What? Mercy and Crossflare are helping you?”

“Yep! They are super nice!” Miko added in.

"We are here," Raf stated as we entered a giant chamber. Megatron was holding the handle of the manual shifter of the warship's energon infuser. But he was paralyzed.

Halo POV

I acted like an excited little youngling having a sleepover when I managed to push my will on Starscream and have us sleep in one room.

He was very determined to reject my idea first. Privacy problems, recharging habits and blahblahblah, all excuses. We have been recharging next to each other in the wild. Surely this wasn’t that much of a change!

And besides, we can watch out for each other if we are close.

That shut him up.

So finally, we had our own room. Our place to live. A home.

The place where we were hidden, safe and where I could return to from my little energon seeking missions.

Starscream made a schedule for me and he portioned all rations strictly.

My duty was to find energon since I was the one with a working T-cog while he stayed home and spent his time doing scientific research. He also scavenged an energon-refiner and began fixing it.

I admired the schematics he sketched onto the walls. He was smart.

After arriving back from my missions which were sometimes fruitless, I always made time to watch him work and create something amazing from the scraps of the ship. He was indeed a genius.

“Is staring really that entertaining? You haven't made a move since you arrived and you aren’t helping either," he sneered once he glanced up from his work for the first time that day. But then his attention was already back on the circuits which he handled with care.

"Sorry, but it's just too interesting to watch you do these things. I admire your handwork. I never imagined you being such an expert in these kinds of things," I smiled, still hugging my knees to my chest while keeping my gaze on him.

He chuckled slightly.

“You still don't know a lot about me, femme."

“Then tell me! I'm curious. I want to know you better."

“And why would you be?" he mumbled but didn't look up.

I fell silent for a second before answering:

"I do love your stories. Even if you exaggerate a little."

"Hhhh, you are quite the pushy one, aren't you?" Starscream shut down the side-plating of the machine and tried to turn it on for the third time. It made strange noises and I leaned closer with a hint of joy in my optics.

Yes, it's working! It's working! The machine roared to life and Starscream proudly puffed his chest out as he stood and dusted himself off, "And here I prove again how much of an idiot Megatron is for firing me!"

"You fired yourself dear," I corrected him with a grin.

"Oh, could you not ruin my moment of victory just once?" he pouted, but not nearly as offended as he pretended to be. He was only teasing me back. I liked it when he did that. He could be very playful when caught in a good mood. Grinning, I walked up to him and made a slow circle around him, raising a suggestive optic ridge as I traced the edge of his wings, making him flinch and stare at me with confused, questioning optics.

He knew I was up to no good.

"Don't worry Starscream, I will always be there to ruin the moment. You can't shake me off, you see. There is no cure for this one illness called 'Halo of Uraya' afterall," I shot him a naughty smirk, then I made my way out of the room without a glance back.

I liked the sound of his cooling fans kicking in just a moment after I left. It seems like he was catching onto my drift. And he seemed to be at a loss of what to do. No worries, I’m a patient femme.

Then another day, I was surprised when I couldn’t find Starscream on the ship. He just vanished like thin air. While trying not to panic I ran up and down the ship in a hurried search of him until I found my little idiot on the highest spot of the crashed ship, outside. He stood on the top and just stared at the sky. His wings were lowered, his expression and posture reflecting his inner melancholy.

I climbed up to him but he didn't seem to notice me until I called his name.

“Starscream..."

He glanced at me for a moment and then straightened himself, trying to put up a tough front. He folded his servos behind his back and stared back at the landscape, not responding to me.

"You miss the air, don't you?" I asked, still too stubborn to give up questioning.

His wings twitched for a moment but he kept silent for a while before giving a response.

"Have you ever heard of 'sky-hunger'?"

I shook my head, but I could guess what it meant. Starscream looked up at the cloudy sky and started explaining:

"Jets were obviously created to fly. We love air more than ground, it's limitless. Flying is almost as essential to us as humans need breathing. They can withhold their breath for a while but if they keep it up too long, they will die. Seekers like me, who are grounded for too long soon develop symptoms of sky-hunger. It's natural, it’s an instinct. But the side-effects are rather unpleasant.”

I worriedly stepped next to him, trying to read his expression.

"But you won't die, will you?"

"No. I may just feel a little more frustrated than usual. On a constant basis.”

"That's not better!" I snapped. If this 'sky-hunger' thing is that serious, then I have to do something to erase it somehow. But how? Starscream doesn’t have a T-cog. I can't give him mine because I don’t know how to take it out.

Think, Halo, think!

"Would anything similar to flying help?" I asked carefully.

"And what would that be?"

"Hm..." I backed off a little, having an idea in mind but hesitating to do it at first.

"What are you doing?" he turned his head in my direction with a suspicious expression and yelled in surprise when I ran at him mid-transformation.

"WAAAAH!

I knocked him over with the impact, making him land in a sitting position on my jet form as I took off. He screamed and yelled as he tried to hold onto something and accidentally clawed into my wings. I hissed but tried not to pay attention to the stinging pain because gaining my balance back was much more important.

“What are you doing you crazy femme?!" Starscream shouted as I finally managed to get my form straight. Oh, he had quite a weight! Who would have thought, he was so skinny afterall!

"I'm trying to help! Just sit and grab onto me and maybe your sky-hunger goes away!" I shouted back.

Starscream shut his mouth, too stunned to speak. He held on as I flew.

If anybot saw us without knowing the context they would think that we are crazy. Or stupid. Why would a Seeker use another flier as a plane?

After a few minutes I checked on my partner and saw him sitting pretty comfortably with his optics shut. Oh, he had a slight smile hidden at the corner of his mouth. He seemed to be enjoying the familiar feeling of harsh winds caressing his sides.

To make it even more real I made a few turns carefully but fast enough, then changed the height a few times, slowly rising then descending again. He didn't say a word but it was okay that way.

My destination wasn't random. I had a good place in mind which I discovered a few days ago and I liked going back there. It was beautiful and I wanted to show it to him before we would turn back.

Among the fields there was a colorful spot, an amazing but little paradise of wild flowers. The whole hill was covered in various flower-types which bloomed just now and I was happy to have come across them.

I assumed that Starscream probably doesn't even know what a flower is so I guess it’s time for a little biology lesson!

“Where are we going?" Starscream asked when I prepared for landing.

"There," I flew above the hill and made a circle.

"What? Here? Why here? I can't see energon anywhere!" he frowned.

"It's not energon that you should see!" I retorted and made a flip back, sending him to the ground with a loud thud and a surprised yelp.

"Ah...that hurt!" Starscream lay flat on his back with his wings spread behind. He shot me a mean glare as I transformed and walked over to him, leaning into his view with an innocent grin.

"Don't be so upset, you have fallen from high many times before!" I dropped my aft down next to him and extended my pedes, stretching them with a pleased sigh. Geez, he was really heavy.

Starscream sat up while raising an optic ridge and he had a curious but also confused look on his face.

I pointed over the hill around us enthusiastically.

"Well? Don't you think this is beautiful? I bet you have never seen anything like this on Cybertron!"

Starscream looked around and shrugged.

"Crystal City in the sunset is much more beautiful than this. But…what exactly are these little colorful things?" he touched some of the flowers next to him and frowned when their petals fell off upon touch.

I giggled at his reaction.

"These are flowers. They are organic like humans but even more fragile!"

"No doubt," he pouted, "Why are you so fascinated by these fragile organic things?"

"Am I fascinated?"

"You have that glimmer in your optics. I just assumed."

My smile widened. Oh, he notices things like that? Only if he knew that this glimmer is not meant for the flowers but for him!

"Well, I guess it’s because of the colors and the sheer size of the area they grow in here."

Starscream didn't seem to understand my point of view but nodded in sign of accepting my opinion.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, then he finally put up the question:

"Why did you do that?"

I knew what 'that' meant. With a thoughtful smile on my face I lay back, enjoying the softness of the flowers as the wind caressed my features and I stared up at the clouds.

"Hm. Maybe because I don't like seeing you suffer?"

"Why?"

"Why? What a stupid question!" I laughed, "You are my partner Star! I try to help those who I like, it's just natural!"

“Why do you like me?" he asked with a doubtful frown. He was genuinely curious.

My smile softened as my gaze wandered from the clouds to his face.

"Why wouldn't I?"

Starscream stared at me in bafflement.

I giggled at the reaction.

"Ok, fine, I’ll tell you. Now that I got to know you a bit better, I kind of admire how smart and resourceful you can be. If only you calculated the risks better! Anyway, you do magic in the air, and I like watching you fly, and I kinda envy you for your skills. But your persistence fascinates me the most out of all your traits. You keep going on, even at times others would’ve already given up. I admit, watching you struggle for victory also motivates me on a personal level."

Silence followed my confession. I guess he wasn’t used to hearing something like this too often. Starscream quickly averted his gaze in deep thought, wings twitching uneasily.

I gazed upon the clouds and recalled all the decisions I’d made recently. I mean, I would have never gotten to know Starscream if I didn't befriend the Autobots. Much to Crossflare’s chagrin. A wide smile crossed my face at the thought of my amica endurae.

What could they be doing now?

"What's with that creepy smile?" Starscream asked with a snort.

“I just thought about my friends," I grinned.

"Oh…those two. You’re awfully attached to them.”

“They are my amica endurae for a reason!”

Starscream rolled his optics.

“Endurae are overrated.”

“Because they are rare.”

“Amicas are quite common.”

“Yes, but not every one of them shares a bond.”

“Oh, do you?”

“Yep! With both of them!”

Starscream scoffed.

“Troublesome.”

“It’s not. They are important to me so carrying them in my spark gives me peace of mind.”

Starscream thought for a second, then noted offhandedly:

“I admit the purple one is fine. But the white one is suspicious to me.”

“How so?”

“She has no data to her name. She is not skilled in anything but languages, and her personality…ugh. What kind of function did she have before the war?”

“She was a public entertainer trainee.”

Starscream raised both optic ridges high and some kind of understanding befell his expression.

“Oh. Now I understand everything.”

I didn’t know what he meant but I shrugged it off and waited a few nanoclicks before I carefully asked, "Do you have any close friends?"

Starscream fell into silence and I was surprised to see how his wings twitched in unease again.

I thought he wouldn’t answer, but then he spoke up:

"I had my trine.”

The painful edge to his voice didn’t escape my attention and I immediately understood that it hurt him to speak about them. What did he feel when remembering them? Mourn, regret, guilt? Maybe all?

"Trine?" I questioned. Was he talking about Thundercracker and Skywarp whom Knock Out has mentioned?

“They were my wingmates.”

Oh, that term again!

“And that means…?”

“We took care of each other. We also shared a split-spark bond, so we looked quite similar.”

“Oh, so you are basically brothers!”

“Were,” he corrected and I nodded apologetically.

“You are talking about Thundercracker and Skywarp, right?”

Starscream blinked at me in surprise.

“H-how did you know?”

“Knock Out mentioned them. You guys were the Elite Trine, I recall?”

“Indeed,” Starscream mumbled, still a bit stunned and searching for words, “We were the most skilled fliers in all of Vos.”

“So the stories are true!” I beamed, grinning. “Wow, you three were surely popular back then!”

“We had quite a reputation, yes,” Starscream puffed his chest out slightly, but his voice still had that pained edge.

“What were they like?” I leaned closer with a curious but soft expression. If he wanted to, he could have refused to answer. But he scoffed instead and a small smile crept to his face.

“They were idiots. Thundercracker, always the smartaft and the noble spark, was the one with a scientific answer to everything. He could be such an annoyance! Skywarp on the other servo, he was a dumbaft. A complete bolthead. He had this flashy ability to teleport anywhere he wanted and bragged about it. Such an irritating little prick!”

I couldn’t help but giggle at the way he spoke about them. It was clear he liked them even if he spewed insults about them after their deaths.

They must have been a chaotic trio of brothers. But then again, how did they disappear from his life? Is it true that Megatron is the one secretly responsible for their deaths?

"What happened to them?" I asked hastily and immediately regretted it when I saw him stiffen and frown, wings lowering behind his back.

I looked at him with a softer, understanding smile, shaking my head.

“Sorry, it’s okay if you don’t want to tell.”

“The war happened to them. And me,” Starscream rubbed his forehead, clearly struggling as he tried to gather his words, “The Quintessons killed Thundercracker. I wasn’t even there. But Skywarp…that’s my fault. He was on a mission issued by me but… If I...If I didn't..." he clenched his fists helplessly, guilty and furious at the same time, but then his voice trailed off and I finally understood why it was so hard for him to speak about this.

It seems like we have more things in common than I had expected.

"Sometimes, we make bad decisions. We are just not enough. It’s alright. I also failed my guardians," I spoke quietly, casting my gaze down as I recalled the day Uraya was set on fire.

Starscream looked at me in curiosity and confusion.

“I was out of town when Uraya was ambushed. I knew that my guardians were in danger and in need of my help if they wanted to get out of there. But…but I was too scared so I ran. Alone. I told myself that they’ll be alright and they can escape on their own. But I never saw them afterwards. It was selfish of me to think the way I did. I believed that I was a bad person because of that for a long time…maybe I haven't changed. I don’t know. So I understand where you are coming from. You are not the only one with a guilty conscience," I shrugged, trying to act like remembering that part of my life wasn’t affecting me anymore.

Feeling slightly insecure, I glanced up at Starscream and was surprised to realize he was looking at me with a small smile and a raised optic ridge as if doubting my credibility.

“I never took you as a coward. You always jump into the fray head-first.”

My spark burst in joy upon hearing his words and I chuckled with glimmering optics.

“Thanks, Star.“

Starscream cast his gaze aside and pretended to cough. We sat in silence for a while, thoughts wandering back to the conversation we just had, then Starscream’s gaze fell on the fresh scars on my wings. He frowned at the sight.

"It was accidental. I didn't intend to hurt you," he muttered as he pointed at them.

I glanced over my shoulder, taking in the damage caused by his claws. The injury stung but it was nothing serious.

"I know. I'm not angry if you are worried about that," I smirked and raised a suggestive optic ridge, to which he only rolled his optics in response.

Him? Worried? Oh please...

“Hey, hey, Star! You can make up for it if you treat my wings like you did last time when I had that flight-paralysis! How about we become wingmates, hm?”

Starscream gaped and gasped, fishing for words flusteredly.

“In your dreams!”

“Naah, don’t be difficult! I will take care of your wings and you take care of mine! Fair trade! Or is it that you are shy?” I leaned over, wiggling my optic ridges.

“N-no! I already told you that I don’t need a new wingmate!”

“Yeah, sure, you have me convinced,” I shook my head in clear doubt as I grinned at him wickedly.

“Why are you so adamant about this?!”

“I wanna touch your wings! I’m kind of obsessed with them actually.”

Starscream stared at me incredulously.

“Now I have even less inclination to let you near them! I will not entertain your weird fetishes!”

“Oh come on! I didn’t mean it like that!”

“Then how am I supposed to interpret that?!”

“Okay now listen here, it’s just that….” and I started a long rant about how much I’ve been envying airborne bots all my life and how I developed an obsession with wings out of pure admiration.

Crossflare POV

Mercy was wringing her servos nervously beside me while we were listening to Megatron’s furious lecture.

The ship was saved, the crew was alright but because we let the three human kids escape with secret information, Megatron was beyond mad.

Letting the enemy go out of gratitude was not a commendable act in our leader’s optics.

I tried to explain the situation to Megatron, telling him that we needed the kids to save everyone, and that we let them go in the belief that they were leaving immediately. But Megatron kept fuming.

He threateningly loomed over us, his crimson optics promising pain as he backed us against a corner and roared our heads off:

“If you ever let the enemy go like this again, I won’t hesitate to find due punishment for you two! Am I understood?!”

We were happy to get away with only threats and no actual beating. I tried to shield Mercy as much as I could in case things turned ugly.

But Megatron quickly turned away from us to bark orders at the other officers and he was busy regaining control and order in the ship afterwards.

We returned to the med-bay with defeated sighs.

"That was dangerous! You two are lucky he didn't punish you. Don’t team up with those humans ever again!" Knock Out reprimanded us once he returned from the lecture he received for also letting the humans slip out of grasp.

"They are kids. What should I have done?" I shot him a glare.

"Step on them! What else?"

"Knock Out! I told you they are kids! Would you ever kill a sparkling?"

Knock Out didn't answer, just scoffed, shaking his head and muttering something under his breath.

Maybe it’s best I don’t know his answer to that question.

"Nevermind. Without them the ship would have killed us all. That's the main point. It's easy to judge us after everything is resolved."

"I understand, but still...you should be more careful, sweet cherry. Megatron won't be so generous next time," Knock Out offered me a glass of energon he stored in a nearby cabinet and flashed me a relieved smile before he stepped to Mercy and put a cube in her servos as well.

Mercy glanced from him to me with a questioning, curious expression but said nothing as Knock Out raised his own glass.

“Let's drink after this terrible spark-attack, we deserve it!”

We couldn’t help but chuckle as we raised our glasses and clinked with cheers.

Halo POV

After that day Starscream started acting, well, differently. He seemed to randomly get uneasy and would make up excuses when asked what’s wrong. I didn't understand.

I was sure that we have been on the same page ever since I declared how much I liked him for the twentieth time, but whenever I tried to look into his optics he glanced away. What the hell has gotten into him?

Was he second-guessing? Or was he planning something stupid again?

When I tried to tease him, he didn't respond the same way he used to. Now what? Did I do something wrong? Did I say something wrong? It was so confusing...

Until a few days later... I yawned loudly like usual when I awakened in the mornings. I stretched my arms over my head but paused mid-movement when I felt something soft scatter around my body.

"Huh?" I blinked several times as I glanced over myself. My optics widened in awe at the sight of my berth covered in...flowers.

Tiny petals flew all around me as I sat up. I just couldn't believe my optics. So many! I was practically showered with them!

When my processor finally asked the question of ‘how’, I immediately knew the answer. There was no other possible explanation: Starscream collected all the existing flowers nearby to surprise me.

My spark sang in joy as I touched the blanket of flowers with a silly grin on my face, still trying to believe that he would even consider doing something like this just for me.

For me...

Sensing another presence, I glanced up and spotted him standing in the doorway of our room, casually leaning against the doorframe. Oh...was he there the whole time?

Starscream watched me with his arms folded over his chest, clearly deep in thought.

" 'morning?" I mumbled with flushed cheeks. Okay, we’ve got an interesting situation here. Should I ask him about it directly, or tease him, or just straight-up confess? I wanna kiss him actually. What would be the right course of action? Would he freak out if I just kissed him?

" 'morning," he nodded, still not moving his intense gaze away from my figure.

"Umm…is this your doing?" I asked clumsily. Stupid question, the answer was obvious.

"Unless there’s someone else on this ship I don’t know about, then yes," he pouted, clearly unamused.

It seemed like he was expecting a different kind of reaction.

Before I could have said something even more embarrassing, my teasing side took control and I chuckled in mirth as I leaned back.

"Aww, Star, you surprised me! I almost can't believe it!" I laughed wholeheartedly, then a seductive smile crossed my lips, "So what now? Did you intend to just stand there or did you want to join me?"

I merely intended it as a tease yet when I saw him tense up and his wings perked up, I realized he was actually…He was considering it dammit!

Scrap, scrap, I’m not ready yet! I was just joking!

Then, to my surprise and relief, he quickly snapped his gaze away and turned sharply around to leave. He seemed to be upset and I realized I might have offended him.

"Starscream! It was just a joke! Hey! Wait!" I hopped off the berth and followed him. Maybe I shouldn't have teased him…not about such a thing.

"Hey! It was just a joke, I swear!" I caught up to the Seeker and I concernedly looked for his attention but he avoided my gaze with a sulking expression.

“Leave me alone!" he muttered, clearly frustrated.

"I’m sorry! I didn't intend to offend you! I was just teasing…”

“I told you to leave me alone!"

“But Starscream..."

"Can't you leave me alone just for a nanoclick?!" he snapped at me as he suddenly stopped in his tracks, and threateningly loomed over me.

I stepped back in surprise, unsure about how to react or what to say to pacify him.

"What has gotten into you?" I asked in confusion, raising my servos in a placating way.

"It's your fault stupid femme! I can't even think rationally because of you! Give me some space!" he growled, fury radiating off him like a dark aura.

I backed off slowly. The way he made a 180 degree turn from nice to douche was astounding. His behavior confused me.

Why was he such a jerk now?

“Fine! Enjoy your alone time!” I puffed my cheeks up and turned on my heels with an irritated huff. I left him in the hallway and made my way outside to have some fresh air.

I didn’t intend to start the day like this, but he wasn’t exactly accommodating right now!

Starscream was always unpredictable, but his emotions were usually under control, even when he was angry. He rarely snapped like this, at least in my presence.

But now, I just couldn't put two and two together. What did he want to achieve by surprising me? Wasn’t that his way of saying ‘I like you but I don’t wanna say it out loud so here have this instead’? Or am I the one thinking too much into it?

But then again, I was just teasing him back there. Without bad intentions. He could have played it off, teased back, or anything. So why didn’t he? I’m surely not the one who reacted the wrong way!

I was getting angry. Really angry. Does he want my company or not?! His mixed signs are confusing! He should really get his processor straight about this!

Maybe some alone time would really help him think about a few things.

Suddenly it hit me. A genius idea.

I switched off my comm-link so that he wouldn't be able to call me and cloaked my energy signature so that he couldn’t track me.

Heh, your fault, idiot. You wanted to be left alone, so you’ll get what you want!

I'm curious how he would react to my disappearance.

My plan was simple: fly around for a few hours, stop somewhere far and wait, then go back, hide and watch him get frustrated.

An evil smile crept to my face. I’m a genius!

I took off immediately and flew far enough not to be seen or heard. Then I counted the hours. They went by awfully slowly and I wavered in my conviction a few times. Then I made my way back during the afternoon hours on pedes, carefully examining the nearby area before I slipped back through the ship’s airlock entrance from the back.

I hid well and noticed no sign of Starscream for a good while. Then I realized that he went out. Maybe he noticed my lack of presence and decided to search the area.

Hours passed and it was already dark outside when I heard him reenter. He was cursing loudly and talking to himself as he strolled through the hallways.

“Stupid femme! Where the pit did she go?!”

I’m right here dumbaft.

“Hmph, all that crap about staying with me was just talking big I guess.”

That’s not true!

Starscream walked up and down restlessly as he listed possible reasons for why I haven’t returned yet. He was making up all kinds of excuses.

But the more he talked the clearer it became that he was trying to convince himself that even if I didn’t return, he would be fine.

“I don’t need her anyway! She was so annoying!”

Ouch.

Then he fell into silence and lowered his wings. He looked over the laboratory and picked up some tools and went to fix something absent-mindedly. A few minutes later he angrily dropped the tools and stood with a growl. He went out and stomped into our berthroom. Seeing no sign of me but noticing that the flowers were still there, Starscream's mood shifted to melancholy again.

He stared at the berth for some time then turned around and left to go outside once more.

I watched from the shadows carefully, silently, wondering if he was truly missing me or was it just loneliness that came to bite him.

Starscream sat down on a larger rock, and released a long sigh before he raised his gaze towards the stars.

“Where could she be?” he muttered, but I couldn’t hear clearly from a distance.

I remember watching him for some time until I accidentally fell asleep in the ventilation system.

I awoke in the morning and hit my head against the narrow tunnel wall. Scrap! I forgot that I was in here!

Where is Starscream?

Looking outside, I spotted him walking up and down, muttering to himself as he did so.

Oh. He was still out there, waiting?

There was a painful guilty sting in my spark. Maybe I was taking this too far. Maybe he isn’t as much of a jerk as I took him for…He was looking genuinely distraught.

Making up my mind, I exited the ventilation system and jogged back to our quarters. Sighing, I unmasked my energy signature for him and reconnected my comm-link.

Surely, he would pick up on it soon.

So I leaned against the side of my berth and waited. It didn’t take too long. A minute later he was storming in like an agitated animal.

“Where the pit have you been all this time?!”

Putting on a poker face, I just shrugged.

“You wanted some alone time.”

“You should’ve informed me! And why did you cloak your signature and shut down communications?! I thought something has happened to you!”

Raising an optic ridge and allowing myself a small smile, I asked:

“Were you worried about me?”

Starscream stuttered but didn’t answer immediately, then he straightened his back and looked away with a pout.

“N-no! I was worried I would have to search for energon myself!”

He was being difficult again. But I was having none of it.

I pushed myself away from the berth and stepped to him, leaning close with a knowing look. He blinked at me, tense with anticipation.

“Would it kill you to be honest for once?”

He had no answer to that and I rolled my optics, then closed the distance between us with a hug.

Starscream flinched, frozen on the spot as I embraced him tightly, too shocked to move or make a sound.

“Just admit that you missed me.”

Starscream opened his mouth then closed it, unsure and nervous, then - to my biggest surprise - his arms came around me and I was embraced back, making my spark burst in elation.

Am I hallucinating? Is he really hugging me back?!

“This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?” Starscream mumbled over my shoulder-plate, with a hint of fondness in his annoyed tone.

I grinned against his chest and squeezed him tighter.

“You are pretty sly, femme.”

“You mean, pretty and sly?”

Starscream grumbled in irritation.

“Oh, come on. You were totally ogling me yesterday morning.”

Starscream gasped flusteredly and was about to release me right away but I looked up and held onto him with a knowing smirk.

“What’s wrong, my dear Star, have I stumbled upon your dark little secret?”

He was about to deny but his cooling fans kicked in and I grinned in triumph. Starscream was dying of shame, fumbling to come up with an excuse.

“Hey, no worries! I find you hot too!”

Silence followed my statement as he stared at me with wide optics, disbelief and embarrassment written all over his face.

“Oh, I just said that out aloud? Erm, well, how about we do something about it, hm?”

His initial surprise turned into amusement as he chuckled, shaking his head.

“You are something else, Halo.”

Something changed in his optics and I felt his servos come to rest on my hips as he looked down at me with a new, thrilling expression. I liked it because it sent shivers down my spine. It got me excited.

“I have no idea how you feel zero shame while voicing such things, but now that you’ve offered, I suppose I shall entertain you.”

“As if! I’ll be the one to entertain you!”

“Do not underestimate me, Halo.”

“You shouldn’t underestimate me either!”

We stared each other down in a silent duel, then I grabbed his shoulder-plate and pulled him down to my level and kissed him.

His shock lasted only a second because he responded with a wild whirr of his engine, his claws gripped my hips tighter and I was thrust backwards until my back bumped into something.

Ah, this is going to be interesting.

Chapter Text

Mercy POV

I was surprised when Megatron assigned me a mission. An outside errand? Really? I wish there was someone else to take the job but we were one mech short on the team - Breakdown’s place couldn’t be filled no matter who took on his previous tasks - so I had to go.

The reason was very simple: Megatron had all his officers out on other missions at the same time because he wanted to gather all the four discovered relics before the Autobots got to them. Time was of the essence so we had to hurry.

After Knock Out and Dreadwing had left, Soundwave was the next in the line to be sent out. Even him? So rare! I don’t remember ever seeing him go on an outside mission.

Just when he was about to leave me in charge of the Communications Panel at the bridge, another Iacon signal popped up on the displays and I quickly located the source in Middle-Europe. Soundwave tilted his head in Megatron’s direction.

“Another one? Good,” Megatron noted the findings with a pleased smirk and waved a servo in my way. “I trust you to ensure its arrival to the ship, Mercy.”

“M-me, my Lord?” I gaped at him, unable to hide my shock.

“I believe I addressed you correctly. Now stop standing around and get to work immediately!”

“R-right away, my Lord!” I stuttered and bowed my head, thoughts reeling.

Scrap, I don’t want to go! I cannot do anything if a fight breaks out and I’m not good at dealing with tricky situations. Fighting is not my forte, neither are negotiations….I’m not qualified for field trips like these! There was no place for protests though. Whatever Megatron wanted, I needed to please him with results and good news. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.

Soundwave opened a ground-bridge for me at the correct location and I nodded to him with a nervous smile before I started towards it.

“Um, good luck with the other relic! See you soon!”

He didn't respond, and a second later I was on the other side, stepping onto a humble hill which stretched on into the distance. Golden wheat swayed in the wind as it blew over the field gently. The sun began to set on the horizon. What a beautiful place….

Right! No sight-seeing, get the job done!

I glanced at the tracking device in my servo. The relic should be somewhere nearby. Probably underground. How will I get to it, I have no idea….Do I have to dig it up myself? I should’ve brought some equipment.

As I walked around I could only hope that I wouldn't run into any Autobots. I would hate to argue with them, and I doubt they would just let me take the relic if I asked nicely.

"Here," I stopped as I reached the spot. My device was beeping loudly enough. So it is underground…my luck.

A frustrated sigh escaped my lips as I subspaced the device and knelt down to dig up the ground. How troublesome! But at least there is no danger in sight. My sensors haven’t picked up any Autobot signal yet.

Long minutes passed as I worked my way deeper and got my servos all dirty. I’ll need a good shower once I’m back at the ship later…..with Crossflare. I don’t have the courage to ask Soundwave ever again. We have this awkwardness between us now anyway.

I’m losing focus again! Concentrate Mercy!

My servos suddenly touched something metal. With a newfound enthusiasm over my success I quickly dug around the relic’s circular form and pulled it out to the surface.

Hm, an interesting device for sure, even at first glance. If I had to compare it to anything then I would have said it was a gigantic mechanical clock and astrolabe fusion. It looked like a complicated machine with multiple ancient Cybertronian characters decorating its golden and silver surface.

I stood up and dusted myself off as much as I could then ran a quick scan on the relic and connected my processor to the Iacon database. What could this be? What’s the use? Will this be a new weapon of sorts or just a scientific trinket?

I tapped the surface display lightly with a digit and it lit up with a soft blue light.

The database couldn’t come up with results but the device itself offered an encoded security description:

“Item 5884207, property of Alpha Trion and banned from use..." I read in disbelief. Alpha Trion? Where have I heard that name before?

My musings were cut short when the display lit up once again as if reacting to the things I was saying, and several codes appeared, with numbers quickly changing. Uh-oh. I didn’t intend to activate anything.

“It’s best if I return quickly,” I looked around and raised a servo to my comm-link. “Lord Megatron, the relic is secured, I’m requesting….”

There were a series of clicking sounds coming from the device and I glanced at it nervously. Hurried to make it stop, I pushed its blue core button in hope it would stop making noises, but then a swirl of blue light emerged from it like claws and before I could shriek or drop the device, it swallowed me whole.

I felt like my body was being pulled while I was trying to reestablish the connection through my comm-link, hoping to get help, but all communications were cut off inside the blue shining ball I got myself into.

What in the name of Solus….!

Suddenly I was dragged along the relic through a vortex similar to that of a ground-bridge’s but unlike in a ground-bridge, there was immense pain. I shrieked and tossed as electricity ran through my frame.

Why is this always happening to me?!

I screamed in pain, but still clung to the relic. I can't fail. I will figure something out but I can't fail!

Then everything went blank for a few minutes after I hit something solid and hard. My sensors were haywire and needed some time to come back at full capacity.

My head swayed as I raised it, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The blurry edges slowly sharpened and I blinked several times before I realized that I’m inside a building. Well, inside a room to be more precise.

I gasped and sat up in panic.

This isn’t the Nemesis! Where am I?!

Despair started taking control of me as I got to my pedes and looked around once more to take in the sight.

I was in a large room with a huge table with datapads scattered on its surface and a large metallic book placed in the middle. There was a very interesting and exquisite quill placed beside it. A quill? And a book? What? The rest of the room was similar to that of an archive. Many, many files were stored on shelves in strict order, categorized and neatly sorted. The computer panels on one side hummed softly, the displays showing live news popping up one after the other.

News from Iacon, Altihex and Crystal City…….what?

My spark skipped a beat as I stumbled closer, not even realizing that I had dropped the relic and I absently walked up to the computers. Optics widening, I gaped at the displays and hurriedly typed on the keyboard to confirm what I was seeing.

The date on the computer wasn’t in harmony with the date in my processor. Which I just noticed was stuck. The numbers froze in time, as if the jump through that weird portal stopped my chronometer entirely.

But I quickly overlooked that fact as I checked the news, which was talking about a very lively Cybertron, not a dead one as I knew it.

What is the meaning of this…? Could it be….? Could it be that I….? That this place and this time is…?

My thoughts were reeling.

No way. There is no such thing like that! There can’t be! That’s impossible! I must be hallucinating! That relic creates illusions for sure! This must be an illusion and I’m probably passed out in reality while dreaming up something extraordinary. Or is this a vision?

Lord Megatron won’t be pleased if I run late so I have to wake up somehow!

But before I could figure out how, the doors to the room swished open and I froze in place as I stared at the one entering.

An old bot, possibly older than time itself stepped in with a sigh, and then halted at the sight of me. We stared at each other in shock for a nanoclick, then he drew his optic ridges together in a frown.

Uh-oh….I have to get out of here quickly!

“How did you get into my office? This sector of the building is highly guarded…”

“Umm…sorry!” I yelled in panic and made a run towards the window in the back.

Then I realized that I forgot the relic and quickly halted and turned to make a quick grab of it, but the mech was already there.

No! Scrap, scrap!

Thinking nothing at that point, I made a desperate leap, transformed and stormed through the window with a loud crash. I will come back for the relic later.

Glass shattered and flew everywhere as I burst outside. The vast landscape of Iacon came to my view, shocking me with its glow and liveliness.

I forgot everything for a moment just to take in the impossible sight.

Then I snapped back to reality as I heard commotion under me when guard bots looked up from the ground and pointed in my direction.

No, no, no, no! How could I mess this up? How could I fail so horribly? Lord Megatron will have my head for this if I can’t make this right!

A shot tilted me off-course as I cried out in pain. One of my wings was shot. I was reeling out of control. It felt all too real. Too real to be a hallucination, a dream or a vision.

I was about to crashland. But I can’t be captured like this, I have to fly farther…!

Things blacked out the moment I hit the ground somewhere on the streets of an Iacon I thought to be dead along with our cherished Cybertron.

Halo POV

Awakening from a good dream is always hard. Especially when you mistake reality for a dream you think only your processor made up. I definitely doubted reality right now, because morning came and I lay caged between two arms belonging to someone I quite liked but didn’t expect to really like me back the same way.

 Oh, wow, we really did all that yesterday…..

 My thoughts were running wild now.

There were no prominent sounds in the berthroom save for the steady pulse of Starscream’s spark behind my back. It was a nice sound to listen to. The feeling of not being alone in a berth is also quite a nice change for once. I could get used to it.

My thoughts wandered back to yesterday, to our stupid quarrel and my stupid stunt, then to our rather heated exchange of kisses, touches, moans and cries.

A chill run up my spine. Slag, I really needed that.

But what now? Clearly, we weren't just partners anymore. I'd wanted his attention and got it. Now will this be a one time mess-up or…?

Ugh, stop it Halo, you’re overthinking! Try to enjoy the moment instead!

“What’s going on in that complicated processor of yours?” Starscream grumbled from behind me.

Oh…so he was awake!

“Ah, good morning to you too, I guess?” I tried to play it cool and stretched slightly against his frame.

“Careful with those wings!” he pushed them down. I didn’t even notice I lifted them.

“Sorry,” I giggled and rose slightly to turn around and face him with the biggest smirk I could muster.

“You look awfully satisfied with yourself,” he noted with a mock-pout but I leaned in close and raised a servo to trace the side of his face.

“Why wouldn’t I when I just took Air Commander Starscream to berth with me? I’m feeling rather proud!”

Calling him all kinds of titles actually got him worked up. It was a funny discovery and I could see him grin on impulse this time too. This prick! It was quite easy to please him once you played by his whims.

“I must admit you have your way with words, Halo.”

“That I do. And look at you! Who would have thought that a decent frag would do wonders to you!”

“Clearly, it was you in need of one. You were rather needy last I remember.”

“Based on what I remember, you were the one who pushed me to the berth first!”

“I recall, you were the one repeating my name like a prayer, darling.”

“And I recall, you couldn’t get your servos off me, dear.”

There was a heated stand-off as I grinned at him and he measured me with a knowing smirk. Damn, this game was too fun not to play. I couldn’t resist leaning towards him.

“Uh-uh!” Starscream stopped me by placing a claw on my lips, making me stare at him questioningly.

“What?” I pouted, disappointed that he wouldn’t let me advance.

“I’m flattered by your eagerness but….” he rose slightly, then unexpectedly pushed me down and towered over me with a satisfied smirk, “I like it this way.”

Overcoming my moment of surprise, I pouted and sneaked two arms around his neck, pretending to play along.

“Fine, if you want it so…” then with a quick move, I lunged and turned us around, almost falling off the berth while doing so. This time around I was the one straddling him and his expression was priceless. I couldn’t help but laugh merrily.

“Haha! You should see your face now…!”

I was cut off when he turned us back around, making me fall back against the berth’s surface. Starscream grinned down at me mockingly.

“Nice attempt, but pointless. Let’s try again, shall we?“

I groaned in protest and kicked with my pedes, but didn’t stop him this time. Fine, have it his way! At least he was in a good mood. Far better than how he previously had been.

And I was happy for him, as well as for myself. Perhaps, I don’t have to think too much into it. Maybe all I need is to let nature run its course. We will surely land somewhere at one point. Where that landing will be, I don’t know but I do hope when the time comes to put a label on our relationship, it will be a lasting one.

I could only hope he thinks the same.

Mercy POV

Dizzy, disoriented, heavy. My head was aching when I came back to my senses. What I saw was darkness, only my own biolights shone faintly on my protoform.

I was curled up in a small place and unable to stretch my limbs. My pedes bumped against walls. It seemed like I was caged in a large box with no window. Was it a container?

My surroundings were moving, it felt like we were rolling so I guessed I was on a transporting vehicle. But why boxed? Am I…am I being abducted?”

I had my answer when I tried to move my arms and found one of my wrists shackled to the box. Touching around the cuff with my other servo, my spark sped up as anxiety washed over me.

No….no, no, no….. Where are they taking me? Who found me? And what do they want from me?!

I have to get out! Think, Mercy, think! What would Halo do in such a situation?!

She would probably blast her way out.

Encouraged by the idea, I transformed my free servo into a small and humble blaster - courtesy of Knock Out who was adamant about giving me a small upgrade fitting for a Decepticon - and carefully aimed it at the cuff’s end.

The shot blasted through just like I expected, but hearing it from so close made my audio-receptors scream. Stilling in panic that someone might have heard, I waited, listening, but nothing happened.

When I was sure no one noticed, I sat up as much as I could inside this tiny container barely fit for a bot, then aimed my blaster at the seams of the entrance lid.

Please, oh please, let this work!

I shot, and the lid was blasted off, making an opening for me. Not hesitating anymore, I pushed it fully open and darted out, ignoring the stinging pain in my wing.

“Hey!” I heard shouts, but I wasn’t risking a glance behind my back.

I doubt I would’ve seen much anyway because the city we were in was so polluted it made seeing anything farther than a few feet difficult to make out. I saw high buildings looming over the busy roads which criss-crossed through the terrain, but everything was in such a disarray, my processor got overwhelmed just by looking at it.

So instead I focused on what I can see. I was on top of a transportation vehicle, large enough to carry a dozen containers similar to mine and I could only imagine in horror how many others were trapped just like me in those.

Bot-traders? Police? Which one were they? I skidded down the side of the vehicle and leapt as far as I could, hoping to make a landing on one of the large lamp posts. Their lights shone like beacons in these horrible circumstances. I wished I could at least make out where I was.

Although one thing I knew for sure: I wasn’t in Iacon anymore.

“One of them escaped! Hurry and catch her!” I heard muffled noises from the large vehicle which came to a halt with a sudden screech.

“What?! How?!”

“She has a blaster!”

“How the frag does a slagging pleasure-bot have a blaster?!”

Oh no, they were onto me!

Gritting my denta, I transformed and flew off into the distance, ignoring the ache, the disorientation and the exhaustion.

This is why I’m not fit for field-duty! I barely left the ship and instantly got abducted! How could this get any worse? I could really use some luck now! Oh, Solus have mercy!

My injured wing trembled against the wind currents and it didn’t help that I almost crashed against a building I barely noticed in time. I rose higher involuntarily, trying to get a view of where I was.

The sight sickened me to the core.

The whole city sat under a dark cloud of pollution, blackened buildings were built on top of each other above a jagged landscape, unwelcoming and unsightly. Although I’ve never set foot in here, now thinking back on my geography lectures, I recalled that only one city was told to be this dirty and horrendous: Kaon.

My thoughts started reeling, and I felt my frame strain in agony as I reached my limits. No, no, no, no, this can’t be happening to me!

Descending in a spiral, I tried to keep myself intact and prepare for a rough but safe landing. My other thoughts about how I ended up in the past-Decepticon Capital had to take a backseat for now.

I will think about all that later.

Flying past some rather worn-down towers, I turned into a less busy and hidden road between two tall buildings shielding the view. Finding a hiding place shouldn’t be that hard around here…

Transforming mid-air, I stumbled and fell face-first against the road’s surface, making some cars honk and yell at me as they steered out of the way. One little bot however got caught in my near crash-land near the sidewalk and fell in the process.

“HEY! Watch out where you crash, you crazy femme!” the little blue bot was probably a minicon judging just by the size and he had no servos to speak of, but instead large pile drivers for arms.

“Ah, sorry…” I coughed, sitting up. I flinched as the pain struck stronger this time. I must have really strained my wings. Finding a medic should be a priority if I want to get back on my pedes and have the power to make an escape when needed.

Another car passed by me and I weakly stumbled to the side-walk where the poor minicon I hit was trying to stand back up.

The air smelt like rust and burnt metal all over this place. It was so horrible it made my fuel tank twist, but I tried my best helping the minicon up.

“Are you alright?” I patted the little guy’s back but he only swatted my servos away, angrily measuring me from behind his red half-visor which only covered his optics.

“Get your servos off me, slagging pleasure bot! If you wanted to offline yourself by diving into the fragging ground you could have done so without dragging me with you! See what you did? You just shattered my glass of high-grade! Do you know how expensive it is around here?!”

Why was he so loud? I had to cover my audio-receptors as I looked at the shattered glass beside him. Shining blue energon stained the metal surface of the sidewalk.

“I didn’t intend to…sorry for hitting you, I was only just…”

“Nope, not interested in your excuses! I’m busy and you are hindering me!” the little angry bot was about to turn when a laughing other one quite similar to him showed up, grinning.

“You busy, Rumble? Ha! You sneaked away from the mission just to get your servos on some high-grade. And when I finally find you, you are yelling at a pretty pleasure-bot? Not cool! What am I gonna tell Boss now?”

“We finished the assignment, I just wanted some drink for myself! Primus knows this day went on too long!” the one addressed as Rumble snapped back.

“And you wanted to leave me out? How cold of you Rumble!”

“Shut it, Frenzy! I had enough of your nonsense for today!”

I just stood there awkwardly as they bickered and my weakening knees reminded me that I needed to find a safe place and a medic as soon as possible, so I raised a servo in a placating manner and interrupted with a forced smile:

“Um, sorry to interrupt, but could you please tell me where to find a medic around here?”

The two minicons stopped arguing and now looked me up and down, noticing the energon leaking from my injured wing.

“Got a rough night, huh?” Frenzy, the red one, raised an optic ridge and muttered something under his breath as he scratched his chin in deep thought.

“As if we would tell ya when we don’t even know you!” Rumble turned away with a scoff.

“I guess Rearview is quite close. Just over the block near the large entrance of the underground tunnel,” Frenzy pointed out in a certain direction and I eagerly put the information away in my head.

“Is this Rearview a medic?”

“Why did you tell her, Frenzy?! Boss’ll be pissed!”

“Chill out, Rumble, this is just a helpless pleasure-bot,” Frenzy shrugged.

“I’m not a pleasure bot!” I straightened my back as much as I could, recalling how Crossflare always demanded respect by just her stance alone. She could look quite intimidating when she wanted to but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off like her.

“Ya sure…?” Frenzy pointed behind me and I turned questioningly, only to freeze when I realized that two flying bots were closing in on us.

“How did they find me?” I whispered in terror, thoughts reeling. Where to now? How could I hide when they located me this soon, this easily?

“Maybe the trademark tracker of the bot-sellers has something to do with it, idiot,” Rumble pointed at the lower corner of my healthy wing and just by a glance I spotted a small emblem welted on it.

Scrap….

“Oh no…I-I have to go, thanks for the help Frenzy!” I gasped and beckoned towards the red minicon before I broke into a dash.

It was too late however, because one of my pursuers shot in my direction and I barely ducked out of the way. A yellow-green bot slammed into the ground as he transformed and landed right in front of me, halting me.

“Got you!” he grinned, his features were littered with dents, unsettling me as he stared down at me with yellow optics.

“Leave me alone! I’m not a pleasure-bot!” I yelled in panic and transformed my arms into blasters, more for show than for real threat.

The bot’s expression transformed into one of confusion and fright.

“How did someone like you get such weapons?!”

“Just capture her you fool, she is right in front of you!” the other pursuer arrived with an electric rod in his servos, ready to jab me with it. I pointed each of my arms in their directions, spark hammering in fear as I tried to come up with an escape plan.

“She has weapons, dumbaft!” the one before shouted back at the other.

“So do you, idiot!”

Using their moment of confusion and disagreement to my advantage, I shot without aim and made a quick dash. Both ducked out of the way in an attempt to survive the badly aimed shot, but it gained me enough time to run far enough. I noticed the underground tunnel entrance Frenzy had talked about and made my way towards it, hoping the inside would shield me from their detectors.

I’ll have to get rid of that tracker somehow….

Just as I skidded past the entrance, a large gray bot stopped me with a frown. He was so tall he had to lean down to look me in the optics.

A few other bots passed by him as they left the tunnel, and a few others went in without him batting an optic. What was his problem with me?!

“You ain’t going down there with those,” he pointed at my arms, which were still blasters, and he transformed his own into a much larger one, making me back away. “Why does a pleasure-bot like you even own weapons in the first place?”

What was with everybody saying that?! As if no one in this city would be armed to the full! Wasn’t Kaon a place where everybody had a weapon even if not for combat then just for fun?!

“Ah, sorry, I promise not to…!” I was about to lie my way out somehow, which wasn’t my forte either, when I heard my pursuers catching up to me from behind and I glanced around helplessly, trying to find an escape route.

Then I saw him.

I had no idea how he got there, leaving the tunnel with a cat-like minicon as if strolling around here was as natural as his stroll around the Nemesis halls, but I was immensely relieved at his sight, even if he looked a bit different than what I was used to. I would recognize him anywhere.

My spark burst in joy, all thoughts and logic thrown to the side as I moved from instinct, yelling his name in relief and hope:

“Soundwave!”

Halo POV

Returning from my quest to find energon and bringing back two chunks of it really brightened my mood. It wasn’t that much, but at least I didn’t fly miles for nothing! I wonder what Starscream was up to while I was away….

I grinned, happily strolling into the laboratory where he could usually be found. And there he was!

“Hey, Star!”

Starscream perked up on my arrival, placing the tools down and stood from his seat as he turned towards me with a questioning raise of his optic ridges.

“So it was indeed a resourceful location.”

“There were some more but I could carry only this much. I can make a second tour, if you want me to,” I placed both chunks in the containers we set up at the side then skipped over to him with a big grin.

“Do I get a hug?”

Starscream rolled his optics and turned away with a huff.

“You better come over instead and look at what I fixed.”

I pouted but didn’t take it to spark as I followed him to the worktable.

“Whoa!” I blinked in awe as I realized that I was staring at a working ground-bridge remote controller. “Is this what I think it is?”

“It is. Now we have even more of an advantage! I can open portals to any place on this wretched planet. It will save us the long travels,” Starscream puffed his chest out, proudly presenting the fruit of his hard work.

“A-are we moving out…?”

“Of course not. The Harbinger will stay as the base of our operations, but with this technology at our disposal I’ll be able to safely escort you on your missions.”

I processed what he had just said, then raised an optic ridge at him and smirked.

“You want to monitor me that badly, Star?”

“It will probably help that there is someone watching over you while you’re at work,” he smirked back, placing a claw under my chin as he leaned closer. “Or do you have a problem with this setup, Halo?”

“Primus, no, I’m glad you want to come along. It’ll be less boring alone!” I sneaked my arms around his neck, grinning.

 Strange how freely I could touch him now. He stopped complaining and pushed me away. Although there were times when he found my attitude simply too much, so I tried to keep my clinginess to a minimum most of the time. I was a natural hugger and he was pretty huggable, so it was damn hard to restrain myself, but I did my best!

 Starscream was more reserved with showing any form of affection - being his twitchy not so touchy self - but when he was in the mood, he could be quite adamant about seeking attention - by any means necessary - and he was very open with what he wanted. He had no problem getting his point across.

And he could be clingy when he wanted to, just in a different way: he always wanted to know where I was. At first I thought nothing of how my disappearance might have affected his view on me, but after resuming my task of seeking energon, he started calling me more often, always checking in that I was where I told him I would be and that I would return, and not disappear on him like the last time.

I wanted to laugh at first, but then slowly realized that some of his trust in me was broken and that this was his way of making sure he wasn’t deceived again. Making him alert of me was the last thing I wanted, so I tried to compensate and be as useful and responsible as I could.

My stupidity made him second-guess me, and it hurt to think that he actually believed that there is a chance I would really disappear on him for real. Congratulations Halo for planting this idea in his head! I was really angry with myself for this.

The days passed by in a blink, the atmosphere of the Harbinger lifting just a little as we teased back and forth while making plans, sharing rations, fixing machinery - like a scooter for him to ride which I found so funny I doubled over while laughing - and continuing my training.

Starscream was one impatient teacher, but a surprisingly good one. He would push me to my limits without batting an optic and kept track of my progress without having to record any data. My hand-to-hand combat skills improved greatly under his lead. But he had no idea how to fix my bad shooting skills, so that part always made him frustrated.

“Argh, at this rate you’ll shoot me on the battlefield even if you aim at the enemy!”

“No I won’t! I’ll keep practicing and it will get better, I promise!”

“You’ve been practicing for months now, and you still miss so badly it’s a wonder you still haven’t shot yourself!”

“Now you’re just being mean!”

“Show me some progress then and I’ll stop criticizing you!”

Irritated, I challenged him to hand-to-hand combat - again - and I was really hell-bent on taking my frustrations out on him this time but then he simply took advantage of my anger and defeated me easily with a victorious chuckle.

“All that energy wasted on a petty fight,” he chided, shaking his head as he leaned over me and I grunted in protest, trying to kick him off in vain. I had no idea how I ended up writhing in pleasure under him a few minutes later, but I have to admit he knew how to make my anger disappear like a puff of smoke. This sneaky bastard!

But I really couldn’t complain that much. Starscream was considerate most of the time, although the words that left his mouth tended to ruin anything nice he did beforehand and oftentimes I wished he could just shut up and let his actions speak for him. He really was a better person than anyone gave him credit for, even in spite of his shortcomings.

So I really wanted to show him that I appreciated his efforts. Even if I had to give up my T-cog, to give him back his ability to fly which he loved so much, but he refused when I offered.

“What do you think I keep my clone hung up there for?” he gestured towards the clone he offlined and then hung up on the wall, making me creeped out by it ever since.

“Ooh….”

“Yes, ooh, Halo. We can make use of its T-cog, for me.”

“Okay, but how will we extract the T-cog?”

“We’ll look up the procedure on the medical database.”

Basically he meant that we will perform a medical procedure based on some files? Like humans tend to do complicated things based on tutorial videos? Seriously?! If it was that easy, anyone could be a medic anytime!

But Starscream was adamant about it. He acted like he knew what he was doing, but as I watched him collect the correct tools and read over the files, I noticed his unease. This dumbaft wasn’t sure at all. Oh, Solus, what am I gonna do with this idiot?

"Are you sure this will work? We don't have a medic to fix you if something goes wrong," I arched an optic ridge in doubt.

Ignoring me, he listed the tools he prepared.

"Don't worry Halo, I know what I am doing.”

"Well...I can help if you need an extra servo," I offered but he just shook his head as he settled himself on the medical berth.

"I need a steady servo now. It will be just a simple, painless procedure…”

I rolled my optics and chuckled. He was clearly nervous, and his own servos trembled. How is that any better than my help?

Starscream swallowed, then held the drill up, positioning it above his chest plate, ready to bring it against the metal. Wait...why there? Isn't the T-cog on the side? Does he even know his own anatomy?!

“Nothing to it, really, provided one possesses the nerve," he tried to calm me and himself as well, but his servo was trembling all the more as the tip of the drill almost touched the symbol on his chest.

“Star, please reconsider..." I was about to cut in when rapid beeping distracted the both of us.

Starscream gasped in surprise and questioningly turned towards the sound. He turned off the drill, much to my relief, and got off the berth. We moved in unison to check out what was displayed on the screens and saw five signals across the globe. I raised an optic ridge questioningly, confused, but Starscream only smirked in satisfaction, making me assume he knew what’s going on.

“Five detachments of Decepticons ground-bridging to five different continents at the exact same time? Ah. Procedure postponed," he grinned, having that typical look on his face when he had a plan.

Should I start worrying?

“What are you up to again?" I crossed my arms with a frown.

"Look, this might be a good chance for us to gain something valuable if we are quick enough to find whatever the Decepticons seek before they get to it," he pointed at the signals.

"Hm, sounds like a plan where we fail and will be punished badly," I deadpanned.

"Argh, can't you be optimistic for once?!" he growled, "You have to come either way, I’ll need your wings."

"Fine, if you need me, I’ll go," I nodded with a resigned smile, then jogged back to the worktable and picked up the remote controller in excitement. “We finally have a chance to try this out!”

Merc POV

Soundwave looked different from how I remembered him. His slim body was now one of a strong warrior's: broad shoulders, robust chest and there was an intimidating aura radiating from him, which commanded respect and inspired awe.

I would have stopped to admire him if I wasn’t in a hurry to hide. The gray mech who stopped me at the entrance could only blink in wonder as I darted away from him.

I ducked behind Soundwave without a second thought, ignoring the cat-like minicon’s threatening growl. Soundwave silently glanced over his shoulder then turned his attention to the ones chasing me.

The two bots stopped once they reached the entrance, clearly agitated and annoyed, cursing because I've found someone to shield me.

"Hey! You! Soundwave, is it?" one of them called out to him.

Soundwave didn't move or respond.

His partner, the yellow-green one glanced at his comrade with an uneasy expression, but the other one didn’t seem to take the hint.

"Step aside and let us take that femme! She belongs with us rightfully. This isn't your business anyway!"

I shuddered in fear as I peeked out from behind him. Please don't let them...I beg you! You can't hand me over to them!

Silence followed the bot-trader’s demands and nobody moved until the bot snapped in frustration: "Didn't you hear me?! You’re hindering us from doing our job! Step aside already!"

My spark hammered in anxiety and I visibly shrunk behind Soundwave, silently pleading and praying. I felt my senses going dizzy but then I saw Soundwave clench his fists and straighten himself. This small action and change in posture caused the two bots’ confidence to waver. Just when the brave one was about to speak up again and step forward, Soundwave changed stance, threateningly glaring at my enemies from behind his dark visor as he raised his fists, ready to welcome a fight.

"We should just leave her be..." said the yellow-green one uneasily, putting a servo on his companion’s shoulder in a placating manner.

The other one gritted his denta in hopeless fury. His chances to pick up a fight with Soundwave and survive it in one piece were close to zero and he was very well aware of it.

“Argh, fine! We will find you later pretty femme! You can't hide forever behind your robust gladiator buddy!" the brave one hissed, then reluctantly turned around and left with his partner by his side.

Relief couldn’t describe what I felt at that moment. It made me forget about my injuries, my exhaustion, and my overall state. But this feeling didn't last long because the moment my pursuers disappeared, the gray mech guarding the entrance crossed his arms and growled down at us with an unimpressed sneer:

“Would you finally scram now? Take your petty fights elsewhere! There is construction going on inside for Primus’ sake!”

Oh, so that’s why weapons weren’t allowed in there.

Soundwave stared up at the large mech, as if only noticing him now, then silently stepped away and continued his way as if nothing had happened just a nanoclick before.

“W-wait!” I stumbled after him, dizziness returning now that the excitement has worn off.

A part of me wished to stay with the only person I knew in this big mess but another part of me screamed in unease, knowing that this Soundwave was not exactly the Soundwave I knew and it seemed like he didn’t recognize me at all.

Meeting him at this place and hearing of him being referred to as a gladiator only verified my suspicions, no matter how ridiculous it sounded: I might have just traveled back to the past, and the Soundwave I met just now was his past self. A Soundwave, who wasn’t a Decepticon yet.

My illogical hope of reaching him was cut short when the cat-like minicon stood in my way, growling. It had the same color scheme as Soundwave but its optics shone red.

“Hey Boss!” I heard familiar voices welcoming Soundwave and looked up to see Rumble and Frenzy jog up to him eagerly.

The cat-like minicon noted their presence with a glance, then growled at me one last time before he turned around and joined the odd group.

“We totally nailed the mission!” Frenzy showed a thumbs-up, grinning, while Rumble only mumbled something under his breath with a sour expression. Then his gaze fell upon me and he perked up in surprise:

“What the slag, that weird pleasure-bot managed to get away!”

Frenzy looked out from behind Soundwave and beckoned to me with a wave.

“Oh, hi weird femme! Glad to see you still intact!”

“You know her?” Soundwave tilted his head as he looked from the minicons in my direction.

My jaw slackened as I gaped at him, trying to process what I had just heard. A deep voice with a faint layer of autotune, probably due to the visor. Did he…did he actually speak? With his own voice? Was that his real voice?

“She crashed into me!” Rumble hissed.

“The bot-traders chased her saying she is a pleasure-bot but she’s got blasters so fine I’m kind of doubting it,” Frenzy added his own commentary as he stepped towards me.

“Hey, got a designation, missy?”

I was still too stunned and too dizzy to speak. Noticing the expectant stares on me, I managed to stutter:

“M-Mercy….”

“That’s one soft name for a pleasure-bot,” Rumble sneered.

“Stop saying that! I’m….I’m not a….!”

My vision grew hazy and I blinked in confusion, barely noticing my knees giving up on me. I fell forward, hitting the ground with a thud. Darkness enveloped me once again.

Crossflare POV

I was typing diligently, analyzing samples after samples in the laboratory when I felt it. The dull pain in my spark suddenly worsened and I felt like my spark was squeezed by an invisible servo.

What…what is happening?

Stumbling with a blurring vision, I found purchase on the worktable but soon my hold slipped and I fell hard against the floor.

The assistant Vehicon in the back perked up at the sound and rushed to my side when he noticed that I wasn’t responding. Hurriedly, he called for help and I was soon dragged back to the med-bay. With Knock Out busy with an outside mission, they could only wait and so they fussed over me in frustration.

“Shouldn’t we hook her up to the machinery? She looks like she could use some instant help,” one of them said.

“I think pain-killers would help more. I don’t know how to operate these machines,” said the other.

“We should wait till Doctor Knock Out returns,” the third suggested, silencing the other two.

Maybe an hour passed, but I can’t remember most of it due to the seizures and occasional waves of nausea. I just gripped the edges of the medical berth and held on for dear life. It felt like my consciousness could slip away any second. I did not want to pass out. I did not trust myself in the care of these Vehicons. Whatever they would do in their state of panic, it wouldn’t do me any good.

Then Knock Out returned, finally, and although my processor had registered his arrival, I was too delirious to really understand what was being discussed between him and the Vehicons.

“What happened to her?” he sounded like he was in a bad mood.

“She just collapsed. I don’t think it’s poisoning or has anything to do with Synth-En, but…” my assistant Vehicon explained.

Knock Out growled in frustration, snatched a scanner from the counter and stepped over to my berth and did a quick scan.

“Spark malfunction. Argh, what a great timing!” he put the scanner away then reached up to the machinery above me, pulled the cables down and typed in something on the side-panel before he practically threw the fussing Vehicons out of the med-bay and opened my chest plates manually to hook me up to the many cables hanging from above.

I could only groan weakly.

“Knock Out…”

“I know, it probably hurts. I’ll come check on you once I have treated myself as well. I’m in no shape to do anything else now,” he gritted his denta as if holding back a series of curses then left towards the back while mumbling something under his breath, “Curse those Autobots, I swear I’ll decapitate them one by one the next time we meet!”

My consciousness drifted back and forth for the next couple of hours. The machinery around me hummed constantly and only beeps once in a while. I couldn’t feel Knock Out’s presence in the near and it was starting to worry me. Even in my semi-conscious state I knew that he should be close, but he wasn’t.

“Knock…Out…?” I forced out, voice weak and optics blinking rapidly to clear my vision.

The doors hissed open and his familiar figure strolled in, exhausted and tense judging by the way he moved. I called out to him once more and he looked up from his datapad in surprise.

“Oh, you’re awake. Good, you won’t guess what those slagged Autobots did to me! I don’t even know where to begin…”

“Knock Out, what’s wrong with me?” I cut in, annoyed by his lack of attention to his patient.

He came to my side with a pout but answered nevertheless:

“You had a spark-attack. Strange, considering that you are rather young, but not unexpected, considering the state of your spark. I ran the necessary scans and you are stable for now so there is nothing to worry about.”

Well, if he said so…I wasn’t too sure about the ‘nothing to worry about’ part, but he was more knowledgeable than me so I believed him.

“I see…so what happened to you?”

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked because he got into a long monologue about how he was sent out on an outside assignment without a partner to protect him so he had to fight two Autobots by himself for a relic he lost to them while he was being run over by an underground train. Oh…certainly not a good day for him.

“You’re lucky you haven’t seen me in the state I was in when I came back, it was the most repulsive sight you can imagine! It took me hours to fix my paint job! And there are still places I haven’t fixed properly…! You will help me with those, will you?”

Knock Out glanced at me expectantly and I stared back with a deadpan expression. Seriously? I’m lying in the med-bay hooked up to machines because I just had a spark malfunction, and that’s the first thing he asks of me? This mech…ah, he never changes. But at least he was back to his usual self, even if he was angry and complaining like the drama queen he was.

“We’ll see about that. I’m not feeling quite good right now.”

Knock Out frowned and went to check on the displays presenting all the information on the state of my spark.

“You are stable. You shouldn’t be feeling any discomfort by now.”

“But I still do.”

“Hm, lets try getting you off,” Knock Out gestured with a servo and I obediently sat up. He expertly disconnected every tube from my spark-chamber and as soon as the last one was unhooked I curled on myself, groaning in pain.

My spark screamed in agony, as if a black hole had just opened right in the middle of it, sucking all energy and life away.

“Whoa, easy!” Knock Out grabbed my servos because I tried to claw at the chamber. “Describe what you’re feeling! Crossflare! Look at me! Concentrate!”

“It hurts…it’s eating me….” tears welled up in my optics as I tried to fight the spasms inside my spark. It felt like a scraplet had been let loose on the inside. I wanted to simply tear it out. The entirety of it. Chamber and spark both.

It was maddening.

“Lie back, I’ll open you up!” Knock Out frowned, pushing me back by force against the berth’s surface and my whole frame writhed in pain. I had to claw into the edges of the berth, trying to find steadiness and to prevent myself from clawing into him instead.

Knock Out’s face didn’t tell anything as he got to work, manually opening the spark-chamber. Then his expression turned into one of unease and concern. I did and didn’t want to know what he saw at the same time.

“How bad is it?” I gritted my denta.

Knock Out shook his head and brought his scanner over, running a thorough scan before he said anything.

“Your spark is…collapsing on itself. The procedure has just sped up, which is strange, considering both your amica enduras are alive…well, I guess they are anyway.”

I stilled upon hearing his words. It wasn’t my state that made my thoughts halt immediately, but something that he had hinted at.

“What are you talking about? What do you mean you guess? Where is Mercy?”

“Erm, well, about that…argh, how should I break it down to you…” Knock Out stepped back, scratching the back of his head nervously.

My sparkpulse increased, and now I felt like I was being stabbed in the spark multiple times. Trembling, at the verge of tears, I whispered in despair as I looked at him with begging optics:

“Knock Out! Where is Mercy?”

The medic glanced away, mouth pressing into a thin line before he relented:

“She has gone missing during her field-assignment. Soundwave is back already and trying to locate her just as we speak, but so far we have no knowledge of her whereabouts.”

It happened.

Again.

My spark burst in agony.

It felt like the whole world just tilted out of balance.

I lost her too…? Mercy….

Oh Mercy, forgive me. For everything.

Desperate and delirious, I clawed into my spark-chamber and ripped.

Mercy POV

I woke with a jolt, disoriented but very much online.

“Whoa, whoa, calm down, dear!” an unfamiliar bot came to my side and I scrambled away in fright. Seeing my reaction, the rather old yet seemingly friendly bot raised both servos in a placating manner.

“Have no fear, I’m the medic who patched you up.”

Frozen in disbelief, still trying to process what was happening, I glanced around wildly, trying to make out where I was. It seemed like a small makeshift med-bay, but one corner of it was a wall filled with shelves storing spare body-parts. It creeped me out. The rest of the place was illuminated by a sickly green light, and there was this sterile scent that filled in the air…

The bot who had tried to calm me was an older model grounder vehicle, his paintjob a worn-down green-gray with minimal light blue accents. His optics were yellow, reminding me of the bot-trader who chased me.

“Sorry for scaring you, I should’ve introduced myself first,” the bot smiled at me kindly. He was the first to welcome me with a smile. How strange that I found it suspicious yet relieving at the same time…

“I’m Rearview!”

He sure had exceptionally large rearview mirrors positioned on his shoulder blades, the first thing you noticed while looking at him. I guess his name fits his appearance well.

“Soundwave brought you to me, and Frenzy over there informed me that you’ve been searching for me.”

My thoughts halted immediately. I needed a moment to process what I had just heard.

“S-Soundwave brought me here…?”

“Yeah, be grateful missy!” Frenzy hopped onto the berth and sat at the edge with his pedes dangling off the side. He was pouting, arms crossed. “Now I’m stuck here with you!”

Blinking in confusion, I opened and closed my mouth dumbly.

“Um…thank you…both for helping me out,” I finally managed.

“No problem. You got yourself in quite a mess didn’t you?” Rearview held up a small emblem between his digits, making me gasp. The tracker of the bot-traders! It was on my wing….But when I glanced over my shoulder to check, my wing was empty of any emblems save for the Decepticon insignia on the upper half in the center.

A relieved sigh escaped my lips.

“I don’t know when they put that on me, but thank you for taking it off,” I took it as he dropped it in my palm so I could inspect it from closer.

“No offense, but my first impression of you was that you’re a pleasure-bot and seeing such a tracker on your kind isn’t that much of a surprise around here,” Rearview crossed his arms, explaining calmly while he continued to smile. “Sorry for misjudging you, Kaon tends to influence all minds that live here for long enough…”

My shoulders slumped. Even he thought so. This is concerning.

“I’m not a pleasure-bot. Never have been.”

“I know, Frenzy told me you are adamant about saying otherwise.”

“I believe her,” Frenzy shrugged. “No sane slave-owner would allow a pleasure-bot to have weapons like hers. Plus no slave has permission to own weapons aside from guard slaves anyway. The fact that she openly walks around with them is enough proof for me.”

I blinked in surprise. So that’s why the bot-traders were so put off by the sight of my blasters.

“I see..do you mind letting me have a look?” Rearview gestured towards my arms and I hesitated a moment before I transformed them into blasters.

Frenzy exclaimed in awe and Rearview’s optic ridges shot up in clear bafflement.

“I’ve never seen such models before…it doesn’t look like it was made in Kaon…” the medic stepped closer, carefully inspecting the structure of my blasters with gentle servos.

Well, I can’t tell them it was made in the future, with technology eons ahead…. But I can’t lie either because I don’t have any knowledge on weaponry either. You are in trouble, Mercy!

“Well, uh, I had this made by a pioneer weapon-engineer.”

“It looks like high-class engineering,” Frenzy pointed out, mouth curling into a suspicious pout.

Considering my answer options, I eventually nodded. As far as I know Knock Out comes from the higher castes.

“It is….kind of.”

“So you are from a high-caste?” Frenzy shot me an even more suspicious look to which I shook my head intensively.

“N-no! Far from it. I was born from a sparkbond and into the Art Caste.”

“Plenty of Art Caste bots are high-class,” Frenzy crossed his arms.

Why did this sound like an interrogation?

“Well, I’m not one of them,” I tried placating him, but didn’t seem to quell his suspicions.

Why was he being so unfriendly all of a sudden?

“It is quite strange that a middle-class Art Caste femme can get her servos on such weaponry,” Rearview made an offhand comment but didn’t elaborate. His thoughtful frown returned to a smile as he looked up to my optics and let go of my blasters.

I transformed them back and rubbed my wrists nervously. It felt like none of them trusted me that much now that I’ve managed to provide confusing information on who I really was.

“Your designation was Mercy, I recall?” Rearview asked, reaching a servo out.

“Yes…nice to meet you Doctor Rearview,” I shook servos with him, forcing a smile as I did so.

“The feeling is mutual! You are quite extraordinary, dear.”

“No, that’s not true really,” I cast my optics down, fidgeting nervously.

“Well, you’re patched up and taken care of. Your wings will heal completely in about two weeks but your self-regenerating systems will take care of that. Just don’t overwhelm them. Is there anything else you needed me for?”

Realizing that he was hinting at the fact that I was due to leave, I anxiously slid off the berth and bowed my head thankfully.

“N-no, I was looking for a medic because I was injured but now that you’ve helped me, I’m good to go. Thank you, once again!”

“And where are you off to?” Frenzy hopped off the berth as well and expectantly stared up at me as if he was about to follow me. It made me wonder why.

“I need to get back to Iacon. I…forgot something there that I need to pick up.”

“Iacon, huh?” Frenzy didn’t look surprised. “I should’ve guessed. Your armor is too flashy and your optics too healthy for a place like Kaon and the neighborhood.”

“I’m originally from Praxus,” I pointed out. “It’s just that I have a job in Iacon right now.”

“It’ll be a long drive then,” Rearview remarked and scratched his chin in deep thought. “There is no way you can fly the distance with your injured wing. I advise you to rest for a couple of solar cycles before you head back.”

“Um…I can’t really do that,” I shifted weight from one ped to the other.

“Why?” Frenzy inquired. Why was he so nosy?

“I fear my abductors will come looking for me and I…don’t have a place to stay.”

Silence hung in the air for a few nanoclicks before Frenzy spoke up:

“Well, that sucks.”

“I could provide shelter for the time being,” Rearview offered after a moment of consideration, still scratching his chin as he looked at me with a questioning raise of his optic ridge. “For fair compensation of course. I’m a medic of humble income and energon is expensive, so I can’t really provide free lodging but I’m willing to help you out.”

“W-would you really?” I felt my spark warm in relief and hope. I might not be all alone in this mess. Rearview seems to know Soundwave and Frenzy is right here, so maybe staying here would grant me an opportunity to meet Soundwave once more.

“Can you provide me at least six shanix per week?” Rearview crossed his arms, now more serious than before.

Oh, right I had to pay him for my stay. What should I do? I don’t have money nor a job. Where could I get one around here? I barely know anything about Kaon! And even if there is a list of jobs, I’m only good at performing… Wait a second! There should be bars and restaurants in the city, right? There is no city without any. Not all hope is lost it seems!

“I-I think I can. Give me a few days to get a job somewhere around here!”

“Very well. Just be careful. You’ll be targeted either way for how you look,” Rearview nodded in acceptance but I heard some concern in his voice.

I smiled reassuringly in spite of feeling the opposite of confident. There was too much going on and I felt lost. My first priority should be getting back to Iacon and recovering the relic, then somehow returning home, to my time and place, but how will I accomplish all that, I have no idea. The relic must be under heavy security now so if I want to get it I have to break in and steal it.

I don’t even know how to divert attention! How does one break into the Hall of Records and get out without being noticed?!

This needs serious planning. Something Crossflare was good at and in which Halo’s creativity would be appreciated. But I was alone. None of them could help me now. I had to fight this all alone.

I might need more than just a few weeks to make this mission a success…

Right, let's focus on what I can do! Get money quickly! It can’t be that hard!

I found myself strolling absently through the dirty and smelling streets of Kaon, slightly lost and anxious after I parted from Rearview. At least I marked the place on my internal map so I will find my way back but it is little relief if I can’t provide Rearview fair compensation for the trouble.

Frenzy grunted for the twentieth time now, clearly unhappy with the situation but still following me like a shadow. He could have left me if he wanted to, but the fact that he was still here pointed towards only one conclusion:

“Soundwave tasked you with monitoring me, right?”

Frenzy snapped his gaze up to me.

“You figured it out?”

“It’s just something he would do. I’m not surprised. But I’m thankful nevertheless. Knowing that he watches from a distance gives me peace of mind.”

“Oookay….it sounds like you know Boss somehow.”

I realized my mistake and chuckled nervously.

“Maybe a little.”

A little, as in I knew his working habits, some of his quirks, his strong bond with Laserbeak, saw his face, saw his spark and showered together with him on occasions. I had all that yet I knew very little of his actual thoughts, beliefs and opinions. It felt like he was close yet far, unreachable.

Frenzy frowned in confusion.

“I know basic things,” I added, trying to explain. “But surprisingly little of his past, actually.”

I felt him narrowing his optics at me in spite of not seeing them behind his red half-visor, which was similar to Rumble’s.

“Do you think I can talk to him sometime? There are some things I’d like to ask.”

“He is pretty busy, but I guess he will hear you out. He seems to be interested in your hidden abilities.”

“Hidden abilities? You mean, my blasters?”

“If there is someone with a questionable past, it’s you missy!”

Did that mean Soundwave had found me suspicious and felt it was necessary to investigate? That’s…a familiar aspect of our dynamic. He constantly monitored me on the Nemesis afterall. If not in person, then through Laserbeak.

“I don’t mean any harm, really,” I raised both servos in an innocent way and smiled kindly at him, much to his annoyance.

“Yeah…tell it to someone who is actually blind.”

I chuckled at his response, but he just huffed.

“So, what’s your plan? Where do you get money?”

“I thought of visiting bars. They do provide live performances don’t they?”

“Eh, not all of them. I can show you a few but they won’t just hire anybody. What do you do? I can’t imagine you doing comedy…”

“I sing. And dance.”

“Oooh, nice!” Frenzy’s face lit up and he seemed to be more excited about escorting me now that I’ve revealed that bit of information. He bounced happily on the side-walk beside me as he pointed in the direction of a bar he supposedly knew.

Well, a happy Frenzy is better than a grumpy Frenzy….

The place he took me to was a two-storey building squeezed between much larger ones. Loud music and heavy beats filled the air the closer we got. It seemed like more of a nightclub than a bar to me with all the flashy neon-lights and many colors. Drunk bots excited the entrance, some of them bickering, laughing and pushing around, some of them barely walking and alone. Quite a few others were heading in like us.

I risked a friendly smile in the bruiser’s way at the front, but the red and green mech stopped Frenzy with his large servo, almost as big as the minicon himself.

“No minicons are welcome here. You should’ve learned that by now, Frenzy,” the bot sneered in disdain.

I was taken aback by the way he looked at the minicon as if it was a vermin.

“Aw, come on Dropout! We hit it off so well in the past! Let me pass, I promise I’ll behave! I’m doing charity service right now!”

The mech stared down at the minicon with a deadpan expression and I interrupted, placing both servos on Frenzy’s shoulderplates.

“He is with me. We’ll be quick.”

The mech took me in with a ravishing gaze, unnerving me to the core, but then he just nodded towards the entrance with a flick of his head.

“You sure have it lucky today, Frenzy,” the bot commented but said nothing else after we entered, making Frenzy grin like someone with a pile of energon-candy dropped in his lap.

“Hehe, today might turn out to be good!” the minicon rubbed his servos together and I nervously followed him through the small hallway and into the main room filled with bots in different shapes and sizes.

Some sat around tables, drinking, some chatted while standing or walking around, some others danced on the separate dance floor.

The beat was getting to my head. It vibrated through the walls, it filled the place and made it very hard to concentrate. This might not be the place I was looking for. It seemed too violent for my tastes.

Yet I jogged after Frenzy who made it to the back and asked some of the bots standing idly by the wall. They pointed in a certain direction, the minicon thanked them and beckoned towards me before he started in the direction he was told.

I nervously fell into step beside him. All the courage I had before fell apart in seconds. What if I can’t do it? What if I can’t blend in? What if they look at me and only see a pleasure-bot? Can I get out of here in one piece if something goes wrong?

I felt like I was being suffocated. I needed some space…

Frenzy led me to an office in the back. Probably the owner’s based on the scarcity of people and only some of the staff present.

There was one lithe femme in the middle of the room, drinking her own colorful glass of energon as she chatted away with one of her subordinates. She was pink, mostly. And golden at the seams. Her optics were hetero-chrome, gold and blue. Her sight was marvelous and unsettling at once.

Upon noticing us enter she sneered at Frenzy, similar to how the bruiser reacted to the minicon.

“Who let this vermin in here?!” she demanded, but her smaller gray subordinate next to her just shrugged in confusion.

“Relax Neonbite! I brought a new hire!” Frenzy grinned, ignoring the nasty welcome.

“I never said I needed new hires,” the femme put her drink down on the counter and swayed over to us, measuring me with narrowed optics.

“Looks nice, but what is she good for other than being an eye-candy?

Airachnid’s words echoed in my mind and I swallowed, casting my optics down. I didn’t like this femme. Nor this place. Should I just excuse myself? That would be the best but how do I…?

“She sings! Isn’t that cool? You never had luck with singers in the past but she is definitely a good one!” Frenzy gestured towards me enthusiastically.

The femme glanced back at me, momentarily considering, then just waved a dismissive servo.

“No, thanks. I gave up on singers a long time ago. We have a good DJ now, he provides just enough.”

“But…!”

“Get out of my office vermin for as long as I ask nicely!”

Frenzy shook his head, but said nothing as he patted my arm and turned, leaving.

I nodded towards the femme submissively and followed Frenzy out without a word. We stopped at the side-walk once we were outside and exchanged helpless glances.

“So…do you have any other places in mind? Some with…less of an image like this one?” I asked then, unsure about how to move forward.

“Yeah, some…um, I’ll think about it along the way. Let’s-let’s just go!” Frenzy pointed in a random direction and I followed him quietly.

This will surely take a while….

We combed through the streets, visited bars and clubs, but everywhere we went we got the same response: “We have enough performers. Get lost.” Frenzy was looked at in disdain because he was a minicon and I because I seemed like a pleasure-bot. What a duo we are!

Then, as if sensing our growing distress, Soundwave appeared around the corner as we started our way back towards Rearview’s place since it was getting late.

“Soundwave!” I perked up, all exhaustion and feeling of defeat evaporating at his sight. I had to fight the urge to run up to him.

Soundwave walked over to us and Frenzy welcomed him with a pout and some complaints about how tiring it was to watch over someone like me and why couldn’t Rumble take his place now. It made me feel like a burden and I nervously fidgeted with my servos as I fell into step with them.

“Looking for a job?” Soundwave inquired as he tilted his head in my direction.

Still unused to hearing him talk, I gaped first and answered second:

“Um, yes, it seems I overestimated my chances. Getting a job here is harder than I’d thought.”

“Why in Kaon?”