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Chapter Text

Timeline: Post Partners episode

Starscream recently left the ranks of the Decepticons. After his betrayal from Airachnid and his failure to join the Autobots, Starscream found himself as a rogue. He lived within the remnants of the Harbinger beginning to scrape by with the small fragments of energon he was able to collect.

Today though….Today was different. Starscream awoke to the sounds of Spaceship engines. He sat upright in his berth as he ran outside and saw a ship landing near the Harbinger. Starscream hid behind a large boulder. The ship itself looked Cybertronian in its make. As the ship landed Starscream tried to determine if they were Autobot, or Decepticon in origin as the two had very distinct styles in terms of ships. To his surprise, he couldn’t really tell, darn. Starscream moved slightly closer as he watched a hatch on the ship open and a rather tall bot walk out. The bot was definitely shorter than someone like Megatron but much taller than Starscream…he was holding a scanner and walking around.

The bot had wings, probably a con? His armor was white and blue with accents of green, as he turned he saw rather bright yellow optics. So Starscream can’t tell…darn. How is this bot so bland?! He’s so neutral it hurts… Starscream still wasn’t sure if he would attack if he approached… The unknown bot had a scanner in his servo, and he heard a pinging noise coming from it. This bot probably had supplies Starscream could find useful. Starscream noticed the hatch he came out of beginning to close; he had to make a choice, raid the ship or follow the mysterious bot. Starscream, not sure how dangerous the bot is, decided to go with the latter and booked it for the closing hatch. He made it in barely as the hatch scraped against his wing as it closed.

Starscream was surprised to see how spacious the interior of this ship was. He began to take a look around. Even the interior was bland and nondescript. Starscream headed toward the front of said ship and got some more intel on this mysterious bland bot. As he walked down the corridor he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. As he approached the bridge of the ship he heard scurrying, as he turned he saw nothing…

Starscream opened the door and entered the bridge. The bridge itself was not as bland as the rest of the ship. The bridge itself looked rather advanced, with several monitors and tons of wires running in and out of various machines. The main console had so many dials, buttons, and switches even Starscream was overloaded. “The ship may be boring looking but clearly there’s more than meets the eye,” Starscream said to himself. Starscream looking over the console and trying to determine more about the mysterious bot.

Starscream was about to attempt to unlock the console, he heard that scurrying sound again. Starscream turned as he scanned the room and yet again saw nothing. He looked for a few seconds longer than last time. Something isn’t right about this… He felt like he was being watched since he snuck on. Was this bot not alone on the ship? No, he would have seen another bot by now. Starscream shook his head and went back to unlocking the console. He just needed to find where the bot kept his energon. Starscream activated the console but it needed a passcode to unlock it.

“Scrap, it needed a passcode. Who puts a passcode on a bridge computer?!” Starscream, frustrated, had absolutely no idea what the code could be. At least the passcodes on the Nemesis were easy to memorize and even he as the former second in command had a unique code to override most of the codes so he just remembered the one. Starscream figured if the bridge console has a passcode the rest of the ship must also have a passcode system. Starscream might have to wait til this bot comes back to unlock the passcode. Starscream grumbled so much for stealing some energon. He heard a clunk behind one of the machines on the far right. Starscream turned, there is definitely someone else here. He’s not being paranoid.

“Come on out already! I know you’re here.” Starscream yelled, get his blaster ready. He saw a pair of optics peek out from behind the machine, a small pair of optics. A minicon? Would explain how it easily hid around the shift being smaller than a normal bot. The bot came out, small winged, white and purple with a hint of yellow highlights. The bot was bigger than a normal minicon and looked rather young…no this isn’t, it can’t be a sparkling can it?

The small bot came up to Starscream. The closer it got, the more obvious that this small bot is a sparkling and not a minicon. The child-like appearance was more evident as it got closer, but weirdly the sparkling look familiar somehow…“Who are you?” The sparkling asked. Scrap, how does he explain this? He can’t exactly tell this sparkling he’s robbing them…”Well, you see…I-I've met your sire outside and uh…He told me to come inside! And he offered me some of your energon. But he failed to tell me the passcodes, unfortunately.” Starscream lied, hopefully, this is a good enough lie for the sparkling.

“Oh…ok! I’ll put in the passcode.” The sparkling said as she walked up to the panel. She got on her tippy toes and began typing in the passcode. Success! Maybe this will turn into Starscream’s favor. The sparkling typed in the passcode as it unlocked Starscream saw it had remote access as the child unlocked the door to their energon reserves, excellent. She led the two of them to where the energon was as Starscream followed the small sparkling. He couldn't shake why this sparkling looked familiar…She pointed to the open door

“The energon is in there. I don’t know how much my sire told you to take but…I guess take what you want.” She said she was staring at him with bright yellow optics. Starscream felt unnerved by the small sparkling gaze. A sparkling one hadn't been seen since Cybertron went dark, so seeing one after all this time is strange. Starscream looked into the room full of energon cubes. Her sire had a massive stockpile that rivals the Nemesis. Starscream tried to hide his excitement.

“Thank you, young one.” He responded as he went to grab cubes for himself. As he went in he heard a loud “What are you doing?” The voice was male and rather loud. Starscream turned to see the taller bot looking at him with rage and anger as the small child looked between them confused…Scrap.

Starscream froze in panic. The sire returned rather quickly and spotted him. He frowned as he approached Starscream, he was much taller than he thought as he towered over Starscream.

“What do you think you are doing?!” He asked angrily, Starscream was struggling to come up with a clever lie, he didn’t want this bot to beat him. “I-I was just grabbing some fuel…I’m desperate.” He said rather earnestly, Starscream was running low on energon. The bot sighed

“You were robbing me and lied to my child…not exactly a good first impression. Who are you?” He raised a brow. Starscream was nervous to tell this bot who he was.

“I’m no one…just a scavenger.” Starscream half admitted. The bot squinted “Well from my point of view you look like a Decepticon trying to weasel his way out of trouble.” He sneered. Starscream stood there agasp “How?! How did you know?!” He said, The bot blinked twice…”You- you have the insignia on your chest…”

Starscream looked down, right how foolish to deny it. “Right…I only recently left their ranks. I-I’m on my own. I need fuel, I'm practically starving.” Starscream admitted. The bot sighed as he picked up his sparkling “I’ll give you a cube or two but nothing more. You hear me!” He said sternly. Starscream nodded as he was surprised the bot allowed him any energon. Starscream grabbed two cubes and began to make his exit when curiosity got the better of him. “Wh-Who are you?” Starscream asked, turning his head back slightly.

The bot looked at him rather emotionless “I’m Warlock. This is Moonlight.” He said, gesturing to the sparkling in his arms. “Moonlight? Really?” Starscream said with a sarcastic tone, Warlock frowned,

“Yes Moonlight. Got a problem, thief?” Warlock said with venom as Starscream scoffed at his child’s name. Starscream really needs to keep his mouth shut. Starscream back-peddled “Oh…uh no it’s a lovely name. After a moon I see…Well um…Warlock, yes? Thank you for the energon cubes. I’ll be seeing myself out.” Starscream said, bobbing his head.

Warlock watched as Starscream made his way out. “Wait.” Warlock bellowed “Who are you, really? And how did you find my ship?” Warlock asked. Starscream paused, could this Warlock be a potential asset for Starscream, he already was off to a bad start with him, but…He did have plenty of energon and a functioning ship…This could prove advantageous.

“Well…that depends, why do you care?” Starscream asked, Warlock still rather emotionless answered “I didn’t think any other Cybertronians would be on Earth. It seemed like a planet with energon planted but no factional claim.” Warlock explained, Starscream tried to stifle a laugh.

“Oh…oh no, It’s-It’s-“ Starscream couldn’t help but laugh. This Warlock literally placed himself in ground zero of the war! He really miscalculated. “Why are you laughing?” Warlock asked, Starscream put the cubes down and walked towards him.

“You really miscalculated. You placed yourself in a rather precarious situation.” Starscream said as he walked up to Warlock “You placed yourself in the heart of the war. Both Megatron and Optimus Prime and their respective teams are here on Earth. You placed yourself in between them.” Starscream stated with an air of confidence.

Warlock looked horrified, he clearly miscalculated “What?! I made sure there were no Cybertronians here?!” Warlock said, Oh this poor bot. “The Nemesis has a cloaking feature, even the inhabitants of this planet can’t find it. As for the Autobots, they are cooperating with the humans of this world. So they can hide even more easily than the Decepticons.” Starscream cocked his hip to the side and placed a hand on it. This poor bot was so naive it was almost adorable. Warlock’s eyes shifted back and forth almost as if he was searching for words to say. The small sparkling in his arms chimed in “So we aren’t safe?” She asked, Starscream nodded back. This poses a unique opportunity for Starscream, a new pawn to use.

“Well with everything going behind the scenes you’ll probably need an ally to help guide you. I most definitely can help with that…if you want.” Starscream smirked, clearly this Warlock would need help and Starscream was more than eager to offer his knowledge to help the poor bot and his offspring.

“I haven’t exactly had a good experience with Decepticons before. In fact, they’re rather notorious for backstabbing, murder, and lying.” Warlock sneered, whatever Cons he dealt with definitely lived up to the Decepticon's reputation. Not to mention Starscream checked all those boxes. Starscream needed to convince this bot,

“I assure you, we can help each other. You need a bit of a guide for this planet and I need energon. So I think we can work something out…” Starscream pointed to the energon room. Warlock looked briefly and back to Starscream. “How do I know I can trust you?” Warlock asked, “Oh my dear Warlock…I’m the best option you have…”
-
It’s been a few weeks since Warlock relented and accepted Starscream’s proposal for an alliance. Starscream definitely lucked out with this alliance more than Warlock. Warlock’s ship had a storage room Starscream took over as it was rather decently sized and not so drafty as the Harbinger. Warlock was a rather patient person and Starscream soon learned to be rather blunt with his statements.

A Scientist through and through, always testing things and coming up with various hypotheses about how Earth operates and questioning various human things. Starscream’s limited knowledge of human affairs helped a bit, thankfully for the human internet for Starscream to gather more intel as he rarely interacted with humans. He would use the internet knowledge to his advantage and basically tell Warlock what he wanted to hear. Prior to this had no real interest in learning anything about the human populace.

The sparkling was different though. Moonlight though…was also rather pleasant at times. She was respectful and would listen to Starscream if he asked for things. Most of the time Moonlight would avoid Starscream and hide behind things and just observe. Moonlight became more comfortable around Starscream as of late and would ask things of him. Such as reading stories or helping her with her ‘homework’ Warlock would give her to help with her education as there weren't exactly schools around for sparklings. Moonlight was a quintessential child, adorable, loud, problematic but at times sweet and sincere with her child-like wonder. Moonlight had a habit of just sneaking up on people. The other day Starscream was discussing things with Warlock and the simple mention of Moonlight caused her to miraculously appear behind Starscream giving him a scare. She laughed at how jumpy he can be and ran off.

“Honestly I don’t know how you deal with having a sparkling running around. How did that even come to pass?” Starscream asked rather braisingly. Warlock was typing away and turned towards Starscream, “Well you know how that comes to pass…I-I couldn’t leave her. I was her sire! Her carrier…it’s…it’s complicated.” Warlock stated. Starscream was curious but he didn’t want to press further into Warlock’s past…as it could cause problems for their alliance. it’s clear this is a touchy subject for the scientist and Starscream knows all too well to never push a touchy subject if it costs him something. But a sparkling running around during wartime is a rarity. Most bots turn off their reproductive functions during the war so seeing a sparkling running around is wild. Moonlight was a pleasant child to say the least, well behaved but still a child and is unpredictable. Warlock was still a mystery to Starscream. He was a neutral not allying himself with either faction. He probably would fall into the Autobot mentality but he had wiggle room in terms of morality…At least he hopes as Starscream isn’t exactly a ‘good’ person.

Starscream watched Warlock walk away after Moonlight and catch up with him in Moonlight’s quarters. The two were doing some ‘homework’ as Warlock was happy to teach his child more about math. Starscream observed from a distance. Moonlight was a perceptive child and noticed him but said nothing as she continued to try and learn from her father. Starscream left the two to their lesson. Starscream tried to not pry too much into Warlock’s business but as the only adult bot he can talk to, it's hard to not ask questions. The moment Starscream told Warlock his name, Warlock kept an arms length in terms of information. Apparently he wasn’t so removed from the war to not know Starscream’s name or hear rumors of the notorious bot. Not that Starscream wanted to be buddy-buddy with anyone but it does make it harder for him to manipulate.

Starscream went to his little room and laid down on the berth he and Warlock dragged from the Harbinger. Hopefully, this alliance will pay off in some way, it already was good to have a decent energon supply for now. But now trying to feed 3 bots instead of two will eventually cause a shortage…Let’s hope it doesn’t come to anything drastic.

Chapter Text

Another 2 weeks have passed. Warlock has been making great use of the resources within the Harbinger. Unfortunately no weapons, nothing of use for war at least or at least as far as Starscream could tell. Trying to convince Warlock to make weapons for him has been rather frustrating. Even when Starscream explains that they most definitely will need weaponry in case the Autobots or Decepticons showed up and caused him grief. Warlock was still holding onto the idea of remaining out of the fray which Starscream thought was adorably optimistic. But the fact was Warlock could either risk finding another planet with energon but would waste more resources looking. Warlock didn’t want to risk it, even if it meant being in ground zero of this Cybertronian war. Starscream walked into his lab and saw he was repairing some of the tools from the Harbinger.

“What are you repairing this time?” Starscream asked as Warlock finished welding. “Energon synthesizer. If we are to extract raw energon from the Earth we need something to process it in order to consume it.” Warlock said as he then began to work on the wires.

“You’d have to find a source. Not to mention find a source that the Decepticons haven’t sunken their claws into. I know where all the major mines are located. We would have to be stealthy to retrieve some without alerting the security. Which…wouldn’t be easy.” Starscream picked at his claws as he leaned on the table.

“There’s probably many sources the Decepticons haven’t tapped into.” Warlock rebutted. Starscream scoffed,

“Of course there is but they have more resources than we do, and proper mining equipment. I may be an energon Seeker, but not some mole who scrounges through the dirt.” Warlock worked with the wires and began to remove the dirt from the synthesizer. “I’m assuming you didn’t come in here to state the obvious. Or are you going to try and pitch me on building weapons again?” Warlock wiped some dirt off the glass.

Starscream frowned “Your anti-weapon policy is going to get you offlined. At least consider it. If not for yourself, then for your offspring.”

Warlock paused, “Don’t bring my daughter into this.” He glared over at Starscream. Starscream rolled his optics

“I’m only being realistic. I’m not saying give the girl a weapon. Just have some security!” Warlock sighed as he stopped cleaning

“You make a good point. But I do have security here. And I’m not in the habit of using my scientific skills for war.” Starscream was getting frustrated with this anti-war mentality. “You need to face the reality that there is a war going on and you need to prepare for it.”

“Just because you're a soldier doesn’t mean everyone else is or has to be.” Warlock snapped. Starscream was surprised at Warlock’s reaction.

“You are correct. And I’m telling you as a soldier, you need to prepare for every scenario. No matter how strange it might be. Earth not only has energon but some Cybertronian weapons were also stashed here! Not to mention other things…” Starscream looked down at his arm remembering his failed attempt at using Dark Energon and costing him his arm in the fight. Warlock raised a brow at Starscream vague warning, “What do you mean other things?” Starscream looks back at Warlock

“When Megatron returned to the Nemesis after his time amongst the stars, he returned not with reinforcements but Dark Energon. He planned to use Cybertron’s own dead as his undead army.” Warlock’s face had a look of horror on it. “You’re telling me Megatron has an undead horde?! What?!”

“No. No. It failed. The Spacebridge exploded ruining that plan. Not to mention the coma he was in after getting caught in it…Not that Dark Energon works for everyone…But the fact of the matter is something as outrageous as this is a possibility!” Starscream explained, Warlock still trying to comprehend the ridiculous plot that Megatron concocted.

“Please tell me he doesn’t have more of that stuff?” Warlock asked, Starscream just shrugged “Well…I-I don’t think he does the last shard of it is…well…it doesn’t matter.” Warlock squinted at Starscream,

“It does matter. because in your ridiculous scenario, Megatron is acting like some demented necromancer and using the dead as soldiers. So do you know or not?” Warlock was pressing him, Starscream could just lie but the fear of Warlock seeing through it was too great and he could lose his energon source.

“Fine. I…may have…well…I attempted to try it myself and used up the remaining dark energon shard…So as far as I know there is no more…” Starscream awkwardly explained, he was waiting for Warlock’s reaction of disapproval or outrage but he was quiet…which was worse. After a few seconds of silence, Warlock looked at him,

“You-You’re an idiot.” He laughed. Warlock was laughing, he was laughing at Starscream. Starscream’s wings hiked up in sheer outrage

“Did you just call me an idiot?! How dare you! I’m no moron!” Starscream’s rage was palpable as Warlock continued to laugh “You used Dark energon? The blood of Unicron? Something so toxic and evil it could have killed you…and you expect me to believe you are not either a moron or insane?” Warlock tried to find his words.

Starscream growled in anger “Well it worked for Megatron! At least for the briefest moment! It didn’t work, the damn thing didn’t listen to me anyway and now it’s gone. End of story.” Starscream huffed, Warlock’s laughter was getting louder,

“Ok…ok…just pfft…” Warlock tried to speak but he couldn’t stop laughing.

“Quit laughing! This isn’t funny! I’m no idiot! As a scientist, you of all people should know how trial and error goes!” Warlock looked at him with a smile as he held in his laughter “I’m sorry this is just…one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. And-and you expect me to trust you with weaponry?” He chuckled as Starscream’s rage was reaching its limits, his wings beginning to tremble as his face contorted into a look of pure disdain.

“I was Second in Command of the entire Decepticon Armada! Lead air commander and a trained soldier! I will not be insulted by some pacifist scientist who has never been on a battlefield! The dark energon was a fluke! It didn’t work and we don’t have to worry about it. So stop laughing. And make me something useful to use against Megatron!” He shouted. Warlock held in his laughter “You-You done with your little tantrum?” Starscream’s eyes went wide

“TANTRUM?!” Warlock bursts into laughter again “You-You look like Moonlight after I told her no more energon treats.” Warlock snickered, and Starscream was trembling with rage. How dare he compare him to a child?!

As Starscream was about to shriek again. Warlock spoke “Fine. Fine. I see your point, ridiculous things can happen. If there is this level of unpredictability with now Dark Energon and Cybertronian weapon stashes…Your request for weapons makes sense…I usually wouldn’t want to build weapons but…hearing the insanity spilling from your mouth about the undead and it being an actual concern…Maybe I’ll consider it. If we find the parts.” Starscream’s wings went back to normal as he stood up straight and cleared his throat “Well I’m glad you see reason. I look forward to seeing your progress on the synthesizer.” As Starscream walked out try to save face. He got his way albeit not how he thought.

Chapter Text

After Starscream’s unusual success in convincing Warlock to make weapons, he decided to reward himself with a flight around the area. He wanted to stretch his wings. He noticed Moonlight outside in the dirt drawing in it with a large stick.

“What are you doing, child?” Starscream asked as the sparkling looked up “Drawing.” She muttered back without looking at him. Starscream looked over the child and saw what she was drawing. It was a crudely drawn image of him. Or at least he assumed it was him. It was a rather odd-looking stick figure with spikes poking out and large wings with an angry look on its face. “Is that supposed to be me?” Starscream would ask,

“Yes.” She replied Starscream wasn’t sure if it was the sparkling's lack of drawing skills or the fact that this is how the child pictured him but Starscream felt insulted.

“Why am I angry?” he asked, Moonlight looked up,

“Because you always look angry. It’s what your face looks like most of the time.” Starscream scowled “See. It’s a default.” as she pointed to his face. Starscream sputtered and decided not to entertain this childish game with her. He was going for a flight, not to be insulted by a child.

“Where are you going?” She asked,

“For a flight. I need to stretch my wings.” Starscream said as he was about to transform,

“How do you fly?” the girl asked, Starscream paused for a moment at such a ridiculous question. “I transform and then take flight. I have wings…” Starscream even moved them up and down for emphasis. Starscream had hypermobile wings that could move rather independently and would fluctuate with his emotions at times.

“I have wings too. But I can’t fly.” Moonlight said trying to copy Starscream unfortunately her wings did not move as much as Starscream’s. He also took note of Moonlight’s wings, they had these odd protruding lines on them..strange.

“You are too young to learn to fly yet. Your T-Cog hasn’t fully developed.” Moonlight looked confused,

“What’s a T-Cog?” Starscream’s wings drooped a bit in surprise, what was Warlock teaching the sparkling?!

“A T-Cog is the organ we Cybertronians have that lets us change into other forms and even use our weapons.” Starscream showed by turning his arm into his blaster. He turned it back into his normal arm as the sparkling just watched.

“Oh. When can I do that?” Moonlight asked, tilting her head slightly. “These are questions for your creator. Not me. Ask him, he’s inside.” Starscream pointed to the ship hoping the child would leave him alone enough for him to go out flying. Starscream turned his back to the child and was getting ready yet again.

“Starscream.” He heard his name as he flinched, ‘what now?’ he thought to himself. He turned to see Warlock standing there.

“Going for a flight?” He asked, “Been trying to at least.” Starscream muttered, Moonlight must have disappeared into the ship while his back was turned.

“Can I join you?” Warlock asks,

“I thought you were working on the energon synthesizer? Is something wrong with it?” Starscream was curious as only a moment ago Starscream was watching him work on it.

“No. Just need a break is all. And I saw you were talking with Moonlight so… I thought I would join you. I haven’t really gotten to fly around since arriving on this planet. Be nice to go for a flight.”

“You’re going to need to scan an Earth vehicle in order to blend in. Otherwise, the humans or the enemy can spot you.” Warlock tilted his head “Oh. Ok. Where do I do that?” Warlock asked, Most jets usually are on military bases.

“We’ll have to use that remote you fashioned to tap into the Decepticon's ground bridging system. That can take us to a military base where you can scan a jet form.” Starscream explained, Warlock went inside and came back out with the remote. Starscream knew there was a military base not too far out from where they were so Warlock could scan something. They punch in the coordinates not too far away from the base so they don’t get spotted.

They arrived at the base and spotted some jets not too far from their location. Warlock looked at the F-22 Raptor and deemed it the one he liked the most and quickly scanned it before the humans could spot them. Now that Warlock is squared away with his new alt-mode the two transformed and flew off in the opposite direction of the base.

Starscream always felt the most confident in the air. He loved flying through the clouds and in the boundless area of the sky. Starscream did many tricks and advanced flight maneuvers he loved just freestyling in the air. He loved to show off his mastery of flight. Warlock on the other hand was a rather lax flier. He wasn’t slow but he didn’t do anything outstanding in Starscream’s eyes. But he had the effortless glide that Starscream found rather interesting. Starscream flew closer to Warlock,

“Care to make things interesting?” As Starscream twirled over Warlock and landed on the other side.

“Interesting how?” Warlock asked, even in his alt-mode Starscream’s smirk could just be felt radiating off him.

“How about a race? Around the canyon area over there?” A short distance away was the canyon Starscream was describing, “What exactly would the winner of this race get? Bragging rights?” Warlock stated, Starscream hummed “Well that wouldn’t be as interesting would it? Maybe a prize is in order. An incentive for this game.” Starscream waited for Warlock’s response,

“Fine. We can settle on the prize afterward. Since it’s right here.” The canyon was approaching fast as the two jets went down to the beginning of the canyon to start their little game.

The two hover by the beginning of the canyon. Starscream was eager to prove his superiority to Warlock.

“Ready?” Starscream asked, “Ready.” Warlock replied, the two lined up and blasted off. Starscream was an expert in aerial maneuvering and was weaving between the rift of the canyon with relative ease and without sacrificing speed. To Starscream’s surprise, Warlock wasn’t far behind and was keeping up. That lax flier he saw earlier was gone as he maneuvered well, but clearly not as precise as Starscream was. Starscream was having a blast. It's been ages since he had a proper challenge in the air that didn’t risk his life for. At some point, the two were neck and neck as they were reaching the end of the canyon. Starscream was ready to win this game and win whatever prize the two would settle on. It was just ahead only a few more seconds and he would claim victory. He heard a loud blasting sound and saw a blur pass his field of vision, it startled him and he almost lost his balance in the air. That blur…was Warlock, doing a rather dirty but common trick amongst fliers. Some fliers and seekers would reserve a small portion of their energy for the end of a race or in case of aerial distress. A move like that can also damage one's engine or cause burnout and a crash if they do it incorrectly, hence why Starscream rarely even attempted such a risky tactic. Nor did he need to, as he trained very hard to be as skilled in the air as he is, and relying on that then a rather cheap and unreliable tactic he saw as tasteless.

Warlock clearly reached the end first and won the game they were playing. No signs of burnout or engine trouble as the two flew off to a mountainside near where they had their race. The sun was beginning to set as the sky took on an orangey hue. Warlock transformed and landed on the mountainside followed by Starscream doing a flip and landing gracefully.

“That was a dirty trick, Warlock. To think you would pull an underhanded stunt like that?” Starscream said with his hand on his hip. Part of Starscream was annoyed he lost another part of him, found it hilarious, to think Warlock was capable of pulling the rug out from under him like that. Warlock shrugged

“I wanted to win. Sometimes you have to risk it. Besides I know my limits pretty well so doing that is rather easy if you can pace yourself.” Warlock looked out towards the sunset. Starscream couldn’t help but laugh,

“Mister, I stay out of trouble talking about risk? How interesting, guess there’s more to you than I thought.” Starscream crossed his arms and looked over the edge.

“So what do you want as your prize? We said we would pick one post for the race…So have any ideas?” Starscream asked, turning toward Warlock, the soft yellow and orange glow of the sunset was reflecting off his plating.

“I have an idea. But… I want to cash it in at a later date.” Warlock said as he turned towards Starscream with a soft smile. Starscream shrugged

“Fine. Whatever your little spark desires…but at a later date I guess.” The two looked out towards the landscape, this was nice…Starscream felt a sense of peace, happiness and contentment…It’s been a while since he had fun like this, a very long while. He almost forgot what it felt like to have a friend.

Chapter Text

Timeline: One Shall Fall episode

The last few days the weather has been rather erratic. Constant rain and stormy weather which isn’t optimal for flying, some earth tremors too which was rather unexpected. It feels like the planet is falling apart some days or nature is fighting against the inhabitants of earth. Thankfully Warlock’s ship is incredibly durable and can handle the natural disasters that have been coming at a relentless pace. Starscream looked out the window at the bridge at the rain coming down. Starscream always likes watching the rain on Earth, nothing like the acid storms near the Sea of Rust. Earth's weather was rather benign, just water falling from the clouds. The occasional thunderstorm and having to dodge lightning if in the air. But all in all easy to deal with.

Warlock to the time during the bad weather to do many little projects. He finished fixing the energon synthesizer, a locator device to track the Nemesis’s movement, some surgical devices just in case of injury, and some secret project he refuses to tell Starscream about. Starscream is hoping it is actually a weapon of some kind to use against Megatron. But everything Starscream goes into Warlock’s lab to sneak a peek, Moonlight shows up and distracts him, and then the lab door locks. Whatever it is he uses his offspring as a method of distraction, and asking the child is pointless as she either says ‘I don’t know’ or ‘none of your business’ like an infuriating brat.

Since their little race, Starscream has had more…friendly conversations with Warlock. He hasn’t been so cagey and is opening up more. Warlock told Starscream about how he is originally from Nova Cronum, no surprise there. A city known for its pacifist stance and a philosophical haven and home to many theoretical research facilities. Well…until Megatron during a stalemate at Praxus, sent a wave of Decepticon forces to destroy the city thus leaving it in ruin. Which in turn causes Warlock to eventually flee to Praxus with his family. Finding out that Warlock had family members was interesting. He informed Starscream he had a falling out with his sister ages ago as she decided to join the Autobots and he wasn’t interested in dealing with either faction and was more interested in working on his research at the time. As for his creators, he was rather dismissive about it and avoided the topic, Starscream took the cue and changed the subject to his field of study.

“What did you research? You seem to be interested in various aspects of science. But not sure what your specialty is?” Starscream said sitting in one of the chairs in the bridge.

Warlock was at the console updating something in the guidance system. “Programming. I enjoy crafting programs, and computer systems and implementing them in ships, computers, and other devices.” Warlock explained,

“So you're a glorified system’s engineer?” Starscream inquired,

“I mean I guess. It’s my specialty, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like other aspects of science. I just like science and figuring out things.” Warlock continued to type away on the console. Starscream hummed a little thinking of what else to ask him.

“Moonlight.” Starscream said,

Warlock paused for a second “What about Moonlight?” Starscream crossed his legs resting his head in his hand,

“How did that come to pass?” Warlock then decided to continue coding

“You’ve asked me this already. And like before…I told you it was complicated, and I don’t want to discuss it.” Warlock’s typing became more erratic, clearly, Starscream was playing in dangerous territory but something has been bothering him about it.

“I understand that. But you have to admit it’s strange to see a sparkling of all things since Cybertron went dark. The Well went dry and no new life was really being created. No new sparklings, only cold-constructs and Vehicons being built or reforged. So you can imagine why I would be so curious as something that is supposed to be impossible is possible.” Starscream’s gaze was practically burning into the back of Warlock’s head. Warlock continued typing erratically.

“Megatron tried to make an undead horde. That should be impossible yet it happened. I figured you of all people after all you’ve witnessed and experienced wouldn’t find it so strange.” Starscream frowned, “You're dodging the question.”

“And you're beating a dead horse.” Warlock replied as Starscream paused, “What?” he was confused by that statement,

“It’s a human expression. It means you keep talking about a subject that has already been discussed or decided and or wasting time and effort trying to do something that is impossible. Ergo, I’m not telling you.” Warlock turned towards Starscream in the chair, emphasizing the point. Starscream lifted his head up out of his hand. “We’re allies. We should be more open with each other. Being all secretive and dodgy isn’t good for our alliance.”

“Are you always this nosey? Or do you really want me to punch you in the face?” Warlock said glaring at Starscream, “Oh come now! I’m just making conversation AND stating a point. I want to know more about you. It’s only natural.”

“Ok then let me ask YOU some questions, Starscream. Like how did you end up with the Decepticons? Or rather why?” Warlock turned the tables onto Starscream. Starscream shifted in his seat and crossed his legs the other way. Warlock watched as Starscream got more comfortable. Watching his body language, I noticed that Starscream didn’t look uncomfortable. It was almost like he was waiting for this question. “You want to know, do you? It’s not as interesting as you think it is. But I’ll tell you regardless.”

“I was an Air Commander of the Energon Seekers in Vos and one of Cybertron's finest air warriors. Outside of predominantly Seeker-dense cities, I was affected by our people’s outdated caste system and the functionalist agenda. And like most was influenced by Megatron’s sweet words and promises for an end to Cybertron's decrepit caste system. I joined the Decepticon movement, rose through the ranks and here we are now. On a distant backwater planet, our homeworld is lifeless and Megatron is still trying to claim supremacy of a dead society. It'd be poetic if it wasn’t so tragic.” Starscream looked out the window as a crackle of lightning lit up the bridge. The light illuminated his face as the rumbling thunder almost added a theatrical flare to Starscream’s origins.

“But why did you stay so long if you stopped believing in the cause?” Warlock asked, scanning for any shifts in Starscream’s demeanor.

“I am a soldier. We are at war, it’s what I am good at. Not to mention I was Megatron’s second in command, I enjoyed the power and authority it offered…for the most part.” Starscream began to scowl, Warlock began to read Starscream a bit better over time.

Despite his reputation as a great liar and manipulator, he was rather…expressive whether he was aware of it or not. His sudden change from his grandiose explanation of his beginnings with the Decepticons to his signature scowl was interesting. Warlock wasn’t the best at reading people from being around Starscream so much so that he began to pick up patterns of his behavior.

“I thought you hated Megatron? You described him as a…what was it ‘short-sighted, brutish buffoon’? I think it was the words you used. I lose track of the terrible things you call him since it’s so often.” Starscream looked at Warlock with an even deeper scowl, “I do hate him. I would make a much better leader for the Decepticons! And yet people continue to underestimate my skill, experience, and talent! And choose him over me! He, a miner turned gladiator, turned politician, turned warlord! He’s changed more career paths than most change their oil! He had no military experience until I came along! I advised him, I lent him my knowledge, and what does he do with it? Throw it out the window! Demean me, insult me, throw me around like a ragdoll, beat me in ways that would make a sadist blush. and THEN expected to answer his beck and call and solve his problems HE doesn’t think through! Honestly, the fact he’s still online baffles me.” Starscream crossed his arms and slumped back into the chair.

Starscream closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and looked over at Warlock. The scientist had a look that was a mix of confusion and pity.

“He-he beat you?” Warlock asked, his voice soft but full of concern. Starscream looked at him with confusion,

“Yes. It’s one of the many reasons I hate him. He would beat me. In front of our troops, sometimes on the battlefield, and…most definitely in private…” Starscream said the last part with a certain level of sadness that stung in Warlock’s spark.

“W-Wait in private? What do you mean by that? If he just beat you openly why does it matter if he did it in private?” Starscream had a look on his face of ‘really?’ his brow raised as he began to chuckle, “Please tell me you aren’t that naive? You're a smart bot. You like figuring things out…put two and two together.” He said in a rather condescending tone. Warlock looked confused for a second as his optics darted around as he began thinking.

After a few moments his eyes went wide in realization, “YOU AND MEGATRON?!” Starscream began practically cackling, he kicked his pedes and grabbed his side.

“You couldn’t tell?! I thought it was common knowledge at this point. The jokes and snide remarks about how THAT was the only reason he kept me around?! Hell, I heard even Autobots make those jokes!” Starscream laughed, Warlock looked horrified as he watched Starscream cackling like a madman.

“You shouldn’t be laughing…this is…that is…it’s horrible! And you’re laughing about it?!” Warlock shouted, he really couldn’t believe Starscream was making jokes about it. About his relationship with Megatron as if it was something to laugh about. Starscream began to stop laughing,

“Of course, it’s not funny. It’s terrible but that’s how everyone treats it. As one big joke.” Starscream leaned forward in his seat, with a smirk on his face but his optics were pure sadness he looked haunted.

The lightning crashed again as the thunder rolled in. Warlock’s spark sank a little…he felt horrible for Starscream. Being in a relationship with someone like that, someone who treats a person they are supposed to care about like that. Warlock had been in…complicated relationships in the past but hearing Starscream and Megatron’s relationship was more than a working one…and hearing how Starscream talks about him…It’s just layer after layer of tragedy, irony, and horror all wrapped up in a bow.

“I think maybe…we’ve discussed enough about one's past for today.” Starscream broke the awkward silence as he got up and walked out of the bridge. Warlock just watched Starscream leave as the door shut, Warlock sat there just sitting with the knowledge he had been given. Starscream wasn’t a good person…but he didn’t deserve for his troubles to be treated as a joke. Warlock just looked out into the storm contemplating everything.

Chapter Text

Timeline: One Shall Rise episode 1-2

After that very awkward talk on the bridge the other day, Warlock gave Starscream some space. Warlock even told Moonlight to leave Starscream be for the day. Starscream didn’t really come out of his quarters and if he did he was very quiet which is a surprise considering how loud Starscream can be. Warlock was walking down the hall of the ship and Starscream’s wing tips disappeared around the corner. Warlock sighed, he wanted to say something but he didn’t know what to say, nothing really to say as it might upset Starscream. To his horror, he heard Moonlight talking and heard Starscream’s name even after she told her not to speak to him. ‘Scrap’ Warlock thought as he peeked around the corner.

He saw Moonlight talking to Starscream, she had something in her servos. “Look what I found, it's purple and glowy! Sire said to not talk to you but I had to show you!” She sounded so excited and held up a glowing purple rock, why was it glowing? Warlock looked to Starscream who looked panicked “Moonlight, sweetspark…where did you find that?”

He was trying to be nice but the tone of Starscream sounded worried. Moonlight smiled “I found a crack in the ground. I can show you!” She said her little wings fluttered, she was being so precious but Starscream’s reaction worried Warlock.

Warlock hid behind the corner and watched the two walk out to leave the ship. He quietly followed them out of the ship, he saw how excited Moonlight looked but how nervous Starscream looked. Something wasn’t right, why was Starscream so nervous? Moonlight pointed to a fissure in the ground, which must have opened up from the recent earthquakes. “I got the rock from down there! There’s a whole bunch down there.” Starscream looked down into the fissure and saw more scattered glowing shards of the purple rocks.

“This is not good. Moonlight please don’t pick any more shards of this purple rock.” Starscream said to Moonlight,

“Why?” She asked, Starscream definitely panicked to come up with a good reason for a child to believe him as the actual reason might not be good enough. Starscream had an idea which probably is stupid but would make sense to a child,

“These rocks are evil and if you keep picking them up Unicron himself will come for you.” Moonlight’s smile quickly fades and now looks like she might cry “What?!” Moonlight cried in horror, Starscream did not expect her to get upset, he just wanted her to drop the shard of dark energon.

Warlock could hear Moonlight beginning to cry as he approached, he abandoned the stealth and began running worried something happened. “What, What happened?! Hey, sweetspark don’t cry.” Warlock began to try and calm his crying child. “What did you say to her?” Warlock asked, looking at Starscream as Moonlight wailed.

“He said, He-He said that I touched the evil rock and Unicron is going to get me!” She cried holding her little servos to her eyes as tears ran down her face. Warlock looked confused and back at Starscream, “I needed her to drop the dark energon! I didn’t think she would do it if I told her to just drop it!” Starscream explained he held his arms out as his wings hiked up in panic.

Warlock looked in horror at the purple rock in Moonlight’s hand. ‘Nope,’ Warlock thought as he grabbed the dark energon shard and threw it as hard as he could away from the ship. They all watched as the shard went flying in the opposite direction. Warlock took out his blaster and blew the thing up. Starscream didn’t even know that Warlock even had weapons, let alone was armed…He should tell him that. Warlock looked down in the crevice and saw more shards of the stuff shining and glowing.

“Nope.” Was all Warlock said as he went back to the ship in a hurry? Starscream was so puzzled by everything happening, that he looked at Warlock who was leaving him with the sparkling. He looked back at Warlock, then looked at Moonlight, back at Warlock, and then decided to grab the crying child and head for the ship. “Warlock! Wait!” He picked up Moonlight and ran after him.

Warlock stormed into his own ship and was followed by a confused Starscream holding a crying sparkling. Warlock went to a door Starscream hadn’t seen before as Warlock punched in a code. The door slid open and Starscream’s jaw went slack as he saw what was in the room. A stockpile of weapons, hand grenades, blasters of all kinds, boxes of fuel/ammunition for some of the weapons. Starscream was flabbergasted at what he was looking at “You said you didn’t make weapons?! What the frag is this?!” Starscream yelled, Warlock turned back to him

“Language Starscream! And I didn’t make these weapons….I bought them.” Warlock stated as he went into the room and was searching for something. Starscream stood there stammering “ You bought them?! This whole time I thought you were a pacifist who didn’t believe in war. Now out of nowhere, you have as much weaponry as the Nemesis!” Starscream barked, Warlock looked around the room, “If this is what the Nemesis’s weapon room looked like that’s very sad.”

“That’s not the point, Warlock! The point is you're armed to the denta after saying you don’t fight., You have war modifications, and you only reveal it now?!” Starscream put Moonlight down as he walked into the armory. He was fuming, Warlock hid all of this from him.

“I said I don’t want to partake in the war and fight for either faction. I never said I didn’t know how to fight or had weaponry available. Yes, I said I don’t like to make weapons doesn’t mean I don’t! Besides I either bought these from Swindle or took them from…well it doesn’t matter where! I told you I had security!” Warlock argued getting closer to Starscream, the two were now in a heated argument.

“Swindle?! I thought you said you didn’t align with any faction and here you are buying weapons from a Decepticon arms dealer?!” Starscream's voice got louder and a bit more screechy.

“Swindle will sell to anyone if you have the money. He’s not picky and neither am I. I assumed you’d be happy now, here’s at the weapons the great Starscream can hope for!” Warlock gestures to the room behind him, arms spread as he talks down to Starscream.

“Oh, ho, ho ho, someone is finally revealing their true colors! Guess you aren’t so peace, love, and science after all. To think when I first saw you I thought you were bland and boring…guess I was wrong! Who knew there was a Decepticon hidden underneath all that pomposity!” Starscream smirked, he finally got to peak behind Warlock’s curtain.

“I am not a Decepticon! I have never been part of the faction, I have been neutral this whole time! Primus why did I think this time it would be different…You Cons are all the same, self-serving, narcissists, sociopaths!” Warlock jabbed his digit into Starscream’s chest.

“Aww… and I thought you felt bad for me Warlock…After all, Megatron put me through…” Starscream said in a mocking and condescending tone, Warlock snarled “I can do both! I can still feel bad for you and think you're an aft-hole! Primus why did I think trusting a Decepticon again wouldn’t backfire on me?! Maybe I should just leave this stupid world!”

“STOP IT!!” The two turned to see Moonlight in the doorway, “Stop fighting! Both just-just-” She began to cry again, she was louder and sat down on the ground. Warlock sighed and went to his daughter, trying to soothe her by rubbing her head and saying calming words. The words Starscream heard Warlock say stuck in his head ‘trusting a Decepticon again’ It explains why he was so cagey in the beginning. Starscream had a nasty habit of opening his mouth and promptly sticking his pede into it. Warlock picked up Moonlight and walked out of the armory giving a quick glance back at Starscream before disappearing deeper into the ship.

Chapter Text

Starscream stood in the armory now beginning to feel bad for saying those things to Warlock. Ugh. Guilt. Starscream rarely feels this emotion, most of the time he feels regret when a plan or scheme backfires, not when someone is mad at him.

Starscream heard the crying fade into where Moonlight’s room was. Starscream’s wings drooped as he felt bad for scaring her unintentionally and arguing with her sire. Starscream slinked his way down the hall and finally heard the crying stop. He saw Warlock in the hall as he was leaving Moonlight’s room. Starscream jumped when he noticed Warlock looking at him, the look of disdain on his face and the disgust in his optics were pretty obvious.

Starscream straightens himself up and clears his throat. “I-I want to apologize for what is said. I didn't mean to scare Moonlight about the dark energon. I just wasn’t sure telling her what dark energon was, would be enough for her to put it down and leave it alone. She looked so excited for her little discovery.”

Starscream’s wings perked up, it was rather adorable seeing her excited to show him specifically before her sire. “ And I-I can admit I crossed a line in the armory…I-I don’t know all of what you have done and the same can be said for myself. I-I’m not used to having partners. My trine…has been offline for quite some time and…being second-in-command and dealing with the ‘self-serving, narcissist, sociopaths’ as you put it can make one…paranoid and lose perspective on things. And forget what having an ally can be like. I’m…truly sorry.” Starscream didn’t make eye contact with Warlock, it’s been a while since he made a genuine apology he wasn’t forced to make.

Starscream glanced up and noticed Warlock’s expression softened a bit, the scowl on his face was something Starscream wasn’t used to. Something about it made Starscream feel strange but it also reminded him of how Megatron would give him a look of disappointment and promptly beat him. Warlock sighed “I accept your apology. I-I got carried away as well.” Warlock softly smiled, that was better he liked it better when Warlock smiled.

“Follow me,” Warlock said as he led Starscream to his quarters. The room was rather nice looking, well decorated, very modern…well for Cybertronian standards, who knew Warlock had good taste in decor? Warlock walked toward a safe under a desk on the far side of the room. He punched in a code and heard a mechanism unlock. To Starscream’s surprise, it was a container of high-grade energon. “Oh, ho, ho you were holding out on me more than I thought. Let me guess…Swindle?” Starscream said, cocking his hip to the side and crossing his arms.

“Yes. I may have…helped him out with something and in exchange for my services he gifted me some… high-end high grade.” Warlock poured a glass for him and for Starscream, he handed him a glass as Starscream swirled the liquid in the container. Warlock took a sip of his drink as Starscream looked at him. “You said something I wanted to ask you about…I know I pry into your past a bit too much but…what you said about trusting a Con again…”

“Moonlight’s carrier is a Decepticon.” Warlock cut him off and said it rather coldly. Starscream was shocked but his omission, Warlock with a Decepticon??

“Huh…I was curious but now…it makes a lot of sense.” Starscream said taking a sip of his drink, it had a unique taste to it. The minerals added to it to change the flavor made it taste sweet as it had a strong aftertaste to it.

“I have questionable taste in allies.” Warlock joked as Starscream chuckled, “Yes, you do. Most people wouldn’t trust a former Decepticon let alone the former second in command. Do you mind if I ask who this Con is?”

“Probably never heard of them. They left the ranks of the Decepticons ages ago…Did her own thing for a while. It’s how we met, she didn’t want to go back to the Decepticons, and I…have questionable taste in romantic partners…” Warlock said, taking another sip of his high grade. Starscream chuckled at his anecdote.

“We both do it seems. Maybe it’s why we both work so well together. We both have bad taste.” Starscream said as Warlock laughed, this was the first time he ever heard Warlock laugh…he had a nice laugh.

Starscream took another sip as he listened to Warlock laugh…this was nice. No more arguing, just two friends having some high grade together and chatting. The two continued to chat and basically hung out in Warlock’s room. The high grade was beginning to hit them as they were both more giggly and happy. Warlock pulled up some human entertainment media for the two to watch. Starscream used to chastise Knock Out and Breakdown for sneaking out and going to see human films in drive-thru theaters, but humans, as disgusting as they are, made some decent entertainment. The two sat on Warlock’s berth; it was rather large and comfortable all things considered. Warlock wasn’t as massive as bot like Megatron but he wasn’t small either. His build reminded him of Shockwave’s; weirdly robust, tall, and strong especially for a scientist. Starscream realizes he knows two ‘buff’ scientists…which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it has happened twice.

Starscream’s gaze kept accidentally drifting toward Warlock as he was consuming the human television. It might be the effects of the high grade but his optics kept trailing down Warlock’s form…he wasn’t bad looking…his paint job could use some work, but he was tall, strong, and intelligent. Starscream has done worse in the past…No. Starscream shook his head, this was just the high grade messing with him. Starscream looked up at Warlock’s face, his yellow optics locked in on the screen as he chuckled at the scene playing out. He was cute. Starscream blushed…He needs to stop drinking the high grade.

Starscream looked over at the nightstand and saw the glass was almost empty…he was already overcharged after one drink?! It has been a bit since he had some high grade maybe his tolerance was lowered. Or maybe it was the blend of the drink? Either way, Starscream’s brain feels foggy and his judgment might be slightly impaired. Warlock couldn't really tell if he was overcharged or not. He might be a bit happier looking but he seems like himself and not overcharged.

Starscream felt something at the tip of his left wing. He was started as it brought him out of his thoughts, was Warlock touching his wing?! Starscream looked puzzled. “What are you doing?” he asked as Warlock looked over at him, “It wack me in the face,” Warlock replied, Starscream blushed as his hypermobile wings can get more animated when he drinks high grade.

“Oh uh, sorry.” Starscream’s wings moved down closer to his body. Warlock’s optics were watching as Starscream’s wings moved.

“Are your wings sensitive like other seekers? Or is it more so since they move so much?” Warlock asked, still looking at Starscream’s wings.

“Yes. You of all people should know a flier’s wings are sensitive, a seeker’s more so. And mine…even more than that. While hypermobility is a unique trait for some seekers it offers many benefits as well as drawbacks. More maintenance, preening, and…sensitivity.” Starscream explained, As his wings twitched a little with the explanation.

“Huh…interesting,” Warlock said rather flatly, his eyes not leaving the wings practically pressed up against Starscream’s back. Warlock’s staring was unnerving Starscream…why was he staring and asking about his wings? He has wings he should know most of this information.

Warlock’s eyes shifted to Starscream’s face, “Hey Starscream. Can I ask you something?” Starscream looked at Warlock in the optics, “Yes?” he said rather curiously where this line of questioning was going, “Remember the little race we had?”

“Yes, I remember. You won with that dirty little trick of yours. Why?” Warlock smiled, “I want to cash in my prize.”

Chapter Text

“Huh?” Starscream said rather dumbfounded.
“You want to cash in the prize…now? Like right now?” Starscream is still in disbelief at the weird request at such a strange time.
“I don’t even know what the prize you want is. We never determined it. And you want to cash it in…now?” Starscream’s high-grade addled brain was struggling with how his wings correlated to a prize from their little race.
“Yes, I want to cash in my rightful prize. Now.” He said rather simply like Starscream should know what he wants.

“Well…are you going to tell me what you want?!” Starscream asked a bit annoyed, what was he thinking, was this induced by the high grade they consumed?

“A preening session.” He said rather emotionlessly, Starscream’s jaw dropped open, ‘A preening session? Starscream face blushes a bright blue at the implications of what Warlock is asking.

“You want to preen me? That’s the prize you want?” Starscream asked, trying to make sure this was a high-grade induced hallucination. “Yes. I want to preen you.” He said softly, grabbing Starscream’s blushing face by grabbing his chin gently and turning it towards his face. Oh, the high grade was definitely affecting him, Starscream can see it now. His eyes half-lidded, he soft little smirk…either he was overcharged or he was…

“Shall we begin?” He said letting go of Starscream’s chin. Starscream’s brain can’t process what is going on, was Warlock hitting on him? Was the preening session just a prelude to something else? Warlock opened the drawer on the nightstand and pulled out various things: high-end wax, different polishes in rather expensive-looking containers all with different icons on the lids, buffers of different sizes and shapes, fiber clothes of different textures, and finally a little box. He opened the box and it was full of incense of various kinds. Guess to set the mood, Starscream at first felt incredibly nervous, he hadn’t been truly preened by anyone other than Knock Out. And that was mostly to buff the dents and scratches Megatron left in his wings.

Warlock asked Starscream to lie down on his stomach. Starscream complied but his wings began to twitch in anticipation and nerves. Warlock lit an incense, the scent was rather soft and reminiscent of the ocean. It was rather soothing, Warlock got up and knelt behind Starscream and got himself into position.

“Are you ready?” He asked, Starscream nodded, part of him was nervous about this as it’s been ages since he did any sort of proper preening and it might be the high-grade talking but the thought of being pampered also sounded really good.

Warlock put the wax on first, it was warm as he spread it on his wings. His touch was gentle as he spread it the warmth of the wax was seeping into all the scratches and crevices in his wings. The sensation was nice. Starscream hummed as he began to feel relaxed, Warlock’s gentle touch began to become a little rougher and a little more pressure. He was working the wax into any imperfections he found on his larger set of wings first. He felt his thumb making small circles around a specific spot working in the warm wax into it, it felt heavenly. The motion had a bit more pressure than Starscream’s sensitive wings were used to but it was delightful as Starscream’s whole body began to feel a wave of calm wash over.

His servos began to follow the contour of Starscream’s larger wings as he grabbed the tip of it and did that circular motion again but between his forefinger and his thumb. Starscream’s wing tips were a definite sensitive spot for him as he involuntarily moaned. He clamped his hand over his mouth as he tried to cover up his embarrassment. He felt his fingers rubbing the tips with more fervor. Clearly, Warlock was doing this on purpose and Starscream wanted to chastise him but…it felt so nice he didn’t want it to stop. He went to the opposite larger wing and repeated the process on his wing tips…Starscream’s wing began to practically melt into Warlock’s touch. The bot was clearly skilled with his digits…Starscream wasn’t sure if it was the high-grade mixing with the massaging sensation or just Starscream’s lack of being spoiled in a while…but he definitely wanted to test Warlock’s skilled servos at a later date.

He moved to the smaller winglets that rested between his larger wings, Warlock got higher up on Starscream’s back as he felt Warlock’s body against his backside. Anyone who would walk in on this scene would either be embarrassed or questioned. His winglets surprisingly fluttered a little the moment they were touched. Warlock chuckled “I didn’t think your wings would twitch so much…” He said in a low calming voice, Warlock repeated the circular thumb motions as Starscream hummed.

“Most normal seekers would use a buffer instead of their hands as it would be more efficient.” Starscream remarked Warlock stopped for a second as he felt him lean down towards Starscream’s audio processor. “Well…maybe I want to do things a bit differently. Besides, this is only the first step…the buffers are for later.” He whispers in Starscream’s audio processor. Warlock’s whisper, his hot breath right next to Starscream’s face caused the seeker to blush horribly and literally bite his tongue.

Warlock moved back to his previous position as he finished waxing up Starscream’s smaller winglets. Warlock looked at Starscream’s wings splayed out in front of them all properly waxed by his servos as he admired his work a smirk crossed his face. He went for one of the larger buffers, He had used this buffer for mostly getting more surface area rather than the intensity of the buff. Warlock turned on the handheld buffer and began emphasizing the already hand massaged waxed wings.

Starscream moaned as the buffer vibrated against his wings, the soft rhythmic motion of the buffer almost put Starscream to sleep. Warlock finished with that buffer as Starscream was practically falling asleep. He couldn’t have that, yes this was a soothing process but that was not the point of this in Warlock’s optics. He grabbed a smaller, more…intense buffer. Warlock smirked knowing this would definitely wake Starscream from his little dreamlike state.

The smaller buffer rhythm was much more powerful and pronounced. Starscream’s sleepy state was violently interrupted as the vibrations were stronger and more focused. The buffing felt good, Starscream moaned as he clamped his mouth again. A bit of drool slithered out his mouth. He felt it against his digits…The really cheeky moment was when he moved the buffer closer to the transformation seams near the base of his larger wings.

Warlock took the buffer and went into the crevices of Starscream’s transformation seams…cheeky bastard. Starscream while cupping his mouth moaned loudly…the drool
seeped through his fingers as Warlock used this buffer in the inseams…Starscream's high-grade addled mind was going wild. He was totally caught off-guard by this…The buffer was so intense…In his high-grade addled state, he considered asking for the buffer…He blushed more…was he truly that depraved?!

Warlock stopped after maybe 10ish minutes…Starscream's legs twitched, jerked, and moved during the whole thing. Starscream truly was fighting to not make noise as his fans switched on to cool him down. He thought whatever Warlock was planning was done as he put that buffer away. Warlock then went back and lowered himself against Starscream’s audio receptors… “What kind of polish do you desire…”

His voice was low, sultry, and very…out of character from the Warlock he came to know…Starscream felt the saliva on his digits, feeling his fans hike a setting higher, his mind attempting to race but struggling to focus due to the high grade…What was all this…was this something he planned all along?!

Warlock waited for Starscream to answer but…he did not receive a proper response.…he felt the polish being rubbed in via the first larger buffer… Starscream’s legs began to kick slightly as the buffer touched his wings. “I picked a…fruity scent for you…since you didn’t answer~” Warlock mumbled in Starscream’s audio receptor…his breath hitched…Warlock was a bit too good at this…Whoever his former partner was…was definitely pampered by the scientist.

Warlock grabbed a different buffer again wider, but possessed the pressure of the previous buffer…Starscream was being spoiled…He felt the drool seep out of his mouth. His fans began to calm down as the soft hypnotic buffer came back as he polished his wings…Warlock was a bit too skilled at this…Starscream even on a high grade made a note to ask him at a later date…

The buffer reached various seams and definitely removed some imperfections from his wings…Warlock used the buffer as he leaned over him and moved to the winglets…The buffer really felt more intense on them as Starscream practically howled in pleasure at Warlock’s pampering. He felt the drool run down his digits as he tried to look back but another wave of pleasure took hold. His fans were now on its highest setting as he felt warmth running throughout his frame. Was he planning this? Starscream needed to know…”Wa-awWarlock?” He moaned in between buffs and Warlock hummed “Yes, Starscream?” Warlock responded getting deeper into his transformation seams…fuck it was rendering him incomprehensible…

“Why…Why…ugh…frag…why are you…why you…” He tried to form a sentence but the feeling of the buffers against his wings made all thoughts leave his mind. Warlock hummed” Starscream…you asked a while ago ‘you can’t be this naive’…do you remember?” Warlock asked as The buffering got more intense, Starscream’s moans were loud and frankly indecent. “Ye-Yes…I remember? Why?”

“Remember how we both agreed we had bad taste?” Warlock said pressing the buffer more into his sensitive parts of wings…Fuck…he really was better at manipulating him than Starscream originally thought…What was Warlock implying?!

“You’re up to something…What are you-“ Starscream began to ask as Warlock removed the buffers and used fiber clothes to give the final polish to his wings…the slow rhythmic motion made Starscream moan indignantly. Starscream’s face was practically bright blue the whole time. Warlock finished as he rose up

“All done. Your wings should look spectacular!” Warlock said with a smile he got up and told Starscream he was going to check on Moonlight, leaving Starscream to continue to lay there processing everything.

Starscream awoke in Warlock’s berth on his stomach. His eyes shot open as he sat up abruptly, his mind remembering what it had just gone through. The saliva on his digits and the berth, the high grade, the sounds he was making, the way Warlock was speaking to him…All memories of what seemed like an extremely intimate preening session. Or can it even be called that as Starscream didn't even get a chance to do anything to Warlock’s wings?

Starscream got up and looked over at the mirror in the corner, he examined his wings, the finish and polish on it was exemplary. They looked brand new, polished to perfection even Knock Out would be jealous of how shiny and nice they look. The preening session might have been odd, but he couldn’t argue with the results of it. He didn’t see Warlock in his quarters so he assumed he was somewhere else in the ship. A loud boom came from outside, Starscream looked out the window of the room as he saw in the distance, smoke, purple smoke. Clearly, Warlock was dealing with the dark energon in the fissure and making sure the Decepticons didn’t get their hands on it.

Starscream decided it would be prudent to leave Warlock’s quarters. He left hoping to not run into him for a bit as their preening session was…well…that. Starscream felt a wave of shame at how he acted during that. How could something so simple cause such an intense reaction from him?! Knock Out used to buff his wings all the time and he never acted like that. Even when his trine was still alive he never acted like that. Maybe it was the high grade? Yes. The only logical explanation. Whatever that high grade was, it caused that. It made him act like a depraved pervert. Only logical reason…

Starscream walked quickly to his quarters as he didn’t want to run into Warlock. Starscream quickly shut the door and laid down on his own berth. Yes, some alone time should suffice. The day was almost over as it was a rollercoaster of emotions from everyone. Starscream’s mind, still a bit foggy from the high grade, had so many more questions. Sure he and Warlock reconciled and have become more chummy, but he’s still hiding things from him. The impressive armory he has here is something Starscream is very eager to look over as Swindle was definitely adept at acquiring weapons for the Decepticons and always had some unique pieces in some instances. Starscream also wondered what type of jobs he did for Swindle? He could ask but he knows he might not get a proper answer, or it’s something benign. Starscream also wondered about his Decepticon lover, he might not know who it is but clearly, it left a mark on Warlock.

Even without Moonlight in the equation his reaction when he told him she was a Decepticon was cold and had a hint of venom to it. There were scars there, something Starscream knows all too well about. His relationship with Megatron could be felt similarly, if not worse. At least Warlock had the foresight to leave whoever she was with their child in tow. Starscream spent eons by Megatron’s side, working with him, trying to assassinate him, being beaten by him, and making love to him. All things considered, he should have listened to Thundercracker ages ago and left the Decepticons as Megatron’s treatment of him was barbaric. Starscream didn’t, he wanted the power his ambition wouldn’t let him leave. And so Thundercracker and Skywarp met their end, he was alone with Megatron with no one there to support him.

Warlock is probably the first person to truly support him since Skywarp and Thundercracker’s deaths. Knock Out was an ally at times, patching him up, gossiping with him and even plotting with him, but he proved unreliable and just as afraid of Megatron as Starscream was. If it wasn’t for Airachnid’s betrayal weeks back and his failure to join the Autobots, Starscream probably would never have met Warlock. It was a happy twist of faith really, he was finally done with Megatron’s nonsense only for his plans to fail and then meet the bot who finally supports him soon after. Sure he still wanted to rule the Decepticons and murder Megatron…but…it’s nice to have someone, a friend…or maybe something more. That preening session indicated otherwise…Starscream shook his head. It was the high grade, the high grade made them act inappropriately to each other. Warlock doesn’t think of him in that capacity…Right?

Chapter Text

The next few days there was some level of tension. At least to Starscream, for Warlock, it’s like nothing weird has happened. Warlock worked away in his lab putting finishing touches on the energon synthesizer. Starscream was pleased they had the means to process raw energon as he predicted their energon reserves were getting a tad low. Nothing to worry about yet but it will be in a few weeks when the reserves run out.

“You said you know the locations of various energon mines here on Earth. Are any nearby?” Warlock asked, Starscream frowned,

“Yes. But all are controlled by Decepticons or are stripped bare. Believe me…I used to have some caches stashed in striped mines but…Megatron found out.” Starscream was still keeping his distance from Warlock after the preening session, but he needed to focus. “So is there a mine with more lax security than others?” Warlock asked, Starscream thought for a second, no mines come to mind when it comes to lax security.

Starscream made sure of that when he was still amongst the Cons, darn his efficiency. “Not all have very similar security. And or are pretty active with armed Vehicons inside. I know the Autobots make frequent attempts to get to our mines and sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don’t.” Starscream looked over the other devices and items strung on Warlock’s table.

“Then what is stopping us then? If the Autobots do it, why can’t we?” Warlock asked, watching as Starscream paced, thinking. “Because they are trained soldiers and there are more than them. I can’t risk you getting hurt.” Starscream paused as the words left his mouth.

“Aww…you care.” Warlock teased, Starscream’s wings hiked up,

“That’s not-I mean yes but…I-” Starscream attempted to back peddle. “You know what I mean! If something were to happen to you, what about Moonlight, hm? I can’t take responsibility for her!” Starscream scrambled to say, Warlock chuckled “Of course. Are you taking care of Moonlight? You don’t know the first thing about sparkling rearing.” Warlock said working on the Decepticon tracking device.

“It sounds like you're questioning my abilities.” Starscream sneered, his wings lowered slightly, Warlock rolled his optics, “You said it, not me.”

Starscream huffed, he did say it didn’t he? “How is the tracker coming along? Maybe we can use it to locate the Nemesis and steal from there.” Starscream asked,

“Wouldn’t that be an even worse place to rob?” Warlock asked incredulously, “Well…yes but the energon there would be preprocessed and of a higher quality! The energon synthesizers aboard the Nemesis are more efficient than this one you repair…uh, no offense.” Starscream looked over at the recently repaired synthesizer.

“None taken, it’s an older model and even the one I have that’s newer isn’t the best. But are you sure we should risk it?”

“What do you mean by we? I would go, alone. Like I said, I can’t risk you getting hurt.” Starscream said rather sternly, this time it wasn’t him being nice, he genuinely could risk Megatron getting his claws into Warlock. With Shockwave dead, he would no doubt use Warlock’s brilliant mind against him.

“You're contradicting yourself. You said we can’t raid the mine because there’s only two of us. Now you are saying you have to go alone, with no backup to the Decepticon’s main base of operations?! You know how insane that sounds?” Warlock said getting up off his chair and placing his hands on the table.

“I know it is contradictory. But there is a better chance if I am the only one stealthing around the Nemesis. I know the halls and where they store their energon. I can be in and out quickly and hopefully with a good amount of energon.”

Warlock frowned, “I don’t want you to risk your life on a quick grab-and-go. I don’t like the idea of it's reckless.” Warlock sounded very concerned, which surprised Starscream a little, “We don’t have many other options right now, Warlock. Yes, we still have some energon in the reserves but…They aren’t going to last more than 2 weeks at most. And if we grabbed processed energon we don’t have to waste the resources synthesizing it! Please trust me on this.” Starscream pleaded with Warlock to understand.

Warlock sighed and got up to where Starscream was standing. He took Starscream’s servos into his own holding them, a bit of blush ran across Starscream’s face as he didn’t expect it. “Fine. I understand but please come back safely? I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Warlock’s concerned tone and gentle smile caused Starscream’s spark to skip a beat. Starscream’s face was covered in blue blush as he didn’t expect Warlock to be so…concerned for his safety.

“I-I’ll try. Your concern is…touching.” Starscream said as he looked down at his servos being held by Warlock’s. Warlock's soft smile caused Starscream’s spark to begin beating faster…so Starscream wasn’t going mad, there was something here…Starscream would have to talk to Warlock at another time. Warlock released Starscream’s servos and walked back to his table, “Use this at least. Not sure it can track the Nemesis but it can definitely pinpoint other Decepticons who use that Decepticon tracking system.” Warlock handed him the device, Starscream nodded and told him thanks as he walked out.

He turned on the device and immediately had a pin. Warlock activated the ground bridge and Starscream headed off. He transformed and flew over the chaos going on below. He saw Breakdown and Knock Out grabbing something from the military base below as the Autobots arrived and began shooting. Aerial reinforcements from the Decepticons kept the Autobots from following Knock Out and Breakdown through the ground bridge. Starscream stopped focusing on the chaos below and decided the easiest way to the Nemesis was to follow the Vehicons in the air back to the ship.

After a bit of trailing they did in fact fly back to the Nemesis as predicted. Starscream waited til the coast was cleared before transforming and sneaking about. As he ran into two Vehicons, Starscream attempted to pull rank only for them to tell him that Megatron ordered his execution if he ever returned to the ship. Starscream naturally flabbergasted and realized his trick would dispose of the two Vehicons immediately. As one went to shoot him, Starscream grabbed him and the stray blast hit a ceiling light. Causing light to be obscured for a second as Starscream took his claws and stabbed the two, killing them. While there were no guards now in front of the Energon reserve he plundered it.

He grabbed some cubes of energon but heard footsteps approaching, Shit he needed to hide. Luckily there was a room near the reserve he could hide in. As the door opened Starscream was met with a startling surprise. Someone was in the room and that someone…Was Optimus Prime.

Chapter Text

“Optimus Prime?!” Starscream dropped the energon cubes and aimed his missile launchers at the Prime who seemed surprised to see him. Why was the leader of the Autobots on the Nemesis?! Was he going to attack? So many thoughts entered Starscream’s mind.

“Please I mean you no harm.” Optimus said, in a nervous tone. This is unusual for the Prime, usually, Optimus was confident, calm, and in control of where he was. But Starscream knew something was up.

“Oh?... Then What are you doing here?!” Starscream asked not lowering his blasters.

“Research. For Lord Megatron.” Optimus replied, Starscream was in disbelief. Research? For Megatron?! “Is..Is this some kind of joke?” He asked not knowing what else could make this weird situation weirder.

“I do not understand,” Optimus says as Starscream realizes…he is serious, this isn’t some strange prank. He lowered his missile launchers.

The Prime spoke again, “And why did you call me, Optimus Prime?” Starscream looked at him confused…What. “Why…wouldn’t I?” His name is Optimus Prime…Why wouldn’t he answer to his name?

“Because my name is Orion Pax, and I am…far from being a Prime.” he said remorsefully, Starscream’s gaze drifted to his shoulder armor, which had the Decepticon Insignia on full display.

Whatever weird amnesia has stricken Optimus is clearly being exploited by Megatron. Starscream was quickly putting the pieces together. Starscream needed to backtrack before this ‘Orion Pax’ did something, “Uh…You remind me of someone I once knew is all.”

"You are Starscream.” Optimus said, “Uh, Yes?” Starscream replied confused, where was this going? “Lord Megatron has told me you have been…terminated.” Starscream smirked, Ha! He, terminated? Megatron wished, oh Megatron was trying to work the Prime.

“Lord Megatron says many things…only some of which are true.” Starscream decided to ‘warn’ the poor Prime, that whatever wool Megatron pulled over him would soon unravel and Starscream wanted to indirectly make sure it blew up in the warlord’s face. “You…do not suggest our leader would speak falsehoods?”

Optimus asked curiously, Starscream’s only proper reaction was to laugh. How hilariously sad, “You’re really being kept in the dark aren’t you?” Starscream asked, trying to calm himself down. This entire situation is comical.

Optimus approached him, Starscream let his laughter die as he went back on the alert. “You speak in riddles, Starscream. Please tell me what you know?” This ‘Orion Pax’ was different from Optimus, he was definitely more curious and naive than the Prime…Could Starscream use this to his advantage? Starscream smirked “And in return…I would get what exactly?”

As Starscream asked, the door slid open as the patrol he heard earlier entered “ Starscream surrender!” One said as all of them aimed their blasters at him. Starscream yelped and hid behind Optimus, surely the guards wouldn’t risk shooting him, right? He cowered behind the Prime, using him as a temporary ‘Meat Shield’ as the human would say. “Hold your fire!” Optimus cried, Starscream couldn’t risk this ‘Orion’ turning him into Megatron, he needed to make a decision.

He decided in the awkward stalemate to cut his losses. He transformed and booked it down the halls of the Nemesis, flying would get him out faster and it would be harder to hit him in such a state. This could not have gone worse for the seeker. He definitely didn’t want to hear ‘I told you so’ from Warlock. As Starscream flew and maneuvered down the halls of the Nemesis he could hear another transformation sequence as he saw another flier fast approaching him in the air. He saw other Vehicons dodging and ducking in the hall as the two twisted and turned down the hallways. The flier was good as he was gaining distance, getting closer to Starscream. This annoyed the seeker, he needed to take this hotshot out. He transformed mid-air back into his bot form and landed on the Vehicon pursuit. The Vehicon would risk crashing if he transformed, so he awkwardly wobbled in the air. Starscream had the advantage now as he pulled out his blaster and at point-blank range blasted the Vehicon until he couldn’t fly any longer. As the Vehicon began to tumble forward inadvertently launching Starscream forward as he planned. Giving Starscream enough momentum to get more air and transform back into a jet to continue his escape.

As Starscream continued down the hall there was a dead end. Crap, Starscream needed to think quickly. His missiles! He blasted the door as he led a rather explosive escape. As he entered the outside many more Vehicons were gathered as blaster fire littered the air. Starscream bobbed and weaved, avoiding all the blasts determined to take him down. He was in the clear…or so he thought. One stray blast was a direct hit. Starscream engine was hit, and he cried out in pain as he began to spin out toward the ground. Starscream began to panic…he was going to crash, he could stop it all he could do now was try and minimize the damage. As he saw the ground rapidly approaching he engaged his safety crash protocol and immediately felt his body hit the ground. He slid against the dirt of the earth leaving a large indent as he did. The scraping against his jet underbelly was excruciating but the damage to his engine was worse. As he finally stopped skidding he transformed. His engine was shot and badly damaged which meant no flight and because of the crash, his right leg was busted open, energon gushing out of the wound. He thinks his leg also might be broken as he couldn’t really move it.

Starscream cried out in pain. He thought it couldn’t get worse was a stupid thought as it in fact got worse. Starscream managed to pull himself against a large boulder as he got more aware of his surroundings. He was in a heavily forested area, he could see mountains and a river in the distance. Thankfully far from human civilization. He groaned in pain as he looked at his leg. He needed to contact Warlock, but…Warlock is no medic. The wounds he has are too severe for Warlock to tend. He needed a medic, but the only Cybertronian medics on Earth were Knock Out or Ratchet.

Knock Out was out of the question, so that leaves the Autobot medic, Ratchet. The Autobots wouldn’t help him without getting something in return so…Optimus was on the Nemesis which means they are missing their leader and probably don’t know where he is. If Starscream tells them that Optimus is on the Nemesis he probably can use that information to get medical attention. Starscream didn’t have direct communication with the Autobots but maybe an encrypted high frequency distress? Medics know to look for those, he can direct it to Ratchet and just hope he comes. ‘I have obtained information regarding your leader. Bring a medical kit. Come alone.’ That should get the point across, now…now Starscream waits and hopes he doesn’t bleed out before Ratchet shows up.

Starscream waited trying to steady his breathing as he was trying to not focus on the pain. He thought about Warlock and how he was so concerned with Starscream getting hurt. Warlock probably would be worried sick over him. He didn’t want him to worry, Gah! Why was he thinking about Warlock?! He’s bleeding out, Ratchet better get here soon or Starscream will go into stasis lock due to low energon.

As Starscream gripped internally about his situation a ground bridge opened up in front of him. Yes! Ratchet arrived! Excellent, as Ratchet did emerge from the portal so did Bulkhead, one of the other Autobots. What he specifically said to come alone. “I told you to come alone!” Starscream yelled as they exited the portal.

“And since when do we listen to you?” Bulkhead said back, pulling out his mace gauntlet and arming himself in case Starscream tries anything. Great, Ratchet brought the muscle to back him up, not that Starscream can really do much in his current condition. “Where is Optimus?” Ratchet asked the two eyed Starscream warrily.

“Patch me up and perhaps I’ll tell you.” If Ratchet wasn’t going to follow his instruction Starscream wouldn’t either. The two Autobots exchanged glances, there were a few moments of silence and no one said anything or even attempted to treat Starscream’s wounds. Starscream growled,

“Have sympathy! I’m bleeding out here!” He said motioning to his busted leg, “Then I suggest you speak quickly, Starscream. Has Optimus been harmed in any way?” Ratchet leaned down getting closer to the seeker. Starscream groaned

“He’s fine! Can’t you see I’m the one who's injured!” Bulkhead leaned in closer,

“Where is Optimus?” Bulkhead demanded raising his gauntlet at Starscream.

“Where do you think he is?! Megatron’s warship!” Starscream snapped back,

“Which is where exactly?” Ratchet asked in an angry tone, Starscream scoffed,

“Now? Who knows. It’s a ship, it moves. The only way I found the ship was because I followed Vehicon fliers to it.” Starscream explained he couldn’t tell them about Warlock’s special tracker as he would have to hand it over in exchange and put Warlock at risk. No, he wanted to respect Warlock’s wishes and keep him out of the war’s crossfire.

“You wouldn’t go to the trouble of contacting me if you didn’t have real information to trade. Real information.” Ratchet reiterated, Starscream sighed “Very well. It would seem your leader has a case of amnesia, and Megatron has somehow convinced him he is a Decepticon. He is going by Orion Pax now.” Bulkhead scoffed, “Tell us something we don’t know.”

“What?!” Starscream yelped, “How the frag could you possibly know that?!” Ratchet sighed and got up. “We’re wasting our time here.” As the two headed to the ground bridge behind them.

“You can’t just leave me like this!” Starscream cried, was he going to bleed out here…was he going to die out here and never see Warlock and Moonlight again? The two turned around briefly, “Unless you can tell us where Megatron’s space bridge is, you can stay here and rust.” Bulkhead with a sneer, Starscream was in shock. Did those Decepticon halfwits actually finish constructing the space bridge without him? “They finished construction on the space bridge without my supervision?!” Starscream asked, rather annoyed, the two Autobots exchanged glances. Ah so he did have the information they wanted, thank the Allspark. Starscream chuckled, “It hurts most right here…Doctor.” and gestured to his leg, he was ready to make his exchange.

As Ratchet began to work on Starscream’s leg and engine he told them the information that they were seeking. Why the Autobots wanted to know where the space bridge was, wasn’t any of Starscream’s business. He just wanted to get it repaired and return to his home. Starscream winced in pain, this isn’t the first time he’s been fixed up in the field or with anesthetics. It hurt but he had a high pain tolerance, Starscream looked up at the sky as Ratchet worked on his leg.

Some time passed as he looked briefly at Bulkhead who was watching him the whole time. A random thought popped into Starscream’s head, Ratchet was a medical professional. Maybe he could ask him a question Warlock refuses to answer him.

“Ratchet, may I ask you a rather…odd question?” Ratchet continued to close up the wound on his leg, “And what would that be?” He said without making eye contact with the seeker,

“In your medical career since the war has begun…have you seen a sparkling?” Starscream asked, Ratchet paused for a second and looked up at him “No, Cybertron went dark no new sparks could be forged from the Well. We all know this, hence why any new bots born during the war are cold constructs or drones.”

Starscream knew this yet…Moonlight exists. “Why would you ask such a dumb question?” Bulkhead chimed in, and Starscream snarled,

“I-I was just curious. I mean I know that! Just…a hypothetical. If it was possible for a sparkling to be born after Cybertron went dark…could it happen or if it was medically possible?” Starscream said seeing what Ratchet’s response would be,

“Well…medically yes, but incredibly stupid and impractical. Since no new sparks can be created it would require some of the creator's actual spark to be used. In order to make a new one, pieces of their spark would merge together to make a whole new, rather unstable spark. Even if the process didn’t kill them to do such a thing, the spark that would have been created would be unstable and the sparkling wouldn’t live very long past infancy.” Ratchet explained as he resumed working on Starcream’s leg. Starscream sat there with this information, pieces of one’s spark? Unstable? Moonlight seemed like a healthy sparkling, she was well past infancy and didn’t look like she had any health issues.

“Huh. That’s not the answer I was expecting, but interesting nonetheless.”

“What are you planning to start a family, Screamer?” Bulkhead chuckled, and Starscream scowled at Bulkhead’s teasing.

“No, I just saw a file about a scientist who…was able to create a stable sparkling during the war. The file didn’t go into detail how so…I thought to ask a professional his thoughts.” Starscream lied, he couldn’t tell them the truth there is a real-life sparkling on Earth.

“That sounds incredibly fascinating, a way to repopulate without the Well. I would love to meet that scientist and learn about their process.” Ratchet mused as he finished closing Starscream’s wound. ‘If Warlock had his way no one would meet him’ Starscream thought as Ratchet continued to work.

The next hour or so Ratchet finished working on Starscream’s leg, thankfully it wasn’t broken but badly injured as he should stay off it for a few days. His engine repair also would need time for the repairs to take full effect. The Autobots packed up their belongings and returned through their ground bridge. Starscream waited a few minutes after they left to try and get up, his leg hurt but he could walk. He contacted Warlock shortly after,

“Did your breaking and entering plan pan out?” Warlock asked on the comms, Starscream was quiet as he took in a deep breath “No, in fact, I got injured during my escape.” He said, there was no point in lying to Warlock, he would see the patchwork the moment he returned to their ship and start asking questions.

“What?! Ok, I’ll grab the med kit and bridge to your location!” Warlock informed him in a panicked state, “No. No, I’m alright. I got patched up by the Autobots by exchanging information, just needing a bridge back to base.”

“What?! Ok, um…I’ll send a bridge. But you have to tell me everything once you come through!” Warlock said cutting the comm link, Starscream sighed. This is going to be a long evening, and Primus, he is sore already. The ground bridge appeared as Starscream stepped through and into the bridge of Warlock’s ship. Warlock immediately ran over to Starscream and hugged him. Starscream did not expect the abrupt contact and groaned in pain as his body ached from the crash and repairs.

“This is why I said you needed backup! I can’t believe you did two extremely reckless things like that!” Warlock fussed looking over Starscream and his injuries. “Warlock, I am fine. Ratchet is a top-notch medic. I gave them information, they gave me medical treatment. I just need to rest for a few days.” Starscream reassured him, and the door to the bridge opened as a little pitter-patter of sparkling feet echoed through the bridge. Moonlight came barreling in and hugged Starscream’s uninjured leg.

“Starscream! Sire and I were worried when you said you got hurt. But you’re ok!” She said happily hugging his leg tightly, Starscream chuckled at the sparkling’s display of concern. “I am alright, Moonlight. Thank you for your concern.” Starscream smiled at the sparkling and rubbed her little head.

“Starscream is ok, he just needs to rest, ok?” Warlock said to his daughter, she released Starscream’s leg and nodded. Starscream went to his quarters with Warlock trailing behind him no doubt waiting to interrogate him about the debacle on the Nemesis.

“Can I rest before you interrogate me, Warlock?” Starscream said as he turned to look at the bot. Warlock frowns,

“I’m not going to interrogate you. I just want to make sure you can get to your quarters without issue. There’s plenty of time tomorrow to talk.” Warlock smiled, that warm smile that made Starscream’s spark beat a little fast.

“Oh…uh… glad you’re being practical about this. We can discuss things after I’ve had some rest.” Starscream said as he continued to his room, Warlock still trailing behind him.

To Starscream’s surprise, Warlock followed him into his room. Starscream was confused until Warlock began doting on him, like a sparkling. He assumes years of parenting are beginning to kick in as he asks Starscream if he needs anything, fluffs his pillows, gets him some fresh energon from the reserves, and tucks him in like a sparkling. Starscream felt strange being fussed over but…it was nice that someone was concerned for him and wanted to take care of him. Starscream felt all cozy with the idea of Warlock fussing over him. Warlock began to leave Starscream to rest, “Goodnight, Starscream.” Warlock said as he turned off the lights.

“Goodnight, Warlock.” Starscream replied as he began to drift off to slumber.

Chapter Text

The next morning Starscream explained everything that happened the night prior. How Optimus Prime was on the Nemesis with amnesia, How he got shot down, how he bargained with the Autobots with information on the space bridge location. All of it, he felt he needed to be transparent with Warlock. Honestly he felt like he couldn’t lie to Warlock anymore, he wasn’t sure if it was the fact he’s become friends with the scientist or if it’s something deeper.

Warlock was sad to hear Starscream couldn’t grab any energon but was much happier that he is alive and well. Moonlight wandered in at some point and listened to Starscream’s tale. “Wow! You must be the best flier ever to out fly all those Decepticons!” She said rather cheerfully, Starscream chuckled, his flying prowess is something that would never come into question. Warlock picked up the sparkling and began to leave. They wandered to another room as it was time for Moonlight’s lessons. Starscream decided to rest up in his quarters. He secretly loved watching human television shows, especially reality television or sitcoms. Were they mindless yes, but they were enjoyable and a nice way to spend the day recovering, also yes. He would rather be offlined than admit Knock Out was right about human media.

A few hours later a knock came at Starscream’s door.

“Come in.” He said as he was mid episode of the newest episode of ‘The Real Housewives’. Warlock walked in “Hey just came to check in on you. How are you feeling?” Warlock asked as he walked in and sat on the corner of Starscream’s berth.

“Fine, sore. But it will be gone in a few days.” Starscream said lazily waving his hand in the air. “I’m glad. At least we won’t be doing any more reckless things, right Starscream?” He said like a creator who caught their child doing something nefarious.

“Yes Sire, no more robbing the Decepticons from their own warship.” Starscream said in a mocking tone, making jabs at Warlock’s parental nature. Warlock rolled his optics “I just care ok? Is it so bad to have someone care for you?”

“No. I like it…it’s been a while since someone ever really fussed over my wellbeing. But you do go overboard.” Starscream said, pausing his show and looking at Warlock.

“I can’t help it, My creator instincts take over.” Warlock argued, Starscream smiled ‘this is nice’ he thought looking at Warlock…would now be a good time to ask?

Starscream had wanted to ask what Warlock’s true feelings about him were. The preening session, and him grabbing his servos the other day…was giving Starscream the idea that Warlock wanted more than just to be allies. “Warlock…can I ask you something?” Warlock tilted his head a little and had a curious look on his face. ‘Primus this man is adorable’ Starscream blushed at his own stupid comment. He cleared his throat “That…preening session the other day…you wanted that as your prize for winning our friendly race. But you only preened me, and I didn’t do the same for you…I found it rather odd that your prize didn’t benefit yourself.”

Warlock’s optics trailed upward “Oh that. I figured you wouldn’t let me do it unless you were forced to.” He looked back down at Starscream, “You can be very stubborn.” He said rather bluntly, Starscream blinked “Ok…but why? You got nothing out of it.”

“Oh I got something out of it. And so did you from the sounds you were making during it.” Warlock’s face now had a mischievous grin splayed across it. Starscream’s face went bright blue…this absolute freak…he got off on it…

“So…that’s what gets your engines revving…you're messed up you know that right? Why not just ask to interface?” Starscream said leaning in towards Warlock now realizing he did have romantic interest.

“Well that’s boring. And where is the fun in that? I like to be…creative when pursuing someone. Show don’t tell…more fun that way” That mischievous grin grew wider. Starscream couldn’t help himself and began laughing, “you kinky bastard…And here I thought you’d be vanilla in the berthroom…” Starscream admitted, Warlock climbed up on the bed, getting between Starscream’s legs.

“Sounds like you’re not opposed to the idea.” Starscream smirked, “Of course not, why would I? We’ve bonded over these few months…and I like what I see.”

Warlock’s servo went up Starscream’s calf. Starscream blushed, was this actually happening? “Shame you have to rest…I don’t want to put more strain on your frame after everything.” His servo ran up and down Starscream’s calf as he gently rubbed his knee guard slowly and methodically. Starscream gulped as Warlock’s mischievous grin and half lidded eyes were really sexy. Warlock, a doting creator, brilliant scientist and sexual deviant.

Starscream didn’t know what to say or where this was going. “I-I really should rest…for now. We can have fun once I feel a bit better.” Starscream stuttered, as Warlock’s gaze was on his knee guard as he still was rubbing it gently.

“Hmm…we should, shouldn’t we? How about I…take care of you for a bit.” Warlock said as his optics shifted to Starscream’s face but his head still turned to his knee guard. Starscream had no idea what Warlock was implying but from the devish look he is giving him…

“Open your interface panel.” Warlock ordered, not asked, but ordered. Starscream’s optics went wide “What?!” He croaked, his voice getting a bit staticy in shock. “I said open your interface panel so I can take care of you.” Starscream was bewildered at Warlock’s forwardness, is this the same bumbling scientist from months back?!

Starscream blushed and looked away as he complied, the swishing sound of the panel opening. His spike and valve are on full display for Warlock. Starscream was too embarrassed to make eye contact let alone ask what Warlock was planning. Warlock stopped rubbing his knee guard and looked down at his crotch.

“Lovely, now do I have your permission to…continue with this little…care routine?” Warlock said in a sultry and playful tone, Starscream’s head was whirling from how unexpected this all is…he nodded for Warlock to go ahead.

He felt Warlock’s servo on either side of his thighs, his thumbs gently stroked the inside of Starscream’s thigh. Warlock lowered his head in between Starscream’s legs and began to gently lick and tease Starscream’s valve. His glossa gently runs across the outside of it teasing the outer nodes. Starscream’s breath hitched as Warlock began to tease his valve. He can feel it heating up down there already. Just simple licks at first, he was testing Starscream, making it slow at first. He felt some pressurization in his spike as Warlock continued to tease his valve.

He began to get a bit more aggressive with it as he took one of his servos and began teasing the entrance with his digits. He stuck one of his digits inside the valve and began doing slow circular motion with it. Starscream moaned as his head went back. He stuck another digit in and began pumping in and out, again slowly at first but then picked up speed. Starscream tried to contain himself as this was just Warlock warming up, but he wasn’t used to such gentleness in the berth. Megatron was rough and wild during interfacing, not really a foreplay kind of bot. But Warlock was, as his valve began to leak some lubricant. His spike pressurized more. Warlock’s other servo went to Starscream’s spike and gently began stroking it. his thumb caressing the underside of the shaft. It wasn’t long before it was fully pressurized, Warlock made note of it. Similar to Starscream’s form his member was very long but thin, silver with red biolights along the shaft. His valve was leaking more as Starscream’s moans got louder.

Warlock smirked as now he was going to have fun as Starscream was all ready for him. He went back to focusing on his valve as he began sucking on the outer nodes while his digits pumped in and out of the entrance. Starscream’s back arched as Warlock heard his wings scrape against the wall. Warlock’s other hand continued stroking his shaft as he ate Starscream out. He got more aggressive with his glossa as he removed the digits and pushed his glossa inside Starscream’s valve deeper running his glossa on some of the interior nodes. Starscream’s vocal box was getting more staticy as he tried to cover his mouth to stop so many noises from escaping it. His fans kicked into high gear from Warlock’s treatment.

Warlock could taste the lubricant coming out of Starscream as he pulled his face away and licked off the residue from his face. He looked up at Starscream who was a blushing panting mess. Fans whirling as he was covering his mouth but some drool dripped down his chin. Warlock smirked, “Oh Starscream~” He said in a sing-songy tone. Starscream panted as he looked down at Warlock, he removed his servo from his mouth. The drool streaming out of the corner of his mouth was a good indication of his performance. Starscream was easy to please to Warlock’s surprise. Just some gentle foreplay and care turned the Air Commander into a moaning mess.

Warlock’s mischievous grin was plastered on his face as his head hung over his spike. While making direct eye contact with Starscream, he deep throated the spike and began the main part of his care routine. He began sucking on the spike while simultaneously pumping his digits in and out of Starscream’s valve at a rapid pace. The seeker wasn’t used to this must stimulation at once as he couldn’t even form a coherent thought. In and out, up and down all directions being performed on Starscream’s nether region. The sounds were music to Warlock’s audio receptors, As Starscream didn’t know how much more he could take.

Warlock could feel the painful pressure in his own interface panel. Something he would take care of later, but he had a recovering seeker to deal with first. The warm moisture of Warlock's throat in combination with the speed his digits were going in and out caused Starscream to have a mind blowing overload. As the seeker screeched so loud in ecstasy he thought he damaged his voice box.

Warlock felt the overload go down his throat and all over his digits as he finished his little care routine. Warlock removed his mouth from Starscream’s spike and his digits from Starscream’s valve. Starscream’s was a whimpering, moaning mess. His fan speed was insanely loud, his optics were glazed over as his chest was rising and falling. Warlock wiped the remaining residue from his face. “I hope that was enough pampering for you, my little seeker.” Warlock whispered into Starscream’s audio processors. Starscream couldn’t even process what is around him right now as Warlock kisses his forehead and leaves the room. “Rest up. You’ll need your strength.”

Chapter Text

The next few days Starscream took it easy. After Warlock’s little ‘care routine’ he couldn’t deny the chemistry the two began to develop. Little glances here, flirtatious jokes, gentle kisses in private, tons of cuddling. It’s as if Starscream is a young schoolboy again, this is something Starscream hadn’t had with a romantic partner in a while. And Starscream was loving every second of it. They haven’t interfaced yet as Starscream still needed some time to fully recover. After the ‘care routine’ Starscream didn’t want to push his body for the actual thing considering how intense he is in the berthroom.

Moonlight began to pick up on the two flirting but said nothing but mischievous grinned or giggled when the two were being flirty. Moonlight began to spend some more time with Starscream. The three of them would just pile into Warlock’s berth and watch human films together. It was almost like the war wasn’t happening, that they were a weird little family. And Starscream felt a sense of joy and companionship he went a long time without, and now that he has it he refuses to live without it.

The other day Warlock spoiled Starscream by fixing his paint job. Ratchet may have been able to close the wounds Starscream received but it still left a rather ugly gray patch on his frame. Warlock may have ‘borrowed’ some paint from the humans so that he could at least touch up what has been damaged and neglected.

Despite Starscream’s main frame color being silver or gray, he had other subtle colors on his frame that have faded over time or been repaired so much the color’s are hard to see. Starscream was in another room helping Moonlight with her studies. Warlock found it rather adorable that Starscream has taken an interest in helping the little sparkling learn. Warlock watched in silence as Starscream attempted to teach Moonlight things about Cybertronian history. Warlock wasn’t really a history buff as he primarily avoided what would be considered historical events basically happening to him in real time during the war. Starscream on the other hand love regailing Moonlight with tales of Cybetron’s golden age, history of the primes and other iconic moments in Cybertronian history.

Warlock cleared his throat to get Starscream’s attention, as the two turned he saw Moonlight’s little wings flutter and a big smile on her face. This is nice Warlock thought just the three of them as a little family. “I was wondering if I could borrow Starscream for a bit?” Warlock asked, as the little sparkling whined, “It is alright, Moonlight. I will come back in a bit, just finish your little assignment and I will check the result once I am done.” Starscream said pointing to the data pad he set up with some history questions for her to complete. Starscream’s gentleness was both sweet to see but strange at times as the seeker's bombastic personality rarely showed him being kind and gentle. But he has seemed to be able to find that part in himself he hadn’t really used in a long time.

Warlock informed Starscream he picked up some paint to touch up his frame. “More spoiling? My, you really know how to treat a bot.” Starscream jokingly flirted,

“I can’t have you running into the battlefield with a subpar paint job. What kind of partner would I be?” Warlock joked back, Starscream laughed “ Your sound like Knock Out. More worried about his finish than what’s happening on the battlefield.”

The two walked to a different room where Warlock set up the paint. Red, blue and silver paint cans littered the table.

“That blue is a little bright don’t you think?” Starscream says as he points to the blue in the can. “I thought seekers liked bright colors? The seekers I saw at Praxus had rather ostentatious colorings. And…it was the closest blue I could find to what you had.” Warlock said, looking at the faded and subtle blue on Starscream’s limbs.

“We used to…but with the war more subtle coloring is preferred. Seeing a neon colored jet flying through the sky makes someone easily identifiable.” Starscream explained as he looked over the rest of the colors. “Oh…sorry then.”

“No need to apologize, Warlock. We are working with what we got. This already is a rather thoughtful and pleasant surprise.” Starscream smiled at his partner, this was a nice little surprise he shouldn’t be so picky. Starscream sat down on the table as Warlock got to work fixing his paint job. He started with the silver base coat since that was the major color of Starscream’s frame. Warlock made various shades of silver and gray ready for use as Starscream’s body was predominately just..gray with some subtle blue and pops of red. Starscream did the initial silver of his torso, helm and knee guards. Warlock possessed very steady servos so avoiding bleed over and making mistakes were very unlikely. He moved to the more mid tone grays and finished off with the darker grays of his shoulders, undercarriage, and servos. Warlock mixed a bit of the unused mid tone gray into the blue to get a better match for Starscream’s current blue. It was still a bit bright but over time it would probably dull and Starscream wasn’t going to complain, for once. Warlock painted Starscream’s forearms and calves with that shade of blue. He even did some minor accenting with the blue in other smaller spots of Starscream’s frame as Starscream didn’t say anything, he was enjoying his partner's pampering of him. Finally Warlock got out the red. It was very saturated, more pigmented than Starscream thought. It wasn’t the bright cherry red that Knock Out possessed, more just a deeper right crimson, a color that brought back memories.

“I haven’t seen a shade of red in a while. Not since it used to be the predominant color of my frame.” Starscream said in a rather emotionless quip. Warlock paused for a second, “You used to be red? That I cannot picture.” Warlock chuckled, trying to picture the various grays he just painted Starscream in this vivid crimson.

“Oh yes. Like you said, seekers like their bright colors. Me and my trine used to have move vivid colorings. Thundercracker was predominantly blue and gray with accents of orange. Skywarp, black with an obnoxious purple and some pops of yellow. Myself? Well, red, white and blue with a yellow cockpit. Before the war we made sure to stay up to date on our paint jobs but…during the war…We opted for a more muted palette. We all decided on very similar paint jobs of predominantly silver, less maintenance, but… kept our more signature colors so people could identify us easier.” Starscream explained, Warlock looked at him with a bit of confusion.

“What do mean to identify easier? Did people mix you up somehow?” Warlock jokes, Starscream paused for a second “Oh…did I not mention we were identical triplets? We got mistaken for each other all the time. Hence why we picked similar color schemes during the war. Autobots and Decepticons get us mixed up often.”

Warlock looked surprised “Huh…well I guess that is a rather smart tactic. You don’t really speak about your brothers that often. Just tell me you were an ‘elite’ trine and great fliers.” Warlock remarked,

“You don’t talk about your sister or the rest of your family either. So…” Starscream lazily flicked his wrist, “Come on now that isn’t fair. You know I had a falling out with my sister when she joined the Autobots. As for my creators…I just lost touch with them…I-I don’t know even if they are still alive or not.” Warlock said in a rather somber tone. Starscream sighed, Warlock did have a point he did give some information on his family. Plus Moonlight running around was enough ‘family’ for the scientist, maybe Starscream should throw him a bone as humans say.

“Fine. Fine, I'll play along. What do you want to know about my trine?” Starscream said lazily, deciding to give Warlock what he wanted. It was only fair, He was repainting Starscream’s entire frame.

“So what were they like? I mean like their personalities?” Warlock asked as he began to add the crimson paint to Starscream’s frame. “Hm…let’s see…Thundercracker was the eldest. The most ‘level headed’ of the three of us as he liked to argue. He had a bit of a soft spot for other life forms other than Cybertronians. A bit of a daydreamer, he liked making up stories and writing down his fictional tales on data pads he hid from me and Skywarp. Despite me being the leader of our trine, Thundercracker liked to offer advice and be a…voice of reason in most cases.” Starscream said as Warlock finished doing some red accents on his legs.

“Skywarp was the youngest, and he acted like it. Immature, loud and loved pulling pranks on various Decepticons. Not the sharpest but his skills spoke for itself as his warping abilities were put to great use.” Warlock finished up on his legs and went to his head spike. “Warping ability? Was Skywarp an outlier?” Warlock asked, outliers were already a rarity amongst Cybertronians. Outliers usually possessed unique and powerful abilities most other Cybetronians didn’t. Usually mutations in their CNA gave them special powers and usually those powers were hereditary but also unique to the individual.

“Yes he and Thundercracker were outliers. Skywarp had the ability to teleport great distances. But also had the bad habit of teleporting into worse places accidentally. Thundercracker had the ability to create sonic concussive shockwaves.” He said tilting his head down, giving Warlock a batter vantage point,

“So…what yours?” Warlock asks Starscream is quiet, “I don’t have one.” He says rather quickly. Warlock finishes painting his helm spike as Starscream tilts his head up “You…don’t have one? That’s odd. If you’re triplets and two out of three of you possess powers it would be very unlikely you don’t have anything.” Starscream looked up at him and frowned

“I don’t know if I do or it’s an outlier ability that is subtle, like my flying prowess or maybe my intellect.” Starscream stated as Warlock was putting away some of the painting supplies. “Huh, so nothing to do with stars or sound?” Warlock asked as he put the cans on a shelf. Starscream looked at him befuddled.

Warlock looked back at Starscream’s expression, “Well SkyWARP can teleport. THUNDERcracker can make sonic booms. I assume with the designation like STARSCREAM would either make sonic screeches or maybe something with stars or maybe light?” Warlock asked, Starscream’s frown deepened “No nothing that obvious. I don’t have any obvious outlier abilities and if it hasn’t manifested at this point in my life then it never will.” Starscream said as he got up from the table. Warlock watched as a freshly painted Starscream went back to his lessons with Moonlight. Warlock wondered, maybe he just didn’t know what his power was but…he has to have something…right?

Note: Some personal headcannons I had about seekers and Starscream’s trine. I always thought they were siblings and the fanon I would read also would say that so I’m sticking to it!

Chapter Text

The next day Warlock was working on his secret project again and this time keeping both him and Moonlight out of the lab. Moonlight was bored, as was Starscream. Starscream was on the bridge looking over the system that tracks various unique signatures on the planet. Moonlight was sitting in one of the chair kicking her little feet and watching Starscream. Starscream noticed an Autobot signature being unearthed, he wanted to investigate but thanks to Warlock’s Decepticon locator he found an ungodly amount of Cons also at the location. Starscream frowned, since when is Megatron interested in uncovering Autobot relics? Well not a surprise to just grab it before the Autobots did. After a few moments the signal disappeared.

“Huh…weird.” Starscream exclaimed, clearly the Decepticons grabbed the relic and left, or the Autobots intervened and left. Either way the signal was gone.

“What?” Moonlight asked, perking up from her seat.

“Nothing. Either the Autobots or the Decepticons grabbed a Cybertronian relic.” Starscream said unamused, even if he tried to go after the relic he’d probably get hurt.

“Another one?” Moonlight said curiously, Starscream paused and turned to the sparkling, “What do you mean…another one?” What was the sparkling eluding to…did Warlock possess a Cybertronian relic?!

“Well…Sire got his servos on one and that’s why we left Morkos-3. Some scary bot wanted it, so we left for a planet no one would bother going to that had energon.” Moonlight informed him, was that the secret project Warlock has been working on?!

“Moonlight, sweetspark. Do…you know what the relic your sire has is called?” Starscream asked, very curious what relic Warlock had in his possession. “Well…last time I saw it and touched it I learned its name! Sire got mad. He told me to never touch it again.” Moonlight said excitedly to tell Starscream.

“You touched it?” Starscream asked, Moonlight nodded, “Yeah! It zapped me and I fell asleep for a while. Sire got worried but I woke up!” She said her little wings fluttered, now Starscream understood why he wanted no one in the room when he worked on it. “Oh…ok. But what is it called?” He asked again, Moonlight smiled “It’s called Mournsong. It’s a funny looking mask.”

Mournsong. Starscream never heard of something called Mournsong before. “When you fell asleep…did you learn what Mournsong does?” Starscream asks, Moonlight looks up for a second and back at Starscream with a nod. “Yup! Sire doesn’t like it when I use it though.”

“Use it? Can you use the relic?” Starscream was very curious if what the child is implying is to believe.

“The mask chose me. That’s what it said at least. It said I was special. Mournsong. Is a special mask if you put it on you can watch a spark whole life! With it you can watch and determine if they deserve to go to the Allspark or the Pits. I can even talk to them! Sire won’t let me try it after I got zapped but…I…want to help wayward sparks find peace! It’s only fair!” Moonlight stood in her chair showing her enthusiasm for her supposed future.

Starscream sat there in utter disbelief of what Moonlight is telling him. A sparkling chosen by a relic to be a sort of grim reaper for Cybertronian souls?! How absolutely insane! But yet…he saw undead hordes, seen so many impossible things…a child talking to spirits isn’t so out of line. “Huh…interesting, maybe I can convince him. I am also curious to see your…gifts.” Starscream said, part a lie, part a truth. He did want to know if what she is saying is true but…it sounds so strange.

Moonlight’s little optics lit up. “You believe me!” she cried out little tears began forming in her optics. Starscream was shocked, maybe Warlock’s dismissal of his child’s talents got to her. He was a good sire, giving her a good education with the limited resources he has, loving her and giving her his spark but, even a scientist would question if his child had supernatural abilities. Starscream softly smiled at the sparkling,

“I saw Megatron summon a zombie with dark energon. I even tried it. A sparkling talking to the dead? I would never discount it.” Moonlight practically vibrated in happiness. She jumped off her seat and ran to Starscream for a hug.

“I’m so happy you believe me! ” She jumped into his lap and hugged him tight.. Starscream hugged her back. “I believe you, sweetspark. We can test it out with your sire’s permission. I definitely want to see what secret talents you have.” Moonlight hugged Starscream tight and Starscream did in turn. The two decided to relieve their boredom with an online human game . Starscream really did enjoy spending time with Moonlight as her innocent and joyful demeanor made him smile.

Another rogue Cybertronian signal popped up on the screen. Moonlight and Starscream looked at each other. “Hey…Starscream…could…could I tag along? I’m soooo bored being confined to the ship and the Harbinger! Please?!” She begged with puppy dog eyes, Starscream was at a crossroads…the last Cybertronian signal he saw was swarmed with Decepticons…but also he understood Moonlight’s plight. I mean even Vehicons wouldn’t be cruel enough to shoot a sparkling…right? Starscream sighed if anything he would let little Moonlight hide off to the side if it was too dangerous.

“Fine. But DO NOT tell your sire…ok?” Starscream asked, Moonlight nodded with a slight wing flutter, she was determined. Starscream laughed as he got up and the sparkling followed. Starscream punched in the coordinates that weren’t too far from the signal, he wanted a decent amount of distance. Starscream could easily fly to the spot but little Moonlight was with him…

“Um…scrap you can’t transform can you…” Starscream realized, Moonlight looked at him with a scowl…”No I wish..” her little wings drooped a bit, Starscream felt bad. As a sparkling he and his brother couldn’t wait to fly, and in usual seeker fashion would jump off fixtures or ledges to pretend to fly. Starscream smiled as he got an idea…

Starscream transformed and told Moonlight to hop on. She did as Starscream lifted into the air, flying slower than he usually does to make sure Moonlight didn’t fall off. She was so happy and giggling the whole way, this made Starscream happy. He couldn’t teach her to fly yet but…at least she got a taste of her future. Starscream flew closer to the location, and as he gently landed with Moonlight in his arms horror hit the seeker’s spark.

The signal was a trap as he saw below, Bumblebee being worked on by humans. Moonlight jumped out of Starscream’s arms and got close to the ledge. “It would appear the signal was a trap…” scrap… he had Moonlight with him. Moonlight watched as the humans worked, no doubt in Starscream’s mind this was probably MECH the same organization that kidnapped Breakdown and tore him open…Starscream’s spark dropped as one saw Moonlight on the edge. Another had a device and shot it at poor Moonlight. She got zapped and fell a short distance off the cliff. Starscream began to panic and hop into action, clearly the MECH agents were ready for another Cybertronian to hop into action. Starscream’s main goal was to grab Moonlight, but to his horror another human had a similar device a fail safe in case an Autobot was too close. Starscream had his blaster at the ready when he felt a sting of electricity run through him.

Everything went black. Starscream felt his legs give out from under him as he collided with the ground. The next thing Starscream felt was his body being lifted up off the ground. He saw…Bulkhead? Shaking him awake. “What the frag are you doing here, Starscream?!” Bumblebee was awake and watching as his comrade bluntly interrogated the seeker. Starscream’s optics onlined as he looked around, no Moonlight in sight. The horror struck him…MECH took Moonlight.

Chapter Text

Operation bumblebee 1-2

Starscream awoke being straddled by Bulkhead. This could not have gone worse. “What were you doing here, Starscream?! Another trap? Some scheme?” Bulkhead roared as he vigorously shook Starscream. Bumblebee’s beeps indicated he wanted Bulkhead to let Starscream go to explain. But Bulkhead wouldn’t have it. Starscream looked around more, no Moonlight…oh no Warlock was going to kill him.

“Where’s Moonlight?” Starscream asked, Bulkhead paused and Bumblebee looked at him curiously.

“Who? You’re the only Con we see here! So what was your plan Screamer? Tell me!” Bulkhead shrieked, Starscream was getting annoyed with the Autobot as he managed to pry himself off Bulkhead.

“I didn’t do this! The signal was a trap laid by MECH! I arrived as they were doing something to Bumblebee. So I ask again. WHERE IS MOONLIGHT?!”

Starscream yelled his wings hiking high on his back. Bulkhead and Bumblebee looked confused. Bumblebee beeps ‘Who is Moonlight? I awoke and saw you unconscious next to me.’ Starscream’s fears were confirmed…

“No…NO! He’s going to kill me! Slag! I need to find her!” Starscream began to panic.

Warlock was not going to forgive him for losing his child. Starscream needed to think…where would MECH go? Where would they take Moonlight? Bulkhead and Bumblebee realized rather quickly Starscream was also a victim of whatever trap this was.

“Ok…I..ugh…Starscream who is Moonlight? What do they look like?” Bulkhead sighed trying to calm the seeker down. “MOONLIGHT?! Moonlight is a sweet little soul who against my better judgment was dragged into this mess! She is so young, so small…she…shouldn’t have been here!” Starscream grabbed his helm in anger, his poor judgment put the sparkling at risk.

“Starscream, you aren’t answering our questions. We can help. Truly. If the Moonlight is a victim of MECH brutality we need to save them.” Bulkhead tried to say as Starscream’s mind whirled, BRUTALITY! Oh Primus if Moonlight was hurt like Breakdown….Starscream began to hyperventilate. Bumblebee grabbed the seekers arms ‘Hey…look we’re going to help.
Ok? This Moonlight sounds like a sweet bot who got mixed up in this right?’ Bumblebee asked calmly, Starscream nodded, ‘Ok…so what does Moonlight look like? So we can start looking for them?’ Bumblebee asked, Starscream took a deep breath “Moonlight is a sparkling. She’s about yay high, white, purple and yellow. A seeker.” He described as he used his servos to indicate her height; she barely was over Starscream’s knee.

Bulkhead looked horrified, and Bumblebee looked concerned, ‘We won’t let MECH hurt the sparkling. I will make sure she is returned to you safely.’ Bumblebee reassured Starscream. Bulkhead stood there dumbfounded.

“Wait…back when you got hurt…you mentioned something about sparklings…was..was that why?” Bulkhead asked, Starscream sighed, “Yes..I-I met another Cybertronian near where I was staying…he had a sparkling in his care. She-she just wanted to leave the ship for a bit…I-Primus how could I be so stupid!” Starscream began smacking his helm in frustration,

“Hey! Hey! Starscream…look I don’t like you but…clearly you aren’t as heartless to leave this sparkling. We’ll look for her ok? You said you saw MECH here?” Bulkhead asked, Bumblebee looked at Starscream for answers,

“The only possible people here. I arrived shortly after Bumblebee was unconscious. Moonlight got too close to the edge and they spotted her. I-I frag Warlock is going to offline me for this.” The pain in Starscream’s voice alerted the Autobots. This wasn’t some elaborate scheme by Starscream, he was actually upset and worrying about the sparkling safety.

“Ok, Bee we need Ratchet to look you over. Starscream..uh…guess tell whoever this Warlock is, what happened?” Bulkhead said, Starscream’s eyes went wide “Absolutely not! Warlock will tape me to his work table and sell my dismembered body to Swindle for this! No, we need to do this without his knowledge!” Starscream said in panic, that’s when he noticed Bumblebee and Bulkhead looking up. Starscream turned in horror and saw Warlock on the cliffside, that look of anger Starscream saw before, heightened and almost as scary as Megatron’s.

“Starscream…please tell me my audio receptors are malfunctioning because it sounds like you lost my child and are trying to hide it from me?” Warlock jumped off the ledge and approached, Primus he forgot how big Warlock was he was definitely taller than Bulkhead and Bumblebee.

Bulkhead got in between them “Warlock right? Look I’m definitely not the type to vouch for Starscream but…clearly all of this was a big mishap. A human organization called MECH must have mimicked a Cybertronian signal for some reason. We’ve dealt with them in the past. We will work our hardest to return your sparkling to you. Believe us, please.” Bulkhead pleaded, Starscream walked up to Warlock with his wings pressed against his back.

“Warlock, I understand you are infuriated with me but… please…I would never intentionally put poor Moonlight in harm's way.” Starscream pleaded as he got on his knees, Warlock’s scowl was plaster firmly on his face…

“Then why in the name of Solus Prime would you bring her here?! Put her in the line of fire?!” Warlock shrieked, it brought him back to the times Starscream had to tell Megatron he failed and Megatron would beat him. Starscream crawled towards Warlock, “Please, please forgive me I-I didn’t think it through! I just wanted Moonlight to stretch her little wings and see the world! Please…please don’t punish me for it!” Starscream cried, he was practically bowing begging for mercy… Warlock’s anger was beginning to wane as he realized that not only was Starscream truly begging for forgiveness but…this is probably what he did with Megatron… when he messed up and begged him not to beat him. Warlock’s anger began to fade as a bit of pity began to surface. He sighed,

“I’m definitely upset, Starscream…but…I know you do care about her and wouldn’t do something this stupid if you couldn’t guarantee her safety.” Warlock said, Starscream raised his head with tears in his optics,

“Th-Thank you for understanding really! I will do everything to get her back!” Starcream got up and his wings hiked high proving to Warlock that he will fight to save her. Starscream grabbed Warlock’s arms with a maniac smile on his face and the look of determination in his optics. Starscream truly meant every word he said, he really wanted to save Moonlight.

Warlock looked at the Autobots behind Starscream…he managed to stay this many months out of their way..it was a matter of time before he got dragged into the fray. Warlock sighed,

“Autobots…I-I want to speak to Optimus…I trust you being dedicated to finding my child but…I need to hear it from him to truly believe it. It is nothing against you, I-I just have had bad experiences in the past and I need to hear it from your leader to truly believe.” Warlock said to Bumblebee and Bulkhead, as harsh as it was, the two nodded and contacted their home base immediately and explained the situation. A ground bridge opened and Bulkhead insisted that Warlock walk through, Warlock looked back at Starscream

“If I am to come so will Starscream. He has proven to be a trusted ally to me. I understand you hesitate to allow him to come but…I won’t go if he won’t.” Warlock said, raising his servo. Starscream’s spark practically did backflips as a moment ago Warlock was cursing him out but deep down he truly trusts him despite his massive blunder?!

Starscream was borderline crying, finally someone all this time who would trust him despite his shortcomings…Starscream wanted to hug him but he reconsidered after how strange that might look in front of the Autobots. “Thank you. I’m so sorry for everything…” Warlock smiled, “I know…I care Starscream.” Bulkhead and Bumblebee watched in confusion… “Uh…ok um…give us a sec then.” As Bulkhead disappeared into the ground bridge…and was gone for a bit. Bumblebee waited as he watched them looking into each other's optics despite their disagreements.

“I’m still mad at you ya know.” Warlock said rubbing Starscream’s back, Starscream chuckled, “If you weren’t I’d be concerned…but your forgiveness means the world to me…I-I-” Starscream was cut off as Bulkhead returned,

“Scream can come but only if he is cuffed, wings in all.” Bulkhead held up the familiar cuffing devices the Autobots used when he tried to defect to their side. Starscream groaned as he complied, he wasn’t going to risk losing help finding Moonlight over his pride…A thought Starscream was surprised about. Bulkhead placed the clamps on his wings and the cuffs on his wrists. Warlock stood there with a surprisingly warm smile as he comforted him. This humiliating moment was at least slightly better than last time as Warlock was here to help Starscream’s emotions.

After Bulkhead placed all the restraints on Starscream all four of them entered the groundbridge as they entered the Autobot base. Starscream was surprised to see how…humble it looked, clearly it was in a cavern of some sort with how rocky the walls were. Their systems, crude and small platforms designated for their human allies…Starscream couldn’t believe this is what they were working with. As they entered he spotted the rest of the Autobot team, Optimus Prime, who was clearly back to his senses, Arcee and their medic, Ratchet. Starscream continued to look around as he also spotted the Autobots human companions. The trio of adolescents that Starscream has spotted hanging around the bots.

Everyone watched as Starscream made his way into the base. Optimus watched as Warlock approached, “Warlock, I presume?” Optimus asked, Warlock nodded as Starscream watched from the side, eying the humans who were giving him the stink eye…

“Yes, I am, Warlock.” Warlock stated in front of the Prime. Ratchet was looking at him curiously, “Warlock…of Praxus? The bot who stabilized Praxus’s energy core to allow refugees to escape?! That Warlock?!” Ratchet said in excitement, “Well…I’m not from Praxus but I did do that…A simple reconfiguring of an energy core here, some resource management there and boom! Proper evacuation.” Warlock chuckled awkwardly…Warlock was the reason so many Cybertronian survived Megatron’s assault on Praxus?! Starscream was even more impressed with Warlock’s skill now… He managed to save hundreds of thousands of lives with his intelligence. Ratchet looked over at Optimus,

“You are a skilled scientist who saved countless lives that day. The least we can do is save your sparkling…” Optimus said with a smile, “Though…we do question your choice in company…” As Optimus glanced over at Starscream. Starscream slinked back, he was already in enemy territory, this was bad enough, insulting him wasn’t going to make things better.

Starscream saw Ratchet pull Optimus to the side, Starscream was thankfully blessed with excellent hearing as he eavesdropped on the two. “Optimus, Warlock of Praxus is a legend in the scientific community! He’s barely older than Bumblebee and accomplished more in his lifetime than bot thrice his age! We would be fools to throw his intellect to the wayside…despite his questionable taste in company…Besides…I spoke briefly about the topic of sparklings with Starscream…if Warlock is able to create sparklings without needing the Well…we can repopulate Cybertron.” Scrap. Starscream’s big mouth landed him in another questionable spot. Thankfully Warlock wasn’t paying attention to Optimus and Ratchet but his attention was directed to the humans on the balcony.

“H-Hello, humans?” Warlock said waving at them pleasantly, poor Warlock not able to really read social situations well. Starscream sighed and walked over to the scientist, “You don’t have to play nice with them, Warlock.” Starscream said as he approached the smallest human recoiled while the female sneered, “We don’t need your permission to talk to him, Starscream!” she said rather rudely. The taller male pulled her back “Miko, don’t start trouble with them.” He insisted, at least one of the humans possessed the capacity to not escalate the situation.

Miko rolled her eyes and broke free from Jack’s grasp, “How smart can this guy be if he’s friends with Starscream?! And let whatever a sparkling is get taken.” Miko said rather rudely, Starscream’s optics went wide in horror as Warlock’s wings slumped. Ratchet immediately walked towards Miko,

“Miko! Don’t say such horrible things! It’s not Warlock’s fault, Starscream lost his sparkling.” Wow Ratchet, way to rub it in. Warlock slumped down in sadness “I just want her to be ok…”Warlock said dejectedly, clearly the Autobots had more tact than their human companions…Starscream rolled his optics “Classy. Letting your human pets badmouth one of Cybertron’s greatest minds…And people called me rude.” Starscream smirked at the human, Bulkhead and Arcee frowned immediately,

“Hey lay off. She probably doesn’t even know what a sparkling is!” Bulkhead defended, “Oh? And whose fault is that?” Starscream doubled down as Bulkhead was ready to beat him. Bumblebee got in between the two ‘Enough! This situation is tense enough, fighting won’t help!’ Bumblebee beeped.

“Isn’t a sparkling like a pet or something?” Miko interjected, Starscream began to laugh, Warlock and the Autobots looked horrified. “Miko…a sparkling is like a toddler…” Bulkhead said, as Miko looked horrified at her outburst.

“Oh…oh man I’m so sorry Warlock! I thought a sparkling was a pet!” she tried to apologize, Warlock was too dejected to reply as Starscream’s laughter faded as he saw Warlock’s face. Optimus cleared his throat.

“We will find Moonlight. Please trust us on this. You can have access to our base if need be Warlock…But you cannot bring Starscream without our permission.” Optimus looked over at Starscream. Warlock sighed, “Please do what you can to find her. I don’t know much about these MECH people but if they hurt her…” Warlock sounded sad but the look in his optics suggested otherwise.

Ratchet did a scan of Bumblebee as Starscream indicated MECH did something to him. To Ratchet’s horror they took his T-Cog. “So…can you just whip up a new one, Ratchet?” Miko asked, Bumblebee hollered in sadness. “No, Miko…a T-Cog is not something one can ‘whip up’, it's an organ. If it was that easy don’t you think I’d fix Bumblebee’s voice box by now?!” Ratchet said to the rather noisy human. Starscream and Warlock watched as the Autobots explained what a T-Cog is. The organ Cybertronians possess that allows them to transform and use their weaponry.

A scout like Bumblebee not having access to his wheels or weapons was a huge blow for the Autobots. Starscream if he was part of the Decepticons would be pleased but now knowing they are down a bot only frustrated the seeker. One less useful bot that can find Moonlight. Warlock was horrified, “These MECH people are harvesting organs?! Wh-What will they do to Moonlight?!” Warlock cried in horror. The situation was more horrific than they thought, after what MECH did to Breakdown…they can only imagine what they would do to a sparkling like Moonlight. Optimus assured Warlock they would use all their resources to find Moonlight. As Ratchet went to contact Agent Fowler and ask for more assistance in finding me. Bumblebee and Warlock looked equally as disheartened.

Warlock and Starscream were escorted out of the base leaving the Autobots to work. Bulkhead removed the cuffs from Starscream as he went back into the groundbridge. Leaving Warlock and Starscream alone. “Warlock…I-“ Before Starscream could finish, Warlock pulled something out of his subspace. “What is that?” Starscream asked, Warlock pulled up a sort of remote/locator…Warlock frowned at Starscream… “I trust the Autobots doing their due diligence…but I refuse to risk it. I-I only put a tracker on Moonlight in case of the worst scenario…I guess it was a smart move after all even though a sad thought.”

Starscream was elated Warlock’s foresight! “We can locate her easily now!” Starscream said overjoyed, Warlock frowned “We still don’t know what these MECH agents are capable of. They knocked you and Bumblebee out and got away with Moonlight. They aren’t ones to underestimate.” Warlock said recalibrating the locator.

Warlock was right, but they needed to operate quickly! “We’re to return to the ship…and gather supplies for what is to come…” Warlock said summoning the ground bridge. Starscream was surprised Warlock wasn’t going to rush and fight MECH for his daughter. But also Starscream learned the Warlock was pragmatic and rather think things through then rush in.

The two returned to the ship as Warlock made a beeline for the armory. “I will trust you with this if you promise to never tell the Autobots…” Warlock said as he went to another hidden door within the armory…something even more secret than his weapons stockpile? Color Starscream intrigued, Warlock pulled out a weapon Starscream hadden seen in ages. An Aegis blaster…Starscream couldn’t help but laugh,

“You…anti-weapons, anti-war, had an Aegis blaster here this whole time?! How insane.” An Aegis blaster was a multi-target ballistic gauntlet that mounted similar to Megatron’s fusion cannon that was mounted on his arm at all times. But unlike a fusion cannon that Megatron preferred, an Aegis blaster was designed for AOE combat and for attacking multiple opponents at once with deadly precision. A major drawback to the Aegis blaster was how much energy it consumes. The precision and power was nice but if used incorrectly it could cause it wielder to go into stasis lock. Hence why Megatron preferred his fusion cannon.

“Are you sure you want to risk a status lock to use that thing?” Starscream asked as Warlock was already mounting the weapon on his arm. Starscream looked over Warlock…he looked very similar to Megatron with that thing on his arm. “I hate having to use this but, if MECH is that dangerous we also need to be as dangerous.” Warlock said putting the final calibrations on the blaster. Starscream smiled, Warlock was no Megatron…he did this out of necessity not want…Starscream nodded as just in case grabbed a med kit. He hoped he wouldn’t have to use it but wanted to be prepared. Warlock used his tracking device to locate where they might find Moonlight. As it was calibrating MECH was clever to scramble the signal but not clever enough.

It took a few hours to decrypt MECH jamming signal. While Starscream seems anxious to locate Moonlight, Warlock was uncharacteristically calm. “Warlock…I wanted to ask…how are you so calm right now?” Starscream was curious, he mounted an Aegis blaster to his arm and wasn’t panicking or seeming upset. “I’m so angry it’s turning its inside out into being calm but truly? I am as anxious if not more so than you are Starscream.” Warlock said, turning to the seeker. Starscream softly smiled at Warlock…”You are truly something else, Warlock,” Starscream could only laugh at the bot as He went in and gave him a gentle hug, Warlock returned the kind gesture.

“I’m still upset you know…but…I don’t fault you entirely and I want to tell you that.” Warlock said, still holding Starscream in his arms. “What?! You don’t fault me?! Truly? I was the halfwit who put Moonlight in harm's way! And you don’t fault me?” Starscream asked incredulously, “You feel guilty for your actions, you are doing everything to right the wrong you committed. In my optics…that means you care. And are taking full responsibility.” Warlock said, rubbing the small section under Starscream’s turbine. Warlock was really the opposite of Megatron. If Megatron lost anything let alone a sparkling, due to Starscream’s negligence he would be bleeding out in the medbay right now. But Warlock…he was upset, yes, that was obvious. But giving Starscream the chance to right his wrong and make it up to him? This…this was strange. A part of Starscream now is refusing to give up til Moonlight is found.

The decryption was complete as they pinpointed the location where MECH was holding Moonlight. Warlock used their ground bridge to get close to the location but far enough not to alert MECH. Starscream and him were walking through some forested area when they saw the large base through the treeline. The cover of darkness should give them a bit of cover as the two snuck their way closer to the base. Warlock ready with his Aegis blaster but before he or Starscream could make a move. They saw Bumblebee of all people crashing their way into the base. Starscream stood there enraged “Seriously?! I thought the Autobot scout would have a better concept of stealth than this?!” As Starscream complained he turned to his side to see and did a double take as Warlock was already rushing towards the base.

“Great…now you too…ugh.” Starscream followed behind, the sound of blaster fire echoed throughout the base itself. Bumblebee despite his lack of T-Cog was doing alright against the humans as their weaponry wasn’t as powerful as a Cybertronians so the hits they were making weren’t doing too much damage. Warlock stood outside the massive hold Bumblebee made and surveyed the situation and looked for Moonlight. Warlock saw that MECH had made some sort of pseudo skeleton of a Cybetronian and it was mounted on the back wall of the base. Clearly using the knowledge they possessed from dissecting Breakdown, they were trying to build their own Cybertronian from scratch but realized they lack the means to make all the parts hence harvesting from actual Cybertronians. Such a barbaric idea made Warlock shiver from disgust. As Warlock entered the fray he used his Aegis blaster to deal with the snipers located at the upper level of the base. The blast came out as one but as it was mid air broke into 5 separate shots all hitting the humans it was targeting. Knocking them back and forcing them to drop their weapons.

Bumblebee turned to look back at Warlock. ‘An Aegis Blaster?! Where on Earth did you get one of those?!’ Bumblebee beeped angrily, as he was dodging blasts from MECH agents. “Relax, I set it to stun so no humans will die…but it doesn’t mean I’m going easy on them!” Warlock cried out as he targeted the snipers on the other side. Silas, the leader of MECH finally showed himself as he ran out from the back of the base. “Stop them! We can’t afford to lose our research!” He ordered, as he picked up a blaster of his own. Warlock and Bumblebee were preoccupied with MECH’s foot soldiers, giving Starscream a way in to look for Moonlight. Starscream booked it into the back park of the base where Silas emerged from.

Starscream ran to the back and saw many crate and storage containers back there. “They have energon back here…how did-“ Starscream’s thought was interrupted as he heard whimpering coming from the far end of the room. Starscream immediately ran towards the sound. He saw a rather large plexiglass container, like something one would keep a pet in. He saw Moonlight in the center sobbing and curled up into a ball in the center of the container. Her wings pressed against her back, and those odd segments on her wings…were they moving? Starscream shook his head at the ridiculous notion.

“Moonlight!” Starscream called, Moonlight looked up and smiled “Starscream!” she cried running towards the wall of the plexiglass. Her little servos pressed against the plexiglass. Starscream looked around the container to see if there was some latch or something that would open it. He decided to forgo properly opening the thing and just blast. Creating a corner opening, large enough to pull Moonlight out of. Moonlight covers her head as Starscream’s blast echoes through the room.

“Hurry! Before the scary guy returns!” She said holding her arms up as Starscream went to pick her up. “Don’t worry. Those measly humans won’t lay a digit on you now.” Starscream reassured the child. He looked her over and she seemed fine. “Not the humans, the scary bot!” She said her wings hiking up.

‘Scary bot?’ Starscream thought, was MECH working with the Decepticons? No, Megatron wouldn’t bother. To him humans are practically insects and not worth the time…then who is Moonlight referring to?

Starscream’s thoughts were interrupted as he heard more commotion coming from the main room of the base. Starscream grabbed Moonlight and held her close. He held his blaster up and made his way to the main room. Bumblebee and Warlock basically cleared the room as Starscream saw the humans beginning to retreat. “Head to the rendezvous point! And alert him!” Silas yelled, as the humans all hurried out of the base. Him? Must be the Cybertronian Moonlight mentioned…who was this mystery ally to MECH? As the humans cleared all that was left were the Cybertronians inside the base.

Warlock rushed over to Moonlight and began looking her over. “Moonlight! Sweetspark, are you ok?” Moonlight smiled and held her arms out for her sire to pick her up. Warlock hugged her tight as Bumblebee went over to MECH’s disturbing make-shift Cybertronian. Bumblebee ripped it open and began rooting around in it looking for his T-Cog. Starscream looked over the room, the walls and floors were littered with blaster scars, ammo and other residue left over from the battle. Starscream sighed, at least there were no real mishaps. Starscream turned to Bumblebee

“What in the Allspark were you thinking just rushing in?! Where’s the rest of Team Prime?!” Starscream barked at Bumblebee. Bumblebee’s car door wings drooped a little ‘Oh…uh…well you see…I uh came alone?’ Bumblebee awkwardly beeped as he shrugged looking at the seeker.

Bumblebee explained what was happening back at the Autobot base, after his failure to acquire a relic from Breakdown and Knock Out. Ratchet offered his own T-Cog as a transplant since he mostly remains in the Autobot base and rarely fights. Bumblebee hated the idea of taking from Ratchet but…at the time they had no other option unless MECH was going to rear its ugly head. And thankfully it did as right before the surgery, another relic was unearthed and the rest of the Autobots went to acquire it. And Agent Fowler only moments later called saying that he found MECH’s base. So Bumblebee doing the most logical thing…went alone to get his T-Cog back and rescue Moonlight. He held it up victoriously as he now can be whole again.

Starscream blinked in disbelief at how Bumblebee undermined his own leader. If Starscream did something that reckless Megatron would have stomped sense into him. Warlock didn’t keep his mouth shut like Starscream did. “That was stupid, reckless and not well thought out. What would've happened if you got knocked out again? Or got captured like Breakdown did? You’d have more than your T-Cog missing if MECH was more prepared.” Warlock chastised Bumblebee. Bumblebee looked like a sparkling that got in trouble, Warlock’s creator tendencies were taking over and Starscream was stifling a laugh. This was so funny watching Warlock talk down to the Autobot scout.

As Warlock finished his lecture to Bumblebee, the rest of Team Prime showed up at the base. The trio brought the rest of the team up to speed. Starscream even mentioned that MECH might be working with another rogue Decepticon. Who he couldn’t say as no name was mentioned. Optimus looked toward Moonlight who was clinging to her sire. “Moonlight, did you see the Decepticon that was working with MECH?” Optimus asked very gently and softly, the sparkling has been through a lot recently and upset her wouldn’t help. She shook her head no “I just heard loud steps like sire’s. And he was telling that Silas guy Cybertronian stuff.” A dead end but now this mystery bot was on the Autobots radar. Bumblebee held on to his T-Cog excited to be able to get his wheels back.

Warlock and Starscream were beginning to head off, when they were stopped by Optimus. “May I speak to you two for a second?” Optimus asked as the two bots exchanged glances. “I want to extend my gratitude for helping Bumblebee fight off MECH’s forces. As we said before, Warlock we would be happy if you joined the side of the Autobots. I believe your spark is in the right place, and we can guarantee Moonlight’s safety aboard our base. I understand your reluctance in getting involved but it can be a more secondary role, such as working with Ratchet in the lab. I know he is very eager to discuss things with you.” Warlock looked back at Starscream, in all honesty it is a good deal for Warlock. More security and support that Starscream cannot provide.

The selfish part of Starscream wants to keep Warlock for himself. He and Warlock are great together, they work well together…they're happy together. But Starscream knows this whole debacle with Moonlight was his fault. And Warlock would be a fool to turn down this level of security, since the only reason he came to Earth was to avoid getting caught in the war’s crossfire again. Yes he would be with the Autobots but just hanging around in their base doing science, which is all he really wants to do. Starscream’s wings dropped thinking…this is it. He and Warlock are done, he’s going to go with the Autobots and become Starscream’s enemy. It hurt, Primus it hurt to finally have someone only to lose them again. Starscream didn’t let people in for this precise reason. They either die or turning on him. Starscream was ready to jet off and deal with his heartbreak, but he needed to hear Warlock’s answer.

Optimus turned to Starscream. “I know you had your own selfish reasons for helping Starscream…but I also want to extend this invitation to you as well.” Huh? Is Starscream’s audio receptors working right? Did Optimus Prime offer to let him join the Autobots?! “It would be a trial basis though. We still don’t fully trust you after all you’ve done but, there is a change I see in you. Some goodness deep down. You care for life other than your own and are willing to protect it.” Optimus was referring to Moonlight and how determined he was to fix his mistake and save her. And he did, he rescued the child from MECH’s clutches. Starscream is still dumbfounded that the Prime is actually offering him a chance to join. Warlock tried to not giggle at the seeker’s expression. “We would need time to think it over Optimus. But we will consider it.” Warlock said, holding out his servo. Optimus gently smiled back and shook it, beginning to make his way back to his team.

Team Prime left for their base. Warlock, Moonlight and Starscream then left to go to Warlock’s ship. They three enter the ship as Moonlight gets out of her sire’s arms “Can I go recharge now?” She asked, Warlock chuckles at the small girl “Yes you can go rest, little one. I’ll be in shortly to read you a story.” Her little optics practically sparked as she rushed to her room. Starscream sighed in relief “Clearly the events didn’t scar her too much.”

Warlock looked back, “She’s stronger than she looks. I’m just relieved MECH didn’t do anything to her. I’m still going to give her a once over in the morning. But now? I think we all deserve a rest.” Warlock went off to tuck his child in, leaving Starscream standing there trying to process all the events that have just transpired.

Chapter Text

The next couple of days blurred together. Warlock gave Moonlight her check up the next morning. A few scratches but no actual damage thankfully. She said she fought off the humans and they wouldn’t go near her after a while. Warlock touched up her paint and buffed out the scratches and she was good as new. Starscream smiled that this experience didn’t put a damper on her outlook on things as she still was her bubbly self. Starscream was hesitant to bring up Optimus’s offer. As Warlock seemed content just tending to his sparkling for the time being. Starscream himself questioned whether it would be a good idea or not. Sure for Warlock there are only positives, for Starscream however…Their history speaks for itself. Not to mention that Starscream less than a year ago terminated a member of their team. Arcee most likely would attack on sight after what Starscream did to Cliffjumper.

And in all honesty…Starscream doesn’t blame her. If the roles were reversed, and Arcee terminated Warlock he’d hate her too. Not to mention the fact Starscream did gloat about it a few times…The rest of Team Prime wouldn’t be too happy to see him either. Bumblebee and Bulkhead are wary, Wheeljack he didn’t see but probably wouldn’t like to have him around either. The only reason Starscream would even consider joining is if Warlock did. And by the fact Warlock is avoiding the topic and not wanting to address it yet means he isn’t sure either.

Warlock’s little project also would come into question. Warlock possesses a relic called Mournsong and its ties to death could make the Autobots uneasy. Not to mention what Moonlight told him about her ties to it. Starscream walked into Warlock’s lab while he was working. “I told you not to come in when I’m working on my special project.” Warlock said not looking up at the seeker and continuing to work.

“Moonlight, told me about the mask already. You don’t have to be so secretive all the time, you know?” Starscream approached Warlock as he looked up at him. Warlock raised his head and looked at Starscream, “If Moonlight told you then you should know not to bother me when I work on them.”

“Them? She only mentioned the one, Mournsong.” Starscream raised a brow as he continued to approach, he saw splayed on the table not one mask but three.

“Huh, three masks, what do the others do?” Starscream said, looking at the masks on the table. All of which look intricate, the horns, ridges and detail work reminds Starscream of old depictions of Predacons.

“I separated them. They used to be all fused together. But I separated each mask in order to better study them. When I did so they were unstable and that’s how…Moonlight got introduced to it.” Warlock said as he picked up one with a special pair of tongs.

“You still haven’t told me what they do or why you bothered to separate them?” Warlock sighed,

“I’m getting to that. Are you familiar with the Onyx Triptych?” Warlock asks, the Onyx Triptych…doesn’t ring a bell for Starscream. “I know onyx the type of stone, onyx the color and of course Onyx Prime…But Onyx Triptych I do not know.” Starscream says as he looks closer at the three masks. Warlock chuckles,

“Well you're sort of right. The triptych was one of the relics of the 13 primes, specifically Onyx Prime. The three masks were fused together and depending on which mask you looked through different things would happen.” He points to the top most one which looks similar to an eagle, “That one is called Farsight. It allows one to view specific points in time.” He moves to the second mask that looks more cat-like, “That one is called Predator, it’s name is pretty self explanatory, but it allows its wearer to gain insight on a target to properly hunt them down.” And he points to the last one which looked like an Insecticon, “And that one is Mournsong, which you know about.” Warlock finished explaining what each mask did, it intrigued Starscream.

“So the wisdom and spirituality of Onyx Prime boiled down into three masks? Fascinating. It being a relic of the ‘Lord of Beasts’ explains why they look the way they do. Moonlight is eager to try and use Mournsong again. Did she tell you her little plan?” Starscream said as he went to touch the mask. Warlock reached out and grabbed his wrist, “Yes she told me. She also says the masks speak to her. Which is why I take extra caution when working with them as I feel their power is still unstable. And don’t want to risk any unnecessary mistakes from happening.” Warlock looked at Starscream with a deadly serious glare. Warlock released Starscream’s wrist, Starscream pulled back and rubbed it.

“Fair enough but why not test it yourself? Or find a test subject that isn’t Moonlight?” Starscream asked, Warlock turned in his seat towards Starscream, “I have. But with the tests I’ve done…the outlook is rather…perplexing or rather chilling.” Now Starscream was worried about Moonlight, “The is there something bad that could happen to Moonlight?” Warlock shook his head, “For now there is nothing to worry about with her. With the research I have done, I found those similar to Onyx Prime don’t have as adverse a reaction to them. Those who aren’t…well the testing didn’t turn out so well for them as they either go mad or the mask fries something on the inside. Whether it’s the spark, the brain or another organ in the body.” Warlock explained, Starscream furrowed his brow,

“Similar to Onyx Prime? What do you mean by that?” Starscream was confused and nervous to ask what Warlock was saying, “It’s just a working theory but…I need more testing to confirm it. Basically the masks were used to ignite the Well of the Allsparks to allow for such biodiversity amongst our kind. So those who share…more…how do I put it…beastial tendencies don’t really have such an adverse reaction to it.” Warlock said getting up from his seat,

“Hold on…are you saying only beastial type Cybertronians can use the mask? Then explain how Moonlight is fine?” Warlock pressed his lips into a line, without words Warlock made his point.

“Not going to ask…but what exactly are you going to do with them if you can’t use them?” Starscream asked, leaning on the table, this is where Warlock began to look excited. His smile looked similar to his daughter’s in terms of delight and whimsy.

“That’s what my secret project is. I’m trying to find a way to use them without…directly using them.” Warlock ran to his computer as he took the tongs and placed all three masks into individual slots on the console. He booted up the computer as the slots lit up, wires began to glow as it all led into the computer. “It’s still in its beta stages but I’m making decent headway with the coding.”

The program load was rudimentary, but it had prompts for each mask. It allowed one to try and interact with each. “It’s just the framework for right now but I can use it in a limited capacity.” Warlock said, trying to show Starscream how to work. Starscream watched curiously as Warlock managed to water down magical relics of the ancients into a computer program. Starscream chuckled,

“You really are something, Warlock. Boiling the magic of the ancients into meer coding. So have you tested it yet?” Starscream approached the computer. “Well I was planning on it soon but…now with the Autobots expecting an answer from us soon…” Warlock said hesitantly as he typed on the keypad.

“Ah…now it makes a little more sense. You’re afraid they’ll find out about you less than ethical experimenting…Or…hinder future plans?” Starscream smirked, finding out Warlock isn’t as squeaky clean as he thought made Starscream like him more. “I don’t think Optimus would be too keen on me desecrating one of the relics of the Primes for personal use…plus the Autobots might question my armory and what is in it…Bumblebee's expression when he saw the Aegis Blaster wasn’t promising.”

“Hmmm…If anything lie. Or I can do it for you. I can take the blame.” Starscream said in a serious tone,

“What? Why?” Warlock said surprised, “Because they will come to expect it from me. Not you. As far as they are concerned you’re an accomplished neutral scientist with a squeaky clean record. The former second in command of the Decepticons having questionable weapons at his disposal? Not far fetched, even the masks I can take the heat for telling them I wanted you to find a way so I can use it against Megatron. They wouldn’t question it.” Starscream said looking at his claws, Warlock blinked in surprise “I wouldn’t want you to do that. They are already wary of you.”

“Exactly. They are wary of me hence why anything questionable they would automatically think I was one of my schemes, lies or tricks.” Starscream was firm with Warlock, he truly was trying to look out for the poor scientist and his offspring. “Warlock, listen, I don’t want to jeopardize your chance at security for Moonlight. You just want to work on your little experiments and avoid the crossfire of the war…I understand you are hesitant to accept such a role as support for one of the factions but…I wouldn’t be pressing if I thought it was a bad idea.” Starscream looked at Warlock who was contemplating the seekers words.

“Would you join with me?” Warlock asked, looking directly at Starscream. Starscream shrugged

“You know I still desire to take control of the Decepticons for myself. Kind of hard to do that working for the enemy. They wouldn’t respect my leadership.” Starscream explained, Warlock frowned,

“They didn’t respect it before.” he said rather coldly, “Excuse me?” Starscream answered in a cold agitated tone, “Be honest with yourself Starscream…You can do better. While Megatron was away for those years in space, you led an insanely successful mining operation here on Earth. But the moment Megatron showed back up, he went back to treating you like a punching bag. Undermining all your hard work. If they truly respected you they would intervene in Megatron’s beatings, stick up for you with all the good you do! Do you honestly want to rule a group of soldiers that don’t even respect you as a comrade let alone a leader?” Warlock pleaded,

Starscream was annoyed “They did respect me when Megatron wasn’t around! With him gone they would have no choice but to respect me! The proper leader of the Decepticons.”

Starscream’s wings hiked up in irritation, “Besides the only reason they even extended me the offer was to get to you. They hate me! I killed Cliffjumper! I’ve caused them eons of grief and problems and you think they would want me? No, they want you for your brilliance and skill. I’m just extra baggage they’ll find a way to dump once they turn you against me!” Starscream shrieked, Warlock looked confused,

“If you’re worried they will turn me against you then why push for me to join them?” Warlock asked slowly approaching Starscream with caution, Starscream looked like a cornered animal.

“Because you deserve security I can’t provide! If I was still with the Decepticons I could guarantee yours and Moonlight's safety! But I’m not in charge, she can be safer in the Autobot base for now and you’d have more companions, easier access to energon…there is literally no downsides for you! Just shelve your questionable work or do it in secret! You’re good at hiding things surprisingly…” Starscream said looking down momentarily,

“And another thing-” Before Starscream could continue his rant he felt Warlock pull him into a hug. “I’m not going without you.” He said softly, hugging the seeker tight. Starscream’s voice caught in his throat at the surprise contact. “I don’t care about more allies, the thing with Moonlight was a freak accident. You meant well and you fought your hardest to get her back which earned the respect of the Autobots. They are wary of you because of your history with them. But your recent actions showed them a different side of you, a side they liked. The Decepticons were fools for not giving you your dues, but maybe the Autobots could. Give you the respect Commander Starscream deserves. And I won’t go if you don’t. I’m happy just being here in our little ship doing science and Moonlight would be devastated to lose you.” Warlock said softly in Starscream’s audio processor, Starscream felt no wavering in his voice. Warlock was speaking from the spark, he was telling him the stuff Starscream was struggling to accept. Starscream hugged him back, “I don’t want to lose you either…but I just want what’s best for you.” Starscream said rather sincerely, he really didn’t want to lose Warlock or Moonlight in his life.

“Then we still have to truly weigh our options before giving Optimus our final answer. Ok?” Warlock said, rubbing the small section of Starscream’s back under his turbine. Warlock leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Starscream’s lips. Starscream smiled softly, “Ok. We’ll sit down proper…and have weight our options proper, together.” Starscream kissed him back causing Warlock to giggle a bit. “Something tells me we aren’t going to be doing too much talking tonight…are we?” Warlock said, raising a brow as Starscream’s mischievous grin said it all. “No…we won’t be doing much talking…”

Chapter Text

Warlock and Starscream made their way to Warlock’s berthroom. The door closed behind them as Warlock turned to Starscream. Before he could fully turn around Starscream was on him, viciously kissing him. “Someone is eager aren’t we~” Warlock chuckles, Starscream pulled him in for another kiss.

“Most definitely. You’ve been teasing me for far too long. Time to get down to it.” Starscream smirked and led Warlock to the berth. “Aw…I thought you enjoyed those~” Warlock teased, Starscream pushed him on the berth. “I did but come now…I haven’t gotten a chance to show you what I can do~” Starscream whispered in his audio receptor.

Starscream pinned Warlock to the berth and mounted on top of him. “Now my dear Warlock…let me return a favor…” His clawed servo tracing his transformation seams. Warlock shuddered a little, Starscream’s smirk grew.

“My…you have no idea what you’re in for~” Starscream teased, Starscream started by just making out with Warlock. Starscream’s glossa was rather skilled as its flick moved in a sensual way. He clearly was very talented with his glossa. Warlock hummed approvingly, as Starscream began to move his hips in turn with how he was kissing, creating a pleasant rhythm against Warlock’s interface panel and his mouth simultaneously.

Starscream’s slender fingers slipped around Warlock’s shoulders. running them in between his plating gently tracing the sensitive underplating. Starscream’s digits began to dig in a bit more, not enough to hurt but enough pressure to make the sensation more intense as he stopped grinding his hips and began to massage his underplating. The kissing didn’t stop as his lips moved down Warlock’s face and neck as his glossa began to run over the areas he just massaged as if a little kiss to apologize for being a bit rough. Warlock’s fans were subtle but noticeable as Starscream chuckled, “Oh darling we are just getting started.”

Starscream moved his servo towards Warlock’s wings. Massaging them his slender digits moving against the ridges of his wings with such delicate precision and moving them in gentle motions as his digits fanned out as Warlock’s wings were rather wide compared to Starscream’s. His palm pressed down in a rhythmic pressure as his digits moved and applied similar pressure. The feeling was very soothing and if Warlock’s fans weren’t keeping him focused he would begin to doze off from the comforting feeling.

Starscream moved himself up further and further Warlock’s body as he was practically on his chest to get to the top of Warlock’s wings. Starscream’s crotch was dangerously close to Warlock’s face which caused him to blush a vivid blue. Starscream leaned back up and looked down at the blushing Warlock.

“What happened to that bravado you had before, hmm?” Starscream teased. Warlock made eye contact with Starscream, his smirk and pose on top of him in such a lewd manner…made Warlock’s mind whirled. Warlock’s interface panel opens with a whoosh. Starscream heard it and chuckled, “My, my all I did was just some kissing and massage your wings…I thought you’d hold out longer…but after all the doting you’ve done to me. Who am I to judge?”

Warlock’s spike was blue and white with yellow bio lights. It wasn’t the biggest spike he had seen, definitely smaller than Megatron. But still a very above average spike in terms of size. Starscream shuffled his body lower near Warlock’s interface panel. Starscream lowered himself to where his aft was against the pressurized spike. Warlock watched as Starscream gently rubbed his aft against it. Causing it to leak and get even harder. Warlock bit his lower lip at Starscream’s teasing.

“Oh come now, Warlock. It’s just some light teasing…don’t tell me this is enough for you?! I thought you were a deviant?” Starscream teased, As he continued to rub his aft against Warlock’s aft. “Starscream, pl-please…” Warlock moaned, Starscream smirked, “Oh…my you really can’t hold it together…” Starscream laughed, Warlock was at his mercy….and Starscream knew it…Starscream huffed,

“Well I hope your ready for the main event…A bit more rushed than I normally do but…I don’t want to press you further my dear~” Starscream opened his interface panel as he lined up his valve with Warlock’s spike.

Starscream began to lower himself onto Warlock’s spike. To Warlock’s surprise Starscream’s valve was very tight as he slowly lowered himself onto him. Warlock moaned loudly as Starscream powered himself onto him. “Primus…you’re so tight! I-I didn’t expect it…” Warlock said with drool tearing down his mouth, Starscream saw and smirked “Oh Warlock…if this is enough to get you going…we’ll never be bored…” Starscream lowered himself more as he took all of Warlock in…He began to rock against it…Warlock’s eyes rolled to the back of his head…Starscream smirked “My Warlock if I knew you were this easy to please I would’ve done it sooner…” Starscream said as he rocked against Warlock’s painfully hard spark.

“Warlock…have you not dealt with a seeker before? We’re always tight and ready for fun~” Starscream said with a wink, Warlock’s head went back as Starscream road him…”St-Starscream…please…oh my Primus” Warlock moaned, Starscream moved himself onto of Warlock…Warlock was not ready for him…Warlock cried over how good it felt with Starscream. The rocking motion Starscream was doing on top of Warlock was causing Warlock to make such indignant noises. Starscream was enjoying finally having an interface where he was in control, usually with Megatron, the warlord who liked to call the shots and usually left Starscream lacking. But Warlock? He was so easy to please, it was honestly a shock.

Starscream himself was enjoying the sensation, being in control and knowing Warlock was enjoying it as much as he was. Starscream enjoyed the sensation of Warlock’s spike against his valve. Warlock sounded like he was getting close, Starscream wasn’t quite there yet but…to the seeker this wasn’t new. He was just happy Warlock was enjoying himself for once. Warlock already proved he was a competent lover and already pleased Starscream multiple times. Warlock’s cries of pleasure got louder as Starscream picked up the pace. To Starscream’s surprise, Warlock leaned forward and planted an abrupt kiss on the seeker’s lips. Warlock’s glossa wrapping pleasantly around Starscream’s. Starscream hummed appreciatively as they continued to make out. Starscream bounced up and down in Warlock’s lap in rhythm to the kiss. The two were locked into the heat of the moment.

Warlock’s servos traced the back of Starscream’s wings, hitting the sensitive transformation seams. Starscream moaned loudly as he could feel Warlock smirk in their kissing. Warlock continued to tease Starscream’s wings as Starscream’s pace quickened. This was getting Starscream closer, a cheeky trip he expected nothing less from Warlock to pull a rather fun trick. Warlock’s own moans grew louder as his teasing of the wings became more erratic. Starscream’s own motions grew faster and less focused as he was beginning to lose himself in pleasure.

Warlock’s vocal processor began to get staticy as he overloaded. Starscream continued until he finally finished as well. The two’s fans whirring loudly as they looked at each other with lidded eyes. Starscream removed himself from Warlock’s spike. there was a rather crude mess below the two as Starscream to his place next to Warlock on the berth. Warlock’s chest rising and falling as he looked over at the seeker.

“Well…that was fun.” He chuckled, Starscream softly chuckled as well. “I hope so. It…it was nice. Usually I’m not so…engaged during interfacing. This was nice.” Starscream said as he looked up at the ceiling.

“What…do you mean ‘not so engaged?’” Warlock asked, Starscream looked over at him and saw he looked confused. “Oh. Well…something when I was with Megatron I would…picture myself somewhere else during interfacing. He could be rather rough so it helped with the pain.” Starscream said in a rather matter of fact way. Warlock frowned

“That’s…horrible Starscream. There shouldn’t be pain during interfacing. Let alone having to disassociate during it to get through it.” Warlock said concerned, “Disassociate huh? Never thought of it like that. But Megatron is a rather large Mech in every way so…you can imagine.” Starscream looked back up at the ceiling as his fans began to slow down. Warlock was horrified, they just shared a rather fun and intimate moment but hearing what Megatron put him through…was so sad. Warlock pulled Starscream into a cuddle. “No need to worry about that. If you feel like you’re not in it just let me know ok? I don’t want you to feel like you’re forced to do things you don’t want to do.” Warlock said as he gently rubbed the back of Starscream’s back. Starscream paused; he didn't want Warlock to feel bad, or ruin the post interface bliss. “I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. I apologize.” Starscream said, nuzzling into Warlock’s neck.

“Don’t worry about it. I just want to make sure you’re happy, ok?” Warlock said, placing a soft kiss on Starscream’s head. Starscream hummed appreciatively, “I appreciate it, Warlock.” The two laid there for a while in each other's arms enjoying the moments they had together.

Chapter Text

Timeline: crossfire episode

It has been nearly two weeks since the mishap with MECH. And they both have yet to give Optimus a proper answer regarding whether or not they join the Autobots. They had numerous discussions about it. There are many benefits to joining the Autobots but Warlock’s stance on remaining neutral and Starscream’s determination to become leader of the Decepticons are holding back their official answer. They don’t want to say no outright but they don’t want to say yes either. In the meantime Warlock has been working on getting the Onyx Triptych mask software working and Starscream has found some untapped energon spots. Starscream was about to head to one of the locations soon.

He saw Warlock doing his coding in his lab and began to approach him. “I’m heading to that new energon spot I scouted the other day. I’ll be back later.” Starscream informed Warlock, he looked up from his computer.

“Do you want to take the Decepticon locator?” Warlock asked, “No. I scouted it already the other day. No signs of Decepticons and running into one would be unlikely.”

“Ok. Just making sure you’re going to be ok.” Warlock said with a soft smile, Starscream smiled back “I will be fine and hopefully with some energon to replenish our stock.” Starscream made his exit and went to the location. He began by grabbing some scraps of energon he saw up high,

“How irksome. Why are these so high up?” He grabbed a small scrap but quickly lost his footing and fell. He yelped and groaned as he looked at the small scrap in his hand. “This is going to take ages to get a decent amount.” He said looking at the small chunk of energon in his hand. That’s when he heard something in the distance, something…big. Starscream confirmed that there were no Decepticons at this location, maybe he should have grabbed the locator. He quickly got up and walked towards the sound. He hid behind a corner and saw what was making the noise.

“An Insecticon? On Earth?” Starscream said to himself, he saw that the insecticon was digging out a rather large chunk of energon. Starscream approached the Insecticon, it was basically like a more brutish version of a Vehicon in Starscream’s eye. So it might listen to him, after all they’re more beast than brains.

“You there! Scavenger! Deliver that energon to me.” Starscream shouted and gestured for the Insecticon to hand it over. The Insection looked at him for a moment then went back to digging.

“You dare turn your back on a superior lifeform!” Starscream was annoyed and approached the Insecticon,

“I am Commander Starscream!” He hit the side of the beast to get its attention. The creature turned and lashed out at the seeker. Starscream dodged the first hit from one of its insect-like appendages and managed to dodge the second strike. Starscream began to backtrack and went to go and run but he tripped. He saw a small alcove in the rocky wall of the cavern, big enough for him to hide in and too small for the Insecticon to get in. He crawled inside as the Insecticon corner him inside and kept trying to swipe and attack him.

“Fine! Keep the energon! I hope you choke on it!” He yelled back at the creature as he tried to get farther into the hole and avoid getting attacked as the creature tried to wedge it into the hole. The creature roared at Starscream’s rude remark, its mandibles twitching in irritation. Then suddenly the creature gets disturbingly quiet and begins to back out of the hole.

Starscream heard another voice, one that clearly wasn’t the Insecticon. It was a feminine voice and an eerily familiar one at that,

“Yes minion, approach me. Obey me.” The Insecticon stood there as if hypnotized listening to her words. “Worship me.” the creature bowed before her, Airachnid of all the Decepticons to show up it had to be her. Starscream was befuddled at the fact that not only is the beast not attacking her but listening to her. The Insecticon looked up at her on the boulder and offered her the large chunk of energon. “You shouldn’t have.” She said about taking the energon from the Insecticon.

“What?!” Starscream yelled as he exited the hole, Airachnid looked over at Starscream “You reject the orders from a commander but listen to this wretch?!” Starscream yelled as he approached the two. “Starscream. Don’t get your turbines in a twist. After all, the beast and I are somewhat related. You might even say we are…of one mind.” Airachnid states as the Insecticon turns towards him. Starscream got closer and the beast now seems more docile than before, clearly under Airachnid’s command.

“Why are you here?” Starscream asks as he puts his hands on his hips. “Why would a Decepticon come to a stripped mine?” He was curious why his replacement was lurking around the mines.

“You are not the only rogue Decepticon in need of energon.” She gestures to one of her spider legs, clearly damaged and leaking energon. Ah, so she’s no longer amongst the Decepticon ranks.

“Run in with the Autobots? Or did Megatron invite you on one of his…field trips?” Starscream raised a brow asking how Airachnid got injured. “Megatron was otherwise engaged. But you should see his lackey.” She leaned in with a smirk, Starscream shrugged “Well it seems Megatron didn’t think you were up to snuff to replace me it seems. Now you’re scouring for energon scraps how the mighty have fallen.”

“You’re also searching for scraps, Starscream. Don’t act all high and mighty.” Airachnid said, leaning back on the rock she was perched on. “Well…yes but…that’s not the point.” Starscream stammered as Airachnid smiles triumphantly, “Point is we’re both in need of energon. And there is only so much to go around. So you and your new little pet can shove off.” Starscream dismissively waved for them to leave, “Is that so? From where I’m standing you should be the one to shove off.”

The Insecticons mandibles twitch as he looks at Starscream. “And you are correct. There is only so much energon to go around. And maybe my little ‘pet’ should eliminate the competition, hmm?” Airachnid smirked as the creature chittered, “Now hold on…” Starscream began to back up, he didn’t like where this was going.

“And after my pet takes care of you, I can use it to take care of Megatron. Eviscerate him.” The creature roared and began to charge at Starscream, he screamed and began to make a run for it. But as he turned the creature's large claws gashed into his side leaving a very nasty wound. Starscream cried out in pain, he still managed to transform and fly out of the cave faster than the creature could keep up.

At some point the creature stopped pursuing him and he transformed back to his bot form. “Gah! That blasted beast!” He chidded he collapsed against a rock. He looked over the wound he had, Warlock couldn’t patch up something like this. He had to turn to the Autobots once more,

“Warlock is going to kill me for this. And if he finds out I got ambushed I will never hear the end of it.” Starscream sent out another high frequency distress signal to the Autobots asking for aid in exchange for the intel he possessed. A few moments passed as Bulkhead jumped through a ground bridge portal followed by Ratchet. Ratchet looked around as if he was looking for something, “Where is Warlock?” Ratchet asked, Starscream groaned, “Just me. Warlock isn’t here and he doesn’t need to know about this.”

Bulkhead raised a brow, “You two fighting, or something?” Starscream frowned, “No! I-I just didn’t want to hear him say I told you so!” Ratchet pinched his face in frustration “Guess Warlock is dealing with two sparklings rather than one.” Bulkhead snickered as Starscream squawk indignantly at the two Autobots. “Anyway Starscream, what crucial information have you gathered in exchange for this medical treatment?” Ratchet asked, “Airachnid has left the ranks of the Decepticons. And she has a new insecticon guard dog she sicked on me.”

“An Insecticon? On Earth?” Bulkhead questioned, The two Autobots exchanged looks.

“Questioning it won’t make it any less true. Who knows what kind of chaos they could cause together.” Starscream gripped his side,

“I can tell you their location for you to go deal with them. Blasted beast nearly tore my wing off.” Ratchet began to get his medical supplies out, “You and Warlock have yet to answer Optimus about joining us. If you joined our ranks you wouldn’t need to bargain to get medical care.” Ratchet said as he began to clean the wound on Starscream’s side.

“We’re…still deciding. There is a lot to consider…a lot of pros…and cons…” Starscream said looking over at Bulkhead, “If you’re worried about how you’ll be received…we promise to give you and Warlock the same curiosity.” Ratchet said as he wiped away the dirt and blood from Starscream’s side.

“I-It’s more complicated than that. I’m not sparkling…despite your obvious teasing. We’ve been enemies for too long for you to not be wary of me. And…” Starscream paused, did he ask the doctor for his opinion again? Last time it both helped and hindered him at that moment. “Warlock’s research means a lot to him and he doesn’t want it to be…hindered in any way.” Starscream said trying to be vague about it but still got his point across.

“I see…Well whatever he is working on must be important. If he is so secretive about it. We Autobots put faith and trust in one another. Warlock can put his trust in someone with a…questionable reputation like yourself he can trust us.” Ratchet said as he began to work on the wound. Starscream listened to Ratchet’s words. Trust. Something Starscream only recently began to feel again with Warlock. Ratchet’s words resonated with Starscream. He opened his com-link and contacted Warlock as Ratchet worked. He informed Warlock that he got injured and the Autobots were repairing him as he spoke. Naturally the ‘I told you so’s’ and the panic set in to him. He immediately bridged to location as Ratchet was finishing up the repair. Warlock rushed to Starscream asking if he was ok. His concern was sweet and made Starscream smile softly.

“How did you get hurt? Did a Decepticon attack you?” Warlock asked, “Yeah one of the nastier ones, Airachnid is one tough cookie.” Bulkhead said, Warlock’s back was to the Autobots but Starscream saw his face, he looked scared.

“Warlock?” Starscream whispered, he didn’t want to arouse suspicion around the Autobots. Warlock snapped out of it and went back to his smiley self. “Oh well let’s go then. Leave it to the Autobots to take care of the Decepticon.” Warlock turned back to the Autobots as they com back to base and informed Optimus of the situation. They were about to ground bridge back to base and turned back to the two and asked if they wanted to come to tell Optimus themselves. Warlock immediately declined, saying he needed to return to Moonlight and look after Starscream. The Autobots shrugged and left through the swirling portal. When the coast was cleared Warlock sighed and smacked his servos together.

“Well shall we head back?” He said weirdly cheery. Starscream frowned “What was that? You’re doing it again. Hiding stuff from me. When Bulkhead mentioned Airachnid you looked terrifying and now you’re acting like nothing is wrong! What? Have you run into her before? One of the Decepticons that want you dead? I wouldn’t be surprised. She’s a sadist and takes great pleasure in instilling fear into her targets.”

Warlock looked down dejected, he took a deep breath, “Yes I’ve dealt with her before…Our history is complicated. As for wanting me dead…probably not, revenge yes.” Now Starscream was confused, she would want revenge but not to kill him? Doesn’t sound like her most of Airachnid’s ideas of revenge involved torture followed by death. “Why?” was all Starscream could ask, this all just sounded weird.

“Because I made something impossible, possible with my knowledge. If I die, I take that knowledge with me. So I’m more useful alive than dead. And…she knows this and would rather leverage that than let the knowledge die.” Warlock explained, “That still doesn’t answer the question. You’re dodging again.” Starscream said, poking his chest plating, “Spit it out plainly. No vague answers.” Starscream said coldly, Warlock sighed “Because…I made a healthy sparkling. And she knows I can do it. If I die she can’t exploit it and get her little army she wanted.”

Starscream blinked, “Warlock…please tell me what I’m thinking is wrong…” Warlock looked directly into Starscream’s optics, “Airachnid is Moonlight’s carrier.”

Chapter Text

“AIRACHNID?! AIRACHNID?!?!” Starscream screeched in disbelief. His wings hiked up ridiculously high,

“Of all the terrible choices in partners…you shacked up with a flying, deranged Insecticon huntress!” No wonder Moonlight looked familiar when he saw her the first time. She’s a tiny version of her carrier with less intimidating features. Those little segments on her wings, those were spider legs. Why she can use the Onyx Triptych with ease is because she is part Insecticon. Of all the Decepticon femmes out there he picked the one that betrayed him and tried killing him…twice!

“How can you be so intelligent and so incredibly stupid at the same time!” Starscream was still in disbelief, Warlock stood there letting Starscream go on his little tyraid.

“Are you done?” Warlock asked, crossing his arms,

“No! How does that even happen?! Explain!” Starscream shouted, he wanted answers to this ridiculous situation.

“I told you I had bad taste in partners. It was weird. A lapse in judgment and with Moonlight…I found out what type of bot Airachnid really is. She can control other insecticons somehow, maybe a sort of outlier ability? Anyway, when she agreed to the test and we created Moonlight it was apparent Moonlight fell under her influence and she wanted to make more well…minions I guess.” Warlock explained, Starscream understood now. How she knew she could control the beastial Insecticon, she did it before.

“So once I saw she basically wanted a small army of tiny hers…I took Moonlight and booked it across the galaxy.”

“That sounds like a nightmare. An army of Airachnid’s…How Moonlight has such a pleasant demeanor while being related to her is a mystery.” Warlock frowned, “She’s half me you know.” Starscream stuttered,

“R-right. Sorry. But I’m still just processing everything.” Starscream was still processing what Warlock was saying. This was a lot to take in for Starscream, “So what now? Let the Autobots deal with her? She plans to use the blasted beast to destroy Megatron.”

“Could it kill Megatron?” Warlock asked, Starscream paused for a moment, “Megatron is annoyingly hard to kill…the insecticon could prove a challenge but…if Airachnid and the beast team up…” Starscream’s conclusion wasn’t a good one, if Airachnid did manage to kill Megatron it would eliminate Starscream’s obstacle for leadership of the Decepticons. Problem then would be to deal with Airachnid and her pet.

“Gah, I hate the idea of her taking credit for Megatron’s demise.” Starscream said, biting his claw, he looked up at Warlock whose demeanor seemed to be more serious than before. “We need to deal with her. If she’s on Earth, Moonlight will never be safe. I hate the idea of fighting her but…I can’t keep expecting the Autobots to solve all my problems…” Warlock said as he clenched his fist. “You can still join the Autobots. Just keep your more private research to the ship and the Autobots will leave it alone.” Starscream said, Warlock raised a brow

“And you think they won’t ask questions? We’ve been over this so many times, Starscream.” Warlock sighed, Starscream groaned, “You took a chance and trusted me. Now do it with them. Besides, if you don't like it, leave. I’ll be there to support you. I think it’s time to finally make that decision. Now that there is more at risk.” Starscream stated, Warlock sighed and looked back over at him, “So…want to squash some bugs? Or let Megatron and the Autobots have all the fun?”

Starscream chuckled at Warlock’s joke, “After you. The location is a bit of distance away.” Warlock smiled as he transformed and began to fly upwards. Starscream followed suit and transformed, leading Warlock to the location of where he found Airachnid and the Insecticon. As the two were flying towards the location a question popped into Starscream’s head. What Ratchet said about the risky process to make a new spark. How it would need a piece of both his and Airachnid to make a new spark entirely…

“How did you make Moonlight out of yours and Airachnid’s spark without killing each other? Or Moonlight for that matter?” Starscream asked, Airachnid must have some idea of the process since she partook in it.

“Now’s not the time for explanations. I will explain later, just…let’s deal with the problem at hand.” Warlock said flying a bit ahead, still dodgy after all this time; Primus it annoyed Starscream how cagey he still is with him. The two were approaching the mine’s location as they saw a ground bridge quickly open up and team Prime emerge. The two seekers landed as the team turned to face them,

“So you two have decided to join us for this mission?” Optimus asked, Arcee was scowling and glaring at Starscream; a problem for later. “Can’t let you guys have all the fun. And Starscream owes that insecticon a returned scrapping.” Warlock said as he pointed at the seeker. Starscream awkwardly chuckles as the bad joke and Arcee’s glare was making him uncomfortable. “Then by all means join us. Team, proceed with extreme caution.” As the Autobots began making their way down the mine. Starscream decided to remain in the rear of the pack, he was still very wary of how the Autobots and especially Arcee perceive him.

They made their way down the long cavernous tunnels as they heard the sounds of metal clashing and blows being exchanged. They got closer to where the light was coming from and saw what was happening below. Megatron and the Insecticon are locked in an intense battle. Blow after blow being exchanged between the Warlord and the Insecticon. Megatron took a swipe at the beast with his sword as the bug jumped behind him up the wall and pounched at him from above. A quick glance down they would spot Airachnid on an upper ledge observing the battle. “Finish him already!” She ordered, Bulkhead turned back to Starscream, “Hey Scream, you didn’t mention anything about Megatron being here!” The rest of the team turned to look at the seeker, “Well he wasn’t here when I was! Most likely Airachnid wants to test her new pet out by using it to eliminate Megatron.” Starscream barked back, The team turned back to the battle below.

Megatron threw the beast against the rock face as he charged at his sword drawn high. THe beast transformed and flew upwards blasting Megatron from the air. As the creature turned back he attempted to jump Megatron again, but he wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice. As he dodged and went back to exchanging blows. Arcee was in the front and leaning over the edge as she locked on to her target, Airachnid.

“You can have whatever is left of Megatron. Airachnid is mine.” As she leaped off the ledge, transformed and began making her way towards Airachnid. “Arcee, NO!” Optimus cried out but it was too late she was already leaping over the large chasm barreling towards Airachnid. She transformed mid air as Airachnid heard the transformation sound and turned only to be jumped by the two wheeler. The two tumbled forwards as Arcee managed to get enough leverage to chuck Airachnid into the wall. She got up and saw Arcee in a fighting stance

“You…” She snarled, as Arcee pulled out her blades and charged forth at the spider con.

The battle below rages on as Megatron manages to knock the insecticon back into the far wall. He looked up and noticed that Airachnid was no longer perched on that upper ledge. He looked far over to the right and spotted the rest of the Autobots on a higher ledge. Megatron’s gaze definitely locked on Warlock and Starscream behind Optimus,

“So many surprises today!” the warlord exclaimed as the insecticon crawled along the wall and pounch on Megatron. But Megatron saw it coming and swiped at the beast leaving a sizable gash on its stomach. Warlock turned to the Autobots

“'m gonna go after Arcee, she’s gonna need backup.” Warlock said as he transformed and flew down the hall Arcee and Airachnid disappeared down. Before anyone could protest he also was gone.

Warlock spotted Arcee now switching to her blasters and was shooking at Airachnid as he hopped from side to side across the narrow hall. Airachnid immediately began to use her extended spider legs like a drill and dig her own tunnel into the cavern wall. Warlock saw this as he transformed and joined Arcee

“Figured, you needed backup.” Warlock smiled, Arcee looked over at him “She’s mine. Stay out of my way.” As she began crawling through the small opening Airachnid made into the wall. Warlock watched as Arcee crawled through, “Just trying to help…” As he also made his way down the hole.

Back to the battle below, Megatron kicked the beast in the large gash along its stomach causing it to cry out in pain. Megatron then grabbed the two smaller appendages on its stomach and with a swift and powerful kick severed the two appendages from the Insecticon’s body. Causing the creature to reel back in agony. Megatron threw the limb to the wayside and charged blade drawn, as he decapitated the Insecticon and its head flew far from where its body collapsed.

“Let that be a warning to anyone who crosses a gladiator from Kaon!” Megatron shouts, as the Autobots leap from the ledge, “Be they, Decepticon…or Autobot.” Megatron finishes, as Optimus, Bulkhead and Bumblebee surround him. Starscream remains on the upper ledge torn, does he join the trio to fight his former master? Or does he go after Arcee and Warlock and help them fight Airachnid? Starscream’s gaze flickers between the two. Starscream groans, “Dammit, Warlock! You reckless boob!” As he transforms and flies towards where Arcee and Warlock went.

“It would seem anyone can become a member of the Autobots these days…” Megatron said as he saw Starscream fly towards the cavern, Megatron began to make steps towards Optimus as he felt his knees buckle. The battle with the Insecticon took a bigger toll on Megatron than he thought. As he collapsed in front of his nemesis, his blaster was webbed by Airachnid earlier in the fight making it useless, and he was too weak to be able to swing his sword. Megatron lifted himself up and looked at Optimus Prime. “So Optimus…what do you intend to do? Take me alive? Or end this…here and now.” Megatron said, Bumblebee and Bulkhead exchanged looks as they still kept their blaster locked on a weakened Megatron.

The two Autobots look towards their leader as Optimus pulls out his blaster fully intending to end things here and now. When rogue blaster fire began to rain down from the sky. Decepticon fliers blasting the Autobots and surrounding the group. “The surprises never end…” Megatron said as he saw his troops lead by Deadwing to his rescue.

The troops of Decepticons surrounded the Autobots, they were clearly outnumbered. “Deliver Megatron to us and I will allow you to live.” Dreadwing ordered his gatling gun aimed at Optimus.

“Never trust a Con! Kick Bucket Head’s bucket!” Bulkhead cried, aiming his blaster at Dreadwing. Optimus looked down at a weakened Megatron, their eyes locked as Optimus’s gaze went back to Dreadwing. “Dreadwing…Do I have your word?” Optimus asks Dreadwing as the air is full of tension, everyone's gaze shifts between one another. Dreadwing pauses then puts his gatling gun back onto his back and holds out his arms, indicating to Optimus that he does indeed intend to keep his word. Optimus withdraws his blaster, as Dreadwing approaches his leader and helps him up.

“My liege.” He says as he catches a stumbling Megatron. The other Autobots follow Optimus’s lead, as it would seem a ceasefire has been called. The two join their leader, “Dreadwing may have given his word…But I did not.” Megatron hissed as he mustered enough strength to stand.

“Destroy them!” As the Vehicons begin to start blasting, Megatron and Dreadwing transform and fly out of the cavern at an alarming speed. Leaving their minions to fight the Autobots, Optimus and the team fired back, caught off guard by Megatron’s betrayal. After a few moments of fighting the Autobots were able to take down a number of the Vehicons and the remainder flew out following their master. The three stood there breathing heavily, “That…That was intense.” Bulkhead remarked as they observed the leftover carnage.

Back in the tunnels, Warlock followed Arcee down the tunnels. “So…why do you hate Airachnid?” Warlock asked, “Do you honestly think this is a good time for a conversation?” She answered, annoyed that Warlock followed her. Arcee crawled forward as she felt something sticky underneath her. She looked down and noticed she was crawling on top of Airachnid’s webs, she turned and saw Warlock was also on top of it. This was a trap “Get back it’s a-” before she could finish she felt the webs close in on the two and lifted them up into a tree upside down cocooned together. The two began to struggle against the webs. “Well I’ll be two for the price of one. And two of my favorite bots!” Airachnid exclaimed as she finished wrapping and dragging the two up into the tree.

“It’s been a while, Warlock. How is the little one, hmm?” Airachnid asked as she crawled down onto the cocoon. She was facing Arcee but talking to Warlock. “Like you actually care.” He hissed back trying to break free from his binds. “How rude. Why wouldn’t a carrier care for her sparkling?” Airachnid said in a sickly sweet but venomous tone. Arcee’s optics went wide, “What?!” she gasped,

“Oh hush! This might not be the day I take Megatron’s spark…but at least I won’t leave empty handed. Yours will do.” As she prepared to strike at a binded Arcee.

A missile came flying out of nowhere and managed to knock Airachnid from the cocoon in the tree. The missile didn’t hit her directly but the force of the explosion was enough to knock her off. Starscream stood there on a ledge, he managed to get there in time. He slid down the slight ledge and released another missile at Airachnid as she began to dig another tunnel and make her escape. Starscream approached the two in the tree and used his claws to chop the two out of the tree. After de-webbing Arcee and Warlock, Optimus commed Arcee, “Arcee what is your status?” Arcee groaned as she wiped off the excess webbing. “We’re fine. And unfortunately Airachnid got away.”

“We are making our way to your position. Hang tight.” Optimus said through the commlink. Arcee turned back to the two seekers, “You two have a lot of explaining to do.” She grimaced, as Warlock get’s the remaining webbing off of his wings. Starscream sighed, “Scrap.”

Chapter Text

The entire team of Autobots managed to regroup and meet them at Arcee’s current position. As the rest of the team approached, Arcee was in the midst of chewing out Warlock,

“AIRACHNID?! OF ALL THE BOTS ON CYBERTRON!” Arcee shouted, Starscream couldn’t help but chuckle, “That’s exactly what my reaction was.” Warlock glared over at Starscream,

“Ok I have gotten yelled at enough today! I already got an audio receptor full from this one earlier! Can we drop it?” Warlock pleaded as Starscream suppressed a laugh.

‘Uh…Why is everyone yelling at Warlock?’ Bumblebee asked confused as to what they all stumbled onto. “Airachnid is Moonlight’s carrier.” Arcee said angrily, Everyone looked surprised and back at Warlock, “Airachnid? Man you have very…weird tastes, Warlock.” Bulkhead said rather weirded out.

“I’m not going to keep having this conversation! Yes! Me and Airachnid! We were together at some point. We made Moonlight, we broke up. I took Moonlight and got as far away from her as possible. And here we are now, Ok?!” Warlock said it was exacerbated from the whole ordeal. Everyone felt the awkward tension of the scene they all were in. Optimus cleared his throat,

“Romantic histories aside, I am glad to see all of you are unharmed. Warlock, Starscream I assume you joining us was your way of indicating your official decision?” Optimus asked as he looked towards the seekers. “Yes…We would like to join your ranks.” Warlock said with a soft smile, Starscream nodded in agreement.

Optimus smiled softly, “That is excellent. We welcome you.” Arcee turned to Optimus,

“Optimus, are you sure? Clearly these two are hiding things! Warlock being with Airachnid, Starscream alone shouldn’t be trusted but now I’m questioning Warlock.” Arcee argued, Optimus looked over at the two seekers.

“They might have done things that are...questionable in the past. But I believe they will be great assets to the Autobot cause.” Optimus softly smiled at the two. Starscream awkwardly smiles back and Warlock looks over at Arcee who looked less than pleased. The Autobots were planning to head back to their base but Arcee voiced her concern letting them come back to their base. Starscream and Warlock planned to return to their ship to grab Moonlight anyways but the feeling of uneasiness was very apparent. The Autobots didn’t give them the location of their base just yet, they wanted to do a trial period. Which makes sense, Starscream was a former Decepticon and they were still very wary of him. And now Warlock’s reveal that he was in a relationship with Airachnid also made the Autobots uneasy. One of the Autobots would meet them at their ship and take them to their base once they were ready.

The two groups departed, Starscream and Warlock arrived back at the ship and were greeted by Moonlight. “You were gone so long I got worried!” Moonlight said as he hugged her sire. “I’m sorry we made you worry.” Warlock said to his daughter, she went to hug Starscream too. “I don’t like being left alone for so long.” Moonlight said sadly, Warlock looked down at Moonlight,

“We’ve decided to join the Autobots. So you don’t have to worry about being alone anymore.” Warlock leaned down and picked up his daughter. “Oh fun!” She said with a smile, Starscream looked at Warlock “So they are wary of us. Do you plan to reveal any of your research to them?” Starscream asked, Warlock sighed, “At some point they’ll find out. But for now…let’s get their trust. Cause without trust, joining them would be pointless.”

Starscream nodded and agreed with Warlock’s sentiment. Warlock gathered some things and got ready to contact the Autobots to go to their base. As they leave Warlock activates a new security system.

“That’s new.” Starscream said, “Yeah. After everything I input a more sophisticated security system. With all the dangers on this planet I need to be more cautious and make sure that everything is secure.” Warlock explained as he finished activating the system. The three of them waited outside the ship as they com the Autobot base for their initial introduction.

After a few moments a ground bridge opens up and Bumblebee walks through gesturing for them to follow him. They all enter the bridge and arrive inside the Autobot base. Moonlight is looking around at all the Autobots and examining the base. “This place is so big!” she says as her tiny wings flutter. Optimus smiles at the young sparkling.

“Welcome to our base, Moonlight.” He says, as Moonlight’s attention snaps to Optimus. Starscream noticed the Autobots' human companions were also there. Miko looked over and down at Moonlight, “So that’s what a baby bot looks like huh?” she said as Moonlight looked over at the three human teens. Moonlight hid behind her sire, her last experience with humans wasn’t exactly a good one. “No need to worry, Moonlight. These humans are our allies. They will not hurt you.” Optimus said, reassuring the small sparkling. The rest of the Autobots introduced themselves to the young sparkling including the humans. She was still nervous but less so since Starscream and Warlock were there to support her.

Arcee was still glaring at Starscream, it made the seeker uneasy. He knew the most difficult bot to convince would be Arcee. But so far she at least will be cordial when Warlock and Moonlight is around. They gave the newest auditions to the team a short tour of the base, indicating quarters, energon storage and the med bay. Warlock informed Optimus he would prefer to stay in his ship quarters as it was just more familiar to him and comfortable. Optimus agreed since there really wasn’t too much more space in the base to house 3 more bots. Once the tour was finished Moonlight warily walked towards the humans and began asking them simple questions. The children were more than eager to speak to her as her former nervousness was seeming to disappear. Ratchet approached Warlock and the two began discussing scientific endeavors. Warlock and Ratchet even discussed going to Warlock’s lab to show Ratchet some of his research if he was interested. ‘So much for keeping things a secret’, Starscream thought. Starscream noticed he was basically standing alone in the center of the Autobot base awkwardly watching as Moonlight and Warlock had their own individual discussions.

Starscream noticed Arcee leaving the room, ‘Better get it over with before it gets more uncomfortable’ Starscream thought as he followed after. Arcee was making a turn to a lift at the end of the hall,

“Arcee.” Starscream called after, she flinched in annoyance “Starscream.” She hissed back,

“Can we talk?” Starscream asked, Arcee turned to him arms crossed “And what exactly would we have to talk about? Optimus may have let you join the team but it doesn’t make us friends.” She explained, Starscream knew that nothing he probably will say will change her opinion of him but… he’s not the same bot that killed Cliffjumper.

“I understand your animosity towards me. If the roles were reversed I’d also probably want you dead too. And now the person who took one of your partners away is joining the team? I'm surprised you haven’t attacked me yet.” Starscream said calmly, Arcee raised a brow,

“Believe me I want to rip out your spark and make you pay for all you’ve done. But Optimus sees something in you, somehow and with Warlock around we have to tolerate you.” Ah, there it is what Starscream thought, the Autobots wanted Warlock and Starscream was just a tag-a-long.Starscream sighed,

“I expected as much. If Warlock wasn’t in the equation Prime probably wouldn’t have entertained the idea of me joining. But…having a partner like Warlock around has…made me reflect on things, made me realize things.” Arcee listened more carefully at Starscream’s words, “I forgot what it was like to have someone to care about. My trine…died a very long time ago. Decepticons aren’t exactly known for their friendships and caring about one another. I spent a majority of my time glancing over my shoulder or plotting others downfalls. I was alone for the longest time. I…lost perspective. So I forgot what it felt like to lose someone you care about deeply. If something happened to Warlock or Moonlight, I’d be enraged too. And unlike Airachnid…I-I began to feel bad for my transgressions. I can’t undo what I did. And I don’t expect you to forgive me either. But now I want to be a better person than I was when I…offlined Cliffjumper, and want us to get along.”

Arcee listened to the seeker plea she still was frowning, “An apology isn’t going to be enough. Saying your sorry doesn’t undo the damage you’ve caused.” She said angrily, “I know that. But understand I’m trying to be a better bot! I can’t un-kill Cliffjumper but I can atone for my transgressions. Just put some faith in me and let me prove myself.” Starscream said placing his servo on his chest, Arcee was still scowling at the seeker, eyes locked onto Starscream’s face.

“You’ll have to do a lot to prove to me you’re more than a walking slag pile.” She venomously spat, Starscream couldn’t help but laugh “You’re not wrong. I may not be most people’s taste. And many and I mean many bots hate my guts. But I will try to prove that this walking slag pile isn’t so bad.” Arcee couldn’t help herself and cracked a smile,

“Fine. Starscream’s redemption to be determined.” She said as she walked towards the lift, Starscream smiled as the two-wheeler left. It went much better than he thought, she at least will entertain the idea. Starscream returned to the main room as thankfully the awkwardness and tension seemed to subside.

Things seemed slightly peaceful for the moment, Starscream’s wings drooped slightly as he saw Moonlight and Warlock mingling with the Autobots. The Autobots’ console began to flash which drew everyone’s attention. Ratchet went up to the console and found it to be a distress beacon.

“It’s Wheeljack.” Ratchet said, Bulkhead walked towards the console, “Jackie, what’s up you need back up?” Bulkhead asked his friend. Wheeljack voice broke through the connection,

“Yeah, need a bridge at my coordinates ASAP! And prep the base…I’m bringing company.” Wheeljack said, blaster fire can be heard in the background along with some explosions. Ratchet began to immediately figure out what Wheeljack’s coordinates whereas the rest of the Autobots prepped to rush through the ground bridge.

“Hey what are- Yes Why?” Wheeljack said through the comms he clearly was talking with someone out of earshot. “Hey!” Wheeljack exclaimed as the commlink severed. Everyone stood there in shock and confusion, “Jackie! Jackie, are you there?!” Bulkhead yelled through the commlink, Starscream looked around at the panicking Autobots when something happened.

A bright purple light flashed in the center of the room. Causing everyone to shield their eyes and flinch. A loud thud was heard as Wheeljack and an unknown seeker manifested into the central commander room of the Autobot base. Everyone turned to look at the two Wheeljack groans as he got up,

“Next time warn a bot before you do something crazy!” Wheeljack said as he held his head, Ratchet rushed over to the wrecker. “Wheeljack how? What happened?” Ratchet asked alarmed, “Don’t ask me, ask out teleporting friend here.” Wheeljack pointed to the seeker on the ground who was weakly getting up, his body weirdly glitching as purple sparks shot out of his body. Starscream looked at the mysterious seeker in utter disbelief “Skywarp?” Starscream said as Skywarp turned to look at the voice,

“Hey Scream…long time no see.” as the seeker collapses unconscious on the floor.

Chapter Text

Bulkhead and Wheeljack helped an unconscious Skywarp to the med bay. Starscream was still in shock that his brother literally teleported in front of him. Warlock went over to Starscream,

“Did you just say Skywarp? Like your dead brother, Skywarp?” Warlock asked, the humans turned to the two seekers, “Starscream has a brother? Huh.” Miko said looking at Starscream, Starscream didn’t say a word he was still processing seeing his dead sibling not be dead. Ratchet emerged from the med bay,

“Warlock I could use some help in here.” Warlock looked over at the medic and left Starscream’s side to go help. Optimus approached Starscream, “You know the seeker that came here with Wheeljack?” Optimus asked Starscream, Starscream looked at the Prime “Yes…but…it should be impossible. He perished on Garrus-9! After that whole prison debacle with Overlord!” Starscream said in disbelief, Optimus placed a reassuring hand on the seeker, “When he wakes we can ask him. For now let Warlock and Ratchet repair him and Wheeljack.”

“How did Skywarp get to the base? He can teleport somehow?” The smallest human, Raf asked curiously, Starscream turned his attention to the human boy

“Yes, he possesses an outlier ability that allows him to teleport.” He tells Raf, “That’s so cool! So he has like a superpower?” Miko asks,

“Yes. I guess you can interpret it like that.” Starscream looked back at the direction of the medbay. Arcee returned and was filled in by the humans of what just transpired, “I thought you said your trine was dead?” Arcee asked Starscream,

“They are! Where? I mean I thought he was dead! I have no idea what is happening right now!” Starscream said panicked, this was a lot to take in for the seeker especially since he doesn’t have all the answers yet. Optimus turned to Arcee “We don’t have all the information yet. Once Wheeljack returns from the med bay we can start asking questions.”

Starscream wanted to go to the med bay to check on his brother, but he also just doesn't know what to say. Skywarp supposedly perished during the Wreckers raid on Garrus-9 to take down Overlord. But that mission was so long ago, and Skywarp would have contacted him since then. There has to be more to this, is it even Skywarp? It could be a shapeshifter like Makeshift pretending to be him. No Skywarp literally used his unique teleporting ability to bring him and Wheeljack here, it is not a fake. Starscream’s mind was racing, what in blazes is going on?!

After a couple of hours of waiting and Starscream frantically pacing Ratchet and Warlock emerged from the med bay.

“Well what’s happening?!” Starscream asked frantically, “Wheeljack is fine just resting up. Skywarp was very damaged…he still hasn’t woken up and we put him on an emergency respirator. Whatever happened to him really messed him up.” Warlock explained, Starscream’s wings flattened against his back.

“We lack the proper medical supplies to do more exploratory examinations. We at least stabilized him for now.” Ratchet says as he approaches, “We will reconvene in the morning. Let the two of them rest for now.” Optimus said, trying to ease the tension in the room. “What?!” Starscream squawked, “Absolutely not! I need to know what happened now! Not tomorrow!”

“Starscream I understand your frustration but-” Optimus was cut off “No buts! I need to know what is going on! How is he alive?!” Starscream felt a hand on his side, it was Arcee “Look, they aren’t awake right now. Let’s all listen to Optimus and recollect in the morning.” Arcee being the calming voice of reason for Starscream was definitely not something he would ever think would happen. Starscream growled but relented, Moonlight rushed over and hugged his leg “Don’t worry Starscream you brother will wake up tomorrow and we can all talk to him!” Moonlight said very cheerfully, the sparkling doesn’t have a full grasp of the situation but her optimism is thoughtful. Warlock picked up Moonlight and the three left to return to Warlock’s ship to rest up. The moment the ground bridge disappeared Starscream began throwing a fit and just blasting random rocks he saw.

“Starscream! Calm down!” Warlock said as he put Moonlight on the ground, “Let me have this!” Starscream yelled back as he shot a missile at a boulder causing the rock to explode a part. After a few minutes of this Starscream calmed down, Starscream’s fans were whirl as he stood there.

“Starscream.” Warlock said cautiously, as he approached the seeker. Starscream didn’t answer, just stood there breathing heavily, Warlock got close enough to wrap his arms around the seeker.

“It’s gonna be ok. I know this is a lot for you right now. But tomorrow we’ll find out everything ok?” Warlock tried to reassure him, Starscream was unusually quiet. “The masks.” Starscream said between breaths,

“The masks?” Warlock repeated, “Did you get the software for the masks to work?” Starscream asked, Warlock loosened his grip on Starscream and looked at him, “Why?” Warlock was confused by Starscream’s question,

“I need to know if your program is functional Warlock. Yes or no?” Starscream said more assertively, Warlock sighed, “I-I haven’t tested it fully yet but it should-” Before Warlock could finish his statement Starscream broke the hug and went in the ship. Warlock had an idea of what Starscream was trying to accomplish but wasn't sure entirely.

Warlock got Moonlight situated in her room and told her he will be right back. Warlock entered his lab as he saw Starscream loading up the Mask’s Protocol. “What are you hoping to accomplish?” Warlock asked not accusatory but more curious if anything. “Two things. Use Farsight to see what happened on Garrus-9 and where the frag Skywarp has been this whole time. And two to make sure my other brother, Thundercracker, isn't also alive somewhere in the damned universe.” Starscream was frantically typing trying to unlock the software. “Starscream, the system has a cooldown. You can only use one mask at a time and there needs to be a short recovery period to not overload the system.” Warlock explained as he approached the seeker.

“Fine. Whatever. I want to know what happened to Skywarp. I can check on Thundercracker’s possibly still existing later.” Starscream said as he booted up the protocol for Farsight. He saw the container with the mask glow as the wire lit up and fed into the computer. A prompt popped up asking for some inputs. What are they looking for? When did it happen? Who did it happen to? Were just some of the possible prompts to fill.

“What do I put in? How do I learn what happened to Skywarp?” Starscream asked in a frustrated tone, “Ok move over and I’ll put in the prompt ok?” Warlock asked, Starscream stepped aside and let Warlock take over.

After a few moments of filling in the prompts and getting the details correct they ended up with asking Farsight to show them Skywarp’s fate from when he was supposed to be dead to now. The system had a loading screen which took quite some time to load. After about 30 minutes Starscream was obviously frustrated, “Can this damn this load faster it’s been ages!” Starscream complained, “Sorry for not streamline the power of the ancients with faster loading speeds.” Warlock sassed back, Starscream huffed and crossed his arms. After a few moments there was a rather hefty amount of data loaded in, explaining the long time it took to appear. It broke the information into multiple categories which Starscream naturally got annoyed by.

“There’s so much stuff here! How do we sift through it to get the proper information?” Starscream was irritated and it was getting on Warlock’s nerves. “This is what you wanted. Everything that happened to Skywarp since you last saw him. Starscream this was millennia ago. Naturally there would be a lot of information from then to now!” Warlock said looking through the logs that came through trying to find a way to organize it better. “Isn’t there like a summary function? Or some way to just get a straight answer?” Starscream asked, Warlock frustratedly sighed, ]

“No Starscream because this is still in its testing stages! This is the first real test! Sorry it’s not up to your high standards!” Warlock snapped back, Starscream recoiled clearly Warlock was getting frustrated with him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just-I just want to know where he has been all this time. He never contacted me. I was told he was dead. His death caused a rift between me and Thundercracker…I-'' Starscream's wings laid flat against his back as he looked down, “I just need to know.”

Warlock sighed at Starscream, “I understand. Just don’t take your frustration out on me.” Warlock said as he managed to get some form of organization and order to the information. Starscream watched as Warlock used his knowledge of his program and found ways to refine the prompts and use the mask’s potential fully. He narrowed it down from nearly thousands of pieces of data to about 200 or so. It took a few hours to do it as Warlock was beginning to look tired.

“Warlock, take a break. Look I might have jumped the gun and we can just ask Skywarp when he wakes tomorrow.” Starscream said rubbing his partners back, Warlock looked at Starscream but the look in his eyes were hollow “Skywarp might not wake up tomorrow.” Warlock said, Starscream’s eyes went wide in surprise. “We had to basically put him in a medically induced coma. Ratchet still has a ton of work to do on him. Whatever happened to him the damage was extensive and we don’t have the full resources or bot power to get everything done yesterday. I have some more advanced medical equipment I’m going to bring to Ratchet tomorrow. Maybe that can improve our odds.” Warlock explained as he turned back to refining the data. Starscream stood there even more upset, it wasn’t Warlock or Ratchet’s fault but whoever hurt his brother will pay.

Warlock entered another prompt that brought the count down from 200 to 20. Warlock himself was even surprised.

“Huh…A lot of the data has similar ideations…” Warlock said curiously, “And what does that mean?” Starscream asked, “It means he did or experienced the same things over and over again. And the program just lumped it all together.” Warlock stated, Starscream was even more confused, but Warlock pulled up the file and they began to basically play like a movie. They were watching what happened to Skywarp at those points in time. The first file pulled up basically what happened after the assault on Garrus-9. When the Autobot team known as the Wreckers supposedly dispatched the Decepticon Overlord and freed all the prisoners from his makeshift gladiator pits. The view was from inside a ship in some sort of cargo hold, Skywarp was bound and gagged and leaning against the wall. A large shadow casted over Skywarp as Overlord himself came into frame. “Impossible! Overlord died on Garrus-9. This is after the fact.” Starscream stated, clearly the fiel report he got from his Decepticon scouts about the whole incident was incorrect because Overlord is very much alive in this clip from the past. Overlord leaned over a bound Skywarp “We’ll my teleporting friend, seems fate have brought us together. I have no doubt I’ll be putting you…to good use.” Overlord says with a sadistic grin. Starscream watched as Overlord began to throw his brother around like how Megatron threw him around. Warlock immediately turned off the footage.

Starscream stood there speechless, his brother was a prisoner to Overlord. One of the cruelest Decepticons to enter the faction. Starscream was also horrified to know that Farsight went from 200 to 20 files…which made Starscream feel like he was going to purge. He was afraid to look at the rest of the footage, Warlock looked over at Starscream who clearly was uncomfortable. “Starscream I don’t want to subject you to this. Let me go through it and I will summarize it for you. After what Megatron use to do to you-”

“No.” Starscream said sternly,

“I need to know.” Warlock frowned, “I’m not going to let you watch your brother get abused by Overlord. I will watch and summarize it for you. I don’t want to trigger you and have you react badly to it.” Warlock said very sternly, Starscream stood there confused,

“Trigger me? I’ve been beaten by Megatron numerous times! I’ve been in countless battles! I can watch it.” Starscream said confidently, "Warlock wasn’t swayed “No. You still wake up from nightmares about Megatron. Why would I add more to the trauma you’ve already experienced? Again let me do it for you.” Warlock insisted. Starscream huffed,

“I don’t need you to baby me, Warlock. I can handle it.” Warlock placed a servo on Starscream’s shoulder, “Even if you can handle it, I don’t want to subject you to it. Please, let me look out for you.” Warlock warmly smiled and gently kissed the top of Starscream’s helm. Starscream sighed,

“Fine. I’ll allow it. Just…make sure you get enough information for me, ok?” Warlock tilted Starscream face up to his and gently kissed his lips. “You know I am very thorough.” He smirked, Starscream rolled his eyes and began to leave the lab. He turned back a second to see Warlock standing there watching him and giving him a reaffirming nod.

Starscream left and as he heard the door close behind him he could hear the files playing. The screams from his brother penetrated the walls. Starscream cringed his anger, he hated thinking that this was Skywarp’s existence for so long. At least with Megatron Starscream had some freedom and the ability to go other places. But being trapped with a sadist like Overlord all this time? A fate worse than death in Starscream’s mind. Starscream checked on Moonlight who decided to not wait up for her sire as she was fast asleep. Starscream went to Warlock’s quarters and laid down on his berth. He looked up at the ceiling,

“Poor Skywarp…I-I hate that I didn’t know…I could have saved you. I…I wouldn’t have lost Thundercracker. Primus does the universe like to test my poor spark…” Starscream said to himself, so many thoughts now in his head. He knew that Overlord was alive, and he was hoping that he was not on Earth now…

Starscream laid there for a while before tiredness took over as he went to sleep. Starscream’s subconscious thoughts didn’t even reprieve him from the situation as Starscream played that small clip of Overlord thrashing his brother over and over again. Starscream saw Skywarp in his dream turn to him and say “Why didn’t you save me?” As Starscream bolted upright in his berth panting in a panic. His fans kicked in as he looked over and to his surprise saw Warlock next to him. “Warlock? I thought you were watching the files?” He asked, confused, Warlock shifted closer to the seeker

“I finished. I figured I would get some sleep first before waking you. Come back to bed…” Warlock said sleepily, Starscream was annoyed his partner didn’t wake him or that he was choosing sleep over telling him. “So you’re not going to tell me?” Starscream asked crossing his arms, “I will in the morning, sweetspark…just come back to bed please?” Warlock whined, Starscream huffed as he laid back down. Warlock pulled him into a cuddling embrace and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Starscream, don’t worry. You’ll get what you want in the morning.” Starscream snuggled into the embrace, “Fine. Only because it’s comfortable to snuggle with you…” Starscream said as he rested his head against Warlock’s chest. Starscream fell back asleep in Warlock’s arms, feeling surprisingly more safe and with no more nightmares.

Chapter Text

Starscream awoke in Warlock’s arms. Starscream felt very secure in Warlock’s arms as Starscream nuzzled closer to the scientist. Warlock was still asleep, Starscream wanted him to wake to get the information from the files. Starscream had a mischievous idea, he smirked as he thought of a clever way to wake him. Starscream began to kiss Warlock’s neck cables, at first gentle brushings and light pecks. Then Starscream decided to get a bit rougher with his kisses as he ran his glossa down one of the cables. Starscream felt Warlock begin to stir, Starscream snaked his arm under Warlock’s trying to get to his wings. His claw trace the underside of his wing as he continues to kiss his neck. Warlock’s optics opened as he noticed Starscream now nibbling on his neck cables.

“You can just shake someone awake like a normal bot huh?” Warlock chuckled, Starscream gave one last kiss on his neck before pulling back and looking at Warlock.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Starscream said as he pulled Warlock in for a kiss on the lips. Warlock hummed appreciatively at Starscream’s kiss as the seeker held him tight. The two laid there after a few more kisses, Starscream broke their embrace and stretched. His wings fluttered as he stretched, Warlock smiled as he watched Starscream.

“Not to ruin the rather fun moment but…I guess you’ll want to know what I saw in the files.” Warlock said as Starscream got up, Starscream turned to look back at Warlock on the berth. Starscream sighed as he looked down, he knew this was coming but Starscream still was nervous to hear it.

Starscream sat back down on the edge of the berth, “I guess better now than later. So how bad was it?” Starscream looked over at Warlock,

“It…was. I watched what Overlord did to Skywarp. I-I skimmed through the more…physical bits but I got the jist. Overlord kept Skywarp for a very specific reason.” Starscream raised a brow curiously, Warlock sat up and rested his arm on his knee.

“His teleporting ability. Why waste resources on a ground bridge when you have a bot that can teleport.” Warlock looked at Starscream who clearly was confused, “He made something that used Skywarp as a makeshift ground bridge. It would require less energon to give to Skywarp than power a ground bridge.” Warlock explained, Starscream definitely hates knowing that Overlord used Skywarp’s power for his own gain and especially against Skywarp’s will.

“You can’t really track Skywarp’s teleportation like you can with a ground bridge. Skywarp rarely left a trace when he would infiltrate places. Overlord was clever to use it in such a capacity. Albeit cruel. But overusing his ability like that puts great strain on Skywarp, how would he be able to stabilize him in such a manner?” Starscream asked Warlock, “I only saw the machine. I don’t know how it was built. And I doubt Overlord built it so I have no idea how it works unless I can take it apart myself.”

“Wonderful. So did the files show anything else of use? Like how Skywarp got out of that situation?” Starscream asked, getting a bit frustrated, not with Warlock but just the whole notion of Overlord holding his brother hostage all this time.

“Yes. Someone broke him out. And Skywarp managed to teleport himself to the nearest planet, Earth. Overlord was already on his way here when Skywarp escaped.” Starscream frowned, “Why was Overlord coming to Earth? What is he trying to get his vengeance from Megatron? He’s failed more times trying to kill that slagger than I have.” Starscream twirled his hand in the air as Warlock chuckled, “Guess a lot of Decepticons want Megatron dead? Weird to think his own soldiers wanted him dead.”

“Overlord had his reasons for joining. Despite his deep seeded hatred for Megatron. The brute eventually went rogue and the unfortunate events from Garrus-9 happened. Not surprising I kept telling Megatron he was not to be trusted. But NO! ‘Overlord is a powerful asset’, ‘Overlord has his uses’. Bah! Maybe If Megatron wasn’t so short sighted, Overlord wouldn’t have become an issue.” Starscream rants, his wings flutter in annoyance.

“You said someone freed Skywarp? Who?” Starscream was curious who managed to sneak past Overlord and free his brother. “Don’t know who they were. But they snuck onto Overlord’s ship and freed Skywarp but got caught by Overlord. Skywarp made his escape during their altercation, unfortunately that bot got torn apart by Overlord. Poor bot.” Warlock sighed, Starscream would’ve liked to thank that bot. But now, Overlord was another annoyance to deal with. Airachnid, Megatron and now Overlord 3 bots that Starscream loathed and are all on Earth.

“Did you find out why Overlord was coming here?” Starscream asked, Warlock looked directly into Starscream’s optics,“Yes. He came here looking for a relic. A very powerful relic.” Starscream groaned, great more relics. Starscream knew there were a number of relics that were hidden across the galaxies and Earth was one of the many planets that had relics on it. Where they are Starscream doesn’t know but if powerful ones are located on Earth it could be beneficial for him or a nightmare if this relic falls into the wrong hands. “What relic?” Starscream asked nervously,

“The Enigma of Combination.” Warlock said in a serious manner. Starscream bursted into laughter that caught Warlock off guard, “The Enigma of Combination? Why of all the relics of the 13 primes would Overlord want that? He’s not a combiner. And there isn’t a bot alive who would willingly combine with him. So what? Keep the relic as a decoration.” Starscream gripped his side with laughter, “Starscream this isn’t funny. Someone getting their hands on the Enigma can be very dangerous. Whatever Overlord has planned for it cannot be good. We need to tell the Autobots and stop him.”

Starscream’s laughter faded as he looked back at Warlock, “Fine. Fine, we'll tell Optimus. Let’s hope we can find the Enigma before he or the Decepticons do.” The two got up and got ready to contact the Autobots to go to their base. Moonlight followed the two larger seekers with a big smile on her face.

“We’re going back to the base today?” She asked, Warlock chuckled,

“Yes we are. You seem excited today, Moonlight.” Moonlight bounced excitedly, “The humans promised to show me how to play something called, ‘video games’. I’m excited to learn a new game!” Starscream smiled at the excited sparkling. The ground bridge portal opened near the ship as the three of them entered and arrived at the Autobot base. Bumblebee was at the console for the ground bridge as the three made their way further into the base. Optimus was talking with Bulkhead and Arcee as the seekers approached.

“Warlock, Starscream nice of you to join us.” Optimus said, Moonlight ran to the side to where the human children were. “She seems excited.” Bulkhead said as Moonlight joined the children, “She was looking forward to seeing them.” Warlock said looking over at his daughter having fun with the human children. “How is Wheeljack and Skywarp doing?” Warlock asked the Autobots, “Wheeljack is awake and currently being checked over by Ratchet in the infirmary. Skywarp has yet to wake.” Optimus informed them,

Warlock held up a toolbox “I brought some of my own equipment Ratchet can use. Hopefully this could help in some way.” Warlock made his way to the med bay, Starscream turned to Optimus “Did Wheeljack say anything?”

“Why don’t you ask him yourself, Screamer.” Wheeljack said emerging from the medbay, Starscream hated being called nicknames.

“It’s Starscream. Not Screamer.” Starscream said back with a scowl,

“I know. When Bulk told me you and some neutral scientist joined the team I didn’t believe it. But guess seeing is believing.” Wheeljack said, standing next to Bulkhead and eyeing the Ex-Commander of the Decepticons.

“Well believe it. I’m more curious how you ended up with my brother.” Starscream said, eyeing the Wrecker himself.

“Your brother? Makes sense I thought he was you til he opened his mouth and was insulted when I called him Starscream. He was being tracked by Vehicons and ducked behind the Jackhammer to escape the blaster fire. And bringing chaos to my front door, so to speak.” Wheeljack explained,

“Vehicons? Guess they thought he was you, Starscream.” Bulkhead said looking at the seeker, Starscream was confused ‘I thought Overlord was pursuing Skywarp…unless Overlord has Vehicons serving him’ Starscream grabbing his chin in compilation,

“We would need to ask Skywarp what happened once he wakes. But until then we have to assume Megatron’s troops mistook Skywarp as Starscream and attacked.” Optimus said to the group, Starscream was nervous, and he mentioned what he and Warlock found out through Farsight. Does he mention Warlock possesses the Triptych Masks? Does he mention that it is probably not Megatron’s troops but actually Overlord? He was hesitant to say anything especially in front of the two Wreckers. If Wheeljack and Bulkhead find out that one of their most infamously successful missions was actually a failure because Overlord was still online.

Warlock came back out with Ratchet in tow. “Hope we didn’t miss anything.” Warlock said as he joined everyone, “Just recapping how Bucket Head’s troops mistook Skywarp as Starscream.” Bulkhead recapped for the two. Warlock frowned and looked over at Starscream and Starscream looked back as the two shared an awkward look. Clearly it was noted by Arcee

“You two look like you want to say something.” Arcee says as she crosses her arms, the whole group now eyeing the two. “Uh…well um…How do I explain this…” Warlock was very hesitant, Starscream knew how awkward explaining everything would be.

“None of you are gonna be happy with the information we have gathered.” Starscream interrupted Warlock as all eyes were now on Starscream. Starscream cleared his throat “It wasn’t Megatron’s troops pursuing Skywarp.” Starscream stated the Autobots all looked visibly confused. Starscream specifically looked over at Wheeljack and Bulkhead,

“The Vehicons…weren’t serving Megatron…but Overlord.” All the Autobots looked surprised and Wheeljack and Bulkhead visibly scowled, “Ok. You’re full of it. Overlord is offline. We were there at Garrus-9, we fought him. There is no way Overlord of all the Cons out there is alive let alone on Earth.” Bulkhead said rather heated and upset by Starscream’s statement.

“Skywarp was also at Garrus-9. It’s how he got captured by Overlord and has been his prisoner all this time.” Warlock looked over at the upset Wreckers, “Where are you getting this information from? How do you even know this?” Arcee asked, looking at Starscream for some form of confirmation. Starscream looked over at Warlock, Warlock nodded, giving Starscream the go ahead to tell how they got this information. “Warlock has in his possession of the Triptych Mask. He found a way for us to use it. And that’s how we found out that Overlord survived and was keeping my brother prisoner. And that he is here on Earth.”

“The Triptych Mask of Onyx Prime. A very powerful relic. Gazing through each mask has a different effect. Though usually Cybertronians of a beastial nature can use it without repercussions.” Optimus explained to the group, the humans joined in on the conversation “So bots like Airachnid or the Insecticons can use it but you guys can’t?” Jack asked, Optimus nodded “Indeed. There are many Cybertronians of various appearances and natures.”

“So what does this triptych thingy do?” Miko asked, Moonlight got excited “One lets you talk to the dead.” The Autobots all turned to the sparkling with a look of horror on their face. “That’s…unnerving…” Ratchet said horrified, Warlock went to his daughter’s side “Well that’s one thing it can do. But the top mask, Farsight gives a glimpse into moments of the past. And I created a program system to use it without being of a…beastial nature.” Warlock explained as he kneel down and patted Moonlight on the head. “But talking to the dead is more fun.” Moonlight said with a smile, Most of the Autobots looked uncomfortable with the small sparkling’s fascination with death. Arcee looked over at the child “You can contact the dead? And they talk back?” Arcee got closer to the sparkling, “Mhmm. Sometimes. Depends who wants to talk.” Moonlight said swaying playfully, Jack looked at Arcee clearly, what Arcee wanted was pretty obvious. “Maybe this should be a discussion for a later point in time.” Optimus said, putting his hand on Arcee’s shoulder. “For now we need to deal with this new information Starscream has provided. Overlord is a very dangerous Decepticon and is not to be taken lightly.”

“How bad is this Overlord guy? Is he as bad as Megatron?” Raf asks, Starscream turned to the human children,

“Worse. He’s worse. Megatron, as bad as he is, wants to lead, wants all this bloodshed and war to result in his leadership of the Cybertronian people. Overlord is just a sadistic psychopath who only wants to fuel his twisted desires.” Starscream tells the children,

“So? There’s only one Overlord, I bet Bulk and Jackie can take him out.” Miko said, punching her fist into her other hand. “Miko…It’s not that easy Overlord is not your run of the mill Con. Not many bots survive a run in with him.” Bulkhead tells Miko,

“The Wreckers were sent to Garrus-9 to rescue the people Overlord took capture for his gladiator matches. We lost a lot of good Wreckers that day…And now their death means nothing cause that slagger is still alive.” Wheeljack balled his fist and was clearly angry hearing this and remembering all the friends he lost that day. The air was now tense; the Autobots were upset with the news of Overlord being on Earth.

“Overlord is just another Con we need to look out for.” Jack said, as he tried to cut the tension of the situation. The tension began to wane, “Either way. Skywarp was lucky to escape Overlord. I can’t imagine what Overlord put him through. He is safe here.” Ratchet said, this surprisingly made Starscream feel good. His short time being with the Autobots has been vastly different from his long tenure with the Decepticons. The Autobots were still distant with him but have been rather cordial. And the fact they were extending that strange kindness to his brother, touched the seeker in a way he didn’t expect. Starscream nodded,

“Thank you for taking care of him Ratchet.” Ratchet looked at the seeker “What kind of doctor would I be if I turned away a sick or injured bot?” The tension was basically gone now as everyone was back to being rather pleasant. Starscream found this comforting energy so strange, it wasn’t bad but so different from what he felt when he was with the Decepticons. Starscream could get used to this.

Chapter Text

Episode: Nemesis Prime

It has been a couple days since Starscream and Warlock officially joined the Autobots. The team warmed up to the seekers. Bumblebee often would play with Moonlight and the humans joined in the fun. Ratchet and Warlock would often discuss scientific topics, Ratchet brought up about having a partial formula for synthetic energon. Which has prospects, if they can make synthetic energon their fuel issues would go away. But Ratchet mentioned that his current trials with it aren't fit for consumption, why he wouldn’t explain further just insisting not to consume it. Starscream and Arcee managed to get along so far, not friends but at least can be in the same room together without feeling uncomfortable. Starscream was very surprised at Optimus’s leadership style versus Megatron’s. Optimus was much more calm than Megatron, no real yelling, no hitting, no threats…To Starscream he wondered how anyone would listen to him if he wasn’t threatening. But…they listened to everything Optimus ordered or asked, Starscream was just so confused by it. But it certainly was so much nicer at least, the Autobots have been very friendly.

Starscream was in the med bay, looking at Skywarp who still hadn't woken up yet. Ratchet said the damage Overlord inflicted on him was pretty bad. Lots of patch jobs clearly not of a high quality and the over use of his teleporting ability put some serious strain on his spark. Warlock giving Ratchet some more equipment was useful and helpful but Skywarp still needed to rest. “I hope you wake soon. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you sooner.” Starscream said softly as he observed Skywarp on the med bay berth. “You didn’t know.” Starscream turned to the voice, it was Ratchet,

“There was no way you could’ve known. Everyone thought Overlord was dead.” Ratchet said as he approached checking on Skywarp’s vitals.

“Still. I thought my family was all but gone. I surrendered to the idea of being alone. Having people who have your back or people you even give a scrap about is something I abandoned long ago. Now here I am…teaming up with the Autobots, having Warlock as a partner…and now one of my brothers is back in my life.” Starscream said as he looked back down at Skywarp on the berth.
“You had other siblings?” Ratchet asked as he adjusted one of the cables attached to Skywarp. “One other brother, Thundercracker. The three of us made up our trine. Who knows? Maybe he’s also secretly alive somewhere too.” Starscream sadly chuckled,

Ratchet could see the seeker was in pain or at least regret. Thinking Starscream of all bots showing remorse or compassion was definitely strange. “I’m not really familiar with seeker culture. But I know that trines and pairings are a big part of it. So losing one's trine must have been hard on you.” Ratchet said as he checked the monitor,

“We were soldiers. We knew death was a possibility. Doesn’t make it any less painful though. Do you have any idea of when he will wake?” Starscream asked turning to Ratchet at the console. “He should have already. The equipment I have is limited. I wish I had an assistant or someone else with alternative medical knowledge that could assist me with this.” Ratchet said, continuing to type away,

“I can give you Knock Out’s comm frequency. I bet he would have a lot to say. Mostly on how poor of a paint job you did on Skywarp.” Starscream jokes, Ratchet rolled his optics, “Hilarious. If Knock Out wasn’t a Decepticon I might have considered it. There is only so much one medic can do.” Ratchet said in a rather solemn tone, Starscream clearly wasn’t making the situation better. “You're an excellent physician, Ratchet. Don’t downplay your skills.” Starscream said with a reassuring smile, Ratchet nodded at the seeker. The two left the room as they saw the rest of the team and the human racing tiny cars around the main room of the base.

Ratchet went over to a different computer and began typing on that one. The Autobots were cheering on their respective human partners as they were racing toy cars. Moonlight was sitting on a crate watching from above with her sire by her side. Starscream watched the humans with their tiny controllers as Miko cried out how Raf is currently winning. The sound of the comm system went off as Agent Fowler's voice came in “Prime?! Do you read me?” He asked over the loudspeaker. The rest of the Autobots turned and approached the console. Starscream almost forgot about him, their human liaison, Starscream remembered interrogating the man way back when.

“I’m sorry Agent Fowler, Optimus isn’t here at the moment.” Ratchet responded back, “Well then I take that as confirmation as him currently trying to run me off the road!” Agent Fowler said back, Everyone looked confused, why in blazes would Optimus run his human ally off the road? “Agent Fowler that hardly seems likely.”

“Well tell that to my burning treads!” Agent Fowler said, Starscream himself was curious about this odd circumstance. For his recent observation, Optimus Prime was a very stoic and reasonable person. Him experiencing ‘road rage’ like this or hurting a human let alone a comrade was very unusual. Ratchet typed furiously on the console, “I have Agent Fowler’s coordinates. I’m opening the ground bridge, to see what is going on.” Ratchet said to the three Autobots. They quickly transformed into their vehicle modes and zoomed into the ground bridge portal to see what Agent Fowler was talking about. Warlock and Starscream elected to stay back, apparently Optimus has yet to update Agent Fowler of their newest additions. Don’t want to cause more issues.

After a handful of minutes the trio returned, Agent Fowler exited Bulkhead’s vehicle mode while Bumblebee carried an unconscious Arcee in. “Is she alright?” Jack asked in a panic running up to Bumblebee. ‘We found her knocked out. Ratchet, can you take a look?’ Bumblebee beeped, As Ratchet helped him bring Arcee into the med bay. Agent Fowler turned to see Starscream and Warlock onlooking, “What in the- Starscream?! What’s a Con doing here?!” Agent Fowler yelled in surprise,

“Chill out Fowler. Starscream’s a bot now.” Miko said, walking up to the federal agent. Agent Fowler looked back at the seeker who awkwardly chuckled. Agent Fowler’s gaze went to Warlock

“You must be Warlock. Though you didn’t align with either side.” Agent Fowler said, “Well I picked a side and we joined the Autobots.” Warlock said with a smile, Agent Fowler’s eyes drifted over to Moonlight who was sitting on a crate.

“Is that one some kind of mini bot?” Agent Fowler said, Moonlight looked at Agent Fowler, “I’m not a minicon.” She said, Agent Fowler looked confused

“Wait? That’s a baby bot…you guys have or can have…nevermind.” Agent Fowler said raising his hand up as he clearly had questions about sparklings but chose to not ask it.

Ratchet leaned Arcee up as he shined a light in her optics. After a few seconds she came groaning and grabbing her head. “Arcee, are you alright?” Jack asks as Arcee moves away from the medbay.

“Sure. Except for being blindsided…by Optimus…” She was clearly upset and confused by what she saw. “Didn’t I tell you.” Agent Fowler said, crossing his arms,

“Impossible.” Ratchet interjected, “I’m just reporting what I saw.” Arcee said back to the medic, “Why would Optimus try to take out Agent Fowler? It makes no sense.” Jack said,

“Maybe Optimus thinks he’s a Decepticon again.” Raf pointed out, Starscream remembered running into ‘Orion Pax’ back on the Nemesis. That isn’t too far-fetched.

“Where is Optimus?” Warlock asked, Ratchet scoffed as he walked towards the computer, “This is absurd. A quick check of Optimus’s location will prove he was nowhere near tonight’s events…In fact he’s returning now.” Ratchet says, turning towards the sound of a loud engine rumbling as Optimus drives into the base. Everyone watches as Optimus drives in the air and is tense as Optimus transforms and enters the room to everyone staring at him. As he gets closer it’s obvious everyone is on edge around him as some finch as he gets too close. Optimus looks around the room seeing his comrades all on edge.

“Is something wrong?” Optimus asks as he looks at the reactions from his team.

“We…were wondering where you’ve been…”Arcee said, sharing a look with Bulkhead who was standing next to her,

“We…haven’t been able to reach you.”Bulkhead added, “I have been outside of our communication range.” Optimus stated as he went to reach for something on his person, the three Autobots sprange into a defensive position and pulled out their blasters. Agent Fowler had the kids get behind him. Warlock went over and blocked Moonlight as Starscream watched, so much for comradery. One bizarre incident and they turn on their leader? Starscream wanted to observe, clearly all of this was some sort of misdirection or mistake. Even though he saw how obvious this was, how can the Autobots not realize this? He was going to stay out of this, let them get their ranks in order.

“I was in a subterranean energon deposit.” As Optimus unveils a rather large energon crystal from his subspace. The 3 Autobots still had their blasters locked on Optimus; they each exchanged looks at one another.

“Seriously? That is the real Optimus. It’s painfully obvious.” Starscream pointed out, They looked over at the seeker and lowered their blasters.

“Sorry, Optimus.” Arcee said as she approached her leader, Optimus was visibly confused by this whole ordeal.

“Don’t blame them, Prime. I was attacked on the road by a big rig that looked eerily like you.” Agent Fowler said, “And it tried running me over.” Arcee added, Optimus didn’t show it on his face but his optics spoke volumes. He was clearly upset and unnerved by this news. After tempers cooled and the tension in the air dissipated the Autobots made a decision for Optimus to stay in base for the time being and for all Autobots to stay on premises. Agent Fowler would take the kids back to their homes and return with them tomorrow morning. As the humans left, Bumblebee showed Warlock and Starscream where they could recharge for the night. Moonlight climbed into the berth with her sire as Starscream chose to sleep in his own berth. Someone is out there masquerading as Optimus Prime, great another stupid thing to look out for. Starscream laid their beginning to drift off to sleep.

The next morning everything seemed…normal at least. They all refueled, and recollected themselves in the morning. The berth’s weren’t as nice as the ones Warlock had on his ship but it allowed Starscream to recharge. Agent Fowler returned with the human children in tow, and everyone was wondering what the next steps would be. As they were all discussing things Agent Fowler gets a phone call,

“What? That’s not possible. I can tell for sure that there are 50 stars on my star spangled shorts that it isn’t him!” Agent Fowler turns towards Optimus who he was standing near. Agent Fowler hung up his phone,

“A military base is currently under attack…by Autobots…led by Optimus Prime.” Fowler explained, “That’s impossible all Autobots are here…well except for Wheeljack but…” Miko said confused, how could Optimus be attacking a military base, he was right here? “Who else is there? Was it just the truck?” Warlock asked,

“No, the bot. And some other flying bot aiding him.” Fowler stated, “Could it be Overlord?” Raf asks, “Our only two fliers are right here. So it could be Overlord.” Arcee states as she looks over at Warlock and Starscream. Ratchet opens a ground bridge to the military bases coordinates, everyone gets ready to enter battle as they all rush through the ground bridge. Optimus leading the charge, as they exited the ground bridge it was utter chaos surrounding them.

Explosions and fires raging across the base blaster fire can be heard as humans scramble around the base trying to extinguish the flames. Loud pedfalls can be heard as they spotted a nearly identical looking Optimus Prime blasting his way through the base. The coloring on the other Prime was dull, darker and much more scuffed. Starscream was looking above for this mysterious flier, hoping it wasn’t Overlord. But to his surprise he saw a Cybertronian jet zipping away from the base. The color scheme didn’t match Overlord’s and the jet was too small to be him. The phony Optimus locked eyes with the Autobots and immediately disengaged. The fake transformed and headed in the direction of the jet. The human military arrived in choppers and began launching missiles at them. “Autobots! Return to base. We must not inflict human casualties.” Optimus cried out and began leading his team to retreat. As they all begin to turn and head back to the ground bridge portal. The humans firing shots at them as the Autobots narrowly escaped back through the ground bridge they emerged from.

They came back to base trying to figure out what they just witnessed. Agent Fowler was already on the phone with his military contacts trying to explain to him that it wasn’t Optimus and that he was with Optimus when he got the alert about the base being attacked. “Yes the Autobots were at the base…But it was in response to the initial attack! Yes Sir- , But Sir- I-, I understand.” Agent Fowler hung up,

“So what’s the damage?” Jack asked,

“All military personnel are instructed to attack any bots they see on sight.” Everyone looked surprised at such an extreme measure.

“Clearly this imposter poses a great threat to humanity.” Optimus says,

“Yeah a 30 ft tall, transforming imposter.” Agent Fowler added, “And his strange flying counterpart.” Starscream chimed in,

“Whoever the seeker was it wasn’t Overlord thankfully. But I didn’t recognize the vehicle mode. But it was clearly Cybertronian.” Starscream stated, Ratchet clenched his fist, “There is only one possible explanation for this. Those…butchers…they cracked the code and made a duplicate Optimus.” Ratchet stated,

“MECH.” Optimus said with a frown,

“And that flier must be the Con, Moonlight heard working with them.” Warlock said looking down at his daughter who was clinging to his leg. Hearing MECH being mentioned put the small sparkling on high alert. Warlock kneeled down and comforted the small femme. “MECH, Abducted Breakdown and even Moonlight. But with Breakdown they deconstructed and dissected him from cranial chamber to heelstrut.” Ratchet stated,

“Yeah..I was there..” Bulkhead added, “And this mysterious ally of theirs must have acquired them a T-Cog. Allowing the imposter the ability to transform.” Starscream added, “And then got the imposter to scan an appropriate vehicular mode-”, Ratchet stated,

“Filled the tank with energon-”, Jack continued,

“And say hello to Nemesis Prime!” Miko finished.

“So where do we begin to try and find them? MECH’s base could be anywhere.” Agent Fowler asked,

“Not necessarily. MECH may have learned much about our biology-“ Optimus stated, “But they don’t know much about our technology.” Ratchet continues, Ratchet approaches the computer console

“Without access to a ground bridge, Nemesis Prime would have to rely on its vehicle mode for transportation.” Ratchet stated,

“Unless our mysterious new flier friend gave them access to one.” Warlock said, “That is possible but probably unlikely. If they did possess a ground bridge, why not use it when at the military base?” Ratchet questioned Warlock,

“Yeah we don’t need another Shadow Zone situation.” Miko said, Starscream looked over at the human girl “Shadow Zone?” Starscream asked, Raf looked up at Starscream “Yeah. When two ground bridges open super close to one another and you go through it, the portal takes you to some in between space. We can see you but you couldn’t see or hear us. It’s where Skyquake’s zombie ended up…and your arm…” Raf said to Starscream, He wondered what happened to his old arm…

“Chances are that the MECH base is within driving distance of both incidents.” Arcee states,

“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s stop these science freaks.” Agent Fowler punches his hand,

“Agent Fowler. I do not find it advisable to put yourself in harm's way of MECH’s robot again.” Optimus said to the federal agent.

“Well I don’t find it advisable to be running recon with the whole military ready to blow you guys to smithereens.” Agent Fowler argued,

“We will maintain vehicular cover until absolutely necessary.” Optimus states, “Besides we got Scream and Warlock. So some aerial recon will help tremendously.” Bulkhead said, patting Starscream on the back causing the seeker to stumble forward a bit. “Warlock should remain at base. He doesn’t like to fight unless he has to.” Starscream reminded Bulkhead,

“No. Not this time.” Warlock interjected, Starscream turned to his partner confused, “They tried to hurt Moonlight. It’s personal.” Warlock said as Moonlight got closer to her sire,

“I don’t like them. I don’t want them to hurt you, sire. Like they did with this Breakdown person.” Moonlight said she was obviously scared and worried that these nasty humans would hurt her sire. “I agree with young Moonlight. I believe your animosity towards them could cloud your judgment in the field. Having you remain here as back up for Ratchet would be more ideal.” Optimus said to the scientist. Warlock frowned and sighed “Understood. My talents are better used here.” Warlock said defeated, “Don’t worry we’ll knock Nemesis Prime’s screws loose for you and Moonlight.” Bulkhead said confidently, causing both Moonlight and Warlock to smile.

The group decides to leave the base and begin their search for MECH’s base. The Autobots split up and began taking various quadrants near where the two incidents occurred. After a couple of hours of searching everyone checks in and everyone says they found no signs of MECH, Nemesis Prime or the mysterious Decepticon working with them. Bumblebee’s check in was the most interesting to Starscream though, Bumblebee claimed to spot some sort of factory nearby and he was going to check it.

“Bumblebee, proceed with utmost caution. We will rendezvous at your location. ” Optimus informed the scout as Starscream belined for Bumblebee’s location. As a flier Starscream clearly would get there faster than the ground based Autobots. Starscream saw Bumblebee from above slowly entering the facility. Optimus told them not to transform and for recon only but the seeker knew this had to be the place. ‘It’s definitely creepy enough to be their base.’ Starscream thought as he landed on the roof of one of the silos. Starscream used his higher vantage point to see if he could spot anything. Starscream noticed on the building below a quick gleam of red. “Looks like I’m not the only one using a high vantage point.” Starscream muttered as he stealthily tried to get down closer to the flier. He jumped down to the lower building and pressed himself against a wall and peaked around the corner.

There they were, MECH’s mysterious Cybertronian ally clearly observing Bumblebee from above. Starscream got a better view of the flier now, A very bright red, white and blue color scheme. Similar to what he used to wear back in the day before the war. Not too tall, not too bulky but his back was to him. He noted the distinctive red plus marks on his wings though, a rather odd design choice. Still Starscream was on edge as he didn’t know what to expect from this bot since he didn’t recognize the Decepticon at all. ‘Who are you?’ Starscream thought, as he can hear the bot’s comm fritz

“Yes, Silas I have eyes on the target ...Is…that-Hush! I’m trying to think but you chatting my audio processor off isn’t helping Silas!” The mysterious bot argued with MECH’s leader. Starscream still didn’t recognize the voice of this bot. Rather posh, but cranky… reminds him of himself in a way… “Your little toy is heading there now. Please keep the bot alive at least. I’m not doing extra grunt work for you.” The bot hung up on Silas and continued to observe Bumblebee from above. Starscream got his blasters out and began to sneak up on the Decepticon. Starscream slowly approached the con, trying to make as little noise as possible. The sounds of blaster fire below caught Starscream’s attention. ‘Scrap, Nemesis Prime must be fighting Bumblebee…’ Starscream thought as he charged his blasters and aimed at the Decepticon. The con heard the charging blaster sound behind him and turned to Starscream.

Starscream finally got to see the con’s face. But what caught Starscream by surprise was his insignia. It wasn’t the Decepticon insignia on his chest…but an Autobot insignia. “An…Autobot?” Starscream questioned, no way an Autobot would team up with MECH? “Well if it isn’t Megatron’s right hand mech himself! Starscream! What brings you out here? Here to help your friend?” The bot asked rather casually as if they were old friends. Starscream was perplexed, the bot wasn’t nervous or on edge at all. He stood there with a smile on his face and servos on his hips, it was really throwing Starscream off.

“Who are you? And why are you attacking your comrades? An Autobot wouldn’t be working with MECH.” Starscream said to the bot, The bot’s condescending smile quickly faded. “My comrades? No, that one of yours down there…” The bot insisted, Starscream was confused, as the bot was oblivious or dumb.

“That’s Bumblebee down there! Are you daft?!” Starscream gestured to Bumblebee who just got knocked out by Nemesis Prime. The unknown Autobot looked down and saw the insignia on Bumblebee’s plating…”No. they said they were leading Decepticons out here. That they were using Decepticon parts!” The bot cried out clearly he was lied to and duped by MECH. “Clearly you were misled by MECH’s leader. They are an enemy to Decepticon and Autobot alike. And for the record…I defected from the Decepticon ranks. I work with Optimus and the other Autobots here on Earth.” Starscream stated as the mysterious bot turned back to Starscream “Optimus is here on this planet?! Which means…is Ratchet with him?!” The bot asks, lunging at the seeker and grabbing his shoulders. Starscream still had his blaster charged and pointed at the manic bot.

“Uh…yes. Ratchet is here on Earth.” Starscream stuttered as this bot was way too close for Starscream’s comfort. “Oh wonderful! My old mentor here on this disgusting little mudball!” The bot cheered,

“Mentor? You're a medic?” Starscream asked as the bot released Starscream from his grasp, The bot cleared his throat “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Pharma.” The bot said, placing a servo on his chest. This bot was a medic, Ratchet said he needed help with Skywarp’s condition and could use an assistant. Starscream was still hesitant, this Pharma teamed up with MECH, kidnapped Moonlight, and helped MECH build Nemesis Prime. He was questionable, and even clearly lied to by Silas something was just off about him Starscream didn’t like. But if Optimus was willing to give someone like him a second chance, Pharma deserves one too. “Fine. Uh, Pharma? Help us take down this imposter Prime. It’s your fault it’s even a problem to begin with.” Starscream said, “I thought making it look like Optimus was a scare tactic for Decepticons. I mean if you saw Optimus barreling towards you, you would be afraid.” Pharma stated, Pharma had a point but still this whole situation is his fault in a way. “Whatever just help us destroy the blasted thing.”

The two seekers jump off the building and begin looking for Nemesis Prime. Starscream was dealing with Pharma and didn’t see where Nemesis Prime took Bumblebee’s body. Starscream heard blows being exchanged as the two stumbled into watching Optimus and Nemesis Prime in a brawl. Nemesis Prime pinned Optimus to a wall but Optimus kicked Nemesis off him and began blasting at the Doppelgänger. Pharma looked over and saw an unconscious Arcee laying against a large pipe.

“Help Optimus. I’ll tend to the injured.” Pharma said as he rushed to Arcee’s side. Starscream nodded as he joined Optimus in the frey. “Two against one? Hardly seems fair, Prime.” Silas said through Nemesis Prime. “If we’re talking fair then maybe don’t be creating body doubles!” Starscream yelled as he fired at Nemesis Prime while Optimus went in for a physical fight. “I possess all of that strength, agility and fire power you have Prime.” As Nemesis Prime kicked Optimus back and began blasting. Starscream ran in and began trying to get closer to Nemesis but he saw Starscream coming and quickly bashed his arm into Starscream’s side sending him flying into one of the silos. Starscream began coughing up some blood. ‘Primus that hurt.’ Starscream thought as he watched Nemesis Prime and Optimus climb on top of a silo and continue their fight. Starscream managed to get to his feet as he looked up, his spark sank as he saw Nemesis Prime stabbing Optimus right in the torso. “The key difference between you and I is…I can’t feel pain.” As Nemesis twists the blade inside Optimus’s torso. The Prime cried out in pain, “Optimus!” Starscream yelled as he staggered forward, things were still blurry but Optimus was in a dire situation.

Starscream managed to get himself up onto the silo. Oddly the fake Prime was standing there motionless. Optimus laid there in his own blood as he struggled to get to his feet. “Hold on Optimus.” Starscream said as he helped the Prime up. Optimus immediately noticed that Nemesis wasn’t moving. Optimus used this as his golden opportunity to strike the fake. Nemesis blocked the first strike but his reflexes were slower as Optimus released a barrage of brutal punches on Nemesis Prime. Ultimately jumping in the arm and bashing the fake through the roof of the silo crashing down below. Optimus and Starscream looked down the hole and was surprised to see Agent Fowler down there. “That sounds like our guys. You guys head back to base. I’ll deal with Uncle Sam.” Agent Fowler said, “Why is Agent Fowler’s Uncle helping us?” Starscream asked Optimus, “He is referring to his military backup…I believe.” Optimus told Starscream, clearly even the Prime didn’t understand Fowler’s unique turn of phrase. “Did you find MECH’s Decepticon associate?” Optimus asked Starscream as the two got down, “Funny you ask that.” As Pharma came with the rest of team Prime. “Meet our newest addition.”

Chapter Text

After escaping the whole MECH fiasco, the Autobots returned to base without issue. Ratchet was pleasantly surprised to see his old student and colleague Pharma amongst the bots. Pharma explained why he was working with MECH and how it came to pass. He apparently was stationed at a remote medical outpost on Delphi near the planet Messatine. That had an outbreak of cosmic rust which spread rapidly killing most of the people at the station. Pharma was the sole survivor of the outbreak, he explained that the DJD was responsible for the outbreak. The DJD, the Decepticon Justice Division, an elite assassin group fanatically devoted to the Decepticon cause and Megatron. All manners of traitors, deserters, and transgressors to the Decepticon cause end up on

"The List", and are targeted by them. Starscream remembered being placed on the list so many times Tarn just began to ignore his name on the list as their master would ask him to remove it the next day. Which is a relief to the seeker because the DJD likes to make sure any transgressors are thoroughly punished. As Pharma was escaping the DJD and avoiding catching cosmic rust he ended up getting to a space bridge, punching in random coordinates and arrived on Earth of all places. He lucked out that energon was on the planet as he went to a nearby deposit where he ran into MECH. Silas explained to Pharma that they were interested in learning about Cybertronian biology. And that they dealt with the Decepticons that were on the planet and would use their parts for their research. Pharma only agreed as he saw it as a win-win scenario getting rid of Decepticons and teaching the locals lifeforms more about Cybertronian life.

As Starscream listened to Pharma’s tale of what happened at the medical post at Delphi he felt something did not add up. Starscream has unfortunately met the DJD numerous times with Megatron. It didn’t sound like something DJD would do. Starscream knows the DJD loves to get their hands dirty and caused the pain or torture themselves. Releasing a plague in a medical facility doesn’t follow the DJD’s MO. Starscream wouldn’t put it past the DJD to do it, but it just sounded out of character for the assassins. He knew their stomping grounds were near the planet Messatine so it seems entirely plausible for the DJD to be there. Starscream decided to keep his mouth shut, this was all conjecture on Starscream’s part. They have another medic aboard the team that can help with Skywarp, that’s all Starscream cares about right now. Starscream looked over at Warlock who also seemed wary of Pharma. Warlock asked Pharma why he let MECH take Moonlight if he only targeted Decepticons. Pharma looked at Warlock confused, “I was informed it was a Decepticon minicon. The Well dried up ages ago, I never thought a sparkling could be possible. I apologize profusely.” Pharma said to Warlock, who didn’t show it on his face but Starscream could tell Warlock didn’t like him.

The rest of the Autobots gave Pharma a warm welcome, while Starscream and Warlock were standing at the edge of the room. Starscream turned to Warlock. “I can tell you don’t like him.” Starscream said,

“He either is too trusting or he knew what he was doing was wrong and is neglecting to tell us.” Warlock said, Starscream turned to look at him, “What do you mean? About Moonlight? You do have to give him that at least. Sparklings are a rarity nowadays.” Starscream replied, "Warlock frowned,

“He’s a physician. A quick glance would be able to tell she is sparkling and not a minicon. And also harvesting organs from Decepticons to give to MECH? Why is no one questioning that?” Warlock said, crossing his arms, “Maybe they aren’t judging him for how he chose to survive out here. He probably didn't know there were Autobots on this planet probably.”

“That’s another thing. He didn’t try contacting the base here or sending a distress signal? I just…there’s so many things he could have done differently.” Warlock frowned looking over at Pharma who was talking with Ratchet. “You're nitpicking. You trusted me and I've done worse things than Pharma. Stop being such a sourpuss.” Starscream said as he began to walk towards the rest of the group. Warlock stayed by the wall observing, As Pharma and Ratchet went to the med bay. Ratchet was telling Pharma about Skywarp and the condition he came in, what work he did and what he still needed to do. Pharma and Ratchet together began to work on Skywarp, The rest of the group was planning to raid an energon mine so Warlock ground bridged them out while the medics were busy. Warlock decided to keep monitoring the situation while Ratchet was busy.

Starscream walked towards the med bay but stayed out of eyesight of the two medics and decided to eavesdrop on their conversation. “I’m sorry for what you dealt with on Delphi. I can’t imagine trying to quarantine and handle such a bad outbreak.” Ratchet said working on some cables in Skywarp’s chassis.

“It was. Most of my veteran staff were the first to go. Leaving me with the newer medics. Those DJD scum really did a number at the base. I had no choice but to prioritize my survival. I felt terrible leaving.” Pharma responded, “I don’t doubt you did everything in your power to save people. Cosmic Rust is such a horrid disease and very hard to treat once it spreads too far.” Ratchet continued to work as Pharma went over to the computer to check some files,

“Well you can’t underestimate Decepticons. Speaking of Decepticons… Megatron’s former second in command has joined your ranks… An interesting choice.” Pharma said in a rather judgy way, Starscream frowned ‘Seriously he was going to talk trash about Starscream now? He was the one who found him and told him the Autobots were here!’ Starscream thought, now listening in more,

“And we’re working on another former Decepticon.” Pharma stood over Skywarp, “What happened to Skywarp isn’t his fault. He was kidnapped by Overlord and tortured for years! And he saved Wheeljack during his escape, he has some honor at least.” Ratchet was soldering a spot on Skywarp’s neck,

“As for Starscream. I can understand your hesitation in trusting him but he has become a reliable ally. He has provided us with useful information at times, helped out on some missions and has shown he is capable of change. It doesn’t excuse the terrible things he’s done in the past, but since joining Warlock we’ve seen a shift in him. He’s capable of good and wants to see Megatron fall just as much as the rest of us.”

Starscream smiled at Ratchet’s description of him. He did think the doctor thought so highly of him. Ratchet goes up,

“I need to retrieve a tool from the other room I’ll be right back.” Ratchet said as he left the room, Pharma stood over Skywarp and was scanning his exposed chassis. Starscream looked closer at Pharma as he pulled out a blade and was looking from where Ratchet left… He looked nervous. Something in Starscream didn’t like this, as he came out of his hiding spot and startled the medic. “How is he doing?” Starscream asked, watching Pharma’s reaction. Pharma was clearly startled by Starscream and put the blade down. “He’s fine. We’re doing some more internal work on him today. Nothing to worry about.” Pharma said recovering from Starscream’s surprise appearance. Starscream eyed Pharma up and down, “Do you know when he’ll wake?” Starscream asked Pharma,

“Uh…soon hopefully Ratchet did fantastic work on him already. It shouldn’t be too much longer now…” Pharma said with a tinge of panic in his voice. Ratchet returned a moment later to the two talking. “Ah Starscream, come check on Skywarp? Nothing really has changed.” Ratchet said as he went back to working on Skywarp. “What can I say, I am concerned for my brother’s wellbeing.” Starscream said but side eyeing Pharma. “You constantly hovering over your brother isn’t going to make him wake up quicker.” Ratchet said, as Pharma smirked at the seeker, “Yes, Starscream. Let the medical professionals do their job.”

Starscream frowned but left the room, he could feel Pharma smirk burning into the back of his head. Starscream walked out and saw Warlock at the computer monitoring the situation in the mine.

“You were right, I don’t like Pharma.” Starscream muttered next to Warlock, Warlock smiled and turned towards Starscream… “Oh? Whose being a sourpuss now?” Warlock teased, Starscream frowned as his wings rose slightly, “Ha, ha, laugh it up. But seriously? I don’t trust him. His story about the DJD and the cosmic rust doesn't add up. And I saw him doing something suspicious when he was left alone with Skywarp.” Starscream crossed his arms and looked towards the med bay. Warlock looked curiously at Starscream, “So what? You want to let Optimus or Ratchet know?” Warlock asked if he could tell Starscream’s mind was racing. “Ratchet would dismiss the idea his little protege isn’t as squeaky clean as he thinks. The rest of the Autobots are still super wary of me. Me saying that another Autobot is suspicious or questionable would just bounce back to ‘We let you in didn’t we?’ or them saying I’m being paranoid.” Starscream ranted and pouted, Warlock could tell he was frustrated and still struggling to truly trust the Autobots. “Maybe give him some time to adjust. You’re still adjusting yourself and it’s been weeks. Maybe give him some time.” Warlock said trying to appease him, Starscream huffed and looked back at his partner. “Can we at least talk trash in private?” Starscream looked back at Warlock,

“Oh, absolutely. No question.” Warlock replied quickly, causing Starscream to laugh hard. Starscream calmed down and looked back at Warlock. “You really know me well, huh?” Starscream playfully nudged him “Of course. What can I say, you’ve rubbed off on me.”The rest of the day was rather boring. The team came back successful and Warlock and Starscream decided to head back to their ship early. The moment they returned to their ship they sat down with some high grade and began smack talking Pharma. When Moonlight would enter the room they would put the high grade away or out of sight of the young sparkling. The two seekers went to recharge after having a pleasant evening trash talking the newest addition to the Autobot team and some human entertainment on television.

The next day Warlock and Starscream informed the Autobots that they would come to the base at a later point in the day as they needed to do some maintenance on the ship. After a couple hours and one of Moonlight’s lessons they got a call over their comm links

“Starscream. I need to meet with you regarding your sibling.” It was Pharma contacting Starscream directly, “What? Did something happen?” Starscream asked concerned,

“Yes. He woke up but upon seeing he was in an Autobot base freak out and teleported somewhere. Thankfully we had the foresight to put a tracker on him. We figured you and I as a medic can wrangle him and not have him freak out.” Pharma explained, Starscream couldn’t believe Skywarp was finally awake. But him scrambling away after seeing he was with the Autobots sounded unlike him. But Skywarp was tortured for years by Overlord, maybe he wasn’t in his right mind. “Alright send me the coordinates. Warlock and I will meet you there.” Starscream said as he was getting ready to inform Warlock.

“No. Just you. Ratchet thinks if too many people approach him he’ll keep teleporting and undo all the work we’ve done on him. Just meet me at the coordinates.” Pharma insisted, it made sense over teleporting like that caused the deterioration in the first place. “Fine, I’ll meet you in a bit.” Starscream said over comms, he left to go find Warlock who was outship doing some repairs. “Warlock. We have an issue.” Starscream said as Warlock got up, “What was the update not going through?”, Starscream’s solemn face made Warlock concerned, “Pharma, just comm’ed me and said Skywarp woke up and teleported away. And that he and I alone should retrieve him in order to prevent him from freaking out and causing more damage to his systems.”

“Ok…this sounds weird but…I guess it makes sense. No one else is coming? Not even Optimus?” Warlock asked, “No. Which is why I’m sending you the coordinates just in case something goes wrong. I assume the Autobots already are up to date on the situation.” Starscream took a few steps before turning back, “I look forward to introducing you to him.” Starscream said with a smile before jetting off. Warlock finished the repairs and went to check on Moonlight.

“Ready to head to the base?” Warlock asked his daughter, “Is that Farm guy gonna be there?” Moonlight asked, “No he and Starscream are going on a special mission together. Look he didn’t know he was helping bad people when MECH took you. You can’t blame him.” Moonlight looked down, not wanting to make eye contact with her sire. Warlock sighs and opens a ground bridge with his remote to the Autobot base. As he and Moonlight entered the base the team seemed panicked. Optimus turned to Warlock, “Warlock, is Starscream with you?” Optimus asked, approaching the scientist.

“No…he…he’s with Pharma. He said they had to retrieve Skywarp after he woke up and teleported away.” Everyone’s gazes shift between each other which made Warlock nervous. Ratchet broke the momentary silence “We haven’t been able to contact Pharma and Skywarp disappeared from the med bay. Pharma didn’t inform us of anything and we can’t seem to locate him.” Ratchet explained as the Warlock felt his stomach drop, “Oh…no…it was a trap.”

Chapter Text

Starscream arrived at the coordinates Pharma provided. The coordinates lead to a mountain, Starscream saw what was most likely a cave opening in the mountain. He transformed and landed near the cave opening, he didn’t see Pharma so he most likely went inside the cavern. Starscream hated confined spaces, after what happened with Megatron during that cave he really hoped he could convince Skywarp to come out. He walked further and further into the cave hoping to maybe hear someone talking or an indication of life. The silence was eerie and he really didn’t like this uneasy feeling he was getting.

A few moments later he arrived at a large pocket in the cavern where it looked like a junction where other passageways met. In the center of the cave was an unconscious Skywarp lying there. Starscream didn’t see any sign of Pharma but he immediately bolted to where Skywarp was. He knelt down and looked over his brother. He was unconscious but unharmed. “Where is Pharma?” Starscream said to himself, as he heard something land near him. He turned to see some small device flashing and making a beeping noise. Starscream panicked thinking it was a grenade and tried to get up with Skywarp in tow. Starscream closed his optics and began to lift Skywarp. He wasn’t quick enough as the grenade detonated and a force field surrounded the two seekers. Starscream opened his optics and saw he and Skywarp were now trapped in the force field. Starscream looked around the cavern to see where the grenade came from only to see a silhouette of a seeker in the far left opening. The figure approached and revealed itself to be Pharma.

“Pharma?! What is the meaning of this?!” Starscream shrieked as Pharma approached, “I’m doing what is needed. I am a medic after all it’s my job to get rid of infections…”

Pharma said with a sneer, Starscream frowned and approached the edge of the force field. “Infection? Is that what you think of me? I’ve been called far worse.” Starscream smirked, he knew he was in a tight spot but Warlock should arrive with reinforcements soon.

“A vile monster like you shouldn’t be able to join the Autobot ranks. You’re just as bad as the DJD. If not worse.” Pharma said venomously, Starscream scowled at his comparison. True, Starscream wasn’t a good bot; but he wasn't as vile as the DJD. “The DJD are a unique blend of sociopaths. I’m not like them. I chose to change. I’m not Commander Starscream anymore. Just…let me and Skywarp out and we can discuss this like proper mechs.” Starscream pleaded with the medic hoping to appeal to his better nature.

Pharma shook his head “No. We aren’t going to waste resources on Decepticon trash. I’m getting rid of both of you once and for all.” Pharma went over to a boulder and clearly went to grab something.

As he was walking away Starscream growled, “Don’t you think the rest of the Autobots would frown upon this?! They know I’m here! I gave Warlock the coordinates! They won’t let you get away with this.” Starscream said as he pressed his servos against the force field.

Pharma chuckled, “They’ll frown upon it, yes but it has to be done. Just like Delphi extreme measures must be taken to deal with you Decepticon trash.”

Starscream felt a chill run up his spinal strut. “You released the cosmic rust in the outpost…but…but why?” Starscream was horrified, he knew Pharma’s story didn’t add up but he didn’t think Pharma would do something so extreme.

“Tarn was extorting me. I had no choice! To keep the DJD away from killing my patients Tarn wanted T-cogs for his…condition. If a patient died I gave them their T-cog. But as time passed Tarn’s requests became more and more, and I was left to terminate patients to meet the quota. If I didn’t do something drastic it would have been my head! I had no choice! The other doctors were clever and could make it out…probably. If I got rid of the supply Tarn would lose interest and I can afford to make an escape! I did what I had to!”

Pharma stood there exposing his crimes to Starscream, “So that’s how you got a T-cog to MECH.” Starscream said coldly, “I had a leftover T-cog yes. But that isn’t the point. It was Tarn’s vile extortion that killed those bots, not me! I had to keep my people safe and did what I could! I had to make a tough choice.” Pharma snarled at the seeker.

Starscream shook his head, “You did have to make a tough choice and I don’t envy you. But releasing cosmic rust in a medical facility?! That was your solution? There were so many other things you could have done! Murdering all those bots shouldn’t have even been an option.” Starscream shouted at the jet. Pharma growled and got up to the edge of the force field, “YOU WEREN’T THERE! I WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY A VILE MISCREANT LIKE YOU STARSCREAM!”

Pharma pounded on the force field, Starscream took a step back as Pharma looked angry and manic. “It won’t matter in a few seconds because you’ll be offline soon enough.” Pharma had an actual dentanation device in his hand. Clearly, he plans on causing a cave-in and terminating him and Skywarp by crushing him in the rubble. “It’ll look like an accident and I can explain it away.” Pharma said, trying to calm himself down. Loud ped steps could be heard echoing down one of the passageways. Starscream felt a sense of relief, the loud pedfalls must belong to Optimus as it sounded like it belonged to a large bot. The steps got loud as the bot whose pedfalls it belonged to appeared out of one of the passageways. Starscream’s spark sank as fear gripped him. It wasn’t Optimus, it wasn’t Megatron…It was Overlord.

“Well look what I stumbled onto…Starscream! It’s been ages! Seems you found my personal ground bridge too! And…” Overlord’s gaze went to Pharma, “An Autobot plaything too! Oh, this will be fun!” Overlord said cheerfully, panic took over the seekers as they realized they were trapped with one of the Decepticons’ cruelest warriors. Pharma began to panic as he tried to arm the bomb as quickly as he could before Overlord got to him. Overlord rushed him and bashed him into the cavern wall. Starscream was somewhat grateful for being stuck in the force field as Overlord couldn’t get to him and Skywarp but it also trapped the two in the cavern with Overlord. Starscream heard a ticking sound, ‘Oh no.’ Starscream thought as he saw the bomb’s countdown had begun.

Starscream panicked, he was trapped and a cave-in was imminent. He looked over to his brother and began to shake him. “Skywarp! Wake up! We need to teleport out of here! Skywarp!” Starscream yelled into his brother’s face while trying to shake the bot awake. The sound of Overlord thrashing Pharma echoed through the cavern. Pharma’s cries were loud as he tried to get away from the brutal bot. Starscream looked over at the two bots as he saw blaster fire coming out of nowhere.

Starscream looked over in the direction of the blasts and saw Optimus and the rest of the Autobots with him. Starscream felt a small sense of relief as the cavalry did arrive. Ratchet barged his way to the front, “Pharma!” he shouted and barged towards Overlord.

“Ratchet wait!” Optimus cried but Ratchet didn’t listen and charged at Overlord. Overlord lifted his head up as Ratchet swiped down on his arm, making a slight scratch into Overlord’s dense armor. Overlord chuckled, “Oh well look at that! Another plaything…” Overlord got up as Pharma’s bleeding body lay there on the ground. Pharma was gasping and looking over at Ratchet. Ratchet was enraged as he kept swiping and trying to get at Overlord.

Overlord stood there and took the strikes and was acting completely unphased. Overlord chuckled as he grabbed Ratchet by the head and lifted him high up. The other Autobots jumped into action trying to save Ratchet. Blaster fire echoed through the chamber as they desperately tried to free Ratchet from Overlord’s grasp. Warlock ran over to Starscream who was trapped in the force field.

“Starscream!” Warlock said relieved. He looked and tried to figure out how to turn the force field off. Warlock could hear the fighting going on behind him as he suddenly was thrashed and knocked over by Bumblebee who crashed into him. Starscream watched the battle pursue as Overlord thru Ratchet around like a flail and was knocking other Autobots around like they were nothing. He threw Ratchet straight into Optimus causing the Autobot leader to fall over with Ratchet on top of him.

Arcee was blasting the large Decepticon from a distance as she got closer to the force field, “Arcee! Pharma armed a bomb! We need to get everyone out now!” Starscream cried and pointed to the bomb. Arcee looked and saw the device slowly counting down. Bulkhead was bashing his mallet into Overlord’s side, the Decepticon laughed “A Wrecker? I thought all of you died. Guess I’ll have to rectify that.” As Overlord drew his blade and jammed it into Bulkhead’s shoulder. Energon spurted from the wound as Bulkhead cried out in pain.

“Bulkhead!” Arcee and Bumblebee cried out as the two tried to flank Overlord. Starscream muttered in anger as no one was going to deal with the bomb. Starscream took out his blaster and shot at the force field, he needed to deal with the bomb.

Optimus got up and checked on Ratchet who was clutching his head. “Ratchet. Bulkhead is in need of medical attention. We’ll deal with Overlord. Get him to the med bay now!” Optimus said, gesturing to the bleeding wrecker. Bulkhead was staggering as Overlord lifted his fists over his head and in a brutal swing bashed Bulkhead into the ground. Ratchet watched in horror as the savage Decepticon was beating one of their strongest fighters. Arcee flips in and begins striking Overlord’s arm while Bumblebee can from the other side and hit the other. It was enough of a distraction for Optimus and Ratchet to drag both Pharma and Bulkhead away from the Decepticon. Overlord wasn’t going to let them get away as he blasted the tunnel they were heading towards causing the rubble to block their exit. Overlord began to blast various parts of the cavern trying to prevent the Autobots from escaping. Warlock grabbed his helm and saw how dire the situation was getting. They needed to get out soon or the bomb was going to take everyone out. Warlock looked over at Starscream who was blasting at the force field to get him and Skywarp out.

Warlock looked over at Ratchet “Ratchet! Help me get Bulk out of here!” Warlock cried as the medic turned to the sound, Ratchet nodded as the two dragged Bulkhead out first and would come back for Pharma. Optimus was able to keep Overlord’s attention while they were getting Bulkhead to safety. The combination of Arcee, Bumblebee, and Optimus was enough to at least distract the Con but Overlord didn’t look phased at all and was enjoying himself beating up the Autobots. Starscream was breathing heavily as he realized his blasts weren’t doing anything to weaken the force field. Starscream felt useless as he growled in frustration.

Starscream felt something on his shoulder as he turned he saw his brother’s servo and a weakened Skywarp on his feet. “Skywarp!” Starscream shouted in surprise, Skywarp groaned, “So…uh…ugh…my helm. Seems I woke up at the worst time huh?” Skywarp said as Starscream turned back to watch the battle. “We need to get out of here somehow. There’s a bomb that will go off any second now. We need to escape. Can you teleport us out of here?” Starscream asked, Skywarp clearly wasn’t at full strength as he weakly tried to teleport. Skywarp weakly went to the edge of the force field as Starscream held onto his shoulder.

Something odd did occur, as Skywarp placed his servos against the force field he glitched slightly and penetrated the field. He and Starscream fell forward and out of the force field. Starscream looked confused as did Skywarp. Problem for another time, as the bomb only had a few more seconds until it detonated. The trio Autobots were all on the ground beaten and bloodied by Overlord. He held up his blaster and aimed it at the trio ready to terminate them. Starscream shot off a missile directly at Overlord’s head causing the large bot to stagger and cry out in pain. Skywarp was attempting to get his teleportation power to work as he grumbled and ran towards the Autobots. Starscream helped Bumblebee up as Arcee was on top of Optimus unconscious. Skywarp placed a servo on Optimus’s shoulder as Skywarp extended his hand towards Starscream. Starscream grabbed it and the group quickly disappeared in a flash of purple light. Overlord got his footing and heard the sound of the detonator going off as he turned in shock.

Ratchet and Warlock dragged Bulkhead to an outer cliff as they turned to see a bright flash of purple. They covered their eyes and saw almost everyone teleport right in front of them. A loud boom could be heard inside the mountain as rubble closed up the tunnel Ratchet and Warlock came out of. After a few moments, everyone got to their feet and tried to assess the situation. “Wait…where’s Pharma?” Ratchet asked, looking for his colleague. Realization hits everyone at once as they leave Pharma in the cave with Overlord. Ratchet looked down in shock as everyone was now in a solemn mood. Starscream balled his fist, and Pharma was planning on terminating him. He should be angry, but all he felt was pity. Pharma wasn’t a good bot, he was more underhanded than some Decepticons but he didn’t deserve a fate like that. Blown up after getting the scrap beaten out of him by Overlord.

They all bridged back to base as Starscream explained what happened to Optimus. Ratchet was working on Bulkhead and the rest of the Autobots. Optimus sighed, “Pharma couldn’t get over his hatred of Decepticons and took it out on you. I am sorry, Starscream.”

Starscream looked up at Optimus “He was blinded by hate. The DJD are savages even amongst Decepticons. His hatred is understandable. I-I’m glad you showed up when you did. We probably would have been crushed by rocks after the force field went down.” Starscream looked over at Skywarp who was talking with Moonlight. She seemed excited to talk to him and seeing his brother up and about brought a smile to Starscream’s face.

Chapter Text

In the aftermath of dealing with Overlord and learning of what Pharma planned to do, the Autobot base had a tense air about it. Ratchet finished looking over all the Autobots and doing the necessary repairs. He was sad he went back to being the only medic, but Warlock decided to step up and help Ratchet with repairs. Even Moonlight would grab tools and bring them to Ratchet, “Thank you, I needed that.” He would say to the young sparkling and give her a small pat on the head. It got later in the day as everyone was tired and sore after the fight. Warlock invited Skywarp to stay on his ship as there was some extra space and he figured Starscream and he could catch up. He agrees and they all return to Warlock’s ship as the sun begins to set.

Skywarp walked around the ship and looked into everything as he was alway the curious sort. Starscream invited him to stay in his quarters. Warlock told them he would make up a room for Skywarp and the two seekers looked confused at him. “We’ll share.” They said in unison, which surprised Warlock. Starscream did primarily start sleeping in Warlock’s quarters, so maybe giving his room to Skywarp made sense. Warlock walked away briefly as he wanted to check on some stuff in his lab.

About an hour later he goes and checks on the seekers to see them cuddled up extremely close to each other on their berth watching human television. They were a tangled mess of long silvery limbs and clearly fine by the way they were talking and discussing the television show. Skywarp rested his head on Starscream’s shoulder as Starscream snaked his arm around Skywarp’s waist. If Warlock didn’t know the two were siblings he would mistake it for romantic cuddling. Warlock read some data pads about seeker trines before, and how they differ from each city state. In Nova Cronum seeker culture was pretty similar to normal Iaconian culture. But Seekers from Helix or Vos had much different culture. Especially Vos, where forming a trine or a squad was almost as sacred as a bonding ritual. And that trines or squads compositions could be made up of family, romantic partners, friends or all three. There have been many reports and stories of seekers in trines or squads whether romantic or related would engage in rather…sexual behaviors as it encourages closeness amongst the group. Whether Starscream’s trine is one of the cases remains to be seen. Warlock hoped they weren’t those kinds of seekers especially since they are siblings, but Warlock won’t judge them as it is a cultural thing. But he really hoped it wasn’t the case.

Skywarp laughed at the antics of the cartoon character on the screen. Starscream was rather stoic as he held his brother close to him. Starscream noticed Warlock in the doorway, “Warlock, join us.” Starscream purred, as he gestured to Warlock to come over. Warlock approached the two and sat on the edge of the berth, “Warlock…come closer.” Skywarp whined as he untangled himself from his brother and pulled Warlock down on top of Starscream’s legs.

Skywarp mischievously giggled as Starscream chastised him for grabbing him and dropping him on his legs. Starscream freed his legs and helped Warlock to be in between the two brothers. Each brother wrapped themselves around Warlock’s arms. Warlock gulped as he was beginning to think they were those kinds of seekers. Starscream gripped Warlock tightly as he rested his head on Warlock’s shoulder armor. Skywarp on the other hand was more loose and gently holding his arm. They two brothers looked identical but clearly they were very different in terms of personality. Starscream told him Skywarp was mischievous and childish but seeing it was very different. From the limited interactions he’s seen from Skywarp, Warlock determines he’s more playful and much more bubbly than Starscream. As far as mischief goes he has yet to see any pranks or tricks, but Skywarp has only been awake for a couple of hours.

Warlock decides to get up to put Moonlight to bed as the Skywarp groaned that he was comfortable and didn’t want Warlock to get up. Starscream rolled his optics at his immature brother. As the moment Warlock got off on the berth the two were tangled up again as if Warlock was never there. Warlock went to check on his daughter who was reading some data pads in her room. “How’s my sweetspark doing?” Warlock asked, Moonlight looked up and smiled at her sire.

“I’m doing good! I finished some of my reading assessments. I’m getting tired though…” Moonlight yawned, Warlock approached and scooped up his daughter. “That’s why I came to check on you. It’s almost your bedtime.” Warlock carried her to her berth and placed her down gently. “Hey…would you like to recharge with me? Starscream and Skywarp want some time together…so I figured you’d miss recharging with me.” Warlock said, rubbing her back, Moonlight was beaming as she looked up at her sire.

“Yes! Sire cuddle time!” Moonlight flops into Warlock’s lap. Warlock chuckles as he takes Moonlight and the two get cozy on the berth. Warlock wrapping his arms around his daughter as she begins to fall into recharge. Warlock hasn’t done this for quite some time, he wanted Moonlight to recharge on her own and be more independent. But after seeing the two seekers so close it made him miss the closeness with his daughter. Warlock read Moonlight, an old Cybertronian bedtime story as Moonlight snuggled up against her sire. Moonlight fell asleep as Warlock held her close till he fell into recharge.

Warlock woke up early in the morning and saw his daughter curled up near him but no longer in his arms. He smiled and decided to get up and leave his sparkling to sleep in. Warlock walked towards Starscream’s quarters and peaked in to check on Starscream and Skywarp. He saw Starscream preening Skywarp, he was scrubbing and buffing his wings. Ratchet did a good job patching up Skywarp and buffing out dents but he still looked rather rough in comparison to Starscream. Starscream noticed Warlock in the doorway again but was more focused on fixing his brother’s finish than saying hello. “You two are up early.” Warlock said watching the two seekers.

“We’re early birds.” Skywarp said as he leaned forward for Starscream to get in between his wing plating. “I’m no Knock Out but I don’t want my brother to look like a mess on the battlefield.” Starscream said as Skywarp lifted his wings up, clearly he had the same hypermobility that Starscream had in his wings.

“Are those my waxes and buffers?” Warlock asked, noticing Starscream’s tools looked awfully familiar. “Uh… Well, I was just borrowing them. I hope you don’t mind.” Starscream said slightly embarrassed for being caught, while Skywarp snickered at his brother.

“Unless you want me to buff Skywarp’s wings?” Warlock smirked, Starscream’s eyes went wide remembering the last time Warlock preened his wings.

“Absolutely not.” Starscream said bluntly, Skywarp couldn’t look at Starscream but looked over at Warlock. Noticing Warlock’s smirk, “Why not Scream? Is he bad at preening?” Skywarp asked his sibling, Warlock realized from Starscream’s reaction that they were not those kinds of seekers. Warlock smirked, waiting for Starscream’s answer, “No…just…I want to do it.”

Starscream took one of the buffers and was getting in between the seams of Skywarp’s wings. “Well… I’ll leave you two to it.” Warlock said leaving the room, Starscream finished with the buffer and put it down as Skywarp turned to him, “What was that about?” Skywarp asked as Starscream stiffened by his brother’s question.

“Nothing. I just wanted to preen you is all. Why are you questioning things?” Starscream said defensively as he went to grab the next buffer and looked up to see a mischievous grin on Skywarp’s face “You two fragging?”

Starscream squawked and stuttered as his wings hiked up, “Shut up!” Starscream squawked, Skywarp laughed, “So does this mean I’ll be doing a lot of sparkling sitting in the near future?” Starscream shoved his brother for his incessant teasing.

“And what if you do, huh? Finally have someone on the same maturity level as you to hang with.” Starscream snapped back, “Hey! Is that anyway to talk to your brother who you haven’t seen in ages! You should be nicer to me.” Skywarp said, jabbing his finger into Starscream’s chest. Starscream began to chuckle surprisingly.

“I missed this. Honestly.” Starscream said softly, taking Skywarp’s servo into his. Skywarp was surprised at Starscream's soft gesture and softly smiled back. “I missed you too. I spent a lot of time dreaming or imagining you or TC busting in and saving me…But…I don’t want to dwell on that. I’m just glad to have one of my brothers back. And far away from that slagger.” Skywarp said holding Starscream’s servos in his.

The two looked at each other with soft loving smiles. “Let me finish buffing your plating.” Starscream said getting the buffer to continue preening. Starscream did feel immense guilt for not saving Skywarp. But now he was just so happy to have him back. And clearly Skywarp doesn’t want to talk about it yet. Starscream doesn’t blame him. How could he? Overlord is probably more cruel than Megatron, but doesn’t make either of their sufferings any less.

Starscream finished buffing Skywarp as the two went on a short flight. Skywarp hadn’t flown in ages, and hoping Overlord won’t find them so it would be short. Skywarp scanned Starscream’s alt mode as the two transformed and began flying. Skywarp was a bit rusty and kept pace with his brother. Skywarp was having so much fun flying and doing some basic tricks in the air. Seeing Skywarp enjoying himself like this warmed Starscream’s spark.

They did some old Vosian aerial tricks as the two were laughing and having a good time. After maybe an hour of flying the two returned to the ship. They transformed and landed with a flourish. Skywarp stretched and was smiling like mad and Starscream chuckled at his brother’s goofy smile. It was like the old days, before the war when he and his trine would go on fun flights and unwind after. The two walked back into the ship as they walked past Warlock’s lab where they saw both Moonlight and Warlock in the room. “What are you two up to?” Starscream asks as Warlock turns to the two.

“Hi Starscream. Hi Skywarp.” Moonlight said, sitting in a chair waving at the two. “Hello little one. Surprised to see you here.” Starscream said to Moonlight who was looking at everyone.

“Sire is letting me do my studies here.” Moonlight said, pointing to the data pads on the table. Skywarp smiled and looked between his brother and Warlock.

“Hey Star, how about I help Moonlight with her studies and you and Warlock can discuss that thing.” Skywarp said, elbowing him in the side, he wiggled his eyebrows at Starscream indicating his true intentions. Starscream blushed a little and looked over at Warlock. Warlock smiled and stepped away from the console and walked towards Starscream. “Yes, let’s discuss that…thing.”

Warlock took Starscream’s hand and led him out of the lab. Starscream turned back and saw Skywarp helping Moonlight with her lesson. Warlock led Starscream to his quarters as Warlock closed the door and smiled down at Starscream. “Skywarp is a pretty good wingman.” Warlock mused as he kissed Starscream, Starscream hummed approvingly.

“A trine should be able to rely on one another.” Starscream said, wrapping his arms around Warlock’s waist. The two continued to kiss and walked backwards until Warlock’s legs bumped against his berth. Warlock laid down on the berth with Starscream leaning over Warlock. Starscream’s long slender digits wrapped around Warlock’s helm cupping his face. Starscream can hear Warlock’s fans beginning to turn on subtly but he could hear the humming. He chuckled as he placed a peck on his forehead.

“Your fans are already on? How adorable~” Starscream purred, he pushed himself up and placed his servos on Warlock’s chest. Warlock grabbed Starscream’s aft as he chuckled, “Can you blame me?” Warlock said in a sultry tone, “Flatterer.” Starscream said, resuming their kissing.

Warlock’s other servo was gliding up Starscream’s thigh as it held onto his hip. Starscream could feel warmth and pressure beginning to press against his panel. What happened next surprised Starscream as Warlock moved himself and adjusted his position that Warlock was now on top hovering over Starscream. Starscream’s wings pressed against the back of the berth as he felt Warlock’s servos gently caressing his larger two wings. His digit traced the lines of his transformation seams.

Starscream shuddered as he gently began to massage the tips of his wings; he put more pressure on them as Starscream squirmed under him. Starscream moaned as he wrapped his slender legs around Warlock’s waist, Warlock removed one servo to hold onto Starscream’s aft. Warlock stopped playing with Starscream’s wings as he positioned himself in a way that would allow the real fun to begin. Starscream heard Warlock’s panel open and his spike fully pressurized and eager for Starscream’s valve. Starscream opened his panel and exposed himself and eagerly waited for Warlock.

Warlock smirked down at Starscream as in a surprising motion instead of thrusting forward into Starscream’s valve, Warlock lifted Starscream’s lower body up onto his spike. Starscream moaned from Warlock's interested interface position. As Warlock pulled out slightly, Starscream used the power of his abdomen to pull himself onto Warlock’s spike.

Warlock moaned as Starscream rocked and lifted himself up and down onto Warlock’s spike. The sound of metal clashing and transfluid leaking down onto the berth, mixing with the moans from both bots there was no question what the two bots were up to. Starscream managed to wrap his arms around Warlock’s neck and with the momentum of one of his thrusts managed to knock Warlock onto his back and causing Starscream to be on top. “You…are…way stronger than you look.” Warlock huffed between breaths as both of their fans were whirring loudly.

Starscream smirked at his partner who is now under him, “My dear Warlock… you’d be surprised what I can accomplish in the berth room.” Starscream said as he bucked his hips against Warlock’s spike. Warlock moaned loudly as he leaned his head back as Starscream took control of the situation. Starscream liked that Warlock let him take control in the berthroom, as he lifted and rocked back and forth on Warlock’s spike. The sensation was fantastic as Starscream was picking up the pace for his own enjoyment rather than get Warlock to overload, but judging on the sounds he was making he was just as close. The movements against Warlock’s spike were hitting all the right nodes on Starscream as he moaned rather loudly this time living up to his designation. The transfluid was leaking more than Starscream has seen before, seems they both were rather pent up as of late and they both needed this release. Starscream was close as he went even faster, Warlock locked his hands around Starscream’s slim waist holding him in place so they both could overload.

At nearly the same time they overloaded as Warlock’s grip was still tight on Starscream as he arched his back and his wings hiked high. Their fans were loud as they both panted and held their position for a few moments. Starscream looked down at Warlock as his chest rose and fell. He smiled and chuckled, “This was some much needed quality time huh?”

Warlock’s head fell back on the berth, “Very much needed.” as Starscream got off of Warlock’s spike and curled up next to Warlock for post interface cuddles. Warlock wrapped his arm around Starscream and pulled him close. Starscream was very happy and pleased with how things have been… For once in such an extremely long time Starscream felt truly happy.

Chapter Text

The next day was a rather cheerful and calm one…mostly. Optimus and Agent Fowler left to report to Agent Fowler’s superiors about the whole Nemesis Prime incident. Mostly for a few reasons, 1. To explain that Optimus is not dead, 2. That the ‘dead’ body they have is a duplicate created by MECH and 3. To update the Autobots current situation and roster. The Autobot base was rather lively that day as everyone seems to be in high spirits. Skywarp was trying to get better acquainted with the Autobots and was already rather fond of the humans. He really bonded with Miko as he, Bulkhead and Miko were all talking about rock music and other things Starscream found no interest in.

Bumblebee and Raf were watching human racing television while Warlock was talking with Jack and trying to learn more about human culture. Ratchet was in his lab working on who knows what, and Moonlight was jumping between groups and seeing what was going on in each. Starscream was in high spirits after the other day spending some quality time with his brother and lover. Starscream was lost in thought when he felt something bump into his side, he looked over to see that Arcee was trying to get his attention. “We need to talk.” She said in a serious tone, ‘Scrap’ Starscream thought, whatever this could be probably wasn’t good.

He and Arcee walked out towards the hallway. “The Triptych Mask.” She said bluntly, Starscream knew she would ask about this eventually.

“What about it?” he said like he didn’t know what she wanted, Arcee crossed her arms and looked at him like ‘seriously?’ Starscream sighed and slumped his shoulder.

“You want to use Mournsong to talk to Cliffjumper.” He said defeated, “For the record. I don’t know how it works. I barely got Farsight to work with Warlock’s program. And it was mostly him troubleshooting it and doing the work. Let alone the one to contact the deceased. The expert on the topic is currently asking Bumblebee what his favorite energon candy is.” Starscream pointed towards the main room at Moonlight who is sitting next to Raf who is on the couch while Bumblebee is hunching over talking to the children.

“It’s a small fraction of what you can do to prove your ‘redemption’ at least. Like you said you can’t un-kill Cliff, but you can at least let me have my closure.” Arcee said sternly, Starcream sighed and pinched his brow.

“Believe me I know you want this. I want to provide it to you. But Warlock’s program is barely in the beta stages and he would be very upset if I let Moonlight use Mournsong without his express permission. He’s uncomfortable letting her use it, and he doesn’t seem keen on contacting the dead so… all I can say is be patient.” Starscream tried to explain and appease Arcee but clearly she was firm on the idea.

“Do you at least have an idea on a time frame for it? I-I just want to talk to him…at least one more time.” Arcee sounded dejected and slightly sparkbroken. Starscream felt her pain, he thought both of his brothers were dead and got Skywarp back after a strange twist of fate. Part of Starscream would love to speak to Thundercracker at least one more time too.

Stascream saw Arcee looking down, a mix of emotions. Starscream wanted to comfort her, truly but he knew they weren’t on that level yet; honestly they were probably nowhere near that level. “Just…give Warlock some time to work out the bugs and streamline the process. Then you can have closure with Cliffjumper…ok?” Starscream was truly trying to be compassionate and considerate which is usually out of character for the seeker but he was trying to be a better bot. His usual snark would probably cause Arcee to beat the everloving scrap out of him, with the others cheering her on.

“Whose Cliffjumper?” A rogue voice said as the two turned to see Moonlight standing there. Guess it was their turn for her to interrupt their conversation.

“Is Cliffjumper like Wheeljack? Does he not come to the base often? Or is he out on missions a lot?” Moonlight's question was innocent but, oh boy, was it inappropriate and at the worst time.

Starscream was panicking if he could sweat he would be drenched as he looked over at Arcee and tried to read and hopefully do damage control. Arcee’s face softened as she looked down at the sparkling, “No. Cliffjumper has been gone for a long time. I just miss him a lot.” Arcee said Starscream was surprised at how calm and gentle she was being.

“So you don’t know when he’ll come back? Maybe you should comm him and let him know you miss him.” Moonlight said cheerfully, ‘Oh sweetspark no…’ Starscream thought as he looked back at Arcee for her reaction, “No. He’s offline. I wish I could talk to him again.” She said sweetly, but Starscream saw the pain in her optics. She was being patient and rather kind to the uninformed sparkling, Moonlight meant no harm by her questions but Starscream knew it hurt Arcee to have to explain to the sparkling.

“Oh! Do you want to talk to him?” She asked rather excitably, Arcee looked rather puzzled at the sparkling’s response.

“I-I would like to, yes.” She wondered where the conversation was going. “I can talk to him for you if you want.” Moonlight said with determination in her optics.

“Well your sire said to not touch Mournsong without his permission. Remember?” Starscream interrupted trying to make this uncomfortable situation end.

“Oh. I don’t need the mask anymore. So do you have anything that belongs to Cliffjumper? It’ll make it easier.” Moonlight explained, Acree and Starscream shared a concerned and confused look.

“Uh…yes actually.” Arcee said as she gestured for the sparkling to follow her. Moonlight looked at Starscream “Are you coming? You said you’d want to see me use my gifts.” Moonlight asked Starscream to look up at Arcee to see her response. She gestured for him to come as well which surprised him.

The three of them went up in the elevator and arrived at the top of the base. Arcee walked over to a pile of boulders and picked up a small item that rested on top of the pile. She came back over to the two with a rusted looking horn. Starscream realized Arcee must have somehow got one of Cliffjumper’s horns off his corpse. Starscream was slightly horrified but also understood why she would want to keep an actual part of Cliffjumper. The pile of boulders must be a makeshift grave since Cliffjumper’s reanimated corpse was buried under literal tons of rubber after Starscream blew up that mine. Starscream was nervous about this whole situation, he was curious about Moonlight’s supposed powers. But he also might have to confront a bot he killed and that bot could talk to him which…sounds unpleasant.

Moonlight took Cliffjumper’s horn in her little servos and placed it on the ground. She began drawing a circle and writing symbols in the dirt around the circle. Clearly cybertronian glyphs and symbols but none Starscream didn’t recognize. Moonlight sat down on the edge of the circle and held Cliffjumper’s horn in her servos.

Moonlight’s eyes were closed as she looked like she was concentrating. Arcee and Starscream watched the sparkling seeing if she was being truthful about talking to the dead and if Cliffjumper would come through. After a few moments of silence the ground began to rumble slightly and the circle glowed faintly. Moonlight’s little optics shot open glowing an eerie bright green and the whole circle and the glyphs were glowing green too. Starscream stepped back in surprise looking around confused. Arcee watched in awe as the glow got brighter as she shielded her optics from the bright light. Starscream shielded his own optics as the light was now blinding as the ground stopped rumbling. As the light began to fade Starscream blinked and tried to adjust his optics back to normal. Starscream looked at first at Arcee whose jaw was hanging open and looked to be in complete shock. As Starscream looked over at the circle his jaw fell open at what he saw.

There in the circle was a spectral form of Cliffjumper. His body is an eerie green similar to Moonlight’s optics currently, and semi-transparent. Where his spark is there is a bright glowing orb most likely his spark which was a more purplish hue. Cliffjumper, not in the flesh so to speak but he was there in the circle looking directly at Arcee, it seemed he either didn’t notice Starscream or was ignoring him. “Hey ‘Cee, long time no see huh?” the specter said cheekily, grinning at his old partner.

“Cliff?” she said her voice breaking slightly, as the ghost of Cliffjumper cocked his hip and crossed his arm.

“Well who else would it be? I mean this is a little weird though… I-I remember-” Cliffjumper looked down at himself and held out his arms and looked himself over. “Huh…well that makes it about a thousand times weirder… Cause the last thing I remember was Starscream stabbing me in the spark. Then…darkness.” Cliffjumper said in a haunting way.

Arcee turned to Starscream as Cliffjumper followed her line of sight. “Arcee! Watch out! Starscream’s right there! I’d offer to help scrap him but… don’t think I can punch him as a ghost.” Cliffjumper added getting into a fighting stance.

“No Cliff… he’s not here to attack me. He’s… I guess an observer. A LOT has happened since you’ve offlined.” Arcee explained as Cliffjumper eased up but still visibly confused. Starscream cowered and awkwardly raised his hand and waved, “He-Hello, Cliffjumper.” Starscream stuttered and awkwardly smiled at the ghost.

“Arcee. You cannot be serious right now. The fact you're not decking Screamer in the face right now is insane! He killed me Arcee!” Cliffjumper yelled, placing his servos on his chest in emphasis.Starscream cringed more,

Arcee frustratedly sighed, “I know Cliff. Believe me I know. I make sure he never forgets. But… He is the reason we are talking right now.” Arcee said calmly, Cliffjumper looked shocked and his optics shifted between Arcee and Starscream. “Seriously? But… Why?”

Starscream stepped forward, “A form of an apology. I…I was rash in what I did. I let my anger take over me and I took it out on you while you couldn’t fight back. And it ended up causing your death. I… know an apology is arbitrary at this point but after some self reflection and some surprising personal growth… I want to say I’m sorry.” Starscream placed his servo over his spark and kept a stern and serious look on his face when apologizing to Cliffjumper.

Cliffjumper was silent for a few moments when he looked back over at Arcee. “So did Optimus switch bodies with Starscream? Because this cannot be Starscream.” He said in a joking but blunt manner. Starscream gasped and looked extremely offended, here he was giving a true spark felt apology and Cliffjumper is making jokes?! This is exactly what caused his death in the first place egging Starscream on to a rage and causing him to lash out.

“Are you serious?! Even in death you’re trying me?! Here I am trying to be the bigger bot and cracking jokes! Here I am giving you a sincere apology, WHICH IS RARE FROM ME OF ALL BOTS! And you think I’m Optimus in a disguise?!” Starscream shrieked in anger, stopping his foot like a sparkling throwing a tantrum, “You’re lucky I can’t stab you a second time!” He blurted out, he realized that was probably the worst thing he could blurt out. But in a strange turn of event both Cliffjumper and Arcee began to laugh.

“Oh man. I take it back no one can throw a fit quite like you, Scream. You’re the real deal.” Cliffjumper chuckled as Arcee laughed, Starscream’s head whipped between the two as they laughed at him. Starscream wanted to say some more choice words to Cliffjumper’s ghost but Arcee spoke first.

“You know. He even apologized to me too. Starscream, the Decepticon’s greatest liar and schemer apologizing for being a total aft. Glad you got to temporarily come back from the dead to witness this momentous occasion.”

Starscream realized they were mocking him at his expense, but seeing the joy in Arcee’s face, hearing her laugh for the first time, it… was weirdly nice. Even Cliffjumper mocking him began to feel less like an insult and more like playful banter. Similar to what he and Skywarp do; What true friends and partners do. Starscream watched as the two continued to joke about him and the Decepticons as if he was no longer standing there.

Starscream even laughed at a few of the jabs… because they were true. After they were done making fun of him, Arcee told Cliffjumper about some of the events that happened post his death. Some of the things even Starscream didn’t know about. She started with obviously his death and how Megatron used the dark energon on his corpse. Cliffjumper frowned at that but didn’t say anything, he wanted to but Arcee was too enveloped in her store for her to notice, but Starscream did. She told them about Airachnid being on Earth now too, Cliffjumper talked about how he wished he could’ve met her to beat the scrap out of her. How she has a new partner, a human named Jack.

Cliffjumper was happy she had a new partner and could move on. She talked about the other humans, MECH an apparent whole thing with Unicron; Which Starscream had absolutely no idea about. Optimus losing his memories, Starscream and Warlock joining Autobots, which to Cliffjumper was the most unbelievable. Not Unicron the destroyer of worlds being the core of the Earth, No. Starscream joining the Autobots was more outlandish.

The two talked for about an hour catching up like old friends. Starscream was getting worried for Moonlight because he didn’t know how long the small femme could keep this up. The air got a bit more tense as Cliffjumper smiled at Arcee. “I’m glad you're doing well, ‘Cee. I’m glad you got a new partner. I’m glad we got to talk one last time.” Cliffjumper was sincere and he cupped Arcee’s face.

“I miss you. But glad you’re still fighting the good fight.” Arcee wanted to hold his servo but hers passed through.

“I miss you so much, Cliff. I wish we could bring you back permanently.” Arcee said sadly,

“Even if there was a way…It…It wouldn’t work.” Cliffjumper said sadly, Arcee looked confused, “The dark energon. It… doesn’t just affect the deceased bodies of a bot, but their spark too. I…I can’t join the Allspark.”

Arcee’s eyes widened in horror as did Starscreams. “I tried to go…I did but I just couldn’t pass the threshold ...I've kind of been wandering around in the void all this time. Hoping I can find peace somehow.” Cliffjumper said sadly, “So you can imagine how strange but excited I was to be summoned here. Leaving that emptiness, it was rather refreshing…I really don’t want to go back.” Cliffjumper removed his hand from Arcee’s face and looked down sadly.

Arcee was upset naturally, “We’ll find a way to get you to the Allspark, Cliff. There has to be a way. I refuse to let a good bot like you disappear into the ether!” Arcee cried, Starscream saw some tears welling up in her optics. Starscream realized himself that any bots whose body was affected by dark energon can never go into the Allspark. So that includes Skyquake, Cliffjumper, Megatron…and himself. Starscream realized… Even though he is turning over a new leaf he will never find peace upon his death. Starscream was horrified by this revelation and noticed Cliffjumper’s ghost faltering a little. Starscream looked over and could see Moonlight must be at her limit. “Arcee…We don’t have much time left.” Starscream informed her.

“No! I won’t let him go back to nothing! He doesn’t deserve this! I…I can’t accept you just wandering the cosmos lost! You deserve to rest and be at peace Cliffjumper!” Arcee cried, tears streaming down her face. She ran into the circle in panic trying to grab him almost.

“Arcee…” Starscream said solemnly, this was painful to watch.

“NO! I REFUSE TO LET CLIFF SUFFER LIKE THIS! NO, NO, NO!” she cried as she fell over onto her knees sobbing.

“Arcee. Don’t cry. Listen. I’m not gonna suffer alright? I am at peace now. I know the person I care for the most is being taken care of. You’re strong Arcee, you have so many people who care about you. You’re happy and that makes me happy. Wandering the void will be a little less sad now knowing that.” He leaned down and put his spectral hand on her shoulder.

“Take care of my girl Scream! Or I’ll come back to haunt ya!” He yelled at Starscream who weakly smiled back. He looked back at Arcee as the two locked optics, “I love you, Arcee.” His final words as he faded from existence.

The circle stopped glowing and Moonlight collapsed onto the ground. Starscream ran over to check on the sparkling who was asleep almost, she must have drained herself from using her powers like that. Starscream turned back to Arcee who was howling in anguish she was pounding the ground over and over again. She screamed Cliffjumper’s name as tears stained the ground. Starscream got up and pulled Arcee into a hug. Holding her as she cried into his chest. The sun began to set behind them as Starscream looked up at the sky and was wondering… Was this the closure she truly deserved?

Chapter Text

After about 20 or so minutes Arcee calmed down and immediately transformed and ran off somewhere. She needed some space, that was… a lot to take in. Starscream felt a bit guilty for basically ripping open that wound again and basically pouring salt into it like the humans say. Starscream thought this would help Arcee feel better, not worse. Starscream placed Cliffjumper’s horn back on his grave and carried Moonlight back into the base. Optimus was back at this point and everyone looked confused and asked where Arcee was.

“She…went for a drive. She’ll be back later.” Starscream told them as he carried sleeping Moonlight. Warlock looked at Moonlight in Starscream’s arms,

“Guess the little one got tuckered out? Guess we should head back to the ship?” Warlock asked, Starscream just felt so numb after what he just witnessed it was a lot and he definitely could use some time to decompress. Warlock noticed Starscream was rather quiet but chalked it up to him being tired.

They left to return to the ship as Starscream carried Moonlight all the way into her room. He also went to grab a cube of energon for her from the supply room and place it on the table near her birth. After such strenuous efforts she would probably need to refuel once she wakes.

“Did…something happen? You’re unusually quiet.” Warlock asked, Starscream figured he’d pick up on it. “Not out here. We shouldn’t wake her.” Starscream said in a serious tone, Warlock was getting nervous. Skywarp was eavesdropping but decided if Starscream wanted to talk he definitely would so he made his way to his quarters.

Starscream and Warlock entered their quarters as the door closed behind them, Starscream sat on the berth folding his servos together. “Listen to what I have to say before you get mad.” He said without making eye contact with Warlock, “That’s not a reassuring way to start a conversation.” Warlock said nervous as he sat down next to Starscream.

“You want to tell me what happened with you and Arcee?” Warlock placed a servo on Starscream’s back and gently rubbed it. He still didn’t make eye contact with Warlock which made the seeker more nervous.

“Moonlight…doesn’t need Mournsong to contact the dead. She offered Arcee a chance to talk to Cliffjumper’s spirit and…it… was a lot.” Starscream said as Warlock stopped rubbing Starscream’s back, Warlock leaned a bit closer into Starscream.

“Please tell me you’re making a slagging terrible joke right now Starscream.” Warlock said in a chilling tone, Starscream still won’t look at him. He knew if he did he would see pure rage in Warlock’s optics. Similar to the look he gave him when he lost Moonlight. The look that reminded him of Megatron.

“I am not. Moonlight did a wonderful job of channeling his spirit for Arcee to talk to. I encouraged this as a way I can mend things with Arcee. I took Cliffjumper from her so…I figure her getting to talk to him one last time would-“

“And where in the deepest parts of the Pits do you think that’s acceptable?! Putting my daughter through that! Forcing her to use her powers and strain her growing body to appease your guilty conscience!” Warlock snarled as he got up standing over the seeker. “You and Arcee couldn’t wait for me to get the program up and working and do it through that. No, you put my sparkling through who knows what physical and mental strains to make yourself feel better.”

“She offered.” Starscream murmured, Warlock practically growled “She’s a child! She doesn’t know better! You’re an adult! You should!” The yelling reminded Starscream way too much of Megatron, the snarling, the growls of disappointment or disapproval. Even his shouts almost morphed into Megatron’s voice.

“I tried to explain it to Arcee but…she was insistent. I-“ Starscream began to defend himself but got cut off.

“No, I! No blaming Arcee. She was grieving the loss of Cliffjumper and you dangled a heartless way to make her feel better in front of her. You think having her talk to her dead partner will make her feel better? He can’t come back Starscream you just opened the wound back up and practically rubbed dirt in it for her!” Warlock pinched the space between his optics, “How would you feel if I told you, Hey let’s talk to Thundercracker’s ghost. Bet he won’t say anything traumatic and painful about dying or missing you! Do you honestly think it would make Arcee happy?” Warlock placed his servos up against his chest as he emphasizes his points.

Starscream was getting annoyed, he was putting Arcee’s feelings into consideration. Yes it might hurt but he also saw Arcee laughing and smiling too. Starscream looked at Warlock “I did put her feelings into consideration! It only was sparkbreaking at the end! She was laughing! She was smiling! She was happy to see him one last time!” Starscream stood up and his wings hiked up.

“The only part that broke her was learning what happened with the dark energon! That was the painful part! She lost a partner before and never got closure so she jumped at the chance to finally get it. Sure she cried and stormed off but is she getting to see a person she cares for one last time to say her goodbyes? Can mean more to a person than anything! Not having that regret removed mountains of weight off a bot! I bet even though she screamed, cried and was hurt by it she doesn’t regret doing it for a second! Because that is the kind of bot she is!”

Starscream shouted at Warlock. This was the first time they truly argued, their first fight. “I’m sorry I put Moonlight in harm's way again, truly. I was short sighted on it. Because Primus forbids now that I have people who give a frag about me for once I want to do something good in return! Was it to assuage my conscience? Absolutely! Was it to help Arcee get closure? Also yes! So don’t lecture about me being totally selfish about this because it wasn’t!” Starscream shrieked, jabbing one of his clawed digits into Warlock’s chassis.

Warlock looked down at Starscream with a scowl but said nothing. “Starscream… You still had no right to do that to Moonlight!”

“I know, ok?! How many times can I say sorry without cheapening it? Moonlight is safe. She is recharging in the other room! Let the poor girl rest because she did a good job!” Starscream’s wings flared out as he stomped a bit away.

“If anything you should be nicer to me! I learned some pretty messed up stuff through that weird little seance. Things I’m struggling to deal with!” Starscream remembers what Cliffjumper’s ghost said about the dark energon. How because of his lust for power over the dead, Starscream can never truly enter the afterlife. His soul can never know peace and eventually fade into obscurity.

“Nicer to you?! You’ve endangered my child twice now! What the mech you killed insulted that overinflated ego of yours?” Warlock mocked, Starscream felt a metaphorical blade pierce his spark at Warlock’s harsh words. He knew this was coming from anger but still… It hurts for someone he cares about to say this.

Starscream felt wetness roll down his cheek. “No! Nothing so trivial like that aft-hole! How about finding out you can never find peace after death because of one stupid decision! Finding out I CAN NEVER GO TO THE ALLSPARK!” Starscream cried, Warlock paused at Starscream’s words.

“Knowing even if I did die I could never see Thundercracker or Skywarp again in the afterlife. Never get to reunite with you and Moonlight if I somehow perished. Know my spark is going to wander the spaces of the universe until it eventually snuffs out of existence. Or I get casted into the Pits for being stupid enough to try dark energon!” Starscream brought his servos to his face as he cried, “Knowing that even though I’m trying to be better it’s all in vain! There’s no reward! I’m excluded from the Allspark because I tried to control the undead. And for what? It didn’t even work and I removed the dark energon from my system but I’m still tainted!” He cried and slumped down to his knees and crumpled into a crying mess.

Warlock was stunned at Starscream’s words, his reaction, his cries. Starscream did learn some messed up stuff from Cliffjumper’s ghost. “Starscream…I- '' Warlock tried to get close to the sobbing seeker but Starscream snapped.

“But OH NO! Starscream’s an egomaniac, Starscream’s an aft, Starscream is selfish, Starscream is gonna get what he deserves in the end because he gets nothing! No happily ever after! He’s a monster just like Megatron! He used dark energon so he’s super evil in the eyes of Primus!” Starscream weakly got up, “And knowing a bot I’m falling in love with still thinks I’m a piece of slag is worse than dying and going to the Pits! At least Cliffjumper was loved by Arcee and the Autobots!”

Warlock felt a sting in his spark at Starscream’s words. “Starscream I don’t hate you! I’m just upset at what happened to Moonlight! Starscream-“ Warlock tried to approach him trying to calm the upset seeker. Starscream swatted his servo away.

“No! You are just like the rest! They either die, betray me or grow to hate me! I was in love with Megatron once too! He then turned into an abusive monster! And I turned into a mirror image of that! Now here we are again! With another lover who turns on me! Another lost light! More hollow feelings again!” Starscream shrieked as he felt like his actual spark was breaking. “Starscream! Stop! I don’t feel that way! Don’t put words into my mouth!” Warlock argued back.

Starscream maniacally laughed, “Actually…This is worse than Megatron! I at least got to fall out of love with the brute! This…this is… so much worse!” Starscream continued to cry as tears streamed down his face as he laughed maniacally. Warlock didn’t know what to do, he didn’t know how to calm Starscream down from this. Was this fight so bad they would break up? Warlock clenched his fist.

“Starscream, enough!” He barked, Starscream stopped laughing and looked up at Warlock.

That’s when Warlock noticed something…Starscream’s chest…there was dull light coming from the center. “Starscream…you’re… glowing?” Warlock pointed at the Decepticon insignia Starscream still has yet to change which had a dull glow to it.

Starscream looked down at the glow as the light faded. “Wh-What was that?!” Starscream panicked, “Primus is my spark ACTUALLY breaking?!” Starscream looked at himself, as tears still streamed down his face. Warlock was concerned for sure but he was more concerned for Starscream’s mental wellbeing more. As Starscream was confused he rushed him into a tight bear hug and flopped onto the berth.

Starscream squirmed and tried to fight his way out of Warlock’s grip. “Warlock! Let go!” Starscream ordered, he didn’t want to hurt him but he would scratch the scientist if it meant freedom.

“No. Not until you listen.” Warlock said, tightening his grip. Starscream realized he couldn’t get out and relented. His body went limp for a second.

“I don’t hate you. I don’t want to break up with you. We both got a bit heated and said some… unpleasant things. I’m just looking out for my daughter. And I want to look out for you too. This information you learned about dark energon… It’s horrifying to hear, Starscream. I don’t want you to think you can’t find happiness because you can’t enter the Allspark. You’re still very much alive and can have your happily ever after. Skywarp, Moonlight and I are all still alive and you can spend time with them. You’re doing the right things now! Even if they’re misguided a little. I’m sorry for calling you an aft. But you’re my aft. My little commander, my sparkmate. I really care about you and you thinking I hate you makes my spark feel like it would shatter.”

They were both quiet for a second as Warlock’s grip loosened as he rubbed Starscream’s back. “My sweet, Vosian seeker. You’re a loud mouth, a bit of a gossip, and have quite the ego but those are all characteristics I love about you. Please Starscream know I care about you and don’t hate you. You’ve grown into such a wonderful person who I want to be with. Please… please say something.” Warlock pleaded as he looked down at Starscream, he stopped crying as his optics were closed.

Starscream was still quiet, “Warlock.” He said softly, Warlock loosened his grip more as Starscream wiggled his way out of his grip. Starscream sat upright “You’re a secretive, a-know-it all, you’re an overbearing creator, and have questionable morals…. But… you’re mine aren’t you?” Starscream smiled as he wiped away tears. Warlock smiled back, “All yours. And only yours. They’re going to have to pry me from your dark energon tainted servos.”

Starscream couldn’t help but laugh, “Be careful you might get tainted if you’re not careful.” Starscream joked back,

“Well then we can wander the cosmos into oblivion together.” Warlock saw propping his head up with his hand. Starscream softly smiled at him “We’re done fighting right? No more?” Starscream asked as he mimicked Warlock’s pose.

“No more. Please. Hearing your spark breaking cries is something I don’t want to hear again let alone cause.” Starscream ended up snaking his want back into Warlock’s grasp, as Warlock held him close.

They were quiet for a while as they held each other. “So…are we going to mention you glowed?” Warlock said,

“Not now. Cuddles. No more heavy topics. Just cuddles.” He mumbled into Warlock’s chassis. Warlock chuckled as he held Starscream close as gently caressed his wings. “Cuddles it is then.” As the two ended up falling into recharge holding onto each other tight.

Chapter Text

A few weeks have passed since the whole ordeal. Some much needed downtime almost forgot a war was going on with how slow things were. Arcee cooled down after a day or two and thanked Starscream and Moonlight. After everything she did enjoy getting to say her goodbyes to Cliffjumper. And now was hoping to find a Cybertronian relic that can help Cliffjumper go to the Allspark. One endeavor Starscream would be more than eager to join. After getting an almost official approval from Arcee the awkward energy around the base sort of dissipated. And Starscream finally felt like he was part of the Autobots. Skywarp and Starscream got their emblems changed to the Autobots. Warlock got his official one, Moonlight wanted to get one but she was too young. Miko opted to paint it on her to show solidarity, it would come off after a bath but it still meant a lot to the little sparkling.

Over the weeks an interesting debate topic came up one day courtesy of Jack’s mother, June. The seekers finally got to meet Jack’s mother one day as she dropped off the humans at the base while the others were scavenging an energon deposit. She introduced herself as Jack’s mom which Ratchet explained translated to carrier. It made sense, Jack looked like her and humans seem to reproduce in a similar manner to Cybertronians by needing two partners to do it.

June thought Moonlight was an adorable little sparkling as she reminded her of when Jack was little like that. “I didn’t know bot’s could have children like that. How… interesting. Guess we are more similar than we thought.” June said as her mind went to rather odd places realizing that there was a possibility that Cybertronians had sex like humans.

“So…I guess this would be an odd question to ask but…” She looked around the room, “Nevermind I’m not going to ask with the children in the room.” June waved dismissively, Moonlight asked her sire but he told her she’ll find out when she is older.

“I hope she’s getting enough enrichment. She’s at a tender age… I think… So is she going out at least or doing lessons?” June asked like a concerned mother.

“Yes I plan lessons for her and we teach her all kinds of subjects. As for getting out… not really. She mostly plays outside the ship in the base here. We don’t want her getting kidnapped again.” Warlock explained,

“It’s not like there’s Cybertronian sized kids parks out there either.” Jack joked, imagining how big a sparkling size playground equipment might look.

Starscream scoffed, “If we had complex holoform tech we could take her to a human one.”

“Holoform? What’s that?” June asked,

“It’s like a hologram. Like the one Arcee uses when she’s in a public area so no one freaks out about a motorcycle running on its own.” Jack explained, as his mother realized what it was.

Warlock nodded “Well…yes and no. What Arcee uses is technically a holoform but a rudimentary one. The one Starscream is talking about is the super complex ones. The ones that can extend beyond vehicular modes and can even touch, feel, eat, drink…and so one. like an extension on one’s self.”

Miko got excited “Wait so there's an actual way you guys could be human?! That’s so cool! Why don’t you guys have those already? That sounds super useful.”

Ratchet groaned, “Yes they are very useful tools designed for diplomacy amongst other words to ease any unnecessary tension between species. But they are extremely difficult to program. And customizing one can take months if not years to get the programming right. And we lack the means to get such programming installed.” Ratchet explained to the humans.

Starscream raised a brow and looked at Warlock, “Could you program something like that? You’re a top tier programmer after all.”

Warlock thought for a second, “I’ve done complex holoforms in the past, just never human ones…huh…Never thought about it.”

Miko got excited and jumped up “You should totally program some holoforms for everyone! I totally want to see what everyone looks like as humans! We could go places! I can take Bulk to an actual monster truck rally!” Miko exclaimed excitedly thinking about spending time with her Cybertronian partner in human form.

“Bah! Ridiculous, we don't need to waste resources on such a ludicrous idea!” Ratchet dismissed, “Honestly I have the programming already I just need to set it up for humans. I have a custom code that runs to match the appearance so it will look similar to what you already look like just as another species. I made a pretty penny off it.” Warlock said, Ratchet raised his hand “Bupp. Bupp buh. I don’t want to hear that. we don’t need to distract ourselves with playing pretend as humans.”

“Come on Ratchet aren’t you at least a bit curious?” Raf asked, as he was curious about the program himself.

“I mean it would be nice to have a way to unwind and blend into the populace if needed. This way Agent Fowler doesn’t always have to swoop in and save the day. One of you guys can. There’s plenty of tactical advantages to it.” Jack explained, Ratchet relented and left the conversation.

“So how long would it take, Warlock. I can always help out too.” Raf offered, over the weeks, Warlock found Raf to be like himself, a very brainy kid who has a knack for coding. “That would be great. I need some help with the human aspect so that would be great. With some help maybe… a week?”

“A week! Cool, can't wait to see everyone as humans!” Miko said excitedly, Starscream really wasn’t interested, but letting Moonlight have a chance to get out without the risk of kidnapping. Warlock and Raf worked for the week to get the holoform programming up and running. Raf was super impressed with the coding even though he didn’t understand it 100%. Him and Warlock would geek out about it and Starscream found it adorable to watch Warlock get all excited about coding. The rest of the Autobots agree to take part in this experiment at least to try it out. Ratchet wanted to stay out of it. He didn’t want a part of this waste of time.

Warlock and Raf finally perfected the code for the Autobots to install and try out. Ratchet decided to monitor everyone’s Cybertronian bodies while this experiment was happening. Warlock got everyone to line up and install the code and make sure their Cybertronian bodies were comfortable and in no danger. After the downloads were done everyone got ready to initiate the program. All the participants sat down and one by one initiated the program. The humans were also there to watch and see how things were going to pan out. Miko was super excited.

The first to initiate was Bulkhead. He powered down as the form sizzled and glitched its way into existence. A small human appeared right in front of Bulkhead’s slumbering form. A bulky human form manifested that resembled Bulkhead’s Cybertronian form. He had a rich dark brown skin tone and stood at about 5’10 short curly black hair with a sort of green tinge to it. His physical build resembles Bulkhead’s Cybertronian one, definitely strong looking but with not too much muscle tone. His clothes were a green jumpsuit with the sleeves ripped off, some black fingerless gloves and some tall black combat boots. Bulkhead stretched out his arms and was feeling his human holoform. “This is so weird.” Bulkhead said hearing his voice come out of this human’s body was so surreal.

The next to initiate was Arcee. Her body manifested in front of her. She already had some holoform code in her system so her outfit matched her older holoform she had been using with some minor tweaks. She has nice tanned skin standing at about 5’4. She was the smallest of the Autobots but her human body was athletic and strong, reflecting her bot form nicely. She had short blue hair with longer pink bangs in the front to frame her face. She looked over her form and the fact she was wearing a biker outfit that was similar to her old holoform. “Not bad.” She said looking herself over.

Next was Optimus. The Prime’s holoform matched him pretty well. Optimus was the tallest of the group standing at a whopping 6’9 with pale skin and bright blue eyes. His hair was neat and short. The color was a deep dark chestnut with some light graying on the side. His outfit was a red leather jacket with a black button down leading into gray pants and black shoes. “This is…an unusual feeling.” Optimus said, looking over his holoform. June looked over at Optimus “He’s…quite handsome as a human.” She said Jack looked over at his mom in disbelief “Mom! Seriously?!” Jack whined and hid his face out of embarrassment.

Bumblebee was up next. He had caramel brown skin short dreads that were bleach blonde at the tips. He was about 5’8 with a young fit build. He had a bright yellow and black racer jacket with matching pants and shoes. A spandex top and a yellow scarf and mouth guard around his mouth. Bumblebee realized he couldn’t talk at all, any sound he made was like a mumble. He thankfully knew Cybertronian sign language and thankfully all bots knew it but none of the human’s did. Bumblebee signed ‘how strange this was’ as Bulkhead told the humans. “We’ll…need a better system, bud.” Bulkhead said. Bumblebee slumped his shoulder but was still excited to test this human holoform.

Warlock was the next to manifest. He stood at about 6’5 with a surprisingly athletic build. He has a lightly tanned skin and deep black hair slightly shaggy but styled well. He was wearing a white jacket with a gray t-shirt and some dark gray jeans and blue and white sneakers. Warlock extended his arms and looked himself over. “This is kinda cool.” He looked over the group as most initiated. “So far so good. No hiccups in the programming. Let’s see how everyone else turns out.”

Moonlight was next. The small little sparkling had a short little bob that was white with purple on the underside. She was about the size of a normal 5-year-old. She was wearing a cute little purple overall dress with a white shirt underneath with some white frilly socks and black little mary janes. Once done she did a ton of twirls making her dress bellow as she spun “Sire! This is so cool!” She exclaimed excitedly as she swished her dress back and forth. She immediately began running around testing her new holoform.

Finally was Skywarp and Starscream. As identical siblings their holoforms would look the same most likely or at least have minor differences. Standing at a 6’ in heels with a lithe but still fit build. Pale white skin and red eyes. Both brothers had gray fitted suits with matching gray stilettos heeled boots. A crimson accent on Starscream and a purple on Skywarp, with a darker gray latex top underneath. Starscream possesses short overly styled gray hair with darker gray streaks on the side and a large red cow lick mimicking his helm spike. Skywarp on the other hand had longer gray hair of the same color but in a ponytail and a purple cow lick. The two brothers looked the same in the face but were somehow easy to tell apart due to their hair styles. Starscream looked at Skywarp up and down, and Skywarp did the same. “Huh. Even as humans we still look the same.” Skywarp said, “At least our hair is different so people can tell us apart more easily.” Starscream mused as he touched his holoforms hair. “Our hair is different?!” Skywarp dug his fingers into his hair as Starscream shakes his head disapprovingly.

After all the bot’s holoforms initiated they all looked around at each other as the humans came down to the lower level to check them out. Ratchet monitored their Cybertronian vitals but also observed their holoforms as well. He didn’t want to admit he was curious.

Miko booked it towards Bulkhead “This is so cool! Bulk, your human!” Miko shouted, Bulkhead awkwardly chuckled “Technically yeah. We can go into human places. Hey Miko, we can go to that super mega monster mash truck rally! There’s still tickets right? I can actually be in the stands to watch it!” Bulkhead said excitedly, pumping his fist in the air. Miko was already trying to buy tickets on her phone.

Arcee walked up to June and Jack. “Maybe I can actually see the inside of your home. Not that the garage isn’t nice.” Arcee jokes, “We would love to have you over for dinner and to show you our home.” June offered as she looked around at the rest of the Autobots.

Raf handed Bumblebee a text-to-speech device, “I hope this will help.” Raf says, Bumblebee began typing as the device beeped and said “Thank you, Raf.” in a monotone voice.

“Hey now the rest of us can understand Bee better…sort of.” Jack said as Bumblebee thumbs up the actual humans.

Moonlight weaved her way through everyone. “Everyone is so small and tall now! This is so cool!” She cried as Warlock tried to wrangle the hyperactive child.

“At least now Warlock can take her to a child’s play area without worrying about kidnapping MECH.” Starscream said as they all heard a door open above them “Prime! We have to-“ Agent Fowler entered the room and looked extremely confused as he saw all the bots sitting in the common room asleep while a large group of humans were in the main room.

“What the-?! You kids throwing parties in the Autobot base now?!” Agent Fowler barked, as he walked up the railing of the upper level.

“Agent Fowler. We apologize. But you caught us in the middle of an experiment.” Optimus’s holoform said, Agent Fowler did a double take as he heard Optimus’s voice come out of this strange man.

“Prime?! You’re…human? How?” Agent Fowler asked confused as he made his way down to the ground floor. “An experiment with more advanced holoform technology.”

Agent Fowler made it to the ground floor and realized all the humans strangely resembled all the Autobots. “So they are like fancy human holograms?” Agent Fowler asked as he looked like he wanted to poke the holoform to see if they were solid.

“We are solid, Agent Fowler.” Optimus says placing a hand on the federal agent and spooking him.

“Holoforms are a bit more complex than mere image projection.” Starscream added as Agent Fowler looked over at the now human seeker. “Anyway… We have some Con sightings in the Midwest. Actually near the home of an old army buddy of mine. Higher up wants you guys to check it out.” Agent Fowler informed them and for the first time handed Optimus the human-sized manilla folder. Optimus opened the folder and looked at the coordinates and any information the human military had provided.

The rest of the human bots gathered to look at the file “Maybe it’s another relic from Project Iacon? Or maybe, bucket head is up to something?” Bulkhead asked, Optimus looked back at his team.

“Who knows how many coordinates Soundwave managed to decipher after I decoded those coordinates in Project Iacon. This could be another relic location. Agent Fowler you should contact your old comrade and tell them to vacate the premises.”

“Easier said than done, Prime. My buddy passed away this year leaving the place to his 18-year-old daughter, Marissa. She’s the stubborn sort and probably won’t leave unless she’s dragged out. I don’t want her getting stuck in the crossfire of any bot battles. I was thinking of going personally to convince her to leave, she knows me. It’s a pretty large chunk of land too and Marissa knows it well, her knowledge could be useful too in maybe finding said relic but…I’m not sure.” Agent Fowler said, clenching his fist.

On one hand, having this, Marissa guiding them on the property could probably help them find the relic quicker but convincing a random human to help would be a task. “Well perfect time getting these holoform thingies to work!” Miko said as everyone turned to her. “We can do a two-pronged attack. So to speak. Some humanformers, going with Agent Fowler and Marissa to look for the relic, and a bot team also looking and hopefully fighting off any Cons who show up!” Miko explained, “We are not calling our holoforms, ‘humanformers’.” Starscream said, crossing his arms and scowling at the ridiculous name Miko came up with.

Miko’s plan had merit as it would be a good idea to send two different squads so to speak. Somehow the human children insisted on their involvement as Marissa is around their age and could help. With the new advanced holoforms, Arcee and Bulkhead would join Fowler and the humans to explore the property with Marissa. While Skywarp, Starscream, Bumblebee, and Optimus explore in bot mode to scour the area and fight off any Decepticons. While Warlock and Ratchet stay behind to monitor the holoforms in the field and keep everyone in contact. They should hopefully find the source of why the Decepticons were in the area.

Chapter Text

It took about a day or so to contact Marissa and head out to the property. Marissa was excited to see her ‘Uncle Bill’ as it’s been too long. Bringing others she was hesitant about but allowed it, as Bulkhead in vehicular mode drove the group up to the main house. Arcee was in her holoform while her bot form remained back at the Autobot base. The humans all got out of Bulkhead and arrived at a quaint but sizable country farmhouse. The land was a mix of flat turf for the animals and dense wooded and mountainous areas around the farm land. Agent Fowler walked up to the house and rang the bell. A dog barking could be heard in the house as Marissa answered the door. A tall late teen girl answered the door, she had long ginger hair tied back into a braided ponytail and was wearing a t-shirt, flannel, distressed jeans and some muddy work boots. A very loud brown puggle was barking and wagging its tail behind her. “Uncle Bill and friends welcome! My name's Marissa Faireborn. Nice to meet you. Oh! And this is Buster. Don’t worry, she's extremely friendly.”

As Buster began sniffing the kids as they gave her some pets. “Thanks for letting us come up, Marissa. This is Jack, Miko, Raf, and…Arcee.” Everyone said hello and waved, “So…you guys want a tour of the surrounding area? Still think it’s weird to ask me then letting the feds do it.” She shrugged, “Well you know the area better and getting all that paperwork in order to do it could take weeks.” Fowler explained, Marissa laughed, “You sound just like dad. The least amount of forms the better.”

They all got into Bulkhead. Bulkhead felt weird letting a human actually drive him like an actual car. Buster sat in Raf’s lap as they drove the perimeter of the property. The humans were all on the lookout to see anything remotely Cybertronian looking and Bulkhead was trying to detect any suspicious signals as well. Meanwhile the bot team split. Optimus and Bumblebee were on the ground while Skywarp and Starscream went in the air. They were in the more densely wooded area hoping to avoid running into any humans or Decepticons.
-
After a bit Starscream saw some Vehicons near one of the more rocky exteriors near the edges of the woods. “Vehicons, 8 o’clock.” Starscream said as they carefully approached as they saw the Vehicons clearly scanning and probably looking for the relic. “Those aren’t normal Vehicons. Those are Overlord’s Vehicons.” Skywarp said, Starscream noticed their coloring was off, not purple like normal Vehicons but a more blue color like Overlord. “But, Overlord got blown up… Why would they still be doing his dirty work?” Starscream asked, there were a few options honestly. Either they don’t know Overlord is dead, Overlord didn’t die, or they’re acting on their own…
-
Optimus and Bumblebee were on the opposite edge of the woods scanning for any signs of the relic. Unfortunately their survey got cut short as they were surrounded by Decepticons. Out of the dense woods Knock Out appeared, “Autobots. Not what we were initially looking for but a pleasant surprise.” as Knock Out gestures for the Vehicons to attack. Bumblebee and Optimus sprang into action as they began to dodge blaster fire and fight off the Vehicons. Starscream noticed some bright lights at the edge of the woods where Bumblebee and Optimus should be.

“Scrap, looks like Overlord’s troops found Optimus and Bumblebee first. We need to back them up.” Starscream was about to make his turn to go help when he was hit with a missile out of nowhere. He screamed in pain as it forced him to crash land in the wooded area. “Starscream!” Skywarp cried and went to go help his brother. Starscream’s wings were extremely damaged, he won’t be flying without repairs. He looked around to see who shot him down. An extremely tall individual was standing over him… Megatron.

“Starscream. Not the bot I expected to be snooping around for a relic.” He said as he kicked Starscream into a tree. Starscream’s limbs tangled in the branches as Megatron approached, “How disappointed I was to hear my former second in command somehow weasel his way into the Autobot ranks. I’d be impressed if it was for the fact you must have had something good to offer Optimus to save your own hide. Your own relic perhaps? Decepticon secrets you shouldn’t have spilled? It really doesn’t matter at this point. I’m going to do what I should’ve done ages ago and snuff out your spark.” As Megatron raised his fusion cannon at Starscream in the tree, Skywarp returned suppressing fire as he transformed and locked his missiles onto Megatron.

“Skywarp? Back from the dead? How… Interesting. You and your brother can both go to the Pits together!” As he unsheathed his blade and charged at Skywarp. Skywarp dodged Megatron’s initial charge and launched a missile at the warlord hitting a large rock in the back and causing smaller rocks to scatter and hit Megatron. While distracted Skywarp went to detangle Starscream out the tree. He wrapped Starscream’s arm around him and tried to retreat but Megtron blasted the ground and caused the two to stumble back. “You two aren’t going anywhere.” He said menacingly as the two looked up at Megatron.
-
Back to the humans who were casually driving the perimeter of the farm. They saw something large in the distance. “Hey Marissa what’s that?” Miko asked, pointing at a large black mass in the distance. “Uh…I’ve never seen that before. Some kind of rock?” Marissa said as Buster made his way into Miko’s lap and began barking at the mass in the distance.

To everyone’s horror the mass was moving and as it turned it was very obvious to most in the vehicle that the large mass was a swarm of Insecticons. “Insecticons?! And a whole lot of them!” Jack cried, “Insecti-what's?” Marissa asked, confused why everyone is panicking. As she saw what looked like a swarm of bugs quickly approaching. “Bulkhead! Step on it!” Arcee cried, “Hang on everyone!” Bulkhead cried out and took back control over and began to speed off away from the Insecticon swarm.

“The car is talking and driving itself?! What’s going on, what are those things?” Marissa asked, totally confused as she looked out the window as the sounds of roaring Insecticons grew louder. “One Insecticon is bad enough. A whole swarm is a lot of trouble. I’m going back to my body and will try to regroup with the others. Bulk, get the humans to safety.” Arcee ordered as her holoform basically blinked out of existence. “What is going on?! She just disappeared!” Marissa cried turning to Agent Fowler, “Marissa we don’t have time to explain we need to get everyone to safety before those monster bug bots rip us to pieces!” Fowler shouted as some of the Insecticons began to fire shots at them.

Bulkhead dodged the blasts as best he could while driving through the rough terrain of the farm. “Listen to me I know where we can go and the Insecticon things can’t get us.” Marissa pulled out her phone and called someone, “TC. We got trouble.”
-
Bumblebee and Optimus were slicing and blasting their way through Decepticon forces. Arcee commed Optimus “An Insecticon swarm chasing the humans. I went back to my body and am going to bridge back to help. They need reinforcements. Starscream and Skywarp aren’t answering.” She explained as Bumblebee was knocked back by a rogue force as it also managed to destabilize Optimus and send him flying several feet away.

Knock Out looked up in horror as he saw Overlord and Airachnid joining the fray. “Well this is an interesting crew to stumble into. Wouldn’t you say, Overlord?” She said turning to the towered mech, “Quite. Not the bots we’re looking for but still something to keep us occupied. Til we can find them or the Enigma.” Overlord sadistically smirked, Knock Out immediately ‘noped’ the situation and called for immediate backup.

Airachnid managed to web the sports car but it was too late the distress call was made. Airachnid scuttled over and loomed over the Decepticon medic. “Breakdown was in the same predicament not too long ago… hope you’ll fare better than he did.” As she lifted one of her spider legs up with the intention of skewering him. Bumblebee transformed and sped up and rammed himself into Airachnid, sending her flying away from Knock Out. Bumblebee transformed back and began to try and free Knock Out, ‘This is an all hands on deck situation. Bot or Con, if we don’t help each other we’ll both be offline.’ Bumblebee beeped, he freed Knock Out and looked at Bumblebee “I guess it’s one of those, the enemy of my enemy is your friend situation.” Knock Out said as Bumblebee nodded and joined back to help Optimus.
-
Megatron was aiming his fusion cannon at the two seekers on the ground as he heard his comm beep. “Not a good time, Knock Out.” Megatron snarled, “Apologies my lord, but we have a serious situation over here.” Knock Out said in a panicked tone “Autobots?” Megatron asked, “Uh…yes? And uh…well it would seem Overlord is alive and has now teamed up with Airachnid and is currently being the scrap out of both Autobot and Decepticon alike.” Knock Out explained, Megatron’s optics went wide as he looked back down at the seeker.

He ended the comm call, “So many people coming back from the dead and no dark energon in sight. What a sick joke.” As suppressing fire came from deep in the woods. Overlord’s Vehicons were drawn over for the sound of blaster fire and were trying to get at Megatron. Megatron growled in frustration as the seekers saw an opportunity to escape. Skywarp helped Starscream to his pedes and the two hand in hand began running.

“Megatron mentioned more people back from the dead. You think Overlord is around here?” Starscream asked, Skywarp was in pure panic and flight mode he couldn’t answer his brother. A large rocky wall was approaching quickly as Skywarp wasn’t slowing down, “Skywarp my wings are damaged I can’t fly. Skywarp!” Starscream cried as it seemed like Skywarp was about to run headfirst into a solid wall of rock. But Skywarp began to glitch purple. “Skywarp!” Starscream shrieked as in an instant the two phased through the stone wall and was instantly on the mountain. Starscream opened his optic once he realized they stopped running only to realize… they somehow entered a hidden Cybertronian base.
-
Bulkhead was dodging trees, Insecticons, and rocks as he was just speeding off in the direction of the closest mountain. Marissa sent him coordinates to go to saying there is a safe house they can hang in until these monsters leave. “Are you sure they can withstand them?” Raf asked, “TC. Is a top-notch engineer. His security system can fight off the worst Decepticons.” Marissa said.

“Wait…you know what Decepticon is?” Agent Fowler yelled in surprise as a rogue blast jostled everyone inside Bulkhead.

“Well what else are these things then?” Marissa said as they were quickly approaching the location. It looked like the base of a mountain similar to the Autobot base but as they got closer wall turrets unfolded out of the wall and began shooting at the Insecticons behind them knocking a few back. a door began to open just big enough for Bulkhead but not for the Insecticons as he zoomed through and the Insecticons that got stuck squirmed to get free but the hydraulic door closed, crushing a few of them. Bulkhead drove a bit deeper into the base as they got into what looked like the main room.

The humans exited out of Bulkhead as Bulkhead turned back into bot form. “TC! We need help! TC?!” Marissa called as everyone looked curiously at who TC is and if he was an ally. Buster went running up a strange ramp system leading to a computer console. Buster began barking and almost looked at Marissa.

“This kinda looks like our base.” Bulkhead said, looking around.

“Marissa, are you hanging out with Autobots? What is all this?” Agent Fowler demanded “Look Bill, it’s hard to explain just. Once TC gets here he can. TC! Thundercracker?! Are you in here?!” she called on last time as the sound of large pedefalls could be heard out of the hallway as a seeker turned the corner and asked “Did you just say Thundercracker?” Starscream sneered at the human girl looking up at him.

Chapter Text

“Uh…yes it’s your name! Why didn’t you answer me, Thundercracker?” Marissa asked, Starscream blinked confusingly at the human girl.

Bulkhead approached, “His designation is Starscream. Not Thundercracker.” Bulkhead said, Marissa looked at Bulkhead as he spoke and then turned back to Starscream. She looked closer at Starscream.

“But…wait what?” Marissa clearly was confused,

“Thundercracker is my brother. My dead brother so… mind explaining how you know him and trying to call him?” Starscream said with a bit of attitude, either somehow Thundercracker is also not dead all this time or some bot looks like him and took his name.

“How many not dead siblings you got, Starscream?” Bulkhead asked, Starscream scowled,

“Two. Apparently. Now answer my question, human. How do you know Thundercracker?” Starscream asked again, The humans and the bots were both looking to Marissa for answers.

Marissa felt on the spot and seemed both confused and nervous. She looked around the room at everyone and took a deep breath, “My dad met Thundercracker a few years back when he bought the land out here. TC lived in the mountains here and we befriended him.” Marissa explained, Agent Fowler sighed as he looked at Marissa.

“He’s practically family. When…my dad passed he was there for me. He’s not a bad guy. You can trust him!” Marissa reassured all the humans. The sound of a blaster heating up caught everyone off guard as everyone turned to see another Starscream aiming his blaster at Starscream.

This look alike had more blue on his frame and where the Decepticon insignia was scratched out. He had a scowl on his face, “How did you get in here?” Thundercracker said with disdain, Starscream turned slightly to look at his brother, there was no mistaking this was the real Thundercracker.

“No, how are you doing?" Actually a better question would be how are you alive exactly? Because last I heard the ship you were on blew up and there were no survivors!” Starscream yelled at Thundercracker,

“You don’t get to ask questions, Starscream! Get out! I don’t need you bringing Decepticons to my front door.” Thundercracker snapped back,

“Uh…Little late for that…” Miko interjected awkwardly,

“There’s a swarm of Insecticons outside. We ran in here for shelter. We don’t know how long the door is gonna hold them off.” Jack said as he stepped forward.

“Seriously?! Why do you alway bring trouble with your Starscream! Tell them to leave!” Thundercracker aims his blaster at Starscream’s face.

“Believe me if I could shoo those beasts away I would! Guess there were more Insecticons on Earth than we realized.” Starscream and Thundercracker were looking at each other with anger, everyone could feel the tension.

“Look, you two…have some stuff to work out but not here and not now. We need to figure out our next steps.” Bulkhead tried to reason with the two seekers but clearly they weren’t listening as they began to argue.

“I thought you were dead all this time. Do you know how awful it was being alone all these years?” Starscream said in a somber tone,

“What? Not content being second in command of the Decepticons? Figured you are too busy with that to be lonely.” Thundercracker spat at his brother.

Starscream leaned back in surprise “Excuse me?!” Starscream squawked,

“You heard me. Your lust for power and your station was more important than your trine. You’d pushed me and Skywarp aside so you could take control. Your selfish aft-hole who only cares about himself.” Thundercracker jabbed Starscream with his other hand.

“How dare you! Of course I cared about you and Skywarp! I was securing our status amongst the Decepticons. Secure our safety! Clearly you didn’t see it as that!” Starscream shoved his brother as he staggered back a little,

“Or maybe your over inflated ego would let you see what it actually was! It’s always about you Starscream! Starscream’s trine leader so we have to listen. Starscream came up with another hair brained scheme that we have to help with. We have to pick up Starscream after Megatron gets the stuffing out of him for said scheme and hope he learns from it. News flash you don’t!” Starscream opened his mouth to interject but was cut off.

“Maybe if you didn’t shove your helm up on your own aft you saw Skywarp was in no condition to do a recon mission on Garrus-9 and he wouldn’t have died! Or maybe if you weren’t so busy kissing Megatron’s pedes you would’ve seen how unhappy I was with the Decepticons! Maybe if you listened, maybe if you showed an ounce of care, Skywarp would be alive and I wouldn’t have had to fake my death to get away from you!” Thundercracker shouted, Starscream could hear his fans were on subtly and how angry he was.

Everyone in the room was quiet, this was immensely awkward and uncomfortable to watch. Starscream didn’t know what to say to such a statement, he was hurt, he was angry and confused. “You broke one of the most sacred bonds a trine could have. You abandoned your trine! You…YOU…I can’t believe this!” Starscream said turning around throwing his hands up in anger, he won’t even look at Thundercracker.

“No Starscream, you abandoned your trine. You traded us in for power from the Decepticons. You may have physically been there but you weren’t part of the trine anymore.” Starscream clenched his fist and turned back to Thundercracker, “I was there! I was looking out for you and Skywarp like a good trine leader does! Oh…and fun fact Skywarp isn’t dead! He’s here to so why don’t we get his opinion on things, hmm?” Starscream’s arms went out wide as emphasized his point.

As if on cue Skywarp emerged from where Starscream came from holding something. “Hey I think I found the relic!” Skywarp said, raising the relic high as he came in at the worst time. Everyone looked at him, everyone looked uncomfortable as Skywarp’s gaze went to the Starscream and Thundercracker.

Skywarp gasped, “TC! Hey! Starscream, you told me you were dead!” Skywarp went up and hugged his brother as if they weren’t in the middle of a huge argument. Thundercracker put his blaster away as Skywarp hugged him, Thundercracker looked over at Starscream who had the smuggest grin on his face.

“Skywarp? But…how?” Thundercracker was confused naturally, his supposed deceased brother was hugging him like nothing was wrong.

“Look. Enough family squabbling. You guys will have time for that later. So how are we going to solve our current situation?” Agent Fowler asked the Cybertronians.

“Well I think this is the relic? It was behind a locked door.” Skywarp held up what he thought was the relic. It was small, fitting into Skywarp’s hand easily, it was spherical with four triangular pieces sticking out of it.

Thundercracker frowned, “Yes it is. And I don’t appreciate you robbing me, Skywarp.” Thundercracker said unamused, Bulkhead walked over to look at the relic.

“Well what is it?” He asked as Thundercracker sighed in defeat “The Enigma of Combination.” Starscream looked over at Bulkhead as they locked eyes in horror.

“Isn’t that the relic that Overlord wants?” Raf asks, Thundercracker looks down at the human boy and backs up to the Autobots.

“I’m sorry what?! Overlord is dead…Oh..oh no.” Thundercracker looked back at Skywarp and guessed that if Skywarp is alive there was a chance Overlord was too.

“So we found the relic…the next thing to do is find a way out of here and hope the Insecticons are the only Cons we need to worry about.” Jack said as all the humans looked nervous. The Insecticons and possible Airachnid were bad enough. Adding Overlord too can make the situation messy.

“What’s so special about this Enigma thingy anyway?” Miko asks,

“The Enigma of Combination allows bots to become combiners and combine together into a bigger, more powerful bot. Even without even needing combiner programming. It operates differently than normal combiner programming and combiners made using it is way stronger.” Thundercracker explains,

“You mean you guys can fuse together like the Megazord from Power Rangers?!” Miko asked excitedly. All the bots looked confused as they had no idea what Miko was referring to but they all said…’sure.’ And moved on to trying to make a plan.

Bulkhead began to comm the others, “Arcee. Status.” Bulkhead said into his commlink,

“Bulk? We could use the help. It's a total warzone out here. We even called in Wheeljack for auxiliary support.” Arcee said it was obvious she was in the middle of combat.

“What’s happening out there? More Insecticons?” Bulkhead asked as everyone was listening in and watching Bulkhead to see what’s happening outside.

“Yeah lots of them, plus turns out Overlord didn’t die in that cave explosion and he and Airachnid teamed up. The situation is so bad we made an impromptu truce with the Cons.” Arcee groaned as she must have gotten shot.

“So Overlord’s troops, the Insecticons and a partnership birthed in the Pits… great.” Bulkhead said sarcastically,

“The kids are all safe and we found the relic. Optimus isn’t picking up.” Bulkhead said over comms,

“He and Megatron are trying to deal with Overlord. But find a way to get the humans back to base with the relic safely.” Arcee said as the comm cuts out. Bulkhead groaned unhappily,

“From what we heard sounds not good.” Skywarp said hesitantly,

“Yeah it isn’t. We need to find a way to get the humans back to base safely. But if they have the relic with them they will be a major target.” Bulkhead said solemnly, a loud crash was heard coming from where the door was.

“Sounds like we are running out of time too.” Marissa said with worry.

“Bulkhead.” Starscream said calmly, the wrecker looked up at Starscream “Let me take it. I can fly off in a different direction to get them off your trail. You can get the humans out of range and maybe back to base.” Starscream planned,

“No way I am trusting you with the relic, Starscream.” Thundercracker snapped,

“We don’t have time to argue Thundercracker! You want your human friend to be safe or not?” Starscream barked back, Thundercracker looked down at Marissa and Buster realized he needed to put his pride aside for a second. He sighed in defeat

“Fine. But you aren’t going alone. If it's that bad out you’ll need back up. We don’t want them to get their hands on the Enigma.”

“And…as scared I am of Overlord, I…need to back up my brothers. The Elite Trine flies again!” As Skywarp warped his arms around his brothers and pulled them into a group hug. Thundercracker administered some basic first aid to Starscream so that he could at least fly. Bulkhead transformed and the humans got into him. Marissa turned to Thundercracker “Be safe out there.” as she ran and hugged his pede then hopped into Bulkhead. A soft smile graced Thundercracker’s face.

Thundercracker instructed Bulkhead to take a back entrance to the base to avoid the Insecticons that are breaking down the door. As they get Bulkhead out the back door, at the front door a loud crash and sounds of buzzing could be heard. “Guess that’s our cue.” Skywarp said with a nervous chuckle, as the trio transformed and flew out a sky opening to lead the Insecticons away. The Insecticons flew after the seekers as they were leading them away from Bulkhead and the humans. Starscream saw the carnage and the battle going on down below. Thankfully from where Starscream was it looked like the Autobots and Decepticons were successful in fighting off the Insecticons and Overlord’s troops. But they’ve been fighting for a bit and they must be getting tired.

Bulkhead bobbed and weaved through the trees trying to contact Ratchet at the base and called for a ground bridge. Bulkhead was able to send his coordinates and get through the ground bridge. Ratchet watched as Bulkhead flew into the base, his tires screeching against the ground as he came to a stop. The humans one by one got out of him all looking shaken but unharmed. June went up and hugged her son, Ratchet contacted her in case any of the humans were harmed, thankfully no one was.

“So what now? Contact TC and the others to come back here with the relic.” Marissa said as Agent Fowler put his hand on her shoulder.

“It sounds simple but it isn't, they need to be in the clear otherwise we might have Insecticons enter our base.”Ratchet explained,

“So what we just have to wait and hope?! That wasn’t the plan!” Marissa yelled,

“Marissa.” Agent Fowler said calmly, “Just trust them. The bots haven’t let anyone down yet. They’ll be fine.” He tried to reassure the girl, but she looked nervous and was hoping Thundercracker would come back unharmed.

The seekers managed to dodge blasts from the Insecticons. Thundercracker positioned himself in the rear as they were flying. He slowed down and got in the middle of the cluster of Insecticons and in a split second set off a loud thunderous blast causing the Insecticons to crash or the force of the blast injured them gravely and they fell out of the sky. Thundercracker zoomed back towards his brothers as the trio landed in the densely wooded area. They transformed and all looked at each other.

“We managed to get the Insecticons off our tail. So now what do you call Ratchet for a ground bridge back to the Autobot base?” Skywarp asked, Thundercracker was holding onto the Enigma he looked down at the relic and frowned.

“That would be the best course of action.” Thundercracker said flatly, Starscream looked towards the sounds of fighting in the distance. They weren’t too far away from the battle zone and the battle sounded rough as blaster fire echoed through the woods.

“We can’t just abandon them. They need our help.” Starscream said as he took a few steps towards the sound of fighting.

“Are you sure you didn’t swap bodies with someone else, Star? The Starscream I know wouldn’t even second guess saving his own hide.” Thundercracker said to his brother, Starscream chuckled at his brother’s statement. He was right, the old Starscream would’ve ran off with the relic and saved himself instead of helping. But he’s changed and began to help others as they began to trust him.

“You aren’t wrong TC. The old me would run to save myself. But I’m not that bot anymore. They need our help. We need to find a way to stop Overlord and Airachnid.”

Skywarp shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Overlord. His tormentor for centuries, Skywarp would love to see the monster perish but… he probably doesn’t want to face him ever again. Starscream knew this, Thundercracker didn't but he could tell Skywarp did not want to join the fray.

“So how exactly are we going to stop Overlord? One of the biggest, nastiest bots to ever exist? We aren’t built like Megatron or Optimus, we can't go toe to toe with him.” Thundercracker pointed out, Starscream smirked as he turned to Thundercracker.

“Not right now we can’t but…I have an idea.”

Chapter Text

The Insecticons were swarming the Autobots and Decepticons alike. Megatron was blasting Insecticons out of the sky, Optimus was slicing through their plating and trying to get them away from Arcee. Wheeljack and Warlock joined the battle as well as it was clear they were outnumbered. Megatron’s troops were being beaten by Overlord’s as the Decepticon looked optics with the one bot he wanted to beat more than anything in the world. Megatron saw that Overlord was barreling towards him and prepared himself.

The Insecticons backed off as the two towering Decepticons clashed. Their blades hit each other as they both used their impressiveness to try and best the other. Megatron was able to kick Overlord’s torso causing him to stagger backwards clutching his midsection.

“You can never beat me Overlord. No matter who you align yourself with. You will always lose.” Megatron taunted the Decepticon,

Overlord growled in anger and looked up at his opponent “I will defeat you Megatron! And you will fall by my hand! No one else's! Not the Prime, Not Airachnid or even that treacherous seeker, Starscream!” Overlord stood up to his full height and was winding up to bash in Megatron’s face when out of nowhere a missile came flying at him and hit him in the shoulder. Overlord cried out in pain as energon spilt out of his shoulder armor. Meagtron looked over in the direction the missile came from.

Standing there at the edge of the treeline was a bot no one had seen before. He was tall, imposing, a bright silver with streaks of red, blue and purple. Large wings and shoulder armor framed his upper body as Megatron’s gaze shifted to the mystery bot’s face he recognized. It was Starscream… or at least his face as the large bot aimed another missile at Overlord. Overlord managed to dodge the second missile as he roared in anger and charged at the large seeker. Megatron realized the relic must have given Starscream some sort of newfound power, and he didn’t like it. He snarled but realized this would be a good distraction for Overlord allowing him and Decepticon troops to sneak away from this chaos.

“Decepticons! Retreat!” He bellowed as his troops began to transform and leave the area. Airchnid noticed this and tried to web the warlord so he couldn’t escape, but Arcee distracted her as she roundhouse kicked her in the face causing the spider to stagger. Optimus and the rest of the Autobots watched as the Decepticons retreated and left the battle. Airachnid wiped away the blood that leaked out of her mouth.

“Overlord! Megatron retreated, we should go!” Airachnid shouted but Overlord was preoccupied with fighting the combiner.

“No! I need that relic! And this bastard has it!” Overlord shouted as he went to punch the combiner but somehow Overlord’s punch phased through his side with a purple glow. And the combiner punched him square in the jaw and with a thunderous boom caused the Decepticon to go flying and land in a pile of hay.

Airachnid growled in frustration at the Decepticon. “Fine! Die for all I care. Minions! To me we’re leaving!” As she turned into her helicopter form and her Insecticon horde followed. Arcee tried to shoot her down but was unsuccessful. The Insecticons were gone, the Decepticons were gone, all that was left was Overlord and the Autobots. They got up and were watching as Overlord was frustrated with the combiner and wanted to kill him.

“Who do you think you are, Starscream! Using the Enigma for your own gain that is my relic to be had!” Overlord pointed and ran at the combiner.

“We aren’t Starscream. Not entirely anyway. Call us… Zephyr.” The combiner pointed out, it was Starscream’s voice but clearly this wasn’t Starscream not entirely anyway. The combiner clearly could use both Skywarp and Thundercracker’s outlier powers in tandem making it a real threat. Zephyr teleported to behind Overlord and kicked the bot in the back causing him to fall forward. As Overlord turned Zephyr was no longer standing there but teleported to where he was before.

“You’re getting on my last nerve, combiner. I will have the Enigma and your sparks!” As Overlord launched out a barrage of missiles at Zephyr but they all passed through him and blew up behind him in the forest.

The Autobots regrouped, tired from all the fighting and watched as Zephyr beat the stuffing out of Overlord. “You got this Zephyr!” Warlock cheered, Zephyr looked over at Warlock with a warm smile as he resumed fighting Overlord. The two exchanged blow after blow, some punches Zephyr did had Thundercracker’s sonic booms to enhance the blow some didn’t. Overlord’s blade did manage to nick Zephyr’s arms as he didn’t phase out in time.

Overlord and Zephyr were about the same height so watching the two towering bots battle felt like two titans clashing. Zephyr kicked Overlord and caused him to land on his back on the ground. With one last sonic boom punch Overlord went unconscious. The Autobots cheered in excitement as Zephyr managed to take down Overlord. Zephyr turned and smiled at the Autobots as he began to walk towards the group.

Butr Zephyr saw their smiles quickly change to looks of horror as a sickening gurgling sound came out of Zephyr’s mouth. Zephyr looked down and saw sticking out of his chest was a blade. Blood dripped down the tip and landed on the ground below. Zephyr turned his head and saw Overlord behind him with a sadist grin plastered on his face. His blade skewered through Zephyr’s back as the combiner groaned in pain. Overlord removed the blade as Zephyr fell to his knees with a loud thud.

Warlock cried out in horror as the combiner quickly de-fused and returned to be three separate bots. The one that was skewered through the chest was Starscream as the wound was still through his chest even after unfusing. Energon pooled under him at a rapid pace. Skywarp and Thundercracker came to and saw how bad Starscream looked.

“Starscream! Hey! Stay with us Scream!” Skywarp cried trying to get Starscream lifting up Starscream’s wounded body. Starscream coughed up blood as he wheezed. Energon coating Skywarp’s servos as he helped Starscream in his arms.

Overlord watched with a wicked smirk, “So much for all that power you had a second ago. At least I got to rob Megatron the joy of killing you, Starscream.”

Starscream coughed up more blood, was this it? Was he about to die? Be a floating spark in the cosmos alone and unable to join the Allspark. Starscream weakly struggled lifting his servo to the wound and realizing this was it…his death, he was getting so cold but his energon felt so warm rushing out of him.

“No! No! Starscream! Hey! Wake up Starscream! Come on bro you can’t die! We all finally got back together! NO!” Skywarp cried as tears streaked down his cheeks. Starscream's optics flickered for a second before going totally dark. He was gone, offlined by Overlord.

Even Thundercracker who was quiet began to sob quietly as his brother died in front of them. All the Autobots looked on in horror as Starscream offlined. Warlock clenched his fist and looked down at the ground in rage.

Overlord loomed over the sobbing seekers and grabbed Thundercracker and yanked him back. “Where’s the Enigma? Tell me or you can join Starscream in the afterlife!” Overlord yelled in Thundercracker’s face, Thundercracker said nothing as he spat in Overlord’s face.

“You arrogant bird! How dare you?!” As he balled his fist and was getting ready to punch Thundercracker, the air changed. The wind began to pick up as Overlord noticed the unusual wind suddenly appearing out of nowhere. He saw that the wind was converging around Warlock as the bot stood there fists clenched and tears streaming down his cheeks. The wind rushed around him with an unusual green glow to it.

The green glowing energy began to get bright and go along Warlock’s transformation seams, illuminating the bot in a sickly green tint. “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!” Warlock roared, his voice lowered, distorted slightly, almost demon-like. Warlock’s optics glowed a bright green as he looked at Overlord who looked surprised and backed up slightly.

Warlock at breakneck speed disappeared from where he was standing and was immediately in front of Overlord. He punched him right in the face, the force of his punch had a slight delay as Overlord took the impact of it and after a second or two he went flying with such force into a large tree causing it to break as Overlord crashed through it and several trees behind it. A loud crash was heard in the distance as Overlord landed.

The punch caused Overlord to drop Thundercracker who landed on the ground with a thud. Thundercracker looked up in shock at what he just witnessed. “Sweet Solus Prime…And I thought my sonic booms were strong…”

All the Autobots watched and were so surprised as Warlock somehow summoned some form of strength they had never seen before. Overlord managed to pick himself up and staggered to his pedes. He felt the energon leaking out of his mouth dripping onto his chassis. He made his way back to where Warlock and the Autobots were and launched a missile at the seeker. Warlock dodged and ran towards Overlord and kicked him in the side causing him to stagger. Warlock punched him repeatedly, denting his helm and breaking pieces off them. Overlord punched back causing Warlock to step back. He tasted energon in his mouth but didn’t care. All that mattered was beating Overlord.

Warlock’s strange green energy swirled around his fist as he uppercut Overlord sending him flying back into the barn and breaking down one of the walls. He groaned in pain but got to his pedes and wiped away the energon leaking from his face.

“Nice punch, but hope you-“ Overlord didn’t get a chance to finish the taunt as Warlock gut-punched him extremely hard causing and plating around his midsection to break off and shatter. Energon erupted from where Warlock punched him, gushing all over Warlock and Overlord. He cried out in pain from the blow as Warlock removed his fist Overlord collapsed to his knees and held his stomach. Warlock lifted his leg up high and in one swift motion brought it down on Overlord's head as his helm hit the ground creating a small crater. Overlord’s helm cracked open and more blood pooled out of his cranium.

The Autobots winced at the brutal beating Warlock was dealing to Overlord as they never thought the pacifist scientist would be capable of such brutality. Overlord didn’t get back up as Warlock was stomping on his body repeatedly and armor pieces went flying off his frame. Warlock’s blind rage caused him to literally rip Overlord to pieces as he ripped off one of his arms throwing it to the side. The sound of snapping cables and metal tearing made some of the Autobots feel sick. Warlock spent the next few minutes obliterating Overlord’s body and coating himself in the rich bright blue blood.

Warlock had nothing left of Overlord to destroy as he roared in anger and fell to his knees. The green glowing energy disappeared and Warlock knelt there and began to cry loudly. Warlock’s pained wailing could break any bot’s spark as he held his head in his servos. Optimus walked over to the crying scientist and was reassuring him he was ok and to take all the time he needed.

The rest of the bots went over to Starscream’s body as they all looked down in sadness. ‘Starscream turned out to be a pretty decent guy. Despite everything.’ Bumblebee beeped,

Arcee hugged herself “Yeah. Even after all the slag, he put us through. He…he really did change and became a better person.” She said looking down at his lifeless body.

Skywarp held onto Starscream’s body and he refused to let go. Wheeljack placed a servo on Skywarp’s shoulder trying to reassure the sobbing seeker. Skywarp after a few minutes put Starscream’s body down and got up with the help of Wheeljack. The Autobots were paying their respects to Starscream. Warlock and Optimus made their way over to Starscream’s body as Warlock stopped crying.

Warlock looked down at the lifeless body of his lover and sighed in defeat “Primus why? Why did you have to die?” Warlock croaked as he wiped away some of his tears. No one said a word, the air was somber and everyone looked sad.

When a small yellow light was leaking out of Starscream’s chest wound. Everyone looked at it confused, Warlock had seen this strange glow before but not nearly as bright. The light was getting brighter as the wound was healing itself and closing. The other damage Starscream took on his frame was disappearing with a flash of golden light. Everyone watched in confusion as Starscream’s dead body was healing itself.

After there were no more wounds on Starscream’s body his optics online and Starscream bolted upright. No expression on his face as he blinked a few times and began to look at everyone. Everyone had tear stains on their face and all looked shocked as the not dead seeker got to his pedes. “Uh…why is everyone crying?” Starscream asked, confused as to what was happening.

“Starscream!” Warlock cried as he grabbed Starscream in a vicious bear hug lifting the seeker off the ground and spinning him around happily.

“Warlock! What is- Are you covered in energon?!” Starscream shrieked as the rest of the Autobots began to laugh at the seeker’s reaction.

After Warlock let Starscream go Thundercracker walked up to Optimus and handed him the Enigma. “I have a feeling this will be safer with you guys than with me.” He said, handing it to Optimus.

“Thank you, Thundercracker. We will make sure it’s properly secured in our base.” Optimus tucked the Enigma into his subspace.

“We should celebrate! We got the relic, Overlord’s offline and we all made it!” Skywarp cheered as Wheeljack seconded that statement. Bumblebee beeped happily as Arcee smiled at the excitement of her comrades.

Warlock held onto Starscream’s servo as Starscream tried to wipe off the energon Warlock coated him in from his hug. Optimus commed Ratchet to open a ground bridge and let him know everyone is ok and they got the relic. All the Autobots walked through the ground bridge into the base. Bulkhead went up to them as everyone looked tired and beat from the battle. The humans looked happy to see that everyone was ok.

“Thundercracker!” Marissa cheered and Buster began to bark happily at seeing him. Thundercracker walked over to Marissa as she hugged him.

“We’re fine ‘Rissa. And we took care of that pesky Overlord.” Thundercracker said proudly, the humans want to hear what happened with the battle. But Ratchet tutted them away so he could look over everyone. He especially wanted to look over Warlock who was caked in energon.

After checking over everyone they all gathered in the main room to have a little celebration. Wheeljack and Skywarp were retelling what happened out there from their accounts. “Then Scream was like, let's combine and we turned into this bad-aft combiner called Zephyr!” Skywarp said as he almost spilled his cube of energon in the excitement. Starscream in the corner away from everyone, saw how excited his brother was. He must be elated to know Overlord can’t hurt him ever again and that Overlord met a grizzly end. Nobody wanted to ask about how Starscream was alive, or how Warlock got super angry and powered up somehow. Starscream was still coming to terms with the fact he actually died and somehow miraculously came back to life. Ratchet wants to perform some diagnostic stuff tomorrow but for now, everyone is celebrating.

Warlock walked over to Starscream, “You’re not joining the festivities? You’re going to let Wheeljack and Skywarp hog all the glory? That’s so unlike you. You love being the center of attention.” Warlock jokes, Starscream smiled at his little jab. “Let them have it. Skywarp especially, he deserves it after all the slag Overlord put him through.”

“So is Thundercracker going to join the Autobots? Or is he still going to remain neutral?” Warlock asked,

“He’s still debating. Finding out one of your brothers didn’t die and the other isn’t a Decepticon anymore is a lot to take in. But… he might join us to help the humans. He seems to be fond of them.” Starscream said as he looked over At Thundercracker who was holding Buster in his servo.

“That’s good. Moonlight likes him.” Warlock mused as he took a sip of his energon, “So now you have both your brothers back. You must be happy.”

“It’s so strange, honestly. After centuries of being alone, now I have so many people in my life who care about me it’s…so weird.” Starscream said as his wings drooped slightly, “It’s not bad at all, mind you. But just…the comradery, people wanting me around, me wanting them around. It’s something I thought was so foreign not too long ago but now? I can’t live without it.” Starscream looked up at Warlock who had a gentle smile on his face.

“That’s good to hear. We would miss you, ya know.” Warlock took Starscream servo into his, Starscream squeezed it and smiled back at the scientist.

Chapter Text

After the party, the rest of the week flew by. Ratchet did some diagnostic stuff on Starscream and found out that his miraculous revival wasn’t some random miracle but his outlier ability activating. “Outlier? So I do have a power after all but… wait what is it?” Starscream asked the doctor.

“Based on the test I’ve done and what everyone said happened…your spark is well… indestructible… so to speak.” Ratchet pointed to the monitor, “Your spark can’t really be snuffed out by normal means. So when you died it basically reset you back to normal. It never manifested til now because well…you never suffered severe damage to your spark for it to activate. Well until yesterday. From what I learned it can’t be tainted or damaged, it would explain why the dark energon didn’t work for you either. Whether there are other abilities that come with it is yet to be seen but that’s what my tests have concluded.” Ratchet explained to Starscream and was bewildered; he had an outlier ability and a useful one at that. He can’t really die so he is somewhat immortal. What a fantastic power for someone like him.

Starscream walked back into the main room as Warlock was installing the holoform programming into Thundercracker. Thundercracker decided he would join the Autobots with his brothers. Skywarp and Starscream were overjoyed to have him back, though there still was some tension with Starscream. The two haven’t really hashed out the who's ‘faking his death to get away from him’ thing but Starscream was being the bigger bot and not pressing it. Marissa also joined the ranks as the newest human ally, and Buster has been hanging around the base more often.

“So this holoform thing will let TC blend in with humans?” Marissa asked, Skywarp smiled and looked over at Marissa,

“Yeah! They’re really cool! Let me show you.” Skywarp sat down and turned on his holoform as Skywarp walked up to Marissa and said ‘tada’.

“Huh so that’s what I’ll look like?” Thundercracker asked as he looked at Warlock. Warlock nodded as he finished the installation.

“We should go out! Take these holoforms for a test drive!” Skywarp said enthusiastically, Marissa laughed at Skywarp’s eagerness.

“I did promise Moonlight I’d take her to a human playground for her to run around…” Warlock said,

As if on cue Moonlight popped up, “I want to go to a playground!” She said excitedly as she bounced up and down, Warlock chuckled at his daughter’s excitement.

“Yeah. Everyone else is doing their own thing and no missions right now, why not?” Warlock said looking over at Starscream who smiled and decided to come. The seekers all turned into their holoforms, Thundercracker’s holoform physically looked the same as Starscream and Skywarp but his accents on his clothes were blue and his hair was more neat and short than the other two and his cowlick was also blue. Marissa got up to see her partners as a human.

“This is so cool. You really do look like a normal human guy!” Marissa said as she paced around Thundercracker to get a full view of his holoform.

Buster came down and was sniffing Thundercracker’s shoes, “I can finally take you out for a proper walk now.” Thundercracker said to Buster who barked in agreement.

Marissa instructed all the holoformed bots to get into her truck as she would drive them to the park. It was so strange to get into a car and then transform into a vehicle. It felt so odd for Starscream to be sitting in the passenger seat with his brothers and Warlock in the back. Moonlight was sitting on her sire’s lap as she looked out the window and pointed at humans who were by the car as they drove. After some time they arrived at the local park area in Jasper.

Everyone got out of the car as Moonlight and Buster ran towards the playground. Skywarp ran after them as Thundercracker and Marissa just shook their heads at the antics of Skywarp. Starscream and Warlock sat on a bench near the playground and watched as Moonlight played on the playground equipment. Marissa and Thundercracker decided to take a leisurely stroll around the park with Buster as Skywarp joined Moonlight as he played with her on the playground.

“This is nice. It’s almost like there isn’t a war going on right now.” Warlock said with a soft smile,

“This is probably what post war life could be like… Well without the holoforms but…” Starscream added as he saw Skywarp hanging upside down on the monkey bars.

“Skywarp is taking his uncle duties seriously.” Warlock joked as Moonlight pushed him down a slide,

“Shouldn’t you be on the playground with her? Not my brother. Sounds like you're making him play with your offspring.”

“It’s called delegating. And they look like they are having fun so why ruin it?” Warlock pointed out, Starscream shook his head and chuckled at Warlock’s logic. They all enjoyed their little break at the park, Marissa and Thundercracker returned as Buster laid down next to Warlock’s feet.

He gave her some pets as Moonlight ran over to the group, “Sire! Can we get some ice cream? Miko was telling me about it and it’s supposed to be tasty.”

“Can you guys even eat food?” Marissa asked, that was a good question. could their holoforms process food items? Starscream looked over at Warlock who nodded,

“We can each eat and it turns into a small dose of energy. Not as efficient as energon, but it won’t damage us or anything.” Warlock said as the group walked to a small ice cream shop near the park. The place had tons of different flavors to choose from as all the bots had zero idea what these flavors tasted like they all basically referred to Marissa for guidance. Marissa had to think about what flavors each bot would like since they have no frame of reference. Starscream said he would get whatever Marissa would get to simplify things. Marissa ordered two scoops of rocky road for her and Starscream, cotton candy flavor for Skywarp, cookies and cream for Moonlight, strawberry for Thundercracker and some vanilla for Warlock. The worker got the two rocky road scoops out first as Marissa and Starscream walked outside as they planned to eat their sweet treats outside. Starscream took a taste of it and liked it but he also disliked how overtly sweet it was.

“Ice cream is supposed to be sweet. Maybe I should have gotten you a sorbet or something. That’s a bit lighter on sweetness.” Marissa said as she took a bite, Starscream shrugged it is what it is. He doesn’t know human foods, if anything he can give it to Marissa or Moonlight.

The road was rather clear as the sun was beginning to set. The sky is getting a nice orangey hue. Starscream noticed the lack of cars on the street but one caught his eye. A red sports car, a very familiar-looking red sports car.

“Marissa goes back inside.” Starscream said in a serious tone, Marissa looked at Starscream confused as the red sports car headlights turned on blinding the two. They could hear tires screeching against the pavement as the car sped up towards them. The car knocked into them and caused both Marissa and Starscream to fall over. Somehow they were scooped up and a seat belt wrapped around each of them as the car began to speed off. Starscream looked back and saw Warlock run out of the shop as his image was getting progressively smaller as they gained more distance. Starscream looked back forward at the console of the car “Knock Out! You aft-hole! Release us!”

“Starscream? Well this is interesting isn’t it. I thought grabbing one human ally would be good but grabbing one and a traitor? It's my lucky day.” Both Marissa and Starscream struggled against the seatbelts.

Starscream dug his heel boots into Knock Out’s console. “Quit that! I don’t need your dirty pedes scuffing my interior!” Knock Out’s console opened as a stun gun came out and zapped Starscream knocking him unconscious.

“Oh…this is not good.” Marissa said looking at a now unconscious Starscream.

The rest of them ground bridged back to their normal bodies as they needed to find a way to track down Starscream and Marissa. Using Warlock’s Decepticon locator device they were able to find that there was a rogue Decepticon signal just outside the town of Jasper.

“That has to be Knock Out. We need to get Marissa and Starscream back.” Warlock said as Thundercracker and Skywarp nodded in agreement. Ratchet offered to be back up support and even contact the other Autobots as backup.

“As long as Knock Out doesn’t call for reinforcements we should be fine.” Warlock said as Ratchet activated the ground bridge.

The group exited the ground bridge as Knock Out parked in an empty parking lot. “Why is no one picking up?! Hello! I need a ground bridge!” Knock Out complained as for some reason no one answered his comms.

“Knock Out!” Warlock yelled as Knock Out transformed into his bot form and placed the unconscious Starscream and Marissa to the side.

“I saw you during that fight with Overlord and Airachnid. And…” He noticed Thundercracker and Skywarp behind him.

“What? Did Starscream clone himself? I knew he was a bit of a narcissist but this is excessive.” Knock Out teased,

“We’re his brothers. Aft-hole.” Skywarp said as Warlock held the seeker back.

“You’re outnumbered, Knock Out just give us Starscream and Marissa back and we can call it a day.” Warlock demanded as Knock Out looked at an unconscious Marissa and Starscream.

“Hmm…how about…No. I need to give them Megatron, sorry, not sorry.” Knock Out teased as he aimed his blaster at the two. “If you die as a holoform your actual body is basically a vegetable. So… might not want to risk me blowing him to pieces.”

Warlock knew this as Starscream’s consciousness is currently in the holoform and if it is destroyed in a violent manner Starscream would be alive but have no one home. Skywarp whispered into Warlock’s audio receptors. “I can teleport over and tackle him, while TC grabs the two of them just to keep him talking.”

A surprisingly good plan coming from Skywarp. Warlock turned back to Knock Out. “My name is Warlock. Since I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself to you properly.” Warlock said with a condescending bow,

“You really are friends with Starscream hmm? Picking up his mannerisms.” Knock Out said with a smirk, Warlock jerked upright “I am not! I’m actually introducing myself! Why would you say that.” Warlock actually was a bit hurt by that, maybe he was spending too much time with Starscream.

“Warlock? I’ve heard that name before but from a different Decepticon…Airachnid. Is what she said true? You aren’t just a simple engineer?” Knock Out asked, Skywarp already teleported behind Knock Out but paused at Knock Out’s statement. Starscream was beginning to come too as he took note of the situation.

Skywarp was right there but not doing anything, he was looking at Warlock who seemed to be panicking. “I have no idea what my Ex told you but I am who I appear to be. A mild manner scientist from Nova Cronum.”

Knock Out raised a brow and scoffed, “She didn’t mention you dated but that is a juicy and rather…horrifying detail. No darling, I’m talking about your… interesting experiments.” Knock Out said placing a hand on his hip. Starscream looked confused and over at Warlock. Warlock had always been secretive and hesitant to talk about his past but it seems Airachnid knows more than Starscream does even after all this time together. “So you didn’t make a sparkling one using yours and Airachnid’s CNA? Or your little excursion to Quintessa?”

Quintessa? That was a planet Starscream wasn’t familiar with. “I’m not confirming anything. She’s always liking to bring up irrelevant things and make it sound interesting.” Warlock said dismissively,

Knock Out shrugged “Well Quintessons aren’t exactly friendly to Cybertronians so I have no idea why you would ever go there let alone come back alive…” Knock Out mused, Quintessons? Those terrifying squid people that want to enslave Cybertron? Why would Warlock go to their homeworld?!

“Skywarp anytime now!” Warlock said annoyed, as Skywarp snapped back and tackled Knock Out. “Hey get off!”

Skywarp managed to cuff Knock Out and sat down on top of him. Thundercracker rushed over and grabbed Marissa but Starscream got to his feet and walked over himself. Starscream looked back at Knock Out who was struggling. “Your fraggers! I need to give Megatron something in exchange and you ruined it!” Knock Out shouted as he struggled under Skywarp.

“Exchange? Exchange for what? You're one of the higher-ranked officers, you shouldn’t have to bargain with him for information.” Starscream said as he walked towards the medic.

“Well, he’s leaving me no choice! He won’t tell me where Breakdown is so I figured I could offer him something so he could tell me!” Knock Out said upset at Starscream’s point,

“Breakdown? Was he out on some mission and didn’t tell you. That sounds unlikely.” Starscream said, Breakdown and Knock Out had a very close relationship. Starscream even suspected they had a secret romance going on.

“Yes! He and Dreadwing were tasked with getting rid of Airachnid weeks ago. But she was at that farm and Breakdown never came back! And when I ask Megatron he just says he’s ‘On Mission’ whatever that slag means!” Starscream’s stomach sank at what Knock Out revealed. He remembered running into Airachnid at the stripped mine and what she said ‘But you should see his lackey’. It must have been in reference to Breakdown… Starscream opened his mouth to say something when someone spoke before him.

“He’s probably dead and Megatron doesn’t want to tell you.” Warlock said rather bluntly, Knock Out stopped struggling and looked up at Warlock with hatred in his optics. “You’re wrong! Megatron wouldn’t lie to me about something like that.” Knock Out said furiously, Starscream paused, Warlock was probably right. Airachnid probably killed Breakdown and doesn’t want it affecting Knock Out’s work. “They never found a body so he isn’t dead! He’s out there I just need to know where!”

“Skywarp. Get off him and remove the cuffs.” Starscream said sternly, “What why? He’s going to run away.” Skywarp asked, confused.

“Breakdown owed me one. Knock Out here is going to cash it. Just let him go.” Starscream said as Knock Out looked surprised, Skywarp got off him and removed the cuffs. Knock Out got up and rubbed his wrist.

“Th-Thank you.” as he transformed and sped off in the opposite direction. Everyone stood there and watched. “Well, that’s enough Holoform shenanigans for today. Let’s head home.” Starscream said as he walked off, the rest of them stood there confused on what just transpired but shrugged it off and followed after.

Chapter Text

After the holoform incident Optimus made a rule that if any Autobot goes out in a holoforms they must have another bot with them. It made sense since most of the Autobots were hanging around their human partners with them now but incase of another rogue kidnapping they should stick to the buddy system. And with the addition of Skywarp and Thundercracker to the ranks there were more members of the Autobot team to partner up with. Ratchet made it not earlier that they lost contact with Bulkhead who was investigating an energon signature.

The trine offered to go after Bulkhead as Bumblebee and Arcee were out on patrol. The trine went to find Bulkhead, they ground bridged to Bulkhead’s previous coordinates. They could see the Nemesis in the distance; they clearly didn’t move too far away yet as they trio huddled together as Skywarp teleports them into the energon reserves.

“Maybe we should grab a few cubes…” Skywarp says as Thundercracker slaps his servo.

“Stay on mission. Last thing we need is to be dragged down by energon cubes.” Skywarp rubbed his servo and pouted as Starscream took point. This would be their first official mission together as a trine since reuniting. Starscream was kind of happy to do missions with his brothers.

“Spread out, but keep to the shadows.” Starscream said as he snuck through the Nemesis’ halls.

“Anyone of us is an instant target. Do you really think we should spread out?” Thundercracker said in response, “Well we have strength in numbers, so should we stay together or be able to search separately to cover more ground?” Skywarp asked, ah the arguing… It's like the two of them never left.

“We will spread out to cover more ground and hopefully find Bulkhead intact!” Starscream hissed, as Thundercracker objected to the plan as out of nowhere an alarm went off.

“Someone probably put a code in wrong and set off an alarm.” Starscream said holding his audio receptors. “Well…we know Bulkhead is on the ship now.” Skywarp said as the alarm stopped but they could hear the troops rushing down the halls. Thundercracker went east, Skywarp eager to use his new phasing ability just went through the wall leaving Starscream to go north. Hopefully one of them will find Bulkhead soon.
-
“I’ve been detecting some rather curious subterranean frequencies.” Ratchet said, as the rest of the team gathered at the monitors. “Is it of human origin?” Optimus asked, “I do not know of what origin that is but…I do know where.” As Ratchet pulls up the location on the screen.

“The coordinates where we encounter Airachnid and her Insecticon.” Optimus said, ‘It must be where her and her horde are hiding out.’ Bumblebee said, “Then let’s go deal with them once and for all.” Warlock said, throwing his fist up.

They team ground bridged to the location Ratchet provided and as they left the ground bridge they saw the horde flying away. “We are mostly like witnessing a mission to terminate Megaton.” Optimus said stepping forward and looking down over the cliff face.

“I can’t give a good reason to stop the mission. Even if we could.” Arcee said as Optimus leaned over more, “But we can stop Airachnid.” Warlock said as the team turned surprised to see him.

“I need to make sure she is gone for Moonlight’s sake.” Warlock said with determination, “Why?” a smaller femme voice said as Warlock turned to see Moonlight of all bots behind him.

“Moonlight?! Did you follow me through the ground bridge?” He asked angrily, “Ratchet got mad I broke something and yelled ‘I needed that!’ so I followed you sire.” She did a terrible impression of Ratchet as Warlock pinched his brow.

“Moonlight this is dangerous! You need to go back now!” The rest of the Autobots got ready to fight as Airachnid turned to see them aiming their blasters at her.

“Rear guard, engage the Autobots.” She ordered as the back most Insecticons came flying back roaring as they activated their blasters. Warlock heard their battle cries and immediately grabbed Moonlight to get out of the blast zone. As they opened fire at the Autobots on the cliff. A massive explosion followed as the sound of Arcee’s engine echoed through the canyon as she leapt off the cliff after Airachnid. Warlock watched as Arcee chased after the huntress and put Moonlight down near a large rock.

“Stay here and DO NOT MOVE FROM HERE!” He emphasized, as he transformed and flew off after Arcee. Moonlight pouted as she looked over and saw Bumblebee and Optimus shooting at the Insecticons swarming them. Moonlight looked back at her sire flying away as she engaged her own spider legs and began to follow him into the woods.

Airachnid was running away from Arcee and now noticed Warlock up above. She growled as she continued to run. A stray blast caused Arcee to swerve as two Insecticons followed them. Warlock was trying to shoot them down but as Arcee swerved near a tree the Insecticon could avoid Warlock’s blast and slammed into the other Insecticon as it started losing altitude. The Insecticon ended up crashing near Airachnid as she shouted in protest. Arcee transformed and heard the sound of Airachnid tunneling. Warlock landed near her as the two looked down the hole. “Underground…What a surprise.” Arcee said sarcastically,

“Well she does love to dig her tunnels…” Warlock said back as the two engaged their blaster and jumped down the hole.
-
Back on the Nemesis, Skywarp phased through a wall but backpedaled immediately as he saw Megatron. “Lord Megatron.” A disembodied voice said,

“Yes, what is it?” Megatron responded back,

“An intruder.” it said,

“Autobot?” Meagtron asked, Skywarp tried to angle himself where he couldn’t be seen but hear the conversation better.

“Starscream. He was last seen in the vicinity of the bridge.” it said, scrap Starscream got spotted. ‘So much for stealth’ Skywarp thought as he moved back into the wall as Megatron turned around to go to the bridge. Bulkhead saw Skywarp in the wall as he was crawling through the Decepticons vent system. He whispers ‘Skywarp!’ but it was too late. The seeker left the room. “Great…” He said to himself as he continued to crawl.

Starscream was on the bridge of the Nemesis. If there was any way to find Bulkhead it would be through the main console there. He unfortunately got spotted by some Vehicons right after he split from Thundercracker and Skywarp but he escaped. Thundercracker hilariously took a wrong turn and found Starscream in the bridge as the two were trying to comb through surveillance to find Bulkhead. Thundercracker was standing behind Starscream with his blasters out ready to blast any Vehicons who would come in.

As the door opened Thundercracker’s eye locked on to none other than Megatron who had his fusion cannon at the ready. “Uh oh, Scream…we got company.” Thundercracker said as Starscream turned to see his former master.

“Thundercracker? My, my, are all your relatives coming back from the grave, Starscream?” Megatron said, aiming his blaster at the seekers.

“Scream, we need to go. I can cause a boom to make him lose balance. Please tell me you know where Bulkhead is?” Thundercracker whispered as Starscream looked back at the monitor. He didn’t see where Bulkhead was currently just that he accidentally got picked up with the energon cubes and left the reserve. Where he went after that Starscream has no idea.

“No it didn’t. Let me distract him and you can blast him with a boom and we can bolt.” Starscream whispered back, Starscream walked just in front of Thundercracker “Don’t you have better things to do than dirty work? Why waste your time with us when there are more important things to tend to?” Starscream said, trying to get Megatron to monologue so he can catch him off guard.

“Better things to do? Oh do you not consider yourself as better things, Starscream? How unlike you. The Autobots must be messing with your head.” Megatron sneered,

“Maybe they have. Maybe it’s because I have my family back or that I have people who truly care about me.” Starscream said with a scowl, Megatron began to laugh which threw the seeker.

“Oh people who care about you hmm? Yes, I saw Skywarp back when we were dealing with Overlord. You do have them back don’t you? That’s how easy it is to tell your relatives, you're all cockroaches who refuse to die.” Megatron sneered, as he charged up his fusion cannon and blasted at Thundercracker. Both seekers dodged in different directions, something caused the ship to shake as they struggled to stay upright. Skywarp ended up phasing through the wall and landed on the bridge with everyone.

“And that makes 3. My, for an expert in infiltration, you do tend to get caught too often, Skywarp.” As Megatron grabs him and lifts him up by his arm.

“Let him go Megatron!” Starscream yelled, aiming his blasters at him.

“Why? I can rectify an anomaly that has occurred. Killing your brothers might put you back into a proper perspective Starscream. You were so diligent and focused after you thought they were dead. Let’s see if you can have that focus again…” Megatron aimed his cannon at Skywarp,

“Why?! Why do you have nothing to gain from this!” Starscream cried out,

“Nothing to gain? I see three enemies I can exterminate.” As the cannon powered up, Starscream went back to the original plan.

“Primus I can’t believe I loved a monster like you at some point! Primus I guess I do just have poor taste in lovers.” Starscream said trying to make Megatron mad and drop Skywarp. Megatron lowered his blaster but he didn’t look angry.

“The fact you fell in love with me at all, Starscream shows how sad you really are. You were good in berth, you used your body to get out of punishment, your body could take punishment…You manipulate people, Starscream it’s one of your best skills. But the fact you can manipulate yourself into thinking I had any true feelings for a degrading slut like you just shows how powerful your skill is because…I couldn’t…care…less.”

Starscream just stood there listening to Megatron’s words. It was like a knife went through his spark and was slowly being twisted. Thundercracker saw how much pain Starscream was in and he saw Skywarp was in a jam. Thundercracker gritted his denta and shot out a sonic boom. Megatron’s back was to him so he didn’t see it coming. He dropped Skywarp, as he staggered up to his pedes and grabbed Starscream as they tried to book it out of the bridge. Megatron went back to his feet but the same rumbling from before caused him to lose his footing and the trio managed to run out of the room and the door closed behind them. Megatron looked back up at the door and scowled as he walked over to the console for a status report. He saw from the screen a swarm of Insecticons attacking his warship. “Airachnid. A busy day…for insects.”
-
Bumblebee was dodging blaster fire from an Insecticon as he managed to leap up and kick the beast square in the back towards Optimus. As Optimus with one arm lifted up a down Insecticon and beat the other Insecticon into the ground with it. Bumblebee approached Optimus as that was the last of the Insecticons near them. Optimus commed Arcee and Warlock “Arcee. Warlock Status report.” Optimus asked but all he got was static he looked towards Bumblebee as the two headed into the direction she ran off in.
-
Underground Warlock and Arcee had their blasters at the ready as they looked for Airachnid. Warlock saw off in the distant to insane number of inactive status pods that housed the horde Airachnid was controlling. Arcee got closer to the pod as she spotted Airachnid on the wall in the reflection.

“Dodge!” She yelled as Airachnid started blasting at them. They both jumped out of the way and hid behind status pods. Unbeknownst to anyone in the tunnel Moonlight was crawling along the upper part of the wall and saw Airachnid firing at Arcee. Arcee fired back as Airachnid fell to the ground. Airachnid groaned as Warlock came out from his spot to back her up.

“When you extinguish my spark, make it hurt. You know I would extend that courtesy to you.” Airachnid said, Arcee stood there.

“I’m not like you.” As she lifted the blaster up, Airachnid’s gaze went to Warlock.

“But you are, aren’t Warlock?” Airachnid smiled, Warlock frowned “Oh what the Autobots don’t know about you…Ah! Could make anyone's paint peel.”

Arcee looked curiously at Warlock. “Do you want to know what types of experiments he’s concocted? Or how he made our little one?” Airachnid said as she got up, “It’s quite a tale actually. And I don’t think you’ll like the ending…” Airachnid said in a condescending tone.

“Shut Up. You're cornered and trying to throw us off.” Warlock said charging his blasters, Airachnid’s optics drift forwards as she smiled,

“It would be sparkless to kill you sparkling’s carrier. What do you think, Moonlight?” As Arcee and Warlock followed her gazed saw Moonlight coming down from the ceiling.

“Carrier?” Moonlight said weakly,

“Oh and you’re using your spider legs! How quickly they grow up!” Airachnid said in a disturbingly cheery tone.

“Moonlight?! I told you to stay back! Get out of here now!” Warlock shouted as Airachnid smirked and stabbed one of her spider legs into Warlock as his back was turned. He cried out in pain,

“Sire!” Moonlight yelled as Arcee tried to shoot at her Airachnid jumped back as Arcee switched to blades as she didn’t want to hit Moonlight. Airachnid got closer to the sparkling until she was next to her.

Arcee was afraid to get close as she didn’t know what Airachnid would do to the girl. Airachnid turned to Moonlight, “Now sweetspark, walk in front of me ok?” Airachnid said, trying to use her hypnosis powers. Moonlight looked at her with a scowl,

“You hurt sire. You’re a big meanie!” Moonlight yelled, Airachnid was surprised her power wasn’t working like before.

“That’s it! You little brat, what good are you if I can’t use you for cannon fodder!” She went to grab the girl but Moonlight began to glow green, like when she did the seance for Arcee.

“GO AWAY!” as a strange green light shot out of Moonlight’s palm and hit Airachnid causing her to stagger. She ended up stepping on an unactivated status pod and heard it begin to beep. She looked down and panicked as the machine closed on her rapidly causing a spider leg to get severed and go flying towards Arcee. Arcee stood there watching as Airachnid struggled in the pod. Airachnid looked down at her daughter who looked up at her with a scowl until she froze and went into status.

Moonlight turned and ran towards her sire who was holding his wounded shoulder. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen! I was just really worried!” Moonlight said as she began to cry, Warlock softly smiled at the young girl as he hugged her.

“It’s ok sweetie. You were super brave! And save me and Arcee, I’m proud of you.” Warlock said as Moonlight sniffled, “Yeah kid you got good aim.” Arcee said, patting the girl on the head as they all regrouped.
-
The trine of seekers were running through the halls when a loud explosion caught their attention. They were near the power core of the Nemesis as Starscream saw Bulkhead running out of the room. “Bulkhead!” the trio said in unison,

“There you are! We’re gonna have a bit of a crash landing so hang tight!” Bulkhead said as they raced to the exit of the ship. As the Nemesis crashed down it slid all the way towards a rocky cliff. Bulkhead transformed and drove off with the trio of seekers behind him as they got as far away from the Nemesis.

Back at base they brought Airachnid in her status pod to the base as a precause so no one accidentally lets her out. Ratchet looked curiously at her in the pod, “She deserves worse.” He said with a sneer referring to her being in the pod.

“I intended for worse. But…I chose not to.” Arcee said, unclenching her fist, as they heard the sound of jet engines and a car horn approaching. The group transformed as Bulkhead came barreling into the room.

“You guys are not going to believe that day I’ve had.” Bulkhead said as he looked over at Airachnid in the status pod.

“Well…you too huh?” Bulkhead said again, Skywarp went over and looked at the spider huntress in the pod.

“One less unhinged Decepticon off the streets.” Skywarp said as he rejoined the others. Everyone regrouped and was talking about their day and all the crazy stuff that went down. But Arcee looked over at Warlock and thought about what Airachnid said in the cave… What is Warlock hiding?

Chapter Text

Bulkhead was regaling the humans about what happened aboard the Nemesis. “You trashed their warship like a rockstar in a hotel room.” Miko said holding up rocker devil horns pose, Agent Fowler in the back shaking his head as Marissa chuckled at them.

“We should hit the Cons now while they’re vulnerable.” Arcee suggested, “Megatron’s warship may be grounded, but let’s not forget we remain vastly outnumbered. Especially since he has added the Insecticon hive to his ranks.” Ratchet reminded the team, they also have increased their number with Starscream’s trine and Warlock but they definitely cannot take down all those Decepticons.

“Maybe I should call in an airstrike?” Agent Fowler suggested, “Or for us to consider more extreme measures, Agent Fowler.” Optimus said as they went to the room where they keep their relics. The door opened revealing the Spark Extractor.

Starscream blinked a few times in shock as he couldn’t believe the Autobots had a Spark Extractor here the whole time. “You guys got all up in arms about Warlock having an Aegis Blaster… But you have a Spark Extractor?!” Starscream yelled pointing at the weapon in the room. “We took it from Megatron. If anyone shouldn’t have it, it’s him.” Arcee said, as Ratchet approached the relic.

“Optimus, are you certain you want to travel down this path?” Optimus comes up from behind him, “While I am deeply reluctant to deploy a relic of this caliber. Especially one forged by Decepticon hands, this might be our only chance to end the war. Once and for all.” Optimus said in a rather ominous tone, As he picks up the Spark Extractor and looks at it. But ultimately he places it back down and leaves the room. Starscream stood there looking back at the door and back at Optimus.

“He really is planning to kill Megatron…I’m impressed.” Starscream said, cocking his hip to the side. “You sound like a proud sire.” Thundercracker teased, “Oh please! The war could have ended ages ago if Prime wasn’t so soft-sparked. Now he’s finally thinking about ending Megatron, he should have been doing that the whole time!”

“Starscream. A word.” Arcee said, interrupting the conversation between the brothers. Thundercracker walked away as Arcee approached, “I’m not going to apologize for what I said. You know I’m right.” Starscream said, Arcee shook her head “It’s not about that. It’s about Warlock.” She said, Starscream was confused, “What about Warlock?” He asked, “Airachnid…said something before she got shoved into the status pod…I can’t shake it.”

“Is it about that he’s not what he seems? Or about how he made Moonlight?” Starscream asked, crossing his arms.

“So you know?” She said, “No I don’t actually. It was something Knock Out actually said which well…Airachnid said first.” Starscream explained, “So you’re not curious why your partner’s ex is saying all this cryptic stuff?” Arcee asked, confused by Starscream’s lack of interest.

“We could unfreeze Airachnid and ask her yourself. Otherwise I’m not going to pry. He reveals stuff in time when he needs to. Pressing him only gets him upset and makes the situation uncomfortable.” Starscream said as he began to walk away, but paused and turned to Arcee “And for the record. I am curious, believe me some of the stuff I heard is questionable. But Warlock is a good mech, whatever he does he usually has a good reason for it or for not telling it.” Starscream turns back and goes to rejoin the others in the main room.

“Optimus I’m detecting a massive energy spike at the Decepticon crash site. It appears to be dark energon.” Ratchet said as they could see the signature spiking on the computer screen. Optimus nods as he leaves to go grab the Spark Extractor. Ratchet activates the ground bridge as everyone gets ready to raid the Nemesis.

“Autobots! Transform and roll out!” Optimus announces and everyone transforms and heads through the ground bridge. “Hold on Prime.” Agent Fowler interrupts, “if you are going to deploy some kind of super weapon in a final showdown with the Cons, it's my job as a representative of planet Earth to bear witness.” Optimus and Ratchet exchanged looks as Agent Fowler joined them through the ground bridge. Everyone exits the ground bridge and looks up to see the Nemesis flying. Starscream was amazed considering the damage Bulkhead caused to the core that it would be up so quickly.

“Dark energon at its finest.” Starscream said as he noted the eerily purple glow of the ship. “Sweet lady liberty!” Agent Fowler exclaimed as he saw the Nemesis beginning to fly towards them.

The exterior weapons aboard the Nemesis began to engage. Bumblebee was drawing its fire as he sped off in an opposite direction with the spark extractor inside his interior. Optimus ordered Arcee and Bulkhead to draw their fire. Skywarp stayed back as he was cover for Agent Fowler. Thundercracker and Starscream drew some fire as they were flying around diverting some of the blasters to the air rather than the ground.

“Once you launch the Spark Extractor, be sure to clear its radius before it can activate.” Optimus commed the scout. Bumblebee beeped in confirmation as he sped towards the warship. Bumblebee transformed and booked it on foot towards the ship with the Spark Extractor in hand. Starscream noticed one of the status beams were being engaged and tried to dive in front of it to protect Bumblebee. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to get close enough as the status beam hit the scout causing him to fall and the Spark Extractor to skid far in front of him. Arcee was the closest on the ground and grabbed it but she too was hit with a beam and froze. Bulkhead was the next bot to go and grab for the Spark Extractor as he paused to look up he was frozen in place. Optimus realized his troops were being picked off one by one. “Thundercracker, Starscream we need one of you to get the Spark Extractor to the ship.”

Thundercracker zoomed in as Prime threw the relic up at Thundercracker. Optimus was the next victim of the status beam as soon as he tossed it towards Thundercracker the two were hit simultaneously. Skywarp and Starscream watched in horror as every bot who picked up the Spark Extractor froze in place and was unable to move. Agent Fowler through his binoculars saw Skywarp teleport towards the Spark Extractor as Starscream tried to back him up with suppressing fire. As Skywarp was about to teleport, Starscream was hit and crashed into his brother. The beam hit Skywarp and caused the relic to slide away from him. All of the Cybertronian members of the team were frozen and unable to move. Defeated by the status device mounted on the ship of the Nemesis. Agent Fowler looked up at the ship in horror expecting he would be the next to get shot at. But was surprised as the blasters and status beam disappeared back into the ship. Agent Fowler watched as the ship turned away, “Team’s down we need medevac.” He said into his comm as he looked back up at the departing ship.

The humans watched as Warlock and Ratchet brought the paralyzed members of the team back into base. Warlock looked over at the team who was all paralyzed, Moonlight poked Bumblebee in the knee but he didn’t move. Ratchet walked over to his computer, “They are alive…but I have never seen this kind of status lock before. Warlock, have you?” Ratchet turned to the scientist, he shook his head no. He also has never seen this kind of status lock before, one where everyone was clearly awake, their system’s running normal but they could move…. Disturbingly efficient.

“The Cons are halfway over the Atlantic. Making a beeline for North America.” Agent Fowler interrupted. The children got closer in on the conversation.

“Wait, we can still track them? How?” Jack asked, usually the Nemesis deploys an advanced cloaking tech to prevent being tracked.

“Why aren’t they cloaked like usual?” Raf asked, Agent Fowler turned to the group of kids, “None of this makes sense. They had us in the crosshairs, but the Cons just took off.”

“They even left the Spark Extractor thingy.” Miko added, “Maybe if the ship isn’t cloaked…the communications relay might be open.” Jack suggested,

“Ap, Ap, are you suggesting we just call Megatron?! And just ask him what’s going on up there?!” Ratchet asked incredulously, the human kids exchanged looks and shrugged, “You got any better ideas why Megatron would risk leaving a Spark Extractor and not terminating his greatest enemies?” Warlock added as he gestures to Starscream and Optimus. Ratchet turned to Agent Fowler who also just shrugged at the medic. Ratchet was completely dumbfounded by the stupid suggestions but no else had any other ideas.

“Autobot Outpost Omega-1, to Decepticon Warship.” Ratchet announced as he decided to do the humans’ crazy plan. No answer, “Megatron, please respond.” Ratchet asked again, and again no answer. “Megatron.” Ratchet asked again, a bit more annoyed, they heard the sound of someone picking up the communication.

“Megatron has been relieved of his command.” A deep unknown gravely voice responded. “Who is this?” Ratchet asked the unknown Decepticon, “Who is this?” it asked back with a bit of sass.

“Have you taken control of the Decepticon vessel?” Ratchet asked the unknown communicator.

“I AM the vessel. Any Cybertronian who interferes with my mission will be neutralized.” He said as he hijacks the computer screens and shows interior footage of the Nemesis of all the frozen Cons on the ship. Ratchet got worried but kept his cool. “And what is this mission?” Ratchet asked the apparently sentient ship.

“Priority 1, decrypt Iacon database and recover Decepticon technology.” It explained, “For what purpose?” Ratchet asked what a ship would do with Iacon relics? A pause occurred as the ship hung up on them. “Did the ship just hang up on you?” Marissa asked looking at Ratchet, Miko looked over at her “That was so rude.” She said, crossing her arms.

“Rude?! There is a giant spaceship flying around collecting Decepticon weapons of mass destruction. It having bad phone manners is the least of our problems!” Agent Fowler said to Miko.

“A flying spaceship filled with neutralized Decepticons.” Jack pointed out, Agent Fowler looked to the teen “And your point?” Agent Fowler asked, annoyed, “This could be our only chance to sneak aboard and download the Iacon database.”

“So Optimus can decode it.” Raf added, “Brilliant.” Ratchet said, “Me and Warlock can infiltrate the warship and download the database.” Ratchet said as he looked at Warlock.

“Not Brilliant. You saw what it did to the Decepticons.” Marissa added, “And it’s probably what it did to Megatron too.” Raf added, “AND Team Prime!” Miko pointed to the frozen team members.

“It had me dead to rights but left me standing.” Agent Fowler mentioned, Jack looked over at Agent Fowler, “The ship might be blind to humans. Since it didn’t do anything to Agent Fowler.” Jack pointed out, Warlock looked over at the humans, “Well looks like we have only one option. Let the humans download the database while the Cons are frozen.” Warlock said as he grabbed a Cybertronian looking thumbdrive.

“Very well Agent Fowler, You’ll need this to download the database. A compatible transfer drive.” As Warlock handed him the drive, “A what?” he said looking at the item he was handed, “Looks like a big thumb drive.” Marissa pointed out, “He’s probably going to need tech support.” Raf added with a smirk, “And back up.” Miko added as Marissa and Jack nodded too.

After a few moments Ratchet opened the ground bridge and the humans walked through. “Fowler to base, we’re in.” Fowler confirmed with Ratchet they got on the ship safely.

“Good. Their data core should be easily accessible from any console.” Ratchet informed them. The humans walked through the halls of the Nemesis seeing all the frozen Vehicons, Eradicons and even some Insecticons on the ceiling frozen in poses of surprise, fear and anger. They got to the end of the hall they were walking towards when they finally saw a console they could use. The problem, Knock Out was blocking it.

“Found one.” Raf gulped as he pointed at a frozen Knock Out trying to type on the console. Miko ran up and banged on Knock Out’s heel. “Looks like Doc Knock is knocked out.” She said cheerfully, Raf pointed to the monitor “Looks like the ship decoded two sets of Iacon coordinates.” As a third coordinate popped onto the screen.

“Let’s rip and run!” Raf said as he began to climb onto Knock Out using him as a makeshift ladder to the console. Agent Fowler followed after as the two made their way to the console. Raf pointed out the port as Agent Fowler put in the data drive. The download was starting as a random beeping from a different monitor caught the humans attention. “Uh…Why is the ship heading for Manhattan?” Marissa asks as she points to a monitor on the left.

“Because that’s where the first coordinate leads.” Raf stated, “What would a relic from Cybertron be doing in the big apple?” Agent Fowler asked over comms, maybe Warlock or Ratchet can fill in the missing information.

“The Iacon relics landed on Earth eons ago, Agent Fowler long before the city was built on top of it.” Ratchet explained, the humans came to a rather unpleasant conclusion.

“If the ship wants the relic…It might have to topple some building to get it.” Marissa said in horror as everyone was horrified at the thought of a spaceship showing up in such a densely populated city. Evacuation would be impossible and if it started leveling buildings it could be an international incident.

“Our quick mission just got complicated. How do we deter the ship?” Agent Fowler asked the two bots. “I would suggest disabling the main navigation module.” Warlock assisted, Raf pointed it out as Agent Fowler went to go and disable the module, a massive electric shock zapped the federal agent and caused him to topple and fall off the console. The human teens looked down at Agent Fowler who went unconscious.

“System access detected. Interference will not be tolerated.” The ship said as the humans looked around, a camera came out from the ceiling of the ship as the human watched it carefully. The camera was scanning for the intruders as they realized that it didn’t spot them. “It can’t see us.” Marissa whispered, “For now.” Ratchet interjected, “It must not be scanning for carbon based lifeforms. But once it widens its search parameters…”

“We’re toast.” Raf interrupted as the human’s looked down at the young boy. “I’m bridging you back.” Ratchet ordered, “No. There are millions of lives at stake in New York. And we four are the only ones who can do anything about it.” Jack stated.

“You’re out of your element, Jack. These readings, the ship's fast recovery, all point to the fact Megatron used dark energon to repair it.” Ratchet explained to the teens, Marissa checked Agent Fowler’s pulse and found he was ok. Jack realized something as Ratchet was explaining, “Wait, if you're saying the ship is fueled by dark energon…why can’t we just dump it?” Jack suggested, Warlock walk over to the console.

“If they can reverse the process on the ship’s energon infuser…it could work.” Warlock told the medic. “Follow the main overhead nodules, it will lead you to the main power core.”

The humans followed the ceiling nodules and were running as fast as they could to stop the ship from destroying Manhattan. They were jumping over and dodging frozen Decepticons and after a few moments arrived at the end of the line. In the main power core room they saw piles of energon cubes and the whirling of the power core. The human sneaked closer to the main core as they all looked up in horror and saw Megatron himself frozen as he also must have had the same idea as the humans and tried to dump the dark energon. “Megatron had the same idea.” Jack stated, Marissa looked at the group, “That’s Megatron?! He is way bigger and scarier looking than the trine described…” She said as this was Marissa’s first time seeing the warlord. “The energon ejection valve can only be operated manually.” Ratchet informed the human team, the humans looked at each other and in unison yelled, “Manually?!” as they looked up at the larger lever Megatron’s claws were wrapped around.

The humans wouldn’t be strong enough to pull it down and with Megatron’s servos clutched tight over it, that was a whole other problem. Jack had an idea that if they could find a way to topple Megatron the weight of his body falling could pull the lever. The rest of the kids help Jack up onto Megatron’s frozen body as he begins to try and shove the warlord’s arm back to fall.

The ship finally locked onto the humans and announced, “Gah! I have been infested with alien lifeforms!” as it locks onto Miko, Marissa and Raf. The trio saw the cameras up above watching them. A large mechanical claw came down and tried to strike the teens. Marissa grabbed Raf as they dodge to the right while Miko jumped to the left. The teens began to run through the rows of energon as the claw was too big to fit into the narrow areas in between. It started throwing energon cubes to block their passage, but thankfully one got caught in between two other rows and the humans could run through. But before they knew it they were trapped, cornered by the mechanical hand as it removed any more blocking energon stacks.

“All parasites will be eradicated!” It announced as it was about to strike. Jack yelled as he tried to get the claws attention, he had a plan. The rest of the kids yelled for Jack to get back as he dodged the first strike from the claw. He angled himself in front of Megatron. If his plan would work the claw would do the heavy lifting for him. The claw swiftly went to strike Jack as he masterfully dodged in between the narrow appendages and landed on the other side. The claw bashed it into Megatron’s lower back, causing the frozen warlord’s body to wobble. As Megatron’s body was heavy enough to as it fell to pull the lever and purge the dark energon from the power core. Jack saw Megatron beginning to fall towards where he was and ran to avoid getting crushed. The humans watched as the purple glow was being replaced with blue as the claw went to lunge at Jack one last time.

The ship yelled in protest, “I…am in command…I…be prepared….to…be neutralized….” The ship’s voice wobbled and the claw went back over to the valve to undo the purge but the claw was slowing down as the dark energon was leaving the ship's system. The dark energon was ejected as at the same time, Megatron’s frozen body relaxed as he let out a sigh. The human’s instantly panicked as that means all the frozen bots will be back in action soon. The humans then booked it back to the console where they left the data drive and Agent Fowler.

Ratchet and Warlock watched as the rest of Team Prime regained consciousness and was moving again. “Thank the Allspark.” Ratchet said relieved, the sound of an incoming call notified the medic. “Ratchet, Warlock! Somebody! Fire up the ground bridge the Cons are coming to!” Marissa yelled as the Vehicons in the hall began to unfreeze. Agent Fowler was getting to his feet as the kids arrived to collect the data drive. Miko and Marissa helped Agent Fowler stabilize as the ground bridge appeared. Only a small chunk of the database was downloaded as the humans made their way to the ground bridge before Knock Out would wake up. Jack turned to his comrades and told them to get Fowler out of here as he went to collect the data drive.

As he went to grab it Knock Out came too and unsheaths a scary looking drill. “Say Ahhh….” He said with a sinister glee, “I’m here to offer a second opinion.” Ratchet said as he surprised the Decepticon and bashed him in the face. Causing Knock Out to crash into the console. Ratchet grabbed Jack and the data drive and booked it for the ground bridge. “The download of the Iacon database may have been incomplete. But it gave us 4 deciphered coordinates thanks to the ship.” Ratchet explained to the team. “We need to hurry…Because Megatron possesses the same set of coordinates and who knows what these relics are capable of.”

Chapter Text

Episode: Triangulation

“If we have any hope of collecting the Iacon relics before the Decepticons do, we must divide our resources.” Optimus advised his team, Ratchet looked at their leader with concern.

“Optimus, when it comes to numbers we are already at a great disadvantage. Even with our newly bolstered ranks.” As Ratchet looks over at the seekers,

“Under our current circumstances… swiftness of action is paramount. This is one race we cannot afford to lose.” Optimus says in a grave tone, everyone standing there can feel the gravity of Optimus’s words and how important it is to get the relics. Starscream knew that the Autobots technically had quite a few relics in their possession. Not to mention the Onyx Triptych from Warlock, but who knows what other relics that could have been hidden on Earth.

“So how are we going to break off then? Seekers one group? Group by height, age…skill…” Skywarp listed off various ways to split off. Ratchet shook his head,

“Take this seriously, Skywarp! Optimus… how should we proceed?” Ratchet turned to the Prime for guidance, Skywarp pouted,

“I was taking it seriously…” as Thundercracker patted his brother’s back.

“Arcee, Bumblebee…you two are the most suited to navigate a densely populated area. And in any issue, your holoforms can be deployed if you need to blend in further…” Optimus ordered,

“Even with the holoforms, there are over 8 million people living in the city, let alone traveling there. You guys are going to need some human backup in case. Someone to run interference in case their cover gets blown.” Jack informed the Autobots.

“My dad used to take me to NYC all the time as a kid. I know those subways pretty well so count me in.” Marissa volunteered,

“And I grew up in a major metropolitan city, unlike Mr. ‘I’ve never been outside Jasper, Nevada.’ And the country farm girl…” Miko added,

“I’ve been to Cybertron.” Jack pointed out as Miko frowned.

“Cybertron doesn’t have subways!....Does it?” Miko asks the team, Marissa shakes her head.

“Agent Fowler would be the best human to go with but he is still recovering from his ordeal aboard the Nemesis.” Optimus said looking over at Agent Fowler who was asleep on a bed, “Yeah well we managed to survive it without a scratch. We can do this.” Marissa stated with determination in her eyes. Starscream chuckled at the girl, he could see why Thundercracker is so fond of her. Her clear leadership skills and adventurous spirit reminds him of the fantasy characters Thundercracker would write about when they were sparklings.

“Very well, Miko, Marissa and Jack will accompany Arcee and Bumblebee to Manhattan.” Optimus said as he ordered Ratchet to get the rest of the team ready to go to the next 3 coordinates. Arcee, Bumblebee and the rest of the humans head off to Manhattan while Ratchet gets the next set of coordinates ready. The next on the list is near the Earth’s equator on a small island. Bulkhead, Skywarp and Thundercracker will go and retrieve the second set off coordinates.

Optimus turns to Starscream, “You and I will embark for the Arctic for the next set Starscream.” Starscream nodded in agreement, as Raf was pulling up the coordinates for the ground bridge.

“As for you, my old friend, I think you’ll require more back up.” Optimus said turning to Ratchet,

“Warlock is still available, Optimus. He and I are more than capable of retrieving the relic.” Ratchet argued, Warlock looked over curiously.

“You don’t trust me.” Warlock interjected, the two looked at him,

“We do trust you, Warlock. Just… after what happened with Overlord… We cannot afford any mishaps.” Optimus said as Warlock felt a sense of dejection from the Autobot leader.

Starscream frowned “If anything that should reinforce your trust in him! He took down Overlord! I mean that’s a feat in itself!” Starscream defended Warlock as Warlock looked back at Starscream with a gentle smile. Optimus frowned, he understands how dangerous a combatant Overlord was but Starscream didn’t see the brutality Warlock inflicted on him. Even Overlord himself would deem it cruel and vicious.

“It’s just a precaution. Ratchet, I would like you to send the coordinates to Wheeljack. He can meet you and Warlock there.” Optimus ordered,

“Wheeljack?! I mean he was a help during that all out brawl on Marissa’s farm but he is insubordinate and reckless!” Ratchet protested.

“You and Warlock possess scientific minds which can be helpful. But Wheeljack possesses the capabilities of a warrior and the difference between you three should compliment each other.” Ratchet sighed and pinched his brow,

Warlock turned back to Starscream “Well… guess we’ll regroup later. Stay safe…” Warlock said as he gently placed a hand on Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream looked up at Warlock with a warm smile as the two groups got ready to head off.

Starscream and Optimus ground bridge into the arctic. It was cold and dreary as Starscream remembered it being. “This fridge wasteland is about as pleasant as I remember it being. Let’s find the relic quickly and get out of here.” Starscream said with a shiver.

“The location shouldn’t be too far away. If you are keen to get this done quicker maybe an aerial surveillance could be of use.” Optimus suggested, Starscream looked up at the Prime.

“Fine, I’ll scout ahead. I’m faster anyway.” Starscream transformed and jetted off near the location. Optimus also transformed and followed after but at a much slower rate. Starscream was scanning the frozen tundra for the relic but has come up with nothing so far. ‘This is going to take ages at this rate’ Starscream thought to himself. When suddenly he heard the sound of jet engines behind him, ‘Decepticons. Was wondering why it was so eerily quiet.’ Starscream saw them beginning to fire at the seeker as he dodged them.

Starscream maneuvered his way to get behind the two fliers shooting at him and was firing back at them. The two quickly veered into opposite directions as another larger seeker appeared and blasted Starscream out of the sky. Starscream crashed onto the ground and groggily got up. The Decepticons all transformed and surrounded the seeker. The larger seeker walked towards him as Starscream looked up in surprise. It was Skyquake, or at least it looked like him. “Skyquake?! But…but.. How-”

“I am Dreadwing. You mistake me for my brother. Who is one with the Allspark. Which you most definitely are aware of.” Guess Starscream and his siblings weren’t the only look-alikes amongst the Decepticon high command. Also the whole reveal of sparks infused with dark energon can’t go to the Allspark… probably not the best idea to mention to Dreadwing. Starscream stood there awkwardly as Dreadwing went in closer to the bot.

“If it were up to me… I will end this here and now…” Starscream gulped and backed away but noticed the other Vehicons standing behind him blasters drawn. Starscream looked up at the larger seeker with worry, he was outnumbered and Optimus was nowhere to be seen, great.

Starscream was thinking and the next thing he knew a set of cuffs were being placed on his wrists. “But it is my duty as first lieutenant to Megatron, to render all traitors to my lord and master. For due punishment.”

Starscream blinked so he was the newest replacement. First Airachnid, now Dreadwing. “So Megatron is really going through his lieutenants now… Let’s hope you last longer than Airachnid…” Starscream said with a smirk, he didn’t know what kind of bot Dreadwing was. Was he the short tempered type? Similarly stubborn and loyal like his twin? Can Starscream stall long enough for Optimus to rescue him? All yet to be seen.

“Airachnid was similar to you and was manipulating our lord. She betrayed him at the first opportunity and Megatron dealt with her then.” Dreadwing said rather coldly, Starscream just looked at the bot like he couldn’t be serious.

“Dealt with?! She escaped, killed Breakdown, got an Insecticon army, temporarily teamed up with Overlord of all mechs! Escaped again! Then was defeated by a sparkling! A literal child!…You lot didn’t deal with slag!” Starscream said angrily, Dreadwing’s expression looked like one of confusion.

“A sparkling? That’s impossible. The Well dried up eons ago.” Scrap, Starscream’s big mouth got him in trouble.

“Well… look not the point! You’re so deluded into thinking what Megatron is doing is good for the Decepticons, it’s all for his own twisted ego! Believe me I was blinded by it too at a time… But you seem reasonable… just-”

“Enough of your prattling, traitor. We have a relic to find…so get moving.” Dreadwing shoved Starscream, so much for stalling for help. As the group began making its way towards the relic’s uncovered location. They were walking for quite a bit as Dreadwing had some sort of tracker out and was watching it carefully. Starscream tried to peek over Dreadwing’s shoulders to see how far they were but Dreadwing noticed and would move it away from the seeker. Starscream slumped forward in annoyance at Dreadwing’s resistance. After about another half hour of walking they arrived at the coordinates.

“We have arrived at the relic’s location.” Dreadwing announced to his team. Dreadwing looked up from his tracker, his face contorted into a look of shock as he realized the relic wasn’t there. Someone beat them to it, Starscream looked over at the supposed location. Did Optimus beat them here and get the relic? No, the relic was carved out and small red flags were planted around the spot.

“Search the area!” Dreadwing ordered as the team of Vehicons began scouting about. After a few moments they returned telling their commander that they found vehicle tracks. “The Autobots…” Dreadwing said angrily, Starscream rolled his optics.

“Perhaps…but I don’t know them to plant flags at the site of their victories…” Starscream said sarcastically, Dreadwing angrily grabbed the seeker,

“Do not try me, traitor! I will not hesitate to leave your lifeless corpse here in this frozen wasteland…” Dreadwing said, holding the seeker up high with one hand. Starscream mentally was laughing ‘Jokes on you Dreadwing, I can’t die!’ Starscream smirked at his own stupid thought but that only angered the Decepticon.

“What’s so funny, Starscream? Another half-witted anecdote?” He asked, Starscream looked down at Dreadwing, “Yes..actually. But I fear you won't appreciate it.” Dreadwing was ready to choke the seeker out when he heard the sound of a vehicle approaching.

It was Optimus coming towards them. Dreadwing squinted and threw Starscream like he was a bag of trash. Starscream groaned, “I’m not a pile of scrap you know!” Starscream protested, Dreadwing looked to two of his subordinates and told them to guard the prisoner as he approached the Prime. Optimus transformed and slowly approached the Decepticon, the rest of his team began to circle the Prime. “Optimus Prime, I will only ask once. Relinquish the relic and we will let you leave in peace.” Dreadwing stated as the two bots stared each other down. “I was going to request the same thing from you, Dreadwing.”

Starscream shook his head, ‘What am I? Chopped liver?! Hello?! Teammate captured Prime!’ He didn’t say this out loud but he was hurt that Optimus didn’t even mention returning him.

“Well then we are on equal footing then… But there are 5 of us… and only 2 of you…” Dreadwing stated as his Vehicon troopers aimed their blasters at the Prime. They were all standing around waiting to see who would make the first move… Starscream’s gaze went between the Decepticon commander and the Prime wondering who was going to strike first. A few moments passed as they all awkwardly and intensely stood there. Before in a split second Dreadwing grabbed his gatling gun off his back and his Vehicons followed suit and began firing at the Prime.

Starscream watched as the two who were guarding him didn’t move as the rest of the Vehicons and Dreadwing sprang into action. Optimus was blasting away and dodging balster fire from 3 different opponents. Optimus dodged and rolled and managed to blast one of the Vehicons and then turn to blast the other rendering the two unconscious. Dreadwing, still a distance away, was blasting at the Prime as Optimus managed to gain a bit of distance and shoot the Con in the shoulder, causing him to temporarily drop his gatling gun. Dreadwing grunted in pain as he turned back to the Prime and lifted his gatling gun up once more but somehow charged it to shoot grenade-like projectiles at him. Optimus, seeing the projectiles heading for him, jumped high in the air and did a forward flip over the projectiles, avoiding them completely. The projectiles exploded behind the Prime and adding to the overall badass move the Prime just performed.

Optimus continued to charge but switched to his sword as he jumped up again and prepared to strike the Decepticon commander. Dreadwing also quickly managed to unsheathe his sword and parry the Prime’s attack. Optimus jumped back as the two began fighting with their blades as sparks flew, and blows were exchanged the fight was getting more and more intense.

Starscream watched as Dreadwing performed a display of impressive sword stances and poses as the only thought Starscream had was ‘He looks like those human action stars who wanted to look cool for the movie’ a random thought but a rather poignant one as after that display Optimus just kicked him in the face. Dreadwing performed a powerful overhead attack as he came down on Optimus’s blade as the two struggled for a second. Optimus was able to deflect Dreadwing’s blade as he shifted him to the side, but that left the Prime wide open as Dreadwing suckerpunched him and sent the Prime reeling back.

The two stood there for a moment as they both were collecting their thoughts and planning their next attacks.Optimus was back against a cliff edge and was losing ground. Dreadwing sheathed his blade and began to charge at Optimus. Optimus mimicked Dreadwing’s move and also sheathed his sword and charged at the commander. Dreadwing had more momentum as he tackled the Prime and the two began to fall off the cliffside. “Optimus!” Starscream cried as he heard the two of them crash below. Starscream tried to run towards them but the Vehicons held him in place. Starscream looked towards the ledge and could still hear blows being exchanged.

‘Prime is way more durable than I thought’ Starscream was impressed that the Prime still got up. The sound of a singular blast came from what sounds like Prime’s blaster as after a second a sound of an avalanche and Dreadwing crying out could be heard. The two Vehicons exchanged looks and decided to take Starscream with them to find their leader. “Commander Dreadwing!” One of the Vehicons called out, As the fallen snow began to disappear Optimus stood there slowly walking towards the Vehicons. They began to fire at Optimus who was looking tired after his battle with Dreadwing. As Optimus charged at the Vehicons, Starscream saw an opportunity to help Optimus. Starscream grabbed one of the Vehicons as he was trying to fire at Optimus. The other one noticed and tried to fire at Starscream but ended up hitting his comrade in the back. As the Vehicon was distracted Optimus hit the other Vehicon and immobilized it.

Starscream threw down the downed Vehicon onto the ice as he looked up at Optimus. “Well… that was eventful…” He said as he held out his hand for Optimus to cut the cuffs.

He did in one swift motion as Starscream rubbed his wrists, “Well we know that we don’t have the relic. And the Decepticons don’t so that only leaves…well…humans have it.”

“There must be a human base nearby that they brought the relic too. I will reach out to Rafael, to see if Agent Fowler has regained consciousness and can help us find the relic.” Optimus said as he quickly commed Raf for an update on Agent Fowler. Agent Fowler has indeed regained consciousness and is ready to support the various squads currently out looking for relics. Starscream was looking around and noticed a pair of tire tracks that clearly weren’t from Optimus. “Optimus. Tire tracks maybe they can lead us to the base.” Starscream pointed out as Optimus saw the tracks.

The two followed the tracks as best they could as a bit of a snow storm was blowing in. Nothing severe but it could cover the tracks if they don’t hurry. After maybe an hour of walking they came upon a human base. “Well, we should recover what is rightly ours…” As Starscream began to walk towards the base but was yanked back by Optimus. “We cannot simply enter a human facility to search for Cybertronian relics.”

“So what? Wait for Agent Fowler to clear the place? That could take a long time! Even with the Decepticons buried under all that snow.” Starscream protested, Optimus was already comming Agent Fowler to evacuate the facility. Starscream frowned, but then got an idea. “Prime, what if I scout ahead while you observe from a far? Instead of us both standing here waiting.”
Starscream suggested, “You mean with your holoform? That is…a rather exceptional idea. While I wait for the base to clear you can go in your human holoform to locate the relic in the base.”

Starscream was glad the Prime was on board with his plan as he sat down and engaged his holoform. Thankfully from Warlock’s clever programming it can be adjusted for different climates as he appeared in more weather appropriate clothes. Starscream then made his way down to the base, trying to stealth the best he could as he saw the team of scientists beginning to evacuate the base. Starscream snuck into one of the larger hangers as he saw helicopters beginning to leave the area with the humans. Starscream looked inside and just saw the relic still sealed in a large block of ice.

“The humans couldn’t bother fully excavating the thing! How in blazes did creatures my current size carry a Cybertronian size block of ice here!” Starscream stubbornly kicked the block of ice. As the helicopters left with the humans, Optimus came down the hill carrying Starscream’s actual body. Starscream managed to flag the Prime down as he disengaged his holoform and regained consciousness in his Cybertronian body. Starscream got to his pedes as the two Autobots walked into the hangar.

“To think you served as Megatron’s most loyal lieutenant and now you serve his enemy. That… is a capital offense.” A voice said as the two bots turned to see none other than Dreadwing with his gatling gun at the ready to fire at the two. Optimus then tackled the commander to prevent him from hitting Starscream as the two got into a fight. The two began to exchange blows as Dreadwing held Prime in a headlock as Optimus elbowed him in the side to let go. Optimus skidded forward away from Dreadwing, as he saw that Dreadwing attached an explosive to his side. Optimus quickly grabs it and throws it into the air as it detonates.

Starscream looked back at the battle outside and back at the relic, “I need to get this fragging thing out somehow.” Starscream looked around and saw something he could use to chip away the ice so he could get at the relic. The sound of clashing metal and blows being exchanged got loud as Starscream frantically chipped away at the ice to get the relic. After a bit, Starscream was able to free the relic, “Some kind of armor…of Decepticon origin…” As Starscream donned the armor and went out to help Optimus.

The two fighters look to see Starscream arriving in the Apex Armor. “You dare take that which rightfully belongs to Lord Megatron?!” Dreadwing yelled as Starscream smirked, “And what do you intend to do about it hmm?” As Starscream balls his fist and gets ready to join the fray. Dreadwing was outnumbered and now outmatched now that Starscream has donned the Apex Armor. Dreadwing flinched as he realized he cannot win this battle, Optimus put away his sword and removed his battle mask. “Dreadwing… I bore no malice towards Skyquake and I regret the role I played in his demise. I will appeal to him as I once did your twin. Turn your back on the Decepticon cause and help me end this war. For his sake and for all that have fallen.”

Starscream just stood there as Optimus was trying to recruit Dreadwing, Starscream could back up the Prime but he could tell the type of bot Dreadwing was. He wouldn’t turn, Starscream tried to get Skyquake to serve him and it failed. If he's anything like his brother he would cut his losses and return to the Nemesis empty handed. Dreadwing put his sword away and walked towards the Prime. “I will never turn on my master… not like some. Next time we meet… I will have your spark.” Dreadwing transformed and flew off into the opposite direction leaving Starscream and Optimus victorious as they acquired the Apex Armor.

Chapter Text

Episode: Triage

Ratchet and Warlock set a course for their own relic as they plan to meet up with Wheeljack. The two ground bridge to his location and sees the wrecker leaning against his ship with an explosive in his hand. “So the boss thought you two needed backup huh?” Wheeljack said as he got up from leaning against the Jackhammer.

“Yeah, the more the merrier I think.” Warlock said with a smile, Ratchet scowled, “Either way we need to start searching for the relic. Less idling, more searching.”

“Whatever you say, Doc.” Wheeljack said with a smirk, Ratchet paused, “Do not call me Doc!” Ratchet grumbled as he walked away.

Warlock looked at Wheeljack, “You can call me Doc. I’m not a doctor but…I wouldn’t be insulted.” Wheeljack patted Warlock on the back, “You're a good egg, Warlock.” As Wheeljack began to make his way into his ship.

“Was that a seeker joke? We don’t lay eggs though…” Warlock said to himself as he joined the others in the Jackhammer.

Everyone got into the Jackhammer and the ship took off to the relics location. “So…all of Team Prime is busy tracking down these 4 Iacon relics?” Wheeljack asks the two scientists, “The 4 that are currently in play, yes.” Ratchet answered,

“There’s more?” Wheeljack questioned the medic.

“Megatron still has the whole Iacon Database. These were the four we managed to get. We couldn’t download the whole database in time.” Warlock informed Wheeljack,

“We’ve also yet to learn how many more relics or Decepticon weapons of mass destruction it contains.” Ratchet added,

“Plus we’ve found a bunch of other relics already too without the database. So who knows how many there are on Earth.” Warlock said as he was looking at one of Wheeljack’s scanners.

The scanner Warlock was looking at began to flash as it notified them that they were being followed. “Looks like we have company.” Wheeljack said as the Jackhammer picked up on a Decepticon trailing them. Wheeljack switched the view and saw the Con following them.

“Soundwave.” Ratchet said as they noticed the drone form of Megatron’s communications officer following them.

“Megatron’s communications chief?” Wheeljack asked curiously, “He must be tracking the same coordinates as us.” Warlock said as the ship shook and Soundwave began to shoot at them.

“You might want to grab onto something.” Wheeljack warned as he cranked the controls and began to shoot straight up into the sky. Ratchet and Warlock ended up being jolted backward at Wheeljack’s maneuver.

“Are you trying to send us to the scrap yard?!” Ratchet yelled as Wheeljack turned upside down and was trying to get behind Soundwave. He got behind him and engaged the Jackhammer’s weapons and tried to shoot him down. Soundwave was surprisingly agile in the skies. For a Decepticon who rarely leaves the ship he is quite graceful in the air. He was dodging and weaving all of Wheeljack’s blasts.

Soundwave launched something at them that Wheeljack dodged, “What was that?” Wheejack asked, “Soundwave’s surveillance drone, Laserbeak.” Ratchet informed them as Laserbeak was now pursuing them. The Jackhammer was doing its best dodging the blasts from Laserbeak and still trying to keep track of Soundwave. Ratchet looked to the monitor and noticed Soundwave was gaining some distance from them.

“Wheeljack! Maintain pursuit! Soundwave is using Laserbeak as a form of distraction!” Wheeljack smirked,

“I welcome a good distraction…” As Warlock and Ratchet exchanged looks of worry. Wheeljack pulled a trick maneuver and got behind Laserbeak. And began shooting at the drone. As they pursued Soundwave they lost him and Laserbeak. Ratchet considered looking for them when Soundwave appeared out of nowhere. And suddenly Laserbeak was firing at the Jackhammer… The Jackhammer fired back as it tracked Laserbeak through the sky. Wheeljack got suspiciously close to a mountain that caused Ratchet to freak out, Warlock just bit his lip as the Jackhammer went up the mountain to try and track Laserbeak.

As they continue to to fight in the air, Wheeljack managed to get behind Laserbeak by flipping upside down and flying backwards causing Ratchet to scream in panic at such an insane maneuver. He then flipped upright aimed at the minicon and began firing. Ratchet looked over at Wheeljack and asked what he was doing as he began to charge at the drone. They both dodged each other at the last second but not before Ratchet let out a yell screaming at the wrecker for his recklessness. Wheeljack’s targeting system managed to lock onto Laserbeak and after a few blasts managed to hit the minicon.

“Choke on that Con!” Wheeljack cheered, as Laserbeak began to fall out of the sky a few last ditch blasts came out of the drone. One of which hit the Jackhammer’s engine causing the ship to also fall out of the air. The Jackhammer spun out of control and began to head towards the ground, Ratchet and Warlock clung to their seats as they braced for impact. The Jackhammer landed with a loud crash and slid forward in the dirt, as they could see the smoke leaving the damaged engine.

The trio got out of the ship and began to assess the damage. “Gah…Right thruster is fried.” Wheeljack said angrily, “If you pursued Soundwave like I said-” Ratchet began to lecture,

“His little birdy would still be pecking at our tailpipes!” Wheeljack snapped back, Warlock just awkwardly stood there as the two argued.

“We need to resume our pursuit of the relic. Soundwave might already be there!” Ratchet said to the group,

“Well the Jackhammer isn’t going anywhere we might need to drive to the location. Unless Warlock here can give us a lift.” Wheeljack jokes as Warlock informed him it would be difficult to fly carrying two full size bots on his back.

“It was a joke, Warlock.” Wheeljack stated as he turned to look behind Warlock as he walked towards something he spotted. The other two turned to see Wheeljack draw his swords and approach a damaged Laserbeak near their crash site. “Wheeljack, be careful. Laserbeak is the eyes and ears of Soundwave.” Ratchet told the wrecker as he flipped the drone over with his sword.

“Not anymore it isn’t.” Wheeljack smiled as Laserbeak seemed to not move, “Soundwave still has a head start, we should get moving.” Warlock said as Ratchet began to scan Laserbeak’s vitals “Operating system still appears functional, but offline. The crash damaged it’s optic and audio receptors.” Ratchet stated, Warlock looked curiously at the downed drone “So the ‘eyes and ears’ of Soundwave is blinded and deafened…how ironic.”

“A minor victory but not the one we came here to do.” As Ratchet began to walk away Wheeljack got an idea.

“Hold on, Doc.” Ratchet grumbled as he haunted being called Doc. “This situation calls for an old wrecker trick.” as Wheeljack pulls out a grenade.

“How so?” Warlock asks, “Sooner or later, Soundwave is going to come looking for his little pet. We let them reunite and return to base and they would be packing a live grenade. The moment Soundwave reaches inside he pulls the pin and kaboom!” Wheeljack explained, Ratchet looked over at Warlock as Ratchet had an idea of his own.

“Why use a grenade when we can use a more deadly bomb?” Ratchet walked over to the downed drone,

“A virus. That passes from Laserbeak to Soundwave.” As Ratchet uses one of his tools to open up Laserbeak, “Where it would transfer into the Decepticon mainframe and download the entire Iacon Database and send it to us.”

“That’s genius, Ratchet. We only had a few coordinates so if we download the whole database through Laserbeak, Optimus can decode more.” Warlock said happily his wings bounced a little as he was excited.

“Sounds complicated. I thought we were in a hurry?” Wheeljack stated,

“If we must sacrifice one relic to gain the rest it is a worthy gamble.” Ratchet responded,

“Can you even pull off such complicated programming?” Wheeljack asked, Ratchet turned to Warlock “I believe this is your area of expertise, Warlock.”

Warlock came over, “Sure is. But we need to be clever about this. Soundwave would probably find the virus quickly so maybe I should make a decoy virus? So that the Cons don’t discover it right away.”

Ratchet looked over at Wheeljack, “Or…we can do something less complicated.” As Ratchet points at the grenade strapped to Wheeljack’s hip. “So we want them to find the grenade. But don't let it go off.”

“Precisely.” Ratchet said as Wheeljack handed over the grenade to Warlock. “Seems like a waste of a perfectly good grenade.” Warlock removes the core of the grenade and places it into Laserbeak.

Wheeljack began to walk away, “And where are you going?” Ratchet asked as Wheeljack turned back to the medic.

“Gotta buy you eggheads some time. Maybe grab the relic while I’m at it.” As Wheljack transforms and speeds off towards the relic’s location.

“Then we better hurry.” Warlock said as he began to start making the virus, Ratchet assisted the best he could but he was no coding expert, not like Warlock. Ratchet also thought him and Raf should have a discussion on coding as the young human was also adept at coding as well.

After a bit of time has passed, Warlock was able to create the virus as he began to upload it into Laserbeak. The small drone began to spring to life as Ratchet tried to hold it down.

“What's the progress, Warlock?” Warlock looked at his device, “Were at about 50%. Almost there.” Ratchet was struggling to keep the drone down when a comm message came through,

“Doc.” Wheeljack said through the comm, “Wheeljack! I told you not to call me that!” Ratchet snapped back, “Sorry…” Wheeljack said weakly,

Ratchet immediately went quiet, “What’s wrong? Where are you?” Ratchet asked concerned, Warlock looked over at the medic with worry.

“I…figured… you have about 2…minutes.” Ratchet looked up into the sky and could hear Soundwave approaching, “Warlock, how much longer?”

“Almost done. Just hold him for a few more seconds.” Warlock watched as the upload bar was nearly complete. Hopefully, it finishes before Soundwave gets to him. Ratchet leaned up against a rock as he struggled to hold Laserbeak. A small ping alerted the two that the upload was complete as Ratchet released Laserbeak and watched it weakly fly a few feet away before flopping onto the ground. Warlock hid behind a nearby boulder as they heard Soundwave approaching at breakneck speed. Soundwave transformed and landed near the wreckage of the Jackhammer.

He approached the ship as he was clearly analyzing it and seeing if there were any Autobots near it. He unprompted, turned and aimed what looked like the Iacon relic at the rock where Ratchet was hiding. Ratchet ducked hoping the Decepticon didn’t see him. Soundwave saw Laserbeak on the ground and walked over to pick him up. He reattached him to his torso and began to walk away. Ratchet groaned as he slumped against the boulder, Warlock watched as Soundwave turned back and released his tentacles to snake around the rock Ratchet was behind.

Warlock was getting nervous as Ratchet moved himself to not let the tentacles find him. As the tentacles grabbed a small piece of Laserbeak that was moving in front of Ratchet’s pedes. Soundwave grabbed the piece, put it in his subspace and took off. Ratchet and Warlock came out from their hiding spot as Ratchet tried to comm Wheeljack, he was being quiet as the two took off to find him and hope he is ok.

The two arrived at Wheeljack's location as Ratchet transformed and lifted the wrecker up as Wheeljack groaned “Just…resting my…optics.” As he lifted himself up, Warlock was relieved that Wheeljack was right for the most part. They didn’t get the relic, but if their plan works then the Iacon Database is all theirs.

They returned to the Jackhammer as Ratchet insisted on Wheeljack coming back to base for an examination after his fight with Soundwave. Wheeljack declined as he wanted to repair the Jackhammer. Raf sent the ground bridge as Warlock and Ratchet returned to base. Raf flagged down the two as he pointed to the monitor. The Iacon Database was being downloaded into the mainframe.

They all cheered excitedly as Bulkhead, Skywarp and Thundercracker returned from their mission. They found the relic and saw it was Tox-En and decided to dispose of it so the Decepticons couldn’t weaponize it. Thanks to Skywarp’s teleporting powers it was a cinch to dispose of. While Bulkhead and Thundercracker dealt with the Insecticons that were searching for it. Not too long after Arcee, Bumblebee and the humans returned with the Phase Shifter. Followed by Optimus and Starscream with the Apex Armor. “So we got 2 out of the 4 relics. Not bad. I mean technically 3 but…I don’t think Tox-En would be any good here.” Thundercracker said as now everyone was back into base.

“And Warlock and Ratchet managed to download the Iacon Database from Laserbeak…so these missions were super successful.” Raf said as everyone seemed to be in high spirits as they successfully acquired 2 relics and now have means of getting more.

Chapter Text

The next day the Iacon Database was fully downloaded into the base’s mainframe. June Darby drove the children into the base and asked to talk to the team. Jack and the kids were all sharing looks and smiling, “We…want to celebrate our latest victory. So…we wanted to invite you guys to a barbeque!” Jack said as Miko joined in, “Yeah! You guys can use your holoforms and try human food! It’s almost summer so a barbeque at the Darby house sounds fun!”

“So what does one do at a ‘barbeque’?” Warlock asked,

“There’s usually outdoor games, tons of food and people hang around and have a good time.” Raf explains, June steps forward “Only if you guys are comfortable with it. I don’t want to force any of you to do things you don’t want to.” Team Prime looked at each other and agreed to go.

“Even Ratchet should come, it would be nice to get out.” Miko teased Ratchet “Pah! I didn’t install the holoform software. I have no interest in your human gathering. I should stay behind and decode some of the Iacon Database.” Ratchet protested, Optimus placed a hand on Ratchet’s shoulder.

“Warlock can install it with ease. I feel you deserve a reward and a break for all the hard work you’ve been doing, my friend.” Optimus smiled warmly at his friend as Ratchet relented and allowed Warlock to install the program.

They plan for the barbeque to be the next day giving the humans a chance to get all the stuff needed for the event. It was the talk of the base as to what to expect and what their human companions are planning for this ‘barbeque’. The Autobots also contacted Agent Fowler to get more information and invited him as well. They all turned into their holoforms including Ratchet who was still protesting up until leaving.

Ratchet’s holoform was about 5 '11 tanish skin with a stocky build. His clothes are a red sweater, white coat with matching white pants. He was wearing black loafers and had short cropped red hair with some graying on the sides of his head. Ratchet looked himself over as he still found this whole holoform thing strange. “How are you feeling, Ratchet?” Warlock asked as he wanted to make sure the program initiated correctly. “I feel fine. Just getting used to this temporary form is all. Strange to not be made of metal.”

The group left to go to the Darby residence. As they all got to the residence they noticed smoke coming from the backyard and began to panic as the group ran to the back only to see the source of the smoke was a grill and not the house being on fire. The Cybertronians froze as the humans told them things were fine. Agent Fowler told them it was fine and a typical human custom for food to be grilled during a barbeque. Agent Fowler went over and helped June with the grill as she was putting meat on it. The human kids were all in summer attire as they had water guns and water balloons at the ready for some games.

Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Moonlight and Skywarp decided to join the humans in their water balloon war. They split into teams, Cybertronians vs humans. Ratchet and Optimus stayed by the house and observed the humans and their teammates having fun. Thundercracker watched as Agent Fowler and June cooked food he found the process fascinating and was asking them questions. Warlock, Starscream and Arcee sat by the table as Buster was sitting on Arcee’s lap getting plenty of pets.

The water balloon battle definitely got out of hand very quickly as the water balloons went flying closer to the people who were not involved. As a water balloon hit Starscream right in the face causing him to fall backwards as the chair also fell with him.

“OK! We are getting casualties outside of the battlefield. At ease.” Agent Fowler told them to cool it as they stopped the water balloon battle. June went inside and got some towels for everyone and for Starscream who got hit in the face.

“Maybe we should switch to volleyball…less likely for people to get hurt…” Jack suggested as he and Marissa set up the volleyball net. While they were setting up Raf and Miko explained the rules of volleyball and the objective of the game. Warlock and Arcee joined this time to even out the teams, Moonlight insisted her sire be on her team. The teams blended humans and Cybertronians, Bulkhead, Moonlight, Warlock, Miko and Marissa on one team. The other team was Jack, Raf, Bumblebee, Skywarp and Arcee as they got ready for the game. Ratchet and Optimus got closer to the table with Starscream who had dried themselves off and were ready to watch the volleyball game.

The volleyball match began as at first the Cybertronians didn’t get the game but after some help from the humans the game picked up. Little Moonlight was doing her best but as the smallest she struggled to get the ball over the net. Thankfully Warlock being the supportive sire he was, put his daughter on his shoulders giving her the height to spike the ball. Skywarp and Arcee were a dangerous combo as even though Raf and Jack weren’t terrible at the game, Skywarp would zip across using his teleporting powers and Arcee’s acrobatics helped her dive forward and save the ball numerous times. Not to say Bumblebee was lacking, he was also a menace spiking the ball over the net a few times. Not to say the other team was lacking as Miko and Marissa were definitely a power duo. Bulkhead lacked speed so he would set up the ball for Miko or Marissa to get it over. Warlock being the tallest next to Optimus and with Moonlight on his shoulders would rival Bumblebee in terms of spiking the ball with precision. After getting to the score of 10 Jack, Raf, Skywarp, Bumblebee and Arcee were victorious.

June, Agent Fowler and Thundercracker set up the table for everyone to eat. The Cybertronians not familiar with eating cuisine were looking at all the food on the table curiously. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, grilled meats, salads, chips and more were set about. Some members of Team Prime have tried food before but Ratchet and Optimus were two who seemed hesitant on what food to grab. Bulkhead offered Ratchet a hotdog.

“Me and Miko had these at a monster truck rally. They’re pretty good.” Ratchet tried the hotdog and didn’t like it, Bulkhead apologized but Ratchet told him not to, it wasn't his fault he would just have to try the different human foods and see what he likes. Optimus wanted to avoid meat as he said he didn’t feel comfortable eating any Earth creatures. They told Optimus he could have some of the salads or chips since they didn’t possess any meat in them.

The rest of the team didn’t really have any issues with the food. Everyone enjoyed their meal together as they all discussed various topics. Ratchet, Optimus and Warlock were talking about the Iacon Database and ways to streamline decoding it. The trine of seekers were joking with one another and talking about silly human shows. The humans were making suggestions to the seekers on some shows to watch. Arcee and Bumblebee compliment Agent Fowler and June on the food they made and ask more questions on Earth food. All in all a very cozy and well deserved break from the chaos that the team had been facing recently. After getting the Iacon Database, some Iacon relics and undermining some Decepticons…the Autobots have been so successful as of late.

Starscream while eating looks around at the table, his partner and his daughter laughing with the humans, His brothers making jokes with the Autobots, and him genuinely smiling. He realized he had been scowling a whole lot less than he used to. Warlock was right after all the Autobots are giving him his dues, they respect him, they don’t threaten him or beat him… Everything the Decepticons lacked. It’s such a strange concept even after all this time, that the enemy he fought for so long embraced him and made him a better bot. A hand on Starscream’s shoulder interrupted his thoughts, it was Arcee. “You spaced out for a second. Something wrong?” She asked, Starscream looked at her and back at the table, “I never pictured any of this happening.”

“You mean being in holoforms eating human food at a human gathering?” Arcee joked knowing that wasn’t the true answer, Starscream chuckled, “No. Just all of this. The comradery, the laughs, feeling like I’m making a difference and have people who have my back. It’s all…still so foreign.”

He was watching everyone having fun at the table, “Guess the Cons weren’t so comfortable with one another.” Arcee stated,

“No they weren't, we were always somehow against one another in a way. But all still worked together well. Warlock…brought a point a long time ago…one that stuck with me. He said the Decepticons never gave me my dues… And that joining the Autobots might make me feel like a true commander.”

“Optimus is still the team leader and unlike the Cons we don’t really have a ranking amongst the group. If there is a true second in command of the Autobots it would probably be Ultra Magnus but he isn’t on Earth.” Arcee informed him, “I’m aware of that…but just being respected. Being recognized for the good work I do, not being put down or mocked...getting the praise I know I deserve is…refreshing.” Starscream said with a soft smile,

“The Cons sounds exhausting to deal with if what you’re saying is true. Not having much respect or truly listening to one another sounds exhausting and lonely.” Arcee said, taking a sip of her drink.

“It was. Especially after my brothers were gone. I know you can relate. But unlike me Cliffjumper or Tailgate won’t miraculously not be dead. But… having them back has lifted my spirits and helped me rebuild trust again.” Starscream looked back at Arcee whose face was blank, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to rub it in! I-”

“It’s alright. You… have a right to be happy, Starscream. I’d be excited to see Tailgate or Cliff back on the team. And…I didn’t forget the nice thing you did for me… letting me talk to Cliff… one last time. It…meant a lot.” Arcee sounded sad but had a smile on her face,

“It was fine till the end. We will find a way to fix the whole Dark Energon corruption thing for Cliff. There has to be a way.” Starscream may have learned he had an indestructible spark and it cannot be tainted by Dark Energon so his spark could go to the Allspark in theory. He wonders what else a powerful spark like his is capable of.

“I think the most insane thing was the fact that we get along now. I don’t think anyone would have predicted that.” Arcee laughed, Starscream joined her, “Oh most definitely. I don’t blame you for wanting to rip me to shreds all that time ago. Looking back…I really was a slagger. But now I’m not as bad…right?”

“You’re definitely less prickly. But that sass of yours drives Ratchet up the wall.” Arcee jokes,

“Well excuse me, I can’t let Skywarp make all the cringey jokes can I?” They both laugh, the fact that months ago Arcee was ready to kill him, and Starscream told her he killed her partner. Now? They are laughing and sharing a meal like old friends, how strange life can be. They finished dinner as everyone helped clean up. Miko demanded a rematch in volleyball as most of the bots agreed for another game. This time however Optimus and Starscream joined the game. Optimus joined Bulkhead’s team and Starscream joined Arcee’s.

“We got the big man on our side! We can’t lose!” Bulkhead cheered, “Laugh it up now Bulk, these two seekers are going to show you speed beat height…again!” Skywarp teased as the volleyball match began.

The second volleyball game was just as intense as the first. Bulkhead’s team decided to have Optimus in the rear as he was able to save the volleyball from going out of bounds and set it up great for Miko. Starscream, Skywarp and Arcee may of had speed on their side but the trio kept getting in each others way as they all would try and dive for the ball. June would cheer on her son from the sidelines as Ratchet would cheer on Optimus. Agent Fowler stayed quiet just enjoy a cold beer and watching the match. In the end because the speedsters lacked coordination and Optimus saved a lot of foul balls, Bulkhead’s team won this match. “Ha! Told ya we’d win!” As Miko high fives her teammates.

“One more game! Break the tie.” Skywarp said holding up the ball, the sun was beginning to set as June decided to set up a little fire pit as it was beginning to get cooler and more breezy out. Everyone agreed for one last tie breaking match. It was almost scenic to watch the final match as the sun set in the background and the sky turned orange. The humans and holoforms were yelling and laughing as they tried to beat one another. It was such a joyous moment for the Autobots as everyone was having a good time.

The match was getting intense as Arcee’s team reformatted so that no one would get in each other’s way. Raf was really good at setting up for Bumblebee who would spike the ball, Bulkhead was in the front doing a great job of saving Bumblebee’s spikes, Optimus was really good at serving and could get some good distance on it while Starscream would dive and stop the ball from hitting the ground. The game was heated as the scores were neck and neck both had 9 points each as this was the final match. It came down to a surprise save from Moonlight who was on her sire’s shoulders as Skywarp failed to save a surprise spike from her and won the match. Everyone cheered for the little sparkling who managed to win the game. Even the losing team had to say the child’s moves were good as they accepted defeat.

The sun set as the stars and moon came out. June told everyone to come over to the fire pit and set up stuff to make smores. The Autobots were confused on the premise but the humans were happy to show them how to make the dessert treat. They put the marshmallow on the stick and slowly roasted it. Jack informed them if they get too close to the flame they will burn the marshmallow or it gets too goopy and falls into the fire. After not listening that immediately happened to Skywarp whose marshmallow caught on fire and he freaked out. Thundercracker shook his head at the airhead of a sibling and blew it out and put the smore together for him. Despite it being burned he found it delicious. The Autobots and humans enjoyed their treats as they stargazed or would listen to Miko and Marissa tell human scary stories as is tradition over summer campfires. The Autobots kept having to ask if these stories were true or fabrications, Marissa said they were fake while Miko told them they were real…They didn’t know who to believe. Moonlight began to get sleepy as she fell asleep in her sire’s lap cuing everyone it was getting late and time to pack up for the evening. All in all the human ‘barbeque’ was a rousing success.

Chapter Text

Another few days passed as Ratchet and Optimus were spending their time decoding the Iacon database. Warlock, Starscream, and Skywarp were spending some time in Warlock’s ship as Thundercracker was out with Marissa and Buster helping with farm stuff. Skywarp, Starscream, and Moonlight were playing some human video game when Warlock knocked on the door to get their attention. “Hey, Star, can I borrow you for a minute?” He asked as Starscream put the controller down and went to see what Warlock needed.

Warlock led Starscream to their room as Warlock’s demeanor didn’t indicate he wanted to interface…”Something wrong, Warlock?” Starscream asked as Warlock sat on the bed. “I…I want to come clean.” He said not looking at Starscream and clenched his fists in his lap. Starscream raised a brow, curious about what Warlock meant.

“I know you’ve been hearing… questionable things about me from Decepticons, like Knock Out and Airachnid…I want to tell you the whole story.”

Starscream was honestly surprised Warlock was going to open up to him about everything as the seeker sat down next to him. “I’m happy you want to tell me voluntarily. I know others question it too. But it makes me happy you chose to tell me without being prompted.” Starscream took Warlock’s servos into his as Warlock looked at him with a warm smile.

“Thank you. I-I have a hard time telling people the truth about me. Airachnid only knows bits and pieces…I think besides my family you would be the first I told…well…the whole truth.”

Starscream felt his spark flutter as he felt proud Warlock trusted him this much with whatever personal information he was about to tell him. “I guess the best way to start this is to explain how I was created…”

“You’re going all the way back to your birth?! How much stuff are you hiding?!” Starscream asked confused, Warlock shook his head, “No! I mean yes? I mean I wasn’t created normally…like Moonlight I was created through…other means…” Starscream looked at him confused and concerned, what was Warlock about to tell him?

“My sire was your average run-of-the-mill shuttle class seeker. He worked transporting mining materials from Luna-1 to Iacon. But one day he saw something in the vacuum of space that caught his attention. A meteor or what he thought was a meteor, as it crashed near him on a Luna-1 construction site. He went over to investigate and saw it was a bot…or what looked similar to a bot. But…she wasn’t a bot, however. She was an early version of a Quintesson. One who was crafted by Quintus Prime himself. Who was escaping Quintessa when she crash-landed on Luna-1. That Quintesson…is my carrier.”

Starscream listened to Warlock’s story with interest but then his blood ran cold once he made the realization. “You’re not totally Cybetronian?! But Quintessons have multiple faces and tentacles! You don’t have those!” Starscream stated, now looking for tentacles on Warlock, “Quintesson Judges, the current leading force of the Quintessons look like that. There are other kinds. Like I said my carrier was one of the earlier Quintessons. They look more bot-like…with tentacles…” Warlock said awkwardly as Starscream’s confused and disturbed face conveyed the ridiculousness of this well.

“I don’t have tentacles! Not externally anyway…” Warlock murmured, “Externally?! Excuse me?!” Starscream shrieked, “Starscream! I’m not going to tell you more if you aren’t going to behave!” Warlock reprimanded, and Starscream frowned, Warlock was right it’s taking a lot for him to tell Starscream all of this.

Oh, Primus he just realized Moonlight is not only an Insecticon but a Quintesson too…he shuddered, ‘So does Moonlight now have spider legs and tentacles?’ Starscream thought as Warlock continued,. “Anyway, Quintessons aren’t known for their physical strength but their intellect. My carrier, a student/creation of Quintus Prime, understood the complexity of his personal relic, the Emberstone. And she…made something similar so that she and my sire could procreate. Creating a fusion of a physically strong Cybertronian and the power and intellect of a Quintesson. And so…they made one of each gender. Me and my sister, Hex.”

Starscream listened to Warlock’s explanation with intrigue. A relic that can combine CNA with other species' DNA? The possibilities are endless…Warlock continued to speak, “So when I feel extreme emotions I can call upon my Quintesson heritage and use powers in me. I…I don’t like using them if I can help it because then people want to exploit it. And sometimes after using it, I feel strange…”

“Strange how?” Starscream asked, “Like numb…like I’m a different person…a more emotionless person…or a more violent one…I don’t like feeling like that. The apathy or rage I never know what comes out when I use my powers…it’s scary sometimes.” Warlock looked scared almost, Starscream rubbed his shoulders as a way to soothe him. “So that’s how you got the power to defeat a bot as skilled as Overlord…” Starscream mused,

Warlock nodded, “It just came out…I couldn’t help it.”

“My sister’s powers are slightly different though she has more control over it and can use it without issue. I realized later down the line my heightened intellect is another gift from my carrier and my height and build from my sire. My sister has my father’s physical strength and my mother’s control over her abilities, but isn’t the brightest... but she is a skilled warrior with a strong moral compass.”

“So each person has abilities unique to them. I assume Moonlight has those as well?” Starscream asked,

Warlock nodded,” After touching Mournsong her latent Quintesson powers activated early. Her ability to commune with those in the afterlife is her unique Quintesson powers being influenced by a different relic. Or at least that’s my theory.” Warlock said,

Starscream pondered “Interesting. So her powers allow her to use the relics in that way. Fascinating.”

“So…” Starscream began, “I assume what your carrier used to make you… you used to make Moonlight?” Starscream decided to finally get his official answer from Warlock. “Yes. My mother made her own unique version of the Emberstone. But the true Emberstone was lost, no one knows what became of it or of Quintus Prime. They say the Quintessons terminated him after he was no longer useful…My carrier believes this as well. She was one of the Quintessons that ruled for a while before the Judges came and tried to terminate her like her sire… I mean Quintus Prime… She always referred to him as her sire despite not being related… technically.”

“She isn’t wrong. Quintus Prime is technically her creator. And her possessing the knowledge and potential power of a Prime is dangerous to a race of beings who were crafted by it.” Starscream said Warlock said exactly.

Warlock looked up as he sighed, “So with the Emberstone missing but her falling for my sire and the two wanting a family…they make a sort of fake Emberstone. She called it the Heartstone, which allows the DNA or CNA of a being to fuse to create a new being entirely. The Emberstone allowed life to flourish and allowed new beings to form. The Heartstone more or less just blends things together.”

“And you used the Heartstone to make Moonlight with Airachnid,” Starscream stated,

“I…I was truly in love with Airachnid at a point in my life. She was strong, determined, and fun at times…but I learned later it was all an act to get me to do her bidding…my spark almost shattered from hearing the truth. When we split she was under the impression I created the Heartstone and can make more…I don’t know how my carrier made it so it was one of a kind. Eventually, during our break up I lost the Heartstone. Airachnid didn’t have it, so I turned to a trader who could help me, maybe locate it in exchange for my services.”

“Swindle.” Starscream frowned,

Warlock nodded, “He tracked it to a smuggler on Morkos-3. And told me they sold it to a Quintesson and I panicked. As someone with Quintesson DNA…I was able to sneak into a stronghold on Quintessa where the Heartstone was… and I took it back, left to Morkos-3 but was followed then well…ended up here…And…that’s the whole story.”

Warlock looked at Starscream who was clearly processing all this new information Warlock had just told him. Starscream remembered Moonlight stating Warlock got his hands on a relic and left Morkos-3…guess she wasn’t referring to the Onyx Triptych, or maybe she was and the child didn’t understand. Either way, Starscream was a mix of emotions trying to understand all of this information. “It’s a lot to process…It’s not at all what I expected. But I am happy you told me.” Starscream took Warlock servos in his, “You’re still you. A unique blend of optimism, intelligence, and deceit…”

Warlock blushed as he felt a bit of shame about being so deceitful. “Don’t feel upset. I respect and understand why. If anything I’m impressed by how good of a liar and how well you hold secrets. You know me, I'm a loudmouth at times and I wouldn’t be able to keep my mouth shut if I had powers like yours.” Starscream kissed his cheek, “You’re still the bot I love. Nothing has changed.” Starscream warmly smiled, Warlock’s optics went wide as small tears formed in his optics. “I love you, too.” as the two shared a passionate kiss as Warlock snaked his glossa into Starscream’s mouth. Starscream chuckled, “Always eager hmm…?”

“I’m just really happy. I didn’t know how you would react. In the beginning, I was so nervous by how you were reacting…but hearing you’re not weirded out and…love me has me over the moon.” Warlock chuckled, Starscream smiled, “Oh I am definitely weirded out and still processing all of it. But the fact of the matter is this doesn’t change anything. You’re still my Warlock. My sparkmate.” The two share another kiss as Warlock feels tons of weight lifted off his shoulders.

Chapter Text

Episode: New Recruit

Raf and Jack were spending some time scrubbing away Bumblebee sightings on the internet when he came across a photo that intrigued Jack. Raf enhanced the image to reveal that a meteor photograph was actually a photo of a Cybertronian escape pod.

This got Ratchet’s attention as he turned to the humans “Here?! In Earth’s atmosphere?” Ratchet asked, surprised, Raf immediately uploaded it to the main computer for the rest of the team to see. “Autobot Or Decepticon?” Arcee asks as the picture is blown up onto the screen. “Hard to tell, the image quality isn’t the best.”

“Either way this merits an investigation.” Optimus says,

“Could be a trap too. Cons are slowly losing higher-ups. Airachnid is locked up here and Overlord is terminated. Megatron could have sent for someone else to fill out the ranks.” Starscream said,

“Just in case it is an Autobot. Ratchet, come with us and bring your medical kit.” Optimus ordered as Bumblebee, Arcee, Optimus, Warlock, and Ratchet to get ready for departure. The small team exits the groundbridge as Bumblebee and Arcee take the front with their blasters ready for any attacks that might happen. They see a large trail of energon from the crashed pod as it sits a few feet away from them. They get closer and notice the Decepticon logo on the side after Arcee wipes some dirt off it. The pod had a hole in the side indicating the Decepticon inside blew its way out.

Out of nowhere a blast zooms by Optimus’s head as they see a squad of Vehicons appear out of the woods. They must be investigating the crash themselves, the Autobots began to shoot back as Warlock hid behind the pod. Two Insecticons also flew in as Warlock realized he had to fight as he began shooting at the Insecticons. He hadn’t truly fought someone since Overlord and was afraid he would lose control again, but he headed to protect his comrades.

“All these Cons came for one measly pod?” Arcee said as she took cover behind some debris. The Insecticons transformed and charged at Optimus who had both his sword and blaster out ready to fight the beasts. One Insecticon charged him as Optimus blocked him and then pushed him back to slice his torso as he blasted him out of the way as he saw the second one coming. He managed to blast the second one as the first one turned its attention towards Ratchet and pinned him against a boulder. Knocking the wind out of the medic as it howled and got ready to strike the medic.

Arcee managed to intercept the strike as the beast lunged. The Insecticon grabbed her and she managed to kick it in the face, backflip out of its grasp, and rejoin Bumblebee who was behind her as the two charged the beast. The twos combined fire power managed to knock the beast out but they still had a score of Vehicons slowly approaching the group.

Warlock cursed himself for not grabbing his Aegis Blaster as it would have been useful right about now. But Warlock tucked and rolled behind a tree and was blasting some Vehicons knocking one or two back. When suddenly from behind the treeline they heard another blaster as an unknown bot came charging out of the woods. His plating is white and blue with a red and white helm and a clear ground-based vehicle mode. He was running towards the team blasting at the Vehicons.

“Down in front!” The mystery bot yelled as he jumped over Arcee and Bumblebee and landed on a Vehicon. The mystery bot was blasting Vehicons as the group was wondering if they were friendly or not. He did a backflip as he avoided a charge from an Insecticon and got closer to the group. The Insecticon was dangerously close to the large pool of energon as the mystery bot’s blast ricocheted off it and ignited the pool.

“Fall back!” Optimus ordered as everyone ran to avoid the explosion to follow. They jumped behind some boulders and the explosion was huge as a massive dust cloud covered the area.

The remnants of the whole area were doused in bright blue flames and Decepticon corpses. Trees burning, grass singed and debris scattered a very ghastly sight. As the mystery bot was standing over the mess he cheered, “Too hot for ya Cons?! Wooo!”

“Friend of yours?” Ratchet asked Bumblebee who shrugged ‘Why would you think that? I don’t know who he is.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“Never seen him before.” Arcee said as the mystery bot jumped off the rock.

“Sooo…Scorching that energon leak? A great plan right?” He asked in a cocky tone, Warlock just looked at the new bot with confusion,

“That was so stupidly reckless! No! That was not a good plan!” Warlock yelled back, the mystery bot frowned at Warlock, “It wasn’t even a plan. It was a random shot that nearly fried all of us!” Arcee added,

“Worked out didn’t it?” He said confidently, Warlock almost wanted to literally smack sense into him when Optimus stepped up.

“Thank you, fellow Autobot. Your valor is to be commended.” Optimus complimented the mystery bot, who looked up at Optimus with wide eyes and a smile “I don’t believe it…You’re Optimus Prime! He’s Optimus Prime!” The mystery bot turned to the team and pointed at Optimus. “We know.” the group said in a flat, almost bored tone.

“What is your name, soldier?” Optimus asked as the bot stood at attention “Smokescreen sir!” Optimus held out a servo, “Welcome to Earth, Smokescreen.” as Smokescreen paused and shook his hand.

“It’s an honor to be here. Especially with you, sir.” Smokescreen said happily,

“So now what? We can’t bring him back to base. Wouldn’t be the first time an ally turned out to be an enemy…” Arcee said, remembering the Wheeljack doppelganger incident and the whole Pharma incident. Optimus looked over the new bot and noticed his insignia on his armor plating.

“You received your training from the Elite Guard?” Optimus asked,

“True. Though it wasn’t much more than a boot camp by the time I joined. I never even got a proper graduation ceremony!” Smokescreen whined,

“Well there is a war going on…” Warlock added,

“Hey! All I ever wanted was to be a soldier and serve the Autobot cause. All I got was security detail at Iacon.”

Ratchet’s optics lit up “At the hall of records? Optimus, do you not find this oddly suspicious?” Considering they just stole the Iacon database and here is a bot who guarded the place…a bit too convenient.

“Smokescreen, what was your assignment inside the hall?” Optimus asked, hoping to get further detail from the soldier, “Guarding Alpha Trion during what turned out to be the end days of the war…”

"You served under the master archivist?” Optimus asked curiously,

“I wasn’t exactly thrilled to be watching the back of an old bot. Then kicking Con tailpipe!” He punched his hand to emphasize how he wanted battle over guard duty.

He saw everyone staring at him “Uh…well it turned out the big guy was a great teacher. And a true friend. I mean he was the one who petitioned Halogen and the high council to make you a Prime.” Optimus paged Raf to open the ground bridge to the base as everyone protested. “If my former mentor shared this information. Then he considered Smokescreen a trusted ally.”

The ground bridge opened and the team went back to base. They were immediately greeted by the human children as Miko began to ask Smokescreen all manner of questions. “So…these are the lifeforms we are sworn to protect?” Smokescreen asked as the Autobots nodded, Buster came out barking as Thundercracker came from the back room of the base. Smokescreen pulled out his blasters.

“Starscream?! You stiletto-heeled creep! How did you get in here?!” Thundercracker, unamused by Smokescreen insulting him, pauses and frowns at the new recruit.

“1. Not Starscream. 2. Ouch. 3. My name is Thundercracker. And 4. That ‘stiletto-heeled creep’ is standing right behind you about to smack the scrap out of you.” Thundercracker pointed behind Smokescreen as Starscream and Skywarp stood there, also frowning. Starscream’s arms crossed as Skywarp giggles, “Man the newbie is in for a rude awakening…”

“Optimus! There’s Starscream clones in the base. How are you this calm?! Why aren’t you attacking?!” Smokescreen asked alarmed.

Skywarp rolled his optics, “Hello? Are you blind, newbie?” Skywarp points to his chest with the Autobot insignia on it. Smokescreen notices that Starscream and Thundercracker both have the insignia’s too. “And for the record, we aren’t clones. We’re siblings, kid.” Thundercracker sneered, still mad at the insult from before. Smokescreen put away his blasters, “Optimus how-”

“A lot has happened during the war. Alliances have shifted and Starscream and his brothers have joined the Autobot cause. I hope you give him due respect as an Autobot.” Optimus informed Smokescreen as the bot was still in disbelief Megatron’s second in command is now with the Autobots.

Ratchet clears his throat “Anyway, I’m still interested in how you arrived here on Earth in a Decepticon escape pod?” Arcee and the rest of the team for the most part are still looking at him suspiciously. “Man you guys have trust issues huh?”

“Well after Pharma…we can’t exactly trust everyone with an Autobot insignia…” Skywarp added,

“Who’s Pharma?” Smokescreen asked,

“Not the point. Explain away, newbie.” Starscream cut off as Smokescreen frowned and turned to the rest of Team Prime.

Smokescreen gives the Autobots the summary of how he ended up on Earth. He was the last line of defense for the hall of Records but got captured by the Decepticons and held captive on a transport ship. He escaped and went into stasis as the next thing he knew he was on Earth. Ratchet explained the Warship must have picked up the signal and transported it to Earth, hence the fun welcoming committee.

“Smokescreen…Do you know of Alpha Trion’s fate? After the fall of Iacon?” Optimus asks the new recruit,

“I wish I knew. That day was the last I saw of him.” Smokescreen told Optimus as Optimus looked down somberly not knowing what happened to his former mentor.

“Well that’s my story! Not exactly the glory I envision for myself…Until now!” Smokescreen said confidently,

Skywarp whispered into Starscream’s audio receiver…”This guy makes you look humble…” Starscream smirked at his brother’s insult. “Oh…poor mech doesn’t even know what’s in store for him…let’s hope he doesn’t take us down with him on his ‘path to glory.’” The seekers snickered in the corner mocking the new recruit like a group of mean girls.

“Being here with Optimus Prime! I knew I was destined for great things! Now that you have helped, how hard could it be to end this war?”

“He did not just say that…” Thundercracker whispered to his trine, “So… we’re just excess slag huh? Primus I want to knock this cocky little slagger down a peg already.” Starscream said with a scowl,

“That’s a bit conceited to say such a bold statement, Smokescreen.” Warlock said bluntly, the soldier looked over at Warlock, “Well I’m trained for this! It’s my destiny to help the Autobots!”

Warlock blinked at Smokescreen, “So is everyone around you. Starscream and his trine are also trained soldiers, Bumblebee is a talented scout, Ratchet is a world-class medic. They are trained in these skills too that help the war. And even those who weren’t like Bulkhead, myself and even Optimus…we all have things to offer to end this war. Making the bold claim that you single-handedly can change a war is arrogant, short-sighted and foolish. Learning from your betters will make you a better soldier and a better teammate.” Warlock explained rather passionately, Smokescreen stood there slightly embarrassed by the scientist as everyone liked Warlock’s compliments of the team and to enlighten the eager newcomer.

“Smokescreen…I would recommend getting acclimated to your new surroundings. A tour of the base would be a good start.” Optimus suggested as he looked over to Miko who excitedly volunteered to show him around. Miko followed by Buster led Smokescreen down the hall on a tour of the base.

“So…the new guy is interesting…” Skywarp said as Smokescreen left the room,

“Rather green if you ask me.” said Bulkhead,

“But he isn’t green? He’s white and blue.” Marissa said,

“No, not like the color, Rissa. He lacks experience in the field.” Thundercracker corrected,

“There is no question we could use additional fire power. Even with our ranks slowly increasing as of late. Despite Smokescreen’s lack of experience, I expect our team to work well with our new recruit not against.” Optimus said,

“Better hope the hotshot’s blasters are as big as his mouth.” Bulkhead retorted as he looked over at the seeker who he overheard talking smack.

“So far the young guard has yet to… what do the humans say? Put their money where their mouth is?” Starscream smirked,

‘He may be a rookie but we all have to start somewhere, right?’ Bumblebee beeped,

“I think he talks a lot.” Moonlight chimed in as everyone looked for where the sparkling’s voice was coming from. Warlock sighed and looked up as Moonlight lately has been using her spider legs more now that she can to climb walls and ceilings. “Moonlight, what did I say about hiding in the rafters?” Warlock said sternly, placing his servos on his hips.

“I just don’t know if I can trust him yet…that Pharma guy turned out to be a bad guy…” She said hiding into the rafters more, Ratchet sighed the whole Pharma situation still upset Ratchet even after learning what he did.

“Moonlight, sweetspark I can assure you this is not a Pharma situation. He’s…just young… like you. He just doesn’t know any better yet.” Starscream tried to explain to the sparkling who came crawling down to the bottom floor and ran to hug Starscream.

“Promise?” said with her big yellow optics looking at Starscream, “Promise.” he said back.

Raf called over to get everyone’s attention. “I swear to Primus if this is another Bumblebee sighting…” Ratchet grumbled, as Raf pulled up a picture of a construction site. It was a picture of Red Energon, and Ratchet was surprised to see such a rare form of energon appearing on Earth at all.

“What’s Red Energon?” Raf asked,

“It’s an extremely rare and volatile form of energon. If refined into fuel it gives the power of hyperspeed.”

“We must contact Agent Fowler and clear the dig site of all human activity. Just in case we aren’t the only ones to learn of the Red Energon’s existence.” Optimus said as Marissa said “On It!” as she began to call Agent Fowler and update him on the situation.

“Now you're talking! Let’s mess up some Con circuits” Smokescreen yelled as he came back in the room,

“With your limited field experience. I believe further training is in order before you are battle ready.” Optimus told the young guard, “Optimus with all due respect-”

Optimus cut off the newcomer, “Furthermore, we Autobots live on Earth as robots in disguise. You will need to obtain an Earth-based Vehicle mode.” Optimus explained,

“It’s so you can maintain a low profile. If that’s possible for you.” Arcee said with a sarcastic tone,

Warlock chimed in “I can also install the advanced holoform programming once you get a proper vehicle mode.” Warlock added trying to be friendly after his whole speech earlier.

“Arcee is right. You’re loud.” Moonlight said bluntly, Smokescreen’s optics went wide “Is that a sparkling?! Where did it come from?! I thought the Well went dark?”

“I was in the ceiling…watching you…making sure you’re not a bad guy…” Moonlight said squinting her optics.

“I…Uh…what?” Smokescreen was confused,

“Anyway, Rissa, Jack, can you help Smokescreen get an Earth-based vehicle mode?” Thundercracker tried to break the awkwardness and prevent more questions from being asked, Marissa and Jack went with Smokescreen to find an alt-mode.

Warlock picked up Moonlight “I’ll be back, it's time for someone’s lessons…” Moonlight groaned as they went into the base for their lessons.

A few hours passed as Agent Fowler successfully evacuated the area. Optimus tasked the seeker trine to obtain the red energon. Smokescreen thankfully was still out trying to scan an alt-mode so no surprises for now. The trio ground bridge to a shipping yard where they saw the crate of Red Energon hanging in a crate above them.

“Skywarp can you teleport up there and get the crate down?” Starscream asked, Skywarp nodded as he teleported to the top of the crane and began to try and get the crate loose. A stray blast whirled by Thundercracker’s head as they turned to see nothing. The two pull out their blasters as they look around. “Oh great…there’s three of you now…I thought two Decepticon seeker trash was bad enough…” A voice said, a voice Starscream remembers all too well… “Pharma…How are-”

“How am I alive after having the ever living scrap beaten out of me by Overlord? And after you and that teleport twit left me and let a mountain collapse on me?! Was that what you were about to ask?” Pharma said in a condescending tone, “Well…yes…but-”

“You can thank Overlord for that. He managed to claw out of the rubble and dragged me with him. His Vehicons repaired me and force me to repair him…” Pharma explained, so that's how it happened,

“So why are you here Pharma? Revenge? The Autobots won’t let you rejoin if you take out several of their team though…” Starscream sassed, they still couldn’t spot the medic as they all looked around. Skywarp was still trying to loosen the crane to get the Red Energon but was still remaining vigilant.

“Oh puh-lease…like I would specifically waste my time on petty revenge on you…It was the Autobots who turned on me and chose Decepticon trash over an Autobot medic! No, I’m here for the Red Energon." Another blast came from a row of cargo ships. Starscream aimed his blaster but still didn’t see the seeker. “Can’t find me can you? Those Iacon relics really do come handy don’t they?” Pharma teased, ‘So he has some kind of relic that hides his presence…great.

“Starscream, is something wrong?” Ratchet commed in,

“It’s Pharma…he’s alive and after the Red Energon.” Starscream commed back,

“Pharma…is alive?” Ratchet said in shock,

“This Pharma guy? Wasn’t he evil?” Smokescreen said as he returned,

“No! Just…misguided…Arcee handles the ground bridge. I am going to try and talk some sense into my former student…” Ratchet said getting ready to leave,

“You ain’t gonna go alone, Ratchet. Let me come, I got my vehicle mode and everything! I’m ready!” Smokescreen begged,

“What part of further field experience do you not get?!” Ratchet retorted back, Ratchet transformed and went through the ground bridge. Smokescreen sneered and transformed himself and raced after. The Autobots called out to Smokescreen but he was already through the portal. The two arrived as they saw Starscream, and Thundercracker trying to fire and hit Pharma but only heard his laugh.

“Ratchet?!” Thundercracker yelled in surprise,

“And…Smokescreen?” Starscream questioned as the two transformed and came close to the seekers but stopped as a blast hit between them.

“I told you! You are not ready for the field!” Ratchet chastised Smokescreen, “Ratchet!” Smokescreen pointed to the top of the crane where they saw Pharma and Skywarp. Pharma holding a saw to Skywarp’s neck.

“Well now that I have your attention…” Pharma smirked, Skywarp was frozen in fear because one wrong move and Pharma will slice his head off.

“Pharma! This is insane! Let him go! We can talk about this!” Ratchet pleaded with his student,

“Oh? Can we now? Now we can discuss things? After you all left me for scrap!” Pharma hissed as his saw teeth cut Skywarp’s neck slightly causing energon to spill. “Pharma you kidnapped Skywarp and nearly killed him and Starscream over a petty revenge on Tarn…”

“IT WASN’T PETTY! The DJD ruined me! And then to come to Earth and find my mentor…one of the few bots I respect would save someone else over me!” Pharma cried out, he sounded genuinely betrayed, Smokescreen saw that Pharma was focused on Ratchet and Starscream and not him. He snuck towards the crane and began to climb it.

“Pharma that is not what happened! Overlord ambushed you all! Bulkhead was bleeding out. We had to get him out of there! As for the rest of the team, I wasn’t-”

“No! You weren’t there! You save Bulkhead over me! I was in worse condition! I see where your allegiance lies and I will never forget how you betrayed me Ratchet!” Pharma shrieked, and Ratchet flinched, this is not how he wanted this to go. Pharma won’t listen to reason, he had Skywarp held hostage…Ratchet was panicking over what to do. When he saw Smokescreen of all bot up by Pharma, he needed to distract Pharma for a bit longer…”Pharma…I’m sorry. I’m sorry I left you in the cave…If I can redo it all over again I would grab you first but-”

“No BUTS! No, no, no! I will not hear your excuses! You betrayed me! End of story! Once I offline this pest you’re, GAH!” Before Pharma could finish his rant Smokescreen jumped him giving Skywarp enough time to phase through Pharma and escape his grasp. Pharma staggered as he faced Smokescreen.

“Who in blazes are you?! A new recruit?!” Pharma snarled as his saw began to whirl, Smokescreen wanted to say something witty but he didn’t have time as Pharma swiped at him with his saw as Smokescreen dodged Pharma’s frantic swipes, Smokescreen kicked him in the side breaking whatever relic that gave him temporary invisibility.

“Gah! The Shadow Shifter!” Pharma cried as he turned back to Smokescreen and began blasting at him. Skywarp got to his pedes and charged the seeker. Skywarp was able to knock Pharma off the ledge causing him to tear open the crate of Red Energon from his saw. Pharma clung to the edge as he grasped at a chunk of Red Energon. The chunk broke as Pharma began to fall. He transformed and took the large chunk with him as he jetted upward to make a loop and fire at the crate.

“Smokescreen! Hang on!” Skywarp cried as he hugged Smokescreen and teleported down to his brothers. The Red Energon ignited and caused a massive explosion that caused the crane to collapse and the Bots to run away. Pharma jetted away during the explosion making it difficult to track him.

After the dust had cleared they all regrouped…”Well…so much for the Red Energon…” Smokescreen said dejected,

“But we did get this…” Smokescreen held up a broken Shadow Shifter.

“Another relic…so not a total loss after all.” Starscream said,

Skywarp turned to Smokescreen, “Thanks for the save. If I didn’t time my phase out correctly my head would have popped off…” Skywarp wrapped his servos around his neck for emphasis. Ratchet sighed “It was lucky you didn’t listen to Smokescreen and helped out…But don’t make a habit of it! We have protocol for a reason!” Ratchet lectured,

“Got it, Doc.” Smokescreen said rubbing his helm, Ratchet sighed, “Pharma truly has lost his mind to vengeance…I couldn’t get through to him.” Starscream placed a servo on Ratchet’s shoulder, “You tried. Pharma was gone long before this… what happened with him and the DJD and Overlord messed him up badly. Maybe one day you can help him…but not today…”

The group returned to base and explained what happened and that Pharma is still out there…and who knows what he plans to do with the Red Energon…

Chapter Text

Warlock proposed a silly idea to Starscream to him. A date, a proper date. The two never had one since getting together. Warlock had an idea already in place but wanted Starscream’s approval before doing anything else. Starscream said yes, a little date sounds nice. They have been dealing with so much with the whole relic hunt and after Warlock came clean about his heritage. The two deserve some time for romance.

Warlock told Starscream to follow them as Skywarp and Thundercracker agreed to sparkling-sit for the day. Warlock opened a ground bridge with his remote and the two ended up in a densely wooded area by a beautiful lake with a slight waterfall, very picturesque. Warlock already had a picnic blanket set out with some energon cubes as the two sat by the water and watched nature for a bit. “How romantic. A little picnic date.” Starscream said as he took a sip of his energon.

“It’s only the beginning. I have more planned.” Warlock smiled at his sparkmate. The two watched as a small family of deer came to graze by the lake. Warlock was spotting some animal facts he learned from the human channel ‘Natural Geographic’ about local forest fauna. The really funny moment was when a large falcon landed on Starscream's shoulder and began screeching at him. Warlock nearly spits out his energon as Starscream and the bird got into a shrieking match. The bird left Starscream’s shoulder but never left his sights as the bird and he was now apparent rivals.

Warlock laughed at the silliness of nature as they watched a frog ride on the back of a turtle in the water. Warlock pointed out how the frog was a freeloader who got a free ride while Starscream said the frog was just being opportunistic and clever for using the turtle as free labor. The two’s opinions sparked an odd debate about frogs…

They finished their cubes as Warlock put the picnic blanket in his subspace. Starscream suggested a nice flight after their picnic as the woods seemed to be a beautiful place to fly over. Warlock agreed as the two transformed and flew off. They were flying at a leisurely pace over the woods as Starscream noticed that damn falcon following him. “Your friend is back…” Warlock teased, Starscream groaned as the bird followed them for a bit before veering off.

Warlock and he did some fun aerial tricks, nothing too fancy but ones that they found amusing and don’t get to do during combat. Warlock and he did a duel barrel roll over each other as the two laughed at how goofy and sappy that move was. They used their aerial trails to also make a heart, even more corny. But it made the two bots smile as they don’t really have time for silly things like this with a war going on.

The sun was beginning to set as Warlock told Starscream to land over by that cliff face. The two landed with a flourish as Warlock set the blanket back up for the two to watch the sunset. “Did you get all your ideas from ‘basic ideas on how to plan a date’ data pad or something?” Starscream teased at how textbook this date has been so far.

“Maybe I did. But it’s working isn’t it?” Warlock teased back, Starscream laughed really loudly as he pulled Warlock into a quick kiss. Warlock laughed too, as Starscream kissed him again and again. It was denta rottingly sweet and Starscream couldn’t be happier. The two shared a look as Starscream began to smirk. Starscream’s servo begins to grace Warlock’s interface panel.

“Starscream! Out here?!” Warlock blushed, as Starscream turned his head with a single digit.

Starscream laughed, “Well…no one is here… and this is a date, isn’t it? You gave me such a lovely day…let me give you a lovely evening~” Starscream purred, as he ran his glossa down Warlock’s audio receptors. Warlock shuddered as Starscream took his long slender digit and ran it between Warlock’s inner thigh plating. Starscream’s glossa runs down his neck cables as he nibbles and sucks on them as Warlock begins to moan. Warlock’s fans began to turn on subtly as Warlock turned his head and began kissing Starscream’s on the lips. They two began to passionately make out as their glossas explored each other’s mouths.

Starscream felt a pressure building in his interface panel. Warlock chuckled in the making out and pulled him in closer as he pressed Starscream’s body against his with a subtle clang. Starscream blushed as the sudden motion as Warlock’s optics were half lidded. “Lay down, love.” Warlock purred, Starscream complied as he opened his interface panel and laid down with his legs open.

Warlock saw his semi pressurized spike with some transfluid leaking slightly. as Warlock gently began to stroke his spike gently at first then with more zeal as Starscream’s moans got louder. It was music to Warlock’s audio receptors as he felt Starscream’s long legs subtly wrap around Warlock’s side. Warlock adjusted himself to be over Starscream as he kissed him while stroking his spike. Starscream moaned into the kiss as Starscream’s spike began to fully pressurize. Warlock smirked in the kiss as he pulled back and placed his lips on the tip of the spike causing Starscream to reactively buck his hips and place more of the spike down Warlock’s throat. Warlock slowly sucked as his glossa gently stroked the underside of his spike. Starscream was happy no one was around as he was being very loud. Some saliva dripped out of his mouth in between moans as Warlock worked his spike.

Warlock took the entirety of Starscream’s spike into his mouth as he moved his head up and down as he worked the spike, his glossa teasing the tip of the spike as transfluid leaked into his mouth. Starscream was getting louder as he was beginning to get closer and closer to overloading. Warlock removed his mouth from Starscream’s spike as he saw the seeker a drooling, moaning mess below him. “I almost forgot how talented you are with that mouth of yours~,” Starscream said breathlessly, which was hard to hear as his fans were on a high speed.

Warlock chuckled as his fans were on a bit faster. “Well, you are just as talented, my love.” Before he knew it Starscream used his long legs to pull Warlock closer to him. Warlock stopped him though as he knew what Starscream was trying to do. “What? Come on already! Do not tease me anymore…” Starscream whined as he was very eager for Warlock’s spike.

“As endearing as your whining is Starscream…I want to try something new…” Warlock purred as he got up and lined up his own valve with Starscream’s spike. “Wait…you want me to top?!” Starscream asked in surprise, Starscream was usually alway a bottom. He rarely gave and definitely enjoyed receiving more…so this was a very new thing for the seeker. “I’ve never bottomed either… figured you want to try something new. Let’s see how it goes…hm?” Warlock said as he wiggled his brows. Starscream laughed at the silly facial gesture, “Fine… let’s see how this goes…”

Warlock smiled and nodded as he slowly lowered his valve on Starscream’s spike. Warlock’s practically virgin valve was incredibly tight as it had never had a spike in it before. Warlock moaned as he slowly lowered more and more onto Starscream’s spike. Starscream’s breath hitched as he fell, his spike being encased in Warlock’s tight valve. Warlock was moaning loudly as he lowered more and more,

“Oh F-frag, that feels…new…oh~,” Starscream said as Warlock was able to take him all in after a few minutes. Warlock was breathing heavily as his fans kicked into high gear. As Warlock optics shifted upward to look directly into Starscream’s optics, he began to roll his hips forward as he began to ride Starscream’s spike. Starscream’s optics began to roll into the back of his head as Warlock was at first doing a slow but strong roll which felt divine to Starscream. But then began to pick up the speed and began to be less gentle as he himself was getting closer to overloading. Starscream was moaning both loudly and begging for Warlock to go harder. As the seeker himself would subtly rock his hips as well.

Warlock obliged as he was getting rougher with the seeker as Warlock was moaning loudly too as Starscream’s spike was hitting all the correct nodes in his valve. And Warlock shifted his hips slightly as it hit a node that was a golden spot. “Oh sweet Solus Prime, that’s the spot!” Warlock shouted. Warlock was practically seeing stars as he rammed Starscream’s spike against the node again and again.

With the repeated hit to the node, Warlock was so close to overloading more that Starscream as the seeker began moving his own hips fast as the two were in a sense of sexual bliss. Starscream thrust hard against that one node causing Warlock to overload as his voice got all staticy but he didn’t stop til Starscream was done as the seeker wasn’t far behind as Warlock thrusted back hard causing the seeker’s hips to hit the ground with a loud thud, Starscream overload as his optics rolled back and his wings twitches violently. The two were breathing heavily as the sounds of each other's fans were deafening.

Warlock got off Starscream and rolled next to him. After a few moments of silence, the two looked at each other and laughed then looked up at the night sky. The stars were so bright and the air nice and cool. “That was definitely different. I wouldn’t be opposed to trying that again.” Starscream said as he placed his servos over his stomach. “Me either…no wonder you like bottoming…”

Starscream practically snorted with laughter at Warlock’s naive and crashed comment. “Oh have we converted now?” Starscream teased,

“No. Just now know why you like it so much.” Warlock smiled and looked at his sparkmate. “You planned a lovely date, Warlock.”

Warlock looked back up at the stars. “I’m glad you liked it. Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come.” Starscream took one of Warlock’s servos into his own as the two shared a passionate look and then looked back up at the stars spending the rest of the night stargazing until they fell asleep on the mountainside.

Chapter Text

Starscream had a wonderful little date with Warlock the other day. Today was another slow day for the Autobots. Starscream and his trine were relaxing in Skywarp’s quarters watching an Earth show Thundercracker wouldn’t shut up about. The trio were all wrapped up together in a jumble of long slender limbs all cuddled up together. Starscream in the middle, Skywarp to his right and Thundercracker to his left.

“So what is the point of the show?” Starscream asked, confused by the context of the show.

“He’s the Earth devil and he solves crimes with the Los Angeles police department,” Thundercracker explained,

“So…it would be like Unicron working with the Elite Guard? Wow, that’s…weird.” Skywarp said, trying to make the connection.

“It’s just an interpretation. It’s not factual. It’s fiction. But it's interesting and the main character is charming.” Thundercracker said to his two brothers.

They continued to watch a few more episodes before Skywarp got antsy. “Can we watch something else? Or do something else?” Skywarp whines as he puts his head on Starscream’s shoulder. “Do you have any other Earth programs to recommend, Thundercracker?” Starscream looks at his brother,

Thundercracker listed some Earth shows and movies he recommends to his siblings. Starscream turned to Skywarp to see which piqued the teleporter’s interest. Skywarp paused as looked over at Thundercracker. “You spent a lot of time watching Earth media huh?”

“I was on Earth for 200 years. And humans only had film for the last 100 or so. So I’ve consumed a lot of stuff in that time frame.” Thundercracker stated he saw the rise and fall of Hollywood actors and actresses. He’s seen many films and shows both good and bad. He even has movie ideas written down that he accidentally admitted to his siblings who teased him about it. Skywarp smiled “I want to read your movie script. What do you say, Starscream? Give our brother some advice on his film?” Skywarp smirked at his brother,

“No way! I am not letting you two make fun of my work! Even as sparklings you teased me for my stories.” Thundercracker frowned, Starscream shrugged “We can be nice…Me and Skywarp have grown as people, right Skywarp?”

“Exactly! We will give you good critique only.” Skywarp said with a servo on his chest. Thundercracker sighed as he got up and grabbed a data pad with his latest script idea on it. “If I hear so much as a mocking tone I’m blasting you out of the window…”

Starscream grabbed the data pad and held it up so he and Skywarp could read it. About 10 minutes passed as the two silently read Thundercracker’s script. The script was about a drama about a soldier who was part of a war and as the war went on his loyalty wavered and one of his siblings died during the war and the others' desires got twisted due to his ambition. The soldier eventually escaped to a foreign country and lived out his days in isolation haunted by his past. Until he came across a lone farmer family and found purpose again.

It was so obvious that this script was based on Thundercracker’s experience with the war. The dead sibling, Skywarp. The corrupted sibling, Starscream and the farmer family Marissa and her father. The actual writing wasn’t bad, but Starscream was still annoyed that Thundercracker wrote his character as such an ass. So cartoonishly mean and Skywarp’s character is almost accurate to his true self. They got to the end which had a cliche heartfelt moment of Thundercracker having a heartfelt moment after Marissa’s father died.

Starscream put the datapad down as he looked at Thundercracker with a scowl. “Really? Commander Stella is a little on the nose, don’t you think?” Starscream said in a nasty tone as Skywarp then finally a bit too late connected the dots.

“This was written before we reconciled. If anything it could set up a great sequel of us all reconciling! I thought we moved past this…” Thundercracker said with some sorrow, he did feel bad. But the script was indeed written before the trio got back together.

“You know… we never officially reconciled. I just let it be. I wanted to be the bigger bot after everything we all went through but now reading this… and seeing how you viewed me…let’s finally hash this out…” Starscream untangled himself from Skywarp and looked at Thundercracker with his arms crossed.

“Scream, come on that was then. I don’t see you like that anymore! You proved me wrong and became a better person…you turned back into the Scream I know and love.” Thundercracker admitted with a heartfelt smile as he placed a hand on Starscream’s shoulder.

“Yes… but doesn’t make up for the nearly 700 years of being alone! And the whole you faked your death to abandon me!” Starscream said as he shoved Thundercracker’s hand off his shoulder. “Scream… you have to understand things from my perspective…” Thundercracker began,

“No! You left me at the mercy of Megatron! You don’t know how bad it got! What Megatron did to me after I was all alone!” Starscream screamed,

“I know Megatron was a bit rough but-“ Thundercracker began…

“No! He raped me! He beat me! He demeaned me in front of the troops and in private! He did so many horrid things to me! Primus, the number of times he’d beat me and then fuck my unconscious body was too much! Hook stopped treating me so much after that. And I had to just live with the aftermath after one of Megatron’s late-night visits…Then when Knock Out took over as chief medical officer he at least offered some form of therapy…he at least listened to me a bit but I didn’t want to have to explain how weak I was to him. Because I needed to keep my image as second in command and did want to look like a fool! And a part of me genuinely began to believe I deserved it!” Starscream began to cry as Skywarp leaned forward hearing his brother’s confession.

Thundercracker looked at his brother in horror. “Starscream…I-“

“Megatron did so many horrid things to me in the time you were gone! He would beat me to the point of being comatose! He would demand interfacing from me or suffer a beating! Pits, I whored my body out in exchange for a lighter beating! Primus, rough sex hurts so bad… Knock Out had to reset my valve nodes several times!” Starscream informed his siblings…

Both Thundercracker and Skywarp exchanged an uncomfortable look as they turned back to the crying Starscream. “Star…”

“Megatron was a brute! He didn’t care about the punishment he did to me! Primus the pain I was in! The nights I cried myself to sleep after interfacing with that monster! I just…I just…” Starscream cried as he struggled to finish his thought. “I was so alone! I needed my trine there to help! Being alone was the worst!"

Thundercracker tried to break the awkwardness. “Starscream I-”

“No! You don’t get to defend yourself! Skywarp also suffered. If we both knew we would have saved him too! Warlock was too kind to let me see the true brutality from Overlord that he suffered! The pain I felt knowing I was responsible for both your deaths all that time! Horrible! Primus! If I knew!” Starscream fell to his knees as he cried, Skywarp came over and hugged Starscream.

“Star. Do not feel guilty about me. You did save me. You got me to safety with the Autobots. No one knew, Overlord was careful about it. He was just as cunning as Megatron…He did just as bad things to you as me…”

Starscream paused and looked at Skywarp in horror as Skywarp looked away. Thundercracker bit his lip in rage, almost breaking the light skin there. “Skywarp…did he-“

Skywarp nodded as Starscream sighed, “Oh Skywarp…” Starscream hugged him tightly, Skywarp began to cry. “That’s not the point Star…The point is you did save me. I’m so happy now…I have you and now Thundercracker. Please let us just go back to being a happy trine please… We fixed so many things.”

Starscream hugged Skywarp harder as he looked over at Thundercracker. “I’m sorry Starscream…Skywarp… I was selfish in trying to save myself…” Thundercracker looked at Skywarp, “If me and Starscream knew, you know we would have sent a whole squadron to save you, Skywarp. Maybe it would have changed things… But you have to understand things from my perspective…I saw one of my brothers perish and my other brother slowly changing into a bot I didn’t recognize…I felt alone too…even though I had you Star. I just needed to save myself…and leaving was the best way.”

Starscream sighed, “I-I understand. You were a sensitive soul, Thundercracker. But that doesn’t undo the trauma me and Skywarp went under…Please understand…”

“I do understand… I just…I didn’t realize how bad it was for both of you…Primus Skywarp you haven’t said anything…” Thundercracker said to his youngest brother, as Skywarp looked at him.

“I don’t like thinking about it. Things are so much better now. I want to live in the now rather than dwell in the past misery. I have my brothers back, I’m free of Overlord, Overlord died a horrid death… I’m so happy now! Why imagine the past?” Skywarp said in a happy tone,

Starscream and Thundercracker exchanged looks. Starscream sighed at his brother, “You’re right Skywarp, We are all back together after all this time. I can understand why you don’t want to think about the past…”

Thundercracker softly smiled at his brothers…Thundercracker leaned down and hugged his brothers. He hugged them tight. “I’m sorry. I really missed you two. I’m really glad we are all back together. Look, the story…is just a story. It’s not true…at least not anymore. You two are back in my life and that means the world to me. I’m sorry you two-faced such hardships with your…abusers…I-I don’t know how to help with that other than offer my support and love to you two.”

“Well… your story is pretty good. I mean now we are giving you prime sequel material. I mean my redemption is pretty noteworthy.” Starscream said with pride as his brothers burst into laughter over it. “Yeah, it is actually. You’re sooo humble now.” Skywarp teased, Starscream rolled his optics at his brother’s teasing. Thundercracker couldn’t help but laugh at the two. “Yeah Scream so humble… But you aren’t wrong. Everyone loves a redemption story.”

“Exactly! A redemption story is top-tier! Especially if it’s a villain. So Skywarp being not dead and me being redeemed… top-tier entertainment. Especially if you include us having our intense fight. Pits, that fight is prime material…” Starscream says,

“Oh Primus, what are you now a writer? Write your own story then. But…you aren’t wrong…” Thundercracker hesitantly admitted, Starscream smirked as he got up. “I know what sells! We can definitely get your story out there! We can even publish it under a fake human name and see how it does! I bet Agent Fowler or Marissa can help with that?”

Thundercracker smiled at how excited his brother was about his story. “So you aren’t as mad anymore…?”

“No, because you have to promise me a redemption story worthy of me. And Skywarp here.” He looked over at his brother who nodded and leaned on his sibling, “Only the most reasonable request for someone of your talents.”

The trio laughed as they reconciled from the earlier intense moment. “Hey, you guys want to watch a human comedy about a silly human sport?” Thundercracker asked, the two seekers looked at him and then at each other. “Is it funny at least?” Skywarp asked,

“Oh my Primus, yes! It’s so stupid, it becomes brilliant. It’s called Dodgeball! ‘If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball’ is one of the more popular quotes from the film.”

“That sounds heinous…let's watch it.” Starscream said getting back in berth as the two were going him and got all tangled up again to watch the silly human film about dodgeball.

Chapter Text

Smokescreen was definitely an acquired taste for the base as he was very eager to prove his combat prowess but was very young and green in terms of working with a team. Moonlight has warmed up to him as she views him more like a big kid than an adult and the two like to play games together. The human teens hanging around in the upper area. Warlock made not that one of the kids is missing, Raf.

He could hear Jack on the phone “You’ve gotta be kidding Raf. You of all people grounded?!” Jack said in disbelief.

“Yeah. Big time. I misplaced some homework and blew a couple of tests.” Raf explained,

Miko and Marissa sat down on the couch as they heard Raf talk over the speaker. “So an A- instead of an A.” Miko pointed out, Marissa smirked, Raf was a smart kid Miko was probably right.

“I’m probably spending too much time at the base lately…” Raf said as the other kids could hear Raf’s mom yell at him over the phone. Raf whispers “Say hi to Bee and Moonlight for me. Until I improve my grades…I’m off the team.” Raf hangs up as the humans all look at One another.

“So we’re down an ally til school grades improve huh?” Warlock said as he came over to the humans.

“Yeah, but knowing how smart Raf is he’ll be back in no time.” Marissa said with a smile, “You know where TC is?” She asks Warlock,

“He and the trine are out on patrol. He should be back soon.” Warlock said with a smile.
-
On the Nemesis, Soundwave finds a life signal for Breakdown. Knock Out comes over and is viewing the coordinates for his partner and notices that the signal is corrupted. “Lord Megatron, Breakdown’s signal has popped back on our trackers. But…it’s corrupted.” Knock Out tells the Warlord.

“Investigate with caution. It could be an Autobot trick.” Megatron says to the medic.

“I certainly hope not. Breakdown may be a brute but he is a maestro with a rotary buffer.” Knock Out says as he shows off his finish. Knock Out puts on a brave face in front of the other Decepticons but secretly he is hoping that it is Breakdown and he isn’t dead or it isn’t a trap. What Warlock said still seared into his mind. Breakdown being killed by Airachnid and Megatron covering it up for weeks until Dreadwing told the medic the truth. Megatron just didn’t want a mopey medic around the warship. Knock Out pushed his feelings deep down and put on a facade that he didn’t care, but he really was devastated to learn that Breakdown perished.

Now that his signal is back…maybe he is back for real and Dreadwing got it wrong. There was nobody to discover so maybe it is him…right?

Knock Out and a few Eradicons went through the ground bridge to where Breakdown’s signal is supposedly at. Knock Out looked around and took note of the destruction of a military base they apparently bridged to. ‘Definitely looks like Breakdown’s handwork.’ Knock Out thought to himself. He looked over at the base and heard heavy pede falls of a heavy bot, no doubt Breakdown. As he saw the silhouette of his partner dragging something out of a building. The heavy smoke obscured him but it was obviously Breakdown. Knock Out’s spark skipped a beat as he was so excited to note that Warlock and Dreadwing were wrong.

“Breakdown where have you-” Knock Out began asking when he noticed something off… He looked closer at Breakdown, his chassis was covered in soldering marks, rust and scratches. His body is just all off in terms of color and just all around ugly in Knock Out’s eyes. His face, the same as his eyepatch, was gone and an eerie glowing orange light was coming from the empty optic socket.

“Breakdown…what happened to you?” Knock Out asked angry to see him in such horrible condition and both concerned for what the heck happened to his beloved partner. ‘Breakdown’ walked towards Knock Out as he began to speak. It wasn’t Breakdown’s voice, it was someone else’s.

“Therein lies a tale for another time. Which won’t be nearly as interesting to Megatron as this.” the imposter said, holding up a large case. “So…take me to your leader.” The fake Breakdown smirked,

Knock Out was horrified. It was clearly Breakdown…It looked like Breakdown…but it wasn’t Breakdown. A part of Knock Out’s spark was ready to break. Knock Out tried to maintain his composure but even he couldn’t hide the look of disgust on his face at the imposter.
-
“At 16:30 hours, a satellite was stolen from a high security military vault. Surveillance shows the Decepticon known as Breakdown at the scene.” Agent Fowler informed the team as he showed some of the footage. Warlock and the seekers shared a look, they knew Airachnid killed Breakdown so how was he walking around? Maybe Megatron found his body and resurrected him with Dark Energon?

“Haven’t seen him in a while.” Bulkhead said in surprise, the seekers neglected to tell the rest of the team about Breakdown’s offline.

“It looked like Breakdown entered the base in vehicle mode. But with someone behind the wheel.” Agent Fowler continued,

“A Decepticon paired with a human?” Ratchet asked in shock, this didn’t sound right. Breakdown was terminated and now someone who looks like Breakdown is working with a human to rob a military base?

“And I have a pretty good hunch who that human is.” Agent Fowler said, as the picture on the screen changes. “The stolen satellite is known as Project Damocles.”

“Which was invented by Silas.” Optimus said, as Warlock felt his stomach drop. MECH wouldn’t…no that’s too ghoulish. But…he wouldn’t put it past the organization. Poor Breakdown, his body desecrated like this.

“Looks like the former Colonel Bishop wanted it back.” Agent Fowler noted,

‘Wasn’t Silas crushed by Nemesis Prime? How is he alive?’ Bumblebee beeped,

“Bee has a point. I thought Silas was paste?” Arcee added,

“Even if Silas is alive do you honestly believe MECH was able to side with the Decepticons? I highly doubt Megatron would even entertain the idea.” Ratchet asked Agent Fowler,

“Megatron wouldn’t. Believe me I brought it up to him a few times while I was amongst their ranks. Especially how well it worked for you Autobots.” Starscream explained,

The humans smiled at Starscream’s quip knowing that he does respect them and what they bring to the team. “So that doesn’t explain why Breakdown would help them…” Bulkhead said,

Warlock pulled Starscream to the side. “You don’t think MECH built another Nemesis Prime out of Breakdown’s corpse do you?”

“Primus…I didn’t even think of that but with what we know sounds about right. Ugh! MECH! These messed up humans are the bane of our existence.” Starscream complained,
-
“Knock Out what is this abomination?! And why did you bring it here?” Megatron asks his chief medical officer. When Megatron saw what looked like Breakdown enter the bridge he thought a member of his ranks had returned miraculously. But then he realized it as it spoke it was not Breakdown but some ungodly fusion of human and Cybertronian biology. Silas, the former MECH leader, explained there was an accident and his men fused him with Breakdown’s body. The thought process sent a chill down Knock Out’s spinal strut.

Silas or rather Cylas as he explains his new name informs Megatron of a proposition. Knock Out was angry that this abomination was even aboard the ship. “This is the human trash that dissected Breakdown!” Knock Out realized as Cylas spoke, he pulled out his buzz saw and wanted to rip out the human parasite from his dead lover’s body.

“Please… my liege, allow me to return the favor…” as he activated his saw and it started whirling. Knock Out was very eager to return the favor after what they did the first time to Breakdown. Now he wanted to make the human suffer for masquerading around as one of them.

“I propose you don’t overlook the one asset that provides Optimus Prime an advantage. At least on this world.” Cylas says to the Warlord, the more this monster speaks the more Knock Out wants to rip him apart.

“And that would be….?” Megatron asks, not really that interested in what this thing has to say but willing to humor it for a moment.

“The human factor.” Cylas said confidently,

“Look around, Cylas…” Megatron said with venom, “I command an army from a mighty warship…what can a measly human have to offer me?”

“I am no ordinary human, Lord Megatron. And this-“ Cylas points to the case containing the satellite he stole, “Is no ordinary weapon.”

Knock Out was still in disbelief that Megatron was even still talking to this creature. Let alone human his proposal, he isn’t going to take it…is he?

Cylas explains the deadly precision and power Project Damocles possesses. Megatron is intrigued by the weapon.

“A threat to anyone, anywhere on the planet?” Megatron repeats Cylas’s explanation, “With pinpoint accuracy at the flick of a switch.” Cylas added,

“And what is it you want in return for this…weapon if yours?” Megatron asks, curious to what this being wanted in return for such a devastating weapon.

“Merely a place at the table.” Cylas bows at Megatron, the human Cybertronian hybrid who wants to join the ranks of the Decepticons.

“Lord Megatron…you cannot seriously let this thing join us!” Knock Out protested,

Megatron looked over at Knock Out with a glare as the medic stiffened in fear. “I assure you doctor…if what Cylas states is true he has more than earned a place amongst my ranks.”
-
Back at the Autobot base Agent Fowler is explaining to the team the threat Project Damocles holds for the Bots.

“Project Damocles, is a particle beam cannon so powerful it can slice up the Pentagon like a birthday cake. Or carve up Mount Rushmore…all from orbit.Its the work of a mad man.” Agent Fowler explains the devastating power of what Cylas stole.

Agent Fowler opens up the case file with the information regarding the project. “The Cons may have the satellite, but they can’t use it without the interface code. The only existing copy is stored in the secure servers at the headquarters in Colorado.”

“We must keep the code from Decepticon hands.” Optimus says as Bulkhead punches his hand, “Time to roll out.”

The trine was off in the corner, Thundercracker had an idea. “What if we form Zephyr again… that could give us an edge over the Cons and prevent them from getting the code.”

“Or it can make us a larger target. If Project Damocles is as dangerous as it sounds, being the size of Optimus and flying around doesn’t sound ideal.” Starscream pointed out,

“But then we can easily take down the Breakdown puppet thing!” Skywarp noted,

“Plus taking the Enigma without Optimus’s permission just sounds like it would be a problem.” Starscream added, Thundercracker sighed, Starscream was right.

The military base was getting notified by Agent Fowler to evacuate the base immediately. Claiming there is a very dangerous radiation leak happening at the base. But in reality it was Soundwave using Agent Fowler’s voice to trick the humans into leaving.

Soundwave entered the base in an attempt to get the interface code from the base’s servers. And using his tentacles he managed to hack in and begin downloading all the data pertaining to Project Damocles.

The Autobots immediately ground bridged to the base and were immediately fired upon by Vehicons. Arcee, Bumblebee and Skywarp ran to the left. Optimus and Smokescreen ran to the right as Thundercracker and Starscream went up in the air for aerial support. Bulkhead stayed back at base as auxiliary support just in case.

Optimus ordered to secure the command center. The team on the ground engaged the Vehicons while Starscream and Thundercracker decided to go and find the command center.

Through surveillance cameras at the base Megatron and Cylas watched the Autobots begin to fight back against the Decepticons troops. “The Autobots have arrived earlier than expected…” Megatron said annoyed,

Cylas turns to Megatron “Megatron, relax.” He said in a rather informal and laxed manner. Megatron glared at him with disdain and Cylas quickly realized he made a mistake and flinched at the Warlord’s expression.

Cylas backed up and referred to Megatron by the proper honorific as Lord of the Decepticons. “Soundwave may need to download the code to operate Damocles from here on the warship. But while plugged into the mainframe, Damocles is his to command.” Cylas pressed a button on the console and launched Damocles into orbit from the Nemesis.

Megatron commed Soundwave as he downloads the data “Soundwave gets ready to beta test.” The silent mech nods at his master’s request. As he first aims the laser at the two seekers getting closer to his location. The beam came down quickly from the atmosphere as the two dodged and realized it was aimed at Smokescreen who was dealing with a Vehicon. Smokescreen saw it in time and jumped out of the way in time. The beam struck down with a devastating explosion frying the poor Vehicon Smokescreen was fighting.

“Whoa…” Was all Smokscreen could manage as he looked at the cooked Con and the giant crater Damocles left where he was a second ago.

Thundercracker hovered near the crater “Primus! That was close…good call on not bringing Zephyr.”

Starscream chuckled, “There’s a reason I’m trine leader. We need to find the command center and stop the download. Clearly they can operate it here so we need to move.”

Another beam gets fired and begins to chase the ground team. Optimus contacts the base “Ratchet can you or Warlock disable Project Damocles under Agent Fowler’s advisement?”

Ratchet looks at Warlock for confirmation “Can you hack into a human base network, Warlock?” Ratchet asks the scientist,

“I can try this is more of Rafael’s skill set but with him not being here…” Warlock said as he tried to hack into the database from the base’s computer. The humans decided that they would go to Raf’s home and have him help Warlock with the hacking. Raf was definitely surprised to see the rest of the humans on the team ground bridge into his room but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“Ratchet you gotta send me in.” Bulkhead said,

“And have another target for the laser? No way.” Ratchet said monitoring Warlock’s progress.

“But Breakdown is back. He’s my arch enemy! Even the kids are in on the action!” Bulkhead complained,

Warlock paused for a second at Bulkhead’s words. “Bulk if you want to go out there I have a suggestion. I can’t be tracked so easily here in the base but there is a small chance the Cons can track Raf. Maybe stake out his place in case a Con shows up.”

Bulkhead nodded, “Better than sitting by.” As he transformed and left for Raf’s house.

After a few moments Raf and Warlock were able to get into the system but they struggled to get to the targeting systems. “I’m in but there are too many firewalls.” Raf said as Warlock was attempting to dismantle said firewalls.

“How did the Cons get through so easily?” Warlock complained, “Raf I have an idea.”

“Let the Cons get the code. We can go after the satellite itself.” Warlock suggested,

“All satellites have maneuvering thrusters. So they can adjust their orbit. If Me and Warlock can hack into their navigation systems we can bring it down…That’s a great idea Warlock!” Raf said as he looked over the file Agent Fowler gave him.

The Decepticons were able to detect Raf and Warlock’s hacking. The Decepticons were able to pinpoint the hack to Jasper, Nevada. “Jasper, Nevada. It can only be the Autobots human allies.” Cylas has dealt with them before on numerous occasions and he knows for a fact that one of them lives in Jasper.

“Then I supposed you should deal with the matter.” Megatron said,

“Surely there are some subordinates who could-“ Cylas began,

“Now!” Megatron yelled as Cylas backed away and left to deal with the humans. Cylas found the location and came to a screeching halt. He pulled out his blaster and aimed it at the human kids he can see in the window. Bulkhead sees this and arrives in the nick of time and slams into Cylas and knocks him over pushing the turned over Con far away from the humans. Sparks flew metal screeching as Bulkhead at full force drives with Cylas being pushed.

“Good call on curbside duty, Warlock.” Bulkhead said through his commlink.

He pushed Cylas all the way away from the street and prying eyes into a ravine near by giving the two bots a chance to duke it out. The two tumbled forward and transformed facing one another. Bulkhead took note of Cylas’s body and wondered why Breakdown looked so damaged or how the Cons let him walk around like that. Especially since he’s always with Knock Out.

“Been itchin’ to trade paint with you again. Where have you been, Breakdown?” Bulkhead asks as the two circle one another sizing the other up.

“Be patient, I'm about to send you there…” Cylas said calmly,

“Wait…you’re not Breakdown…” Bulkhead realizes,

“And you are…Bulkhead. And this is the last time you will interfere with one of my operations.” Cylas said with a smirk,

Bulkhead’s optics went wide with realization of who this was. And what they probably did to Breakdown to get to this point… “Silas…” Bulkhead said in disbelief,

“In the flesh in a manner of speaking…” Cylas laughs, he pulls out Breakdown’s hammer and charges at the wrecker. Bulkhead pulled out his mallet and blocked Cylas’s attack. The two brutes began to exchange blows hit after hit, the two were in a heated battle. Neither one backing down and both using all of their strength.

Cylas knocked Bulkhead into the wall of the ravine as he gestured for Bulkhead to come at him, taunting the wrecker.

Bulkhead snarled, shaking with anger at Cylas’s taunting. Bulkhead yelled and charged at him, tackling him to the ground but Cylas was able to kick him off.
-
The laser was chasing Arcee as the bots at this point had to change into vehicle mode in order to not get cooked by the laser. Smokscreen swung around and saw the Command Center and that Thundercracker was heading for it while the others distracted the laser. Smokscreen sped off and decided to go and help Thundercracker.

Thundercracker saw a large hole in the ceiling where clearly the Decepticons went through. He saw Soundwave down below. “Make sense he would be the one downloading the data…” Thundercracker said to himself.

Thundercracker jumped down and surprised Soundwave, based on the view of his visor Soundwave was almost done with the download. “Need some help with that?” Thundercracker asked, getting ready to fight.
-
Back outside the Vehicons are still shooting at the Autobot team. And a few fliers were tracking Skywarp and Starscream through the skies while the Damocles beam may have paused but it still was a major threat to the ground team. Optimus shoots down two Vehicons as the Damocles beam comes back blocking the Prime’s line of sight and blinding him slightly with how bright it is. Optimus ran in the opposite direction as the beam was following close behind.
-
“Bulkhead isn’t answering his commlink. I fear he might need backup.” Ratchet said to Warlock, Warlock turned to look at Ratchet. “I can go and help him, take over for me Raf has most of it handled.”

“Warlock are you sure? Your coding expertise is more useful here.” Ratchet was curious why Warlock would go out when he usually wouldn’t.

“Trust me Bulkhead is gonna need backup. Just take over for me. I'll be back.” Warlock lied he had a reason for going, MECH kidnapped Moonlight and he never got his retribution, to say Warlock held a grudge would be an understatement. So if MECH did reanimate Breakdown’s body for their own agenda he wanted to be the one to take it out.

Bulkhead swung and Cylas dodged with ease. “Your reaction time is slower than I thought…” Cylas taunted, Bulkhead swung again but Cylas countered with his hammer and knocked him back. Bulkhead swung again as Cylas moved out of the way, spun around and bashed Bulkhead in the back, sending him flying forward.

The sound of a jet engine could be heard overhead as Warlock touched down in the ravine and transformed and ran towards Bulkhead. “I’ve seen you before…with Starscream. You, he and Bumblebee ruined our first take at our Cybertronian Weapon…” Cylas said, Warlock looked up hearing Silas’s voice come out of Breakdown. This was more ghoulish than he thought.

“Silas. You’re in Breakdown? What type of Frankenstein slag is this?!” Warlock got up and looked at Cylas.

“I’m surprised you even know who Frankenstein is. But regardless, both of you are dying here and I can finish my mission of dealing with those brats you're fond of.” Cylas smirked as he charged at Warlock.

“Warlock! Don’t!” Bulkhead shouted as he remembered what happened with Overlord. This could get messy. Warlock dodged the initial attack and kicked Cylas into the wall of the ravine. He slowly approaches the former human.

“You kidnapped my daughter with Pharma, you made a duplicate of Optimus to cause crimes, You butchered poor Breakdown and now wearing his corpse like a suit… I thought Megatron would be one of the greater evils here on Earth but guess I had to look to its inhabitants instead.” Warlock sneered at Cylas,

“I don’t need to be preached to by an Autobot. Like you’re squeaky clean either…” Cylas snapped back,

“No I’m not. But at least I try to make up for my mistakes and grow from them ....” Warlock went to kick Cylas again but the Decepticon rolled out of the way and went for Bulkhead who was getting up. Warlock turned and fired at Cylas and knocked him back away from Bulkhead. The two Bots are ready to fight.
-
Megatron noticed that the humans were trying to hack into the satellite and disable it. “How difficult is it to terminate some children?!” Megatron yelled, slamming his fist on the console.

“Cylas, report….Cylas?!” Megatron yelled for the newest addition but he did not answer. He tried to commed Soundwave but heard him fighting with someone too. Despite the download nearly being complete the Autobots managed to get there and disrupt his work. Megatron growled as Cylas’s whole plan was beginning to backfire.

Raf was able to get into the navigation system of the satellite. The kids cheered at Raf’s success. But Soundwave wasn’t done as the download finished and he and Raf were now fighting over control of the satellite. Raf was able to get the thrusters under his control and send the satellite careening towards Earth. Saving the team and preventing the Decepticons from having a powerful satellite under their control.

While this is happening the rest of the Autobot team storms the command center to help Smokescreen and Thundercracker. But Soundwave bolts as soon as the rest of the team arrives. His mission is complete as he has the interface code. The team ran over to Thundercracker and Smokescreen checking them for injuries.
-
Warlock punched Cylas in the gut as Bulkhead bashed in the side of his helm. Cylas staggers as Warlock roundhouse kicks him and sends him flying. Cylas groans and lifts his head as he hears a comm message from Megatron to return to base. Cylas smirks and launches a missile at the two bots as he makes his getaway.

The two Bots look up in the sky and see Project Damocles reentering Earth’s atmosphere and breaking up. They were victorious.
-
Back on the Nemesis, Megatron was talking with Cylas. “Cylas, you have earned your place at the table…”

“Thank you, my liege I-“ Cylas began,

“Knock Out’s dissection table that is.” Megatron snarled,

Cylas looked surprised and horrified as he turned to see Knock Out and two Vehicons staring at him. Knock Out with a big smirk on his face and his electro staff in his servos. “Breakdown would be tickled… “ he said with a dark smirk as he approached Cylas.

Cylas begged Megatron trying to understand what he did wrong. Megatron looked down at Cylas, “Because Damocles was the best you had to offer. And it is no more. The human factor did indeed tip the scales…in favor of my enemies.” As Soundwave shows a picture of the 4 human teens from when they entered the Nemesis.

Knock Out stunned Cylas and the two Vehicons dragged him away as Cylas yelled and begged for mercy. Knock Out couldn’t be happy to butcher Cylas for his own gain…Breakdown would approve.

Chapter Text

Warlock and Bulkhead return to base after their battle with Cylas. The team returned after successfully dismantling Project Damocles. Bulkhead and Warlock reported that it was not Breakdown but Silas running around in Breakdown’s body. Which most of the team found horrifying.

Starscream couldn’t help but be disgusted by MECH’s actions. But he felt more pity than disgust and anger. Breakdown didn’t deserve to be killed by Airachnid or butchered by MECH. And he definitely didn’t deserve his body to be desecrated like this either, better than Dark Energon thought. He can at least enter the Allspark.

Starscream knew Knock Out and Breakdown were more than partners, they were together. Knock Out did offer a sympathetic audio receptor to Starscream a long time ago. He also repaired him a bunch after Megatron’s beatings and even tried some therapy with him…but Starscream refused. Starscream had an idea, a bad one that no one probably would entertain but… if he was to be a better bot, this would be a good step forward.

“Warlock a word.” Starscream asked his partner, Warlock came over, “Yes? You need something Star?” Warlock asked,

“Well, more of a proposal. I…I want to use Moonlight’s ability to contact the dead again.” Starscream said with an awkward chuckle,

“Starscream…” Warlock said in an unamused tone.

“Hear me out first! I am asking you first this time. And…Arcee got a chance to say goodbye to Cliffjumper…So…maybe Knock Out should get the chance to say goodbye to Breakdown…” Starscream explains his plan, and Warlock just looks at him and blinks.

“So you want to help a Decepticon? Arcee at least is our ally. And you did terminate Cliffjumper so it made sense why you’d want to do this but, Knock Out?!” Warlock said in his defense Warlock isn’t really that aware that Knock Out was probably the only kind Decepticon to Starscream.

“Knock Out…was probably the only bot who helped me when I was with the Decepticons. And he and Breakdown were really close.

“You remember when he tried to kidnap me just to find out what happened to him! Cylas being alive and running around in his dead body?! That’s sick!” Starscream made wild gestures at the absurdity of Cylas’s existence. Warlock sighed, he understands where Starscream is coming from. And he remembered the desperation Knock Out had to find Breakdown…

“Fine. But I am supervising the whole thing. No funny business. And we are doing it far away from the base. And my ship! I don’t need Decepticons knowing anymore than what Breakdown’s ghost will say.”

Starscream hugged him and had a big goofy smile on his face that melted Warlock’s spark. Warlock went over to Moonlight and told her the basis of what’s gonna happen. She has a look of determination on her face. “He may be a nasty Con but Cylas is extra yucky and he deserves to see Breakdown one more time.” Moonlight said with a cute little determined look. Warlock couldn’t help but laugh and pat his daughter’s head.

Starscream flew a distance away from the base and contacted Knock Out. He still had his commlink number. “Starscream? Why in blazes are you contacting me?” Knock Out asked why an Autobot is calling him.

“I have a proposition for you, Knock Out.” Starscream said over the comm,

“I knew you were playing the Autobots! Ha! So what should I tell Megatron?” Starscream could practically hear Knock Out’s smirk.

“No. I did truly defect and join the Autobots. This is a personal matter…well for you at least.” Starscream corrected,

“For me? What could you offer me?” Knock Out was curious about where this was going,

“Do you want to talk to Breakdown one last time?” Starscream cut to the chase, there was a pause of silence.

“Are you fucking with me Starscream? Is this some weird prank?!” Knock Out shouted angrily,

“No it isn’t. I have a means to contact the dead. I did it for Arcee and now I’m extending the courtesy to you too. I saw how hurt you looked when you thought Breakdown was just missing. Cylas is a whole other issue.” Starscream explained,

Knock Out went quiet for a moment, “You’re serious? You have the means to do something like this and you want to share it with me…why?”

“Because I’m trying to be a better mech. And…you did do your best to help me when I was still with the Decepticons. It’s a matter of respect.” Starscream said,

“Boy those Autobots really did mess with your brain. Starscream doing something nice from the kindness of his spark? You really have changed.” Knock Out said sarcastically,

“Yes, Yes I’m a saint. Do you want to do it or not?” Starscream continued,

“Fine. So how does this work exactly?” Knock Out asks,

“Bring something that belongs to Breakdown or was a part of him. It’ll help her contact his spirit.” Starscream states,

“Sorry, her? I thought you were doing it.” Knock Out said,

“I’m facilitating it. Just grab something of Breakdown’s and come to my location. We’ll be waiting.” Starscream ends the communication. And Warlock and Moonlight arrive. Moonlight gets started by drawing her circle and Warlock is observing his daughter’s abilities for the first time and Starscream can feel how uneasy he feels about this.

Knock Out arrived via ground bridge with some blue metal in his hand. Clearly, he must have grabbed it off Cylas. “So this is the infamous sparkling, pleasure to meet you little one.”

Moonlight looks up at Knock Out and turns to her sire, “He’s pretty and shiny. Too bad he’s evil.” and goes back to her glyphs. The adults laugh at Moonlight’s blunt assessment of Knock Out.

“She has good taste at least. So…is she doing this? How?” Knock Out looked at Warlock,

“Outlier ability. She’s going to conjure Breakdown’s spirit through the object you brought and you two can talk for a bit.” Warlock explains, Knock Out hands Moonlight the metal as she sits in her circle.

“This is awfully nice of you two to do this…what do you want out of it?” Knock Out asked,

“Maybe don’t try to kill us the next time we meet? Fair trade I think.” Warlock said, Starscream shook his head and Knock Out laughed at the seeker’s disapproval.

“I can’t guarantee that…But…Let’s say I’ll owe you one. Fair?” Knock Out said as he held out a servo.

“Fair.” Starscream shook Knock Out’s servo as the two made an agreement.

A few moments passed as Moonlight began to concentrate on location Breakdown’s spirit.
The circle began to glow and Moonlight’s optics regained a familiar green glow. The light became blinding as the three bots stood there covering their optics as the light fades. There in the circle a semi-transparent version of Breakdown with a yellow glowing light where his spark should be. Knock Out’s optics went wide when he saw the spectral form of his former partner in the circle. “Breakdown?” He said in shock.

The ghost of Breakdown looked over at Knock Out with a smile, “ Hey, Doc.” Breakdown smiled at the shocked doctor.

“So…uh…how am I talking to you…I sort of…well, died.” Breakdown asked and Knock Out looked back at the two Autobots in disbelief. It wasn’t a trick but a true general offer to talk to Breakdown’s ghost. “Uh…magic sparkling?” Knock Out pointed to Moonlight holding a piece of his body armor.

“Huh…that’s…weird.” Breakdown said and turned back to the doctor. “So Knock Out…did Dreadwing at least scrap Airachnid?” Breakdown asked, hoping his death wasn’t in vain.

“Uh…no we actually don’t know what happened to her…” Knock Out realizes they haven’t seen Airachnid in a while. Not since her horde attacked the Nemesis. “She’s in a stasis pod. Locked away where she can’t hurt anyone.” Warlock said, Breakdown’s gaze went over to Warlock and Starscream standing off to the side.

“Who are you?” Breakdown asked, confused by the new bot he had not seen before.

“Oh yeah…you two never met… He’s the sparkling’s sire. And Airchnid’s ex apparently.” Knock Out explained, Breakdown’s optics went wide and looked at the little sparkling now noticing she does look like Airachnid.

“I mean…I kind of get it but seriously…Airachnid?” Breakdown raised a brow at Warlock. Starscream covered his mouth to hid his smirk, not even the dead will give him a break. Knock Out and Breakdown discussed a few things after his death, mostly mundane things at first.

“I guess finding my body like that was pretty gruesome…” Breakdown mentioned, Knock Out looked confused and then horror hit him like a ton of bricks. The Decepticons didn’t find Breakdown’s body, MECH did and made Cylas. Knock Out awkwardly looked away.

“Why are you flinching like that? Did something happen?” Breakdown asked concerned,

“Uh…I’m not sure how to put this without you getting both weirded out or angry…” Knock Out began, as he explained that Silas got merged with Breakdown’s corpse and created Cylas and now is or rather was running around in his body. Breakdown listened and then hit the ground with his fist. “Those MECH bastards did what to my corpse?! Seriously?! Ripping me open and taking my eye wasn’t enough!” Breakdown yelled completely furious.

“If it makes you feel better. He’s currently now one of my guinea pigs and I use him to test…new procedures and medicine.” Knock Out smirked evilly,

Breakdown sighed, “Well there’s that at least. Man! I can’t believe fraggin’ Bulkhead outlived me!” Breakdown complained realizing his arch-enemy is alive and well, but he isn’t.

Knock Out also told Breakdown of some other events that Starscream and Warlock were aware of. Knock Out at points was clearly trying to not reveal too much as Starscream and Warlock are his enemy. “I miss you Knock Out.” Breakdown said unprompted, Knock Out’s usual smirk faded as he looked softly at Breakdown.

“I miss you too, you big lug.” Knock Out wanted to hold his servo but realized he wasn’t solid as his own servo passed through as Knock Out looked down and frowned. “Guess our post-war plans aren’t going to happen, huh?” Breakdown said sadly,

Knock Out looked at the two seekers. “Can…can we have a bit of privacy for this?” Knock Out asks, the two look at each other and turn around, and walk til they are out of earshot.

“No, I guess not Breaky. I…I really wish that spidery bitch didn’t-” Knock Out began before Breakdown attempted to cup his cheek, it was cold but Knock Out liked the gesture.

Breakdown looks back at Moonlight, “I would of love to have a gaggle of sparklings of our own.” Breakdown laughed, “Remember the dumb name we came up with if we had a boy?”

Knock Out smiled at his dead lover, “Wildbreak. Such a goofy name but…I always liked it. I…I really miss you. Not just for your talents with a buffer either.”

Breakdown laughed at Knock Out’s bad joke, “I miss you so much Knock Out…The Allspark is such a weird space. Not many people I know are there. It’s very lonely. I miss racing with you too, human drive-in date nights and even just being your assistant. You made me so happy, Knock Out.”

Knock Out was beginning to get teary-eyed. “I know. It isn’t the same without you around, Breakdown. I miss my partner. I would do anything to get you back. But at least Starscream and Warlock were nice enough to let me talk to you one last time…”

“I love you Knock Out. I’m sorry we couldn’t grow old together.” Breakdown looked down in sorrow. Knock Out smiled sweetly at him, “You did enough for me already. You made my life better when you were around. I will cherish it always. I love you, Breakdown.” Knock Out stepped back and looked over at Starscream and Warlock whose backs were turned.

“Can you tell Moonlight something for me before you go?” Knock Out said, pulling something out of his subspace. “Uh…sure? What?” Breakdown said confused,

“Tell her…sorry” as Knock Out throws something in Starscream and Warlock’s direction. A small stun grenade. It shocked the two seekers until they collapsed. “Knock Out! What was that?!” Breakdown asked as Knock Out walked over towards the two. Breakdown couldn’t leave the circle but was so confused at what his partner was doing.

Knock Out commed for a ground bridge and it arrived shortly. He looked back at Breakdown with a soft smile and dragged Starscream through the portal.

Chapter Text

Episode: Patch

Starscream woke up in the prison area of the Nemesis and looked around at his surroundings. “Wha-What happened?!” Starscream said groggily as he heard the familiar sound of the Nemesis doors opening. Knock Out walked in and began to untie Starscream.

“Knock Out, you wretch! What is the meaning of this?!” Starscream yelled as Knock Out slapped some cuffs on him.

“Look…Soundwave intercepted your transmission. I lied and said you laid a trap for me using Breakdown. I managed to knock you out and take you captive. Warlock and Moonlight I left there. Megatron has no idea about what transpired.” Knock Out explained, Starscream still scowled.

“Still doesn’t make up for literally kidnapping me! What the frag!?!” Starscream yelled, Knock Out ushered him down the hall. “Megatron is just going to interrogate you. Probably slap you around for a bit. Just don’t tell him anything and I will free you and say you escaped, ok?”

“Look at you conspiring with me again…ah, just like old times.” Starscream jokes, Knock Out rolled his optics. “Just hold out ok? I can’t help you if you reveal anything.”

The two enter the bridge and see the Warlord looking out the window with Soundwave on his right and Dreadwing on his left. “Starscream. It’s been a while.” Megatron turned towards his former second-in-command.

“Megatron,” Starscream said with venom, the fear he had for Megatron was still there but was trying to put on a brave face.

Megatron grabbed Starscream’s face and held it close to his. “That is Lord Megatron to you, traitor.” He threw Starscream down onto the ground.

“To think my former air commander would defect to the Autobots. I never thought Optimus would even entertain the idea of letting you amongst their ranks. But guess we live in strange times.” Megatron said, looking down at Starscream.

“So now what? More monologuing and then try to interrogate me for Autobot secrets? I won’t tell you anything.” Starscream sneered, he expected Megatron to beat him or yell at him but not…laugh. Megatron was laughing, it was more unnerving than him yelling.

“No, I don't expect you to tell me anything. But you will show me.” Megatron said with a sadistic grin,

“I will not lead you to the Autobot base. No matter how badly you beat me!” Starscream shouted getting to his pedes.

“No Starscream…I think you misunderstand my meaning.” Megatron walks past him, “Knock Out prepares the Cortical Psychic Patch…Let’s see what Starscream has learned during his time with the Autobots…”

Knock Out’s optics went wide as did Starscream's; this was not a part of the plan. Knock Out set up the cortical psychic patch and strapped Starscream down to a berth. Megatron on the opposite end in a different one. Knock Out set up the patch.

“So what exactly are you fishing for today, My liege?” Knock Out asks so he knows how to direct the psychic patch.

“Starscream’s knowledge he has gained since leaving our ranks…” Megatron said as he looked over at the restrained seeker.

The patch activates as soon as Knock Out plugs in the patch on Starscream’s end. The area he wakes up in is in his and Warlock’s room. The sun rising light penetrating the window and Starscream looking around the room for Warlock.

“Warlock?” Starscream calls,

“Warlock…a familiar name said by another.” Megatron said, Starscream turned to see Megatron standing in his shared quarters. “Airachnid mentioned that name to me. A scientist I should try to recruit. Seems you managed to get him to join the Autobots…shame.” Megatron said, walking through the room and looking at everything in it.

“You can’t be here! You don’t know where this is!” Starscream yelled pointing at the Warlord.

“Memories are a fickle thing Starscream…But we have to start somewhere.” Megatron said, turning back to the seeker.

“You’re in my head…the Cortical Psychic Patch…oh no.” Starscream realized this is going to be bad if he can’t keep important information from Megatron.

“Memories are a pure thing. You cannot manipulate them, change their contents, or modify their outcome. What we see is how it happened…” Megatron said as Warlock’s room faded and a voidless room appeared with a singular light illuminating him and Megatron.

The first memory to pop up is Starscream stupidly admitting to Arcee he killed Cliffjumper after a failed attempt to change sides. He escapes to the safety of the Harbinger to be awakened by Warlock’s ship. Starscream panicked Megatron can’t find out where the Harbinger or Warlock’s ship was.

“You wouldn’t find this information useful. Warlock and I scavenged all the useful stuff from the Harbinger and his ship can move. Its location would be worthless to you.” Starscream said, Megatron hummed…

“You’re right.” he said as the memory fades. Starscream sighed in relief.

The next memory to pop up is when Warlock and Starscream were talking on the bridge of his ship during a stormy evening. Starscream watched himself questioning Warlock.

“What did you research? You seem to be interested in various aspects of science. But not sure what your specialty is?” Starscream said sitting in one of the chairs in the bridge.

Warlock was at the console updating something in the guidance system. “Programming. I enjoy crafting programs, and computer systems and implementing them in ships, computers, and other devices.” Warlock explained,

“So you're a glorified system’s engineer?” Starscream inquired,

“I mean I guess. It’s my specialty, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like other aspects of science. I just like science and figuring out things.” Warlock continued to type away on the console. Starscream hummed a little thinking of what else to ask him.
“Moonlight.” Starscream said,

Warlock paused for a second “What about Moonlight?” Starscream crossed his legs resting his head in his hand,

“How did that come to pass?” Warlock then decided to continue coding

“You’ve asked me this already. And like before…I told you it was complicated, and I don’t want to discuss it.” Warlock’s typing became more erratic.

“I understand that. But you have to admit it’s strange to see a sparkling of all things since Cybertron went dark. The Well went dry and no new life was really being created. No new sparklings, only cold-constructs and Vehicons being built or reforged. So you can imagine why I would be so curious as something that is supposed to be impossible is possible.” Starscream’s gaze was practically burning into the back of Warlock’s head. Warlock continued typing erratically.

“A sparkling? How intriguing. The Well went dark and no new life could form yet this Warlock made a new life without it. Interesting…” Megatron said watching the conversation when lightning struck, illuminating the room and fading out the memory.

“Unless you want to add creator to your title, Megatron. It would be useless to you to raise children.” Starscream said with rage, if Megatron so much as even thinks about hurting Moonlight.

“No I suppose not but the thought of more and new forces is intriguing…” Megatron said as the next memory fades in.

“Huh…weird.” Starscream exclaimed.

“What?” Moonlight asked, perking up from her seat.

“Nothing. Either the Autobots or the Decepticons grabbed a Cybertronian relic.” Starscream said unamused,

“Another one?” Moonlight said curiously, Starscream paused and turned to the sparkling, “What do you mean…another one?”

“Well…Sire got his servos on one and that’s why we left Morkos-3. Some scary bot wanted it, so we left for a planet no one would bother going to that had energon.”

“Moonlight, sweetspark. Do…you know what the relic your sire has is called?” Starscream asked, very curious about what relic Warlock had in his possession. “Well…last time I saw it and touched it I learned its name! Sire got mad. He told me to never touch it again.” Moonlight said excitedly to tell Starscream.

“You touched it?” Starscream asked, Moonlight nodded, “Yeah! It zapped me and I fell asleep for a while. Sire got worried but I woke up!” She said her little wings fluttered. “Oh…ok. But what is it called?” He asked again, Moonlight smiled “It’s called Mournsong. It’s a funny-looking mask.”

“So this is the sparkling. She looks like Airachnid… no wonder she had such pertinent information on Warlock… and him possessing the mask of Onyx Prime is an interesting development. Another relic to acquire…” Megatron said watching Moonlight getting animated and telling Starscream about Mournsong. It faded as another memory popped in.

Warlock and Starscream were beginning to head off when they were stopped by Optimus. “May I speak to you two for a second?” Optimus asked as the two bots exchanged glances.

“I want to extend my gratitude for helping Bumblebee fight off MECH’s forces. As we said before, Warlock we would be happy if you joined the side of the Autobots. I believe your spark is in the right place, and we can guarantee Moonlight’s safety aboard our base. I understand your reluctance in getting involved but it can be a more secondary role, such as working with Ratchet in the lab. I know he is very eager to discuss things with you.” Warlock looked back at Starscream,

Optimus turned to Starscream. “I know you had your own selfish reasons for helping Starscream…but I also want to extend this invitation to you as well.”

“It would be a trial basis though. We still don’t fully trust you after all you’ve done but, there is a change I see in you. Some goodness deep down. You care for life other than your own and are willing to protect it.” Starscream stood there dumbfounded that the Prime is actually offering him a chance to join. Warlock tried to not giggle at the seeker’s expression. “We would need time to think it over Optimus. But we will consider it.” Warlock said, holding out his servo. Optimus gently smiled back and shook it, beginning to make his way back to his team.

“That’s all it took for Optimus to let you in? How pathetic. Optimus’s soft spark never went away, allowing someone as untrustworthy to just join their ranks over one good deed. ” Megatron said as the memory fades.

“What because Optimus saw something in me?! Something good? Maybe I’m not a piece of slag like you think I am?!” Starscream said sassing the Warlord.

This whole time Knock Out has been watching on a monitor. Dreadwing came in and begins watching as well. “Starscream you idiot.” Knock Out said lowly as to not alert Dreadwing.

Megatron growled and backhanded Starscream. Even in real life Starscream flinched and groaned in pain. “Your back sass isn’t necessary Starscream.”

The next memory pops in at the moment Starscream finds out Airachnid and Warlock were a couple and Moonlight was their child.

“AIRACHNID?! AIRACHNID?!?!” Starscream screeched in disbelief. His wings hiked up ridiculously high, “Of all the terrible choices in partners…you shacked up with a flying, deranged Insecticon huntress!”

“How can you be so intelligent and so incredibly stupid at the same time!” Starscream was still in disbelief, Warlock stood there letting Starscream go on his little tyraid.

“Are you done?” Warlock asked, crossing his arms,

“No! How does that even happen?! Explain!” Starscream shouted,

“I told you I had bad taste in partners. It was weird. A lapse in judgment and with Moonlight…I found out what type of bot Airachnid really is. She can control other insecticons somehow, maybe a sort of outlier ability? Anyway, when she agreed to the test and we created Moonlight it was apparent Moonlight fell under her influence and she wanted to make better…minions I guess.” Warlock explained,

“So that’s how she superseded me in controlling the Insecticons…fascinating. This Warlock has quite the knowledge.” Megatron said to himself,

“I could have told you that! And before you start skulking around for the information…the child can’t do it.” Starscream sneered,

Megatron laughed, “Beating me to it, eh? I find your recent defiance refreshing, frustrating, but refreshing from you old cowering and begging.”

“Well now that I have people who support me and believe in me I grew back my spine.” Starscream’s wings hiked up as he scowled at Megatron.

“Ah yes, your brothers turned out to not be dead after all this time. You must have been elated at that.” Megatron said as the next memory was his initial fight with Thundercracker.

“You heard me. Your lust for power and your station was more important than your trine. You’d pushed me and Skywarp aside so you could take control. Your selfish aft-hole who only cares about himself.” Thundercracker jabbed Starscream with his other hand.

“How dare you! Of course, I cared about you and Skywarp! I was securing our status amongst the Decepticons. Secure our safety! Clearly you didn’t see it as that!” Starscream shoved his brother as he staggered back a little,

“Or maybe your over-inflated ego would let you see what it actually was! It’s always about you Starscream! Starscream’s trine leader so we have to listen. Starscream came up with another hair brained scheme that we have to help with. We have to pick up Starscream after Megatron gets to beat the stuffing out of him for said scheme and hope he learns from it. News flash you don’t!” Starscream opened his mouth to interject but was cut off.

“Maybe if you didn’t shove your helm up on your own aft you saw Skywarp was in no condition to do a recon mission on Garrus-9 and he wouldn’t have died! Or maybe if you weren’t so busy kissing Megatron’s pedes you would’ve seen how unhappy I was with the Decepticons! Maybe if you listened, maybe if you showed an ounce of care, Skywarp would be alive and I wouldn’t have had to fake my death to get away from you!” Thundercracker shouted, Starscream could hear his fans were on subtly and how angry he was.

Everyone in the room was quiet, this was immensely awkward and uncomfortable to watch. Starscream didn’t know what to say to such a statement, he was hurt, he was angry and confused. “You broke one of the most sacred bonds a trine could have. You abandoned your trine! You…YOU…I can’t believe this!” Starscream said turning around and throwing his hands up in anger, he won’t even look at Thundercracker.

“No Starscream, you abandoned your trine. You traded us in for power from the Decepticons. You may have physically been there but you weren’t part of the trine anymore.” Starscream clenched his fist and turned back to Thundercracker, “I was there! I was looking out for you and Skywarp like a good trine leader does! Oh…and a fun fact Skywarp isn’t dead! He’s here too so why don’t we get his opinion on things, hmm?” Starscream’s arms went out wide as emphasized his point.

“Guess it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows…” Megatron laughed,

“Shut up! I thought you were wanting information on the Autobots, not my personal life!” Starscream said getting furious at Megatron’s prodding…

The next memory was the scene with Moonlight, Arcee, and Cliffjumper. Starscream panicked; he would see that Moonlight had the power to talk to the dead. Starscream saw the scene fade in as he tried to block Moonlight. He was successful as Megatron was more interested in what a ghost had to say than his surroundings.

“I miss you so much, Cliff. I wish we could bring you back permanently.” Arcee said sadly,

“Even if there was a way…It…It wouldn’t work.” Cliffjumper said sadly, Arcee looked confused, “The dark energon. It… doesn’t just affect the deceased bodies of a bot, but their spark too. I…I can’t join the Allspark.”

Arcee’s eyes widened in horror as did Starscream's. “I tried to go…I did but I just couldn’t pass the threshold ...I've kind of been wandering around in the void all this time. Hoping I can find peace somehow.” Cliffjumper said sadly, “So you can imagine how strange but excited I was to be summoned here. Leaving that emptiness, it was rather refreshing…I really don’t want to go back.” Cliffjumper removed his hand from Arcee’s face and looked down sadly.

Arcee was upset naturally, “We’ll find a way to get you to the Allspark, Cliff. There has to be a way. I refuse to let a good bot like you disappear into the ether!” Arcee cried, Starscream saw some tears welling up in her optics.

Megatron froze. This information was something he did not like to hear. But the warlord kept a brave face. Another memory popped up cutting off the rest of this one.

Starscream felt wetness roll down his cheek. “No! Nothing so trivial like that aft-hole! How about finding out you can never find peace after death because of one stupid decision! Finding out I CAN NEVER GO TO THE ALLSPARK!” Starscream cried, Warlock paused at Starscream’s words.

“Knowing even if I did die I could never see Thundercracker or Skywarp again in the afterlife. Never get to reunite with you and Moonlight if I somehow perished. Know my spark is going to wander the spaces of the universe until it eventually snuffs out of existence. Or I get casted into the Pits for being stupid enough to try dark energon!” Starscream brought his servos to his face as he cried, “Knowing that even though I’m trying to be better it’s all in vain! There’s no reward! I’m excluded from the Allspark because I tried to control the undead. And for what? It didn’t even work and I removed the dark energon from my system but I’m still tainted!” He cried and slumped down to his knees and crumpled into a crying mess.

Dreadwing and Knock Out had no information on Starscream using Dark Energon nor did Megatron. The memory of the time Starscream used Dark Energon began to play. Dreadwing recognized the location as Skyquake’s grave.

Starscream landed near Skyquake’s grave with the shard of dark energon in his servos. “Ah, the great site of the mighty Skyquake. So quick to reject my authority when you lived. But as the first of my reanimated warriors, you shall bow to my command.” Starscream then breaks the Dark Energon shard into two and throws half into Skyquake’s grave, and jams the other half into his spark chamber.

Starscream groaned as he felt the Dark Energon flow through his veins. “Ah…yes…the power of Dark Energon…be mine!” as he bursts into purple flames consuming his very body. He doesn’t seem hurt by them at all as he laughs triumphantly.

“I understood that Skyquake perished that day…” Megatron said,

“Skyquake is neither living or dead…but is walking around some weird ‘Shadow Zone’ looking for his missing limb… that attacked me…” Starscream said awkwardly.

“It would be wise to not let Dreadwing find out about your…mishap…” Megatron said, circling the seeker.

Knock Out looked over to his right to see Dreadwing watching the screen with a scowl. Knock Out grabbed his helm and cringed, “Well this is awkward…”

“I thought you were looking for Autobot secrets…not my mistakes…” Starscream hissed at Megatron.

“Can’t I do both?” Megatron chuckled, Starscream lowly growled at the warlord’s teasing. Another memory popped in this one that scared Starscream as it was him and Ratchet discussing his outlier ability. Starscream panicked if Megatron finds out about his semi-immortality he would be experimented on! Starscream needed to think quickly to get Megatron from viewing this memory…Wait this was his mind right? He has control here so that means…

Starscream concentrated and caused the memory to change on command. It cuts to a scene of Starscream and Warlock interfacing. “Gah! Primus no, I do not need to see that…!” Megatron averted his gaze to Starscream and Warlock having fun under the stars.

“Porn was definitely not on the itinerary…eh Dreadwi-” Knock Out realized Dreadwing was not next to him and completely gone from the room. “Huh…well he’s missing out…” Knock Out said as he watched Megatron cringe at the scene before him. The memory faded quickly as Megatron was irritated and turned to a smirking seeker.

“This is my mind, Megatron…turns out you don’t have as much control in my head as you thought.” Starscream said confidently.

“You think you have the upper hand here?! I will find what I want here!” Megatron yelled in the seeker’s face. Starscream smirked and pulled up another memory of him and Warlock interfacing, the time after Skywarp came back. “Starscream you insolent pervert!”

Knock Out couldn’t help but laugh at Megatron’s reaction. Megatron swiped the memory away. “What…I thought you liked my interfacing?” Starscream teased as Megatron lunged at him. Starscream faded from his spot and appeared behind the warlord. “This is my mind…I have control here, not you…not anymore…”

Megatron snarled and raised his fusion cannon at the seeker. A blinding golden light enveloped Starscream. “So with that said…GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!” The light was blinding and even Knock Out had to shield his optics. Starscream’s physical body glowed as the restraints melted, freeing him and causing him to slump down to the floor. Megatron groaned as he returned to his own mind. Megatron held his helm as he saw Starscream getting up off the floor. “You insolent wretch!” Megatron yelled as Starscream went wide-eyed and transformed and zoomed out of the room.

“Catch him! NOW!” Megatron yelled at the Vehicons in the distance saw Starscream zooming down the hall and chased after him. Thankfully there was an open door that Starscream turned sideways to get through only scrapping the tips of his wings. Starscream twirled and got back into the upright position and zoomed as fast as he could away from the Nemesis. Something in him was causing him to go faster than he normally does. A golden tint to his form as he zoomed at a speed he had never reached before. He saw a storm was happening wherever they were and tried to avoid the lightning. Dreadwing watched the seeker disappear into the storm clouds at an alarming speed, with vengeance on his mind…

Starscream flew for what felt like hours until he saw a mountain and collapsed on its ledge. Starscream flopped over on his back and was venting heavily. He commed Warlock, “Wa-Warlock?”

“Oh thank Primus Starscream! Are you ok?! What the frag happened?! Did Knock Out hurt you?!” Warlock asked very concerned,

“I-I’m fine…but Ratchet should look me over…” Starscream passed out from exhaustion, the last thing he saw was a ground bridge opening and people rushing towards him.

Chapter Text

Starscream woke up in the med bay with a flashlight blinding his optics. Ratchet was looking him over. Warlock was standing to the side worried about Starscream and Moonlight to his left. “Is Starscream going to be ok, Ratchet?” Moonlight asks,

“His vitals are fine, he is just low on energon and tired.” Ratchet said, backing off slightly. Starscream groaned as he woke up and sat up slowly. Ratchet supported him as he leaned forward. “Starscream…are you feeling alright?” Ratchet asked as Starscream sat fully up.

“Just very tired. I flew for a long time to make sure I wasn't followed. I just need some rest.” Starscream said, sounding very tired.

“What happened after? I woke up, and you and Knock Out were gone.” Warlock said,

“Knock Out?! Why were you talking to Knock Out?! He’s a Decepticon!” Ratchet said in shock,

“Look I’ll explain let…Starscream rest, clearly he’s too tired to report what happened.” Warlock pleaded, Starscream was struggling to keep his optics open. Ratchet sighed and waved them off demanding a full report from Warlock by tomorrow. Warlock turned back to the tired seeker and picked him up bridal style and carried him back to their ship.

Skywarp and Thundercracker rushed over asking what happened, Warlock explained most of the situation with Moonlight, Breakdown’s ghost, and Knock Out well…knocking them out. Starscream was fast asleep as Warlock brought him to their room. He placed him down on their berth as Starscream moaned softly as he touched down. Warlock smiled, it was very cute to see such a sleepy seeker all nestled in their berth. Warlock climbed into the berth and immediately before Warlock could get comfortable even asleep Starscream could sense when cuddles were upon him. He grabs Warlock and pulls himself close to the scientist and instinctually nuzzles against him.

Warlock chuckled as Starscream’s head was buried into his neck, hoping to avoid the helm spike from poking into his optics. Warlock pulled Starscream close to him as Starscream wrapped his long slender arms around Warlock under his wings and around his torso. Warlock did the same just gently stroking the jet turbine adorned to his back. Starscream moaned slightly as he nuzzled more. Warlock lifted his head and noticed 3 sets of optics staring back at him. “Uh…can I help you guys?” Warlock was confused why Moonlight, Thundercracker and Skywarp were all staring at the two seekers. Each one had a mischievous look in their optics as they all pounced and climbed into Warlock’s oversized berth.

Skywarp wrapped himself around Starscream’s back, Thundercracker wrapped himself around Warlock and little Moonlight wiggled her way in between Starscream and her sire. A big seeker snuggle pile was formed and everyone laughed. Starscream began to come as he heard the laughter and yawned, “Wha?” Was all he managed to get out as Skywarp hugged his brother tighter. Moonlight’s little face near his, “Morning, Starscream!” She said happily, hugging him too.

“What is everyone doing here?” Starscream asked, noticing Thundercracker’s head poke out from behind Warlock. “Seeker cuddle pile!” The three said, causing Warlock and Starscream to laugh at their antics.

“It is customary in Vos for trines and squads to spend a decent amount of time together to strengthen their bonds…So cuddles are culturally necessary.” Thundercracker explained raising a digit into the air to emphasize his point.

“And we have centuries of bonding time to make up for.” Skywarp added wrapping his arms around Starscream’s tiny waist. Thundercracker rested his head in the crock of Warlock’s neck and shoulder.

“Plus cuddles are nice when people don’t feel good.” Moonlight added as the adults laughed.

“She is correct, cuddles do make people, especially seekers feel better.” Warlock chimed in and kissed the top of his daughter's helm.

Skywarp began to massage Starscream's wings, Starscream hummed approvingly. Thundercracker did the same with Warlock’s wings as the two hummed happily. Moonlight took the time to hold onto one of Starscream’s long digits and one of her sire’s large digits and just began talking about her day and how Smokescreen and her played some games with the humans.

Skywarp and Starscream would switch places and Starscream broke Moonlight’s hold on him but they altered positions and the two were sitting up. Moonlight then climbed into Skywarp’s lap and continued. Skywarp then looked down at Moonlight and gently began to massage her little wings too. He avoided the spider-like appendages but gently massaged the sparkling's wings as she hummed happily.

Thundercracker was still working on Warlock’s wings because they were slightly larger than the trines’ wings. Once done the two followed Starscream and Skywarp’s lead and swapped places. Thundercracker moaned appreciatively at Warlock’s massaging of his wings. The seekers were enjoying pampering each other. Moonlight got up from Skywarp’s lap and went over and hung onto her sire’s back while he massaged Thundercracker. “Oof. Moonlight!” Warlock said in surprise and Moonlight giggled hanging onto her sire. The other trine giggled at the affectionate gesture.

This was a spark-warming moment. Starscream just relieved some rather uncomfortable memories when Megatron invaded his mind, but this more than makes up for it. Megatron was wrong, he wasn’t worthless, he had people who cherished him and wanted him around. Skywarp moved over and plopped himself into Thundercracker’s lap and laughed at the disapproval on his brother’s face. Starscream just looked over at the big cluster of seekers with a warm smile. His trine, his lover and their child, his new family in a sense. People he would fight to his dying breath for, well somewhat dying breath for.

Starscream joins the seeker cluster by lifting Moonlight and getting on Warlock’s back and placing the sparkling on his shoulders. Anyone seeing this would be confused as hell but to the seekers, this was an important way to bond and be close.

This to Starscream was worth more than anything. He had people who loved him…he had people who cherished him, he had his family back… this was worth more than anything.

They all flopped back onto the berth with laughter. Starscream climbed over Warlock to nestle into his arms. Skywarp and Thundercracker took the cue and looked at one another. “Hey Moonlight, want to watch that Earth movie about the singing mermaid?” Thundercracker asked, Moonlight popped up behind her sire and gasped, “The one with the talking crab and fishies?!”

“Yup! I got a copy we can watch on the bridge. Skywarp, want to grab some cubes for us?” Thundercracker asked, turning to his brother who nodded as the trio left the room.

“Seems Skywarp isn’t the only good wingman.” Warlock jokes, kissing Starscream’s helm. Starscream yawned, “My brothers are very observant.”

Starscream’s wings press against his back so Warlock can fully cuddle him. He gently strokes the top of his wings and winglets as the seeker hums approvingly. “I love you, Warlock.” he mumbled nuzzling into Warlock’s neck.

“I love you too, Starscream.” Warlock said back,

“I’m glad my brothers’ were able to take Moonlight and give us some time together.” Starscream’s optics were feeling heavy as he was ready to recharge. “Especially in the future when we can have more…”

“Have more what? Starscream?” Warlock asked but Starscream fell asleep and left Warlock confused by what he meant.

Chapter Text

Episode: Legacy

Starscream had the awkward time of having to tell Optimus about how he used Moonlight for a seance for not only Arcee but for Knock Out. He explained the reasons for both and the Prime seemed to be compassionate about it. Understanding why Starscream felt compelled to do such a strange ritual. But Starscream didn’t expect Knock Out betrayal at the ritual. But he did inform Optimus it was only to cover himself and he planned on freeing the seeker. Which Optimus found interesting, and that it took a turn for the worse when Megatron decided to use the Cortical Psychic Patch on him. And thankfully Megatron did not get any really important Autobot secrets out of him other than the truth about Skyquake’s reanimation, the Onyx Triptych is in Autobot hands, and the true fate of those who tamper with Dark Energon.

Starscream explains he found a way to gain strength in himself and was glowing gold again. Maybe a part of him allowed him to overcome the patch? He wasn’t sure and somehow was able to use that energy to reach new speeds and escape with ease.

Optimus sighed, “I am happy you returned to us safely, Starscream. But for future reference please do not try to contact the dead without more support. I understand Warlock was with you but keeping it secret jeopardizes not only your safety, but Moonlight and Warlock’s.”

Starscream’s shoulders slumped as he felt shame and guilt for it. Optimus was right, he shouldn’t have done the ritual with Knock Out. Arcee was ok since she was an ally but the unpredictability of a Decepticon led to those events. “I promise Optimus. No more surprise seances.” Starscream swore, the Prime was satisfied with that report and returned to what he was doing.
-
Bumblebee Smokescreen and Skywarp were out tracking a rogue energon signal. Smokescreen, the newest member of Team Prime was zipping down the road at breakneck speed. “Energon signal is getting stronger. About 5 kliks due north.”

Bumblebee close behind, ‘Smokescreen, you need to follow the speed limit!’ he beeped warning the newbie.

“What do you mean speed limit?” Smokescreen said back at the scout, “ I have a gauge in here that goes to 150. If the humans who designed my vehicle form didn’t want me to go that fast, they shouldn’t have given me the option.” Smokescreen then punches it and speeds up to as fast as he can.

“So…should I tell him about that car up ahead? Or let him deal with it?” Skywarp asked Bumblebee. As Skywarp spoke Smokescreen on the wrong side of the road nearly collided with an SUV. The two spun out and the SUV naturally was honking at the shotty sport’s car. The human inside the car came out with a crowbar in his hands. “Hey, Indie 500! When I’m done with you, you’re going to need more than a pit crew to put you back together.” the human threatened as he got close to Smokescreen.

Smokescreen transformed and towered over the human with a scowl on his face. Smokescreen then leaned down and threatened the human. The human is naturally horrified and scared as Smokescreen threatens him. Bumblebee then transforms and shoves Smokescreen away from the human. Skywarp held back to just watch the chaos unfold. ‘What the heck are you doing, Smokescreen?!’ Bumblebee beeped angrily,

“Relax, Bumblebee. I’m just messing around.” Smokescreen laughed and wrapped his arm around Bumblebee who was definitely not amused by the newbie’s antics. The human then pulled out his phone and snapped a picture as Bumblebee panicked. That was Skywarp’s cue to swoop down and teleport the two bots away from the human with speed.

Back at the base, Jack was able to find the photo of Bumblebee and Smokescreen. “Found it. Old road rage didn’t waste any time posting your mugshots.” Jack announced to the other bots in the base. “Raf will scrub this the moment his family is done with house hunting.”

“Is this the type of thing you learned while serving Alpha Trion?!” Ratchet yelled at Smokescreen, “ I highly doubt he would have condoned such irresponsible behavior.”

“Blowing your cover is not ok.” Arcee added,

“Sorry guys. I know I messed up.” Smokescreen apologized,

“While Ratchet and Arcee are correct. I believe we are all to blame for this incident.” Optimus said to his team,

Everyone protested to Optimus’s statement. “None of us were even there! Well except Bee and Sky.” Bulkhead said, Bumblebee turned to Bulkhead and smacked him ‘Hey don’t blame me!’ he angrily beeped.

“I got these two halfwits out of there! I should be thanked, not blamed!” Skywarp protested, Bumblebee glared at being called a ‘halfwit’

“Our recent efforts have been so intent on advertising crises that we have overlooked simple matters. Such as teaching Smokescreen how to best function on this planet. It is an oversight that must be corrected.” Optimus explains,

Starscream scoffs “Seriously? We shouldn’t have to teach him common sense! It’s called common sense for a reason!”

Smokescreen turned to Starscream, “I don’t need sass from an ex-Con. Besides, I still don’t know much about this planet. Give me some leeway here. I messed up. I get that. But still!”

Thundercracker chimed in “We all need time to adjust to the new world. Lay off Scream.” Buster barked in support of Thundercracker,

“Even when I was still with the Decepticons we knew not to try and intentionally scare the humans! There is no gain from that!” Starscream argued back at his brother,

“Enough both of you. Perhaps the best way for Smokescreen to learn about the human world is from a human.” Optimus suggested,

“We can always give him a holoform like the rest of us and have him walk amongst the humans.” Warlock suggested Smokescreen looked at the scientist. “Wait, you got those super fancy holoforms?! That’s so cool!”

“Perhaps. I feel that might be too advanced for Smokescreen as of right now. We need to teach him how to blend in properly as a Cybertronian before we let him fully immerse himself in human life.” Optimus said to Warlock, Warlock nodded understanding Optimus’s reasoning.

“So what’s the alternative? Smokescreen gets his own partner?” Arcee asked, Ratchet groaned and rolls his optics, “What as if the 4 humans and the dog aren’t enough?”

Ratchet rolled his optics again and shook his head. The rest of the team just looked at the medic ‘Like seriously, Ratchet?’ he grumbled and turned back to his computer.

Buster barks at Ratchet’s rude comment, “Buster is a valuable member of the team, Ratchet.” Thundercracker states as Buster barks in approval.

“Well, that was awkward.” Skwarp whispered to Thundercracker,

“I wasn’t just adding a member but using one who is already among us.” Optimus turns to Jack who is looking up at him. Jack looked surprised that Optimus would volunteer him for such an assignment.

“Oh…sure, Optimus. Robots in disguise, traffic laws, don’t harass humans… I can bring Smokescreen up to speed.” Jack reassured Optimus,

“Welcome to curbside duty…It’s part of the gig.” Bulkhead said Jack climbed down the ladder to get to Smokescreen as Smokescreen transformed and let Jack get into his driver’s seat. The two drive off out of the base.

Arcee, worried about Jack’s safety with Smokescreen, turns back to Optimus. “Optimus with all due respect, Agent Fowler is relocating Raf because the Decepticons found out where he lives. Meanwhile, Smokescreen, chooses a flashy vehicle mode with 38’s on the doors! Making him an easy target. I would be lying if I wasn’t concerned about Jack’s safety.”

“I understand Arcee, but the fact remains out new recruit is in need of instruction.” Optimus tools the two-wheeler, “I believe Smokescreen’s spark is in the right place. And that he understands the importance of protecting humanity.”

Starscream rolled his optics trying to stay out of this kerfuffle. “Smokescreen better catch on quick or he’s going to end up like me with a cortical psychic patch in his helm…” He said to himself before getting ready to go on patrol with his brothers.

Jack and Smokescreen returned to base a couple of hours later. The two were laughing about something and Jack mentioned something about a social media post. Jack was laughing and showed Arcee what he and Smokescreen did to his high school bully, Vince’s car. Basically dumping a ton of garbage onto it while it was parked somewhere and Vince wasn’t around.

“Let me get this straight, so you taught Smokescreen everything he didn’t need to know about fast food?” Arcee said, sounding both annoyed and slightly disappointed in her partner.

“He passed driver’s ed. Work hard, play hard.” Jack defended,

The seekers in the corner all shook their heads, “Maybe next time if Marissa is around have her do it. She’s the most mature next to Agent Fowler or Jack’s mother.” Starscream whispered to Thundercracker, he nodded back at his brother’s anecdote.

“No humans were harmed in the making of these photos.” Smokescreen stated as he followed Jack deeper into the base. The rest of the team who saw this was unimpressed with how immature Smokescreen is being.

“Maybe next time we send him out with an adult…” Warlock said, Moonlight ran over and was laughing at the photos as Jack showed them to her. Arcee looked up at Warlock, “ I expected more from Jack.”

“Well, you both can be disappointed. Maybe Warlock’s idea of actually having him use the advanced holoforms might be a good idea.” Starscream brought up, Arcee looked at him and crossed her arms, “Smokescreen can barely behave as a bot let alone release him into the human population.”

“Then he would have to face the consequences of his actions. It’s more of a tough love situation. He needs to grow up.” Starscream pointed out, “Besides if he can behave and learn then he will be more valuable to the team. That is what Optimus wants, correct?”

Arcee grumbled at Starscream’s good point but Warlock would need time to download the software into Smokescreen. It should take a bit but it could be done tomorrow if Warlock gets everything in order.

The next day Optimus is busy decrypting the Iacon Database so Starscream’s plan for Smokescreen to get a holoform must be put on hold. Optimus was typing away at lightning speed. He mentioned he is nearly done decoding the next set of coordinates in the database. At least adding a new relic to the arsenal could be useful. “I don’t think you need to do that, Optimus.” Ratchet said as he directed Optimus’s attention to the computer screen of an Iacon relic being uncovered.

“It would seem the Decepticons have uncovered the next relic already.” Warlock stated as he approached the computer.

“Ratchet, triangulate coordinates, and activate the ground bridge.” Optimus ordered as Ratchet did as such. The ground bridge came to life and Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee were ready to join Optimus in nabbing the relic. The seekers decided to hang back as auxiliary support just in case. Plus Moonlight and Skywarp were in the middle of a game that was getting pretty heated and Starscream loved watching his little brother getting trumped by a sparkling. Thundercracker was bouncing story ideas off of Marissa and Buster in another part of the base.

“Where is Smokescreen?” Optimus looked around for the newcomer.

“He’s out training again with Jack.” Arcee informed the Prime,

“We cannot wait. Autobots transform and roll out.” Optimus said as the team did as such and went through the ground bridge.
-
Meanwhile, at the dig site, the Decepticons are drilling into the rocks to try and locate the Iacon relic Soundwave managed to decode from the database. Vehicons and Insecticons carrying large boulders and rocks are seen working diligently. A large drill used for the mine is currently digging into the rock face for the purpose of locating the relic inside.

Megatron himself is overseeing the operation. After the last few failed attempts at getting Iacon relics, he refuses to let it slip from his grasp. Not to mention the information from Starscream’s mind he receives that the Autobots have more relics than they initially thought. The Onyx Triptych is a useful and powerful relic if Optimus can find a Beastformer/Insecticon to use it.

One of the Vehicons managed to move a boulder out of the way and signal the warlord to come over.

“I certainly hope our new acquisition is of Decepticon origin…” Megatron said out loud as he approached where the Vehicon stated the relic was. Megatron looked on in horror as he recognized the relic that was sticking out of the rock. “It…cannot be…” He said in disbelief, there in the rock was a sword, but not just any sword the Star Saber.

“Power of this magnitude must not fall into the hands of Optimus Prime…” Megatron said now worried about what would happen if Optimus did get his servos on the relic. Megatron approached the relic and gently wrapped his clawed servo around the hilt. He with his full strength pulled on the relic to release it from its rocky prison. At first, the relic wouldn’t budge, even as physically strong as Megatron the relic was not moving a fraction of an inch. Megatron growled in frustration as he placed his pede on the rock as an attempt to get more leverage. Yelling as he strained to pull the relic out…it still wouldn’t budge for him.

Megatron, enraged raised his fusion cannon and began blasting at the relic to dislodge it and vent his frustrations. Once the smoke cleared Megatron saw that the relic hadn't moved or had been damaged by his fusion cannon. Megatron was surprised and even scared that the relic had taken no damage. “The relic must be emitting a protective shield…” Megatron said in shock, he stepped back a few steps in disbelief.

“It will only respond to the power of a Prime…” Megatron said to himself. He turned to his troops “We are moving this relic even if we have to take the mountain itself!” Megatron ordered his troops all looking at one another.
-
Ratchet noticed that a second Iacon location was discovered on the screen. “Optimus, a second Iacon locator beacon just activated.” Ratchet attempted to inform the Prime but all he heard was static on the opposite end. “Optimus do you read?” Again static, Starscream looked over at the medic who was attempting to contact the team…this wasn’t a good sign as they didn’t go underground or anything. “Ratchet me and my brothers can go to the second location. See if you or Warlock can get in touch with Optimus.”

The timing couldn’t be better as Smokescreen and Jack came zooming into the base. Jack got out and Smokescreen transformed the two laughing about some other dumb prank they pulled.
Ratchet yelled at the two to keep it down as he frantically attempted to reach contact with the other members of the team.

“Ratchet something wrong?” Jack asks,

“Our sensors picked up a second Iacon locator beacon, but for some reason, I cannot reach Optimus or the others.” Ratchet informed Smokescreen, “It’s a good thing we have the seekers here to go. Smokescreen you should join them as backup while Warlock and I figure out why there is so much interference trying to contact the others.”

“Well me and the scream team are heading to the second location.” Smokescreen said as Thudercracker and Skywarp looked at each other and then at Smokescreen. “Do not call us that again.” They said in unison, offending them and causing Starscream to chuckle. Ratchet activated the ground bridge as the squad headed to the second location.

The seekers went through first as Smokescreen came out last. The 4 of them ran to some rock faces that were pretty far from where the Decepticons were. They peeked over the side of the boulders and saw the Decepticon dig site and the relic poking out of the cliff face. Noting the sword jammed into the wall.

“It’s a sword…cool.” Skywarp said with a grin,

“Stay alert. There are a lot of Vehicons and tons of mining equipment around.” Thundercracker stated that there was indeed a large group of Vehicons around the relic.

Smokescreen looked over at the relic and recognized it, “It’s not just any sword. It looks like the Star Saber. A legendary weapon forged by Solus Prime…It's supposed to wield the power of the matrix.”

The seekers look at each other. Megatron would most definitely want to get his hands on such a legendary weapon. Starscream can already see the wheels turning in Smokescreen’s mind. “I’m going to make Optimus proud…” Smokescreen said out loud,

“No…we are not! That is a bad idea to rush in.” Starscream told Smokescreen,

“Yeah, especially since I just spotted Bucket Head.” Skywarp said, pointing at Megatron who was giving orders to some Vehicons. Oh great just what Starscream needs…Megatron here. After the whole debacle with the psychic patch, the warlord would be eager to get his servos on the seeker.

“The dark lord himself…he won’t know what hit him.” Smokescreen said punching his hand and sounding way too cocky for the experience he has. “Smokescreen…” Starscream warned,

“How come Megatron just doesn’t take the sword? It’s sticking out already.” Thundercracker pointed out, that Thundercracker had a point. Why didn’t Megatron just take the sword and go? It’s uncovered…something isn’t adding up.

Smokescreen moved to get a better look, “Look standing around conjecturing isn’t going to get us the relic. Action will.” As Smokescreen jumps out from behind the rock and runs towards the dig sight. “Smokescreen, you ignoramus! Get back here before you get the scrap beaten out of you!” Starscream called out hoping to not alert the Decepticons and Megatron down below.

The Decepticons were still digging when Megatron signaled them to stop. The seekers couldn’t let Smokescreen charge in and get scrapped…it would look bad even if it was his fault. The seekers sprinted after the rookie as he made his way down to the dig site. Starscream noticed the Nemesis above the rocks and a large crane came down and grabbed onto the rock with the Star Saber inside. What is Megatron doing?!

Megatron turned to see Smokescreen charging in and the seeker following behind him. Smokescreen was shooting at the Decepticon troops near him as the troops fired back. Smokescreen began barreling through Decepticon troopers as he shot, punched and kicked his way closer to the relic with an overconfident flare. “Who in the pits of Kaon is that?!” Megatron cried out, Smokescreen ran up to the relic and grabbed the handle, and began to pull.

Starscream held out his arm for his brothers to hold as they waited to see what would happen. But they were quickly surrounded by both Vehicons and Insecticons…”Scrap…” Starscream said angrily,

Smokescreen pulled hard on the relic but failed to make the relic budge. A Vehicon shot Smokescreen in the back, knocking him forward as more troops surrounded the rookie.

Skywarp panicked as he told Thundercracker and Starscream he’d get reinforcements and teleported away back to where they were. “Ratchet do you read?” Skywarp commed, "The relic is the Star Sabe-Ahh!” Skywarp cried out as an Insecticon swiped at him he ran to try and shake the large beast from his tail.

“Skywarp? Did you just say, Star Saba? Wait no…” Ratchet realized what the relic was and desperately tried to kill Optimus again. “Optimus! Do you read?! I can see you are alive, why won’t you answer me!” Ratchet said in frustration…Warlock paused as there had to be some jammer going on. The group isn’t underground….

“I can’t wait any longer. Warlock man the ground bridge I’m going to get them.” Ratchet said as Warlock powered up the groundbridge. Ratchet ran through the bridge and found the rest of the team thankfully fine and told them there was a situation and Smokescreen and the seekers needed backup ASAP. As the whole team runs through the ground bridge.

The rock containing the Star Saber slowly gets lifted upwards towards the Nemesis. The Insecticons fly by the cable to make sure it is stable as the large rock slowly continues to move upward. Megatron watches but his attention turns back to the captured seekers and Smokescreen. “Bring them to me!” Megatron ordered, the Vehicons dragged Smokescreen to Megatron and guided the two seekers to him. The Insecticons slowly showed up with Skywarp slung over its shoulder and placing him with the others.

“It seems the Autobot ranks are ever-growing…What is your name Autobot?” Megatron asks Smokescreen,

“Why? Who wants to know?” Smokescreen sassed, Megatron growls in anger at his insolence, Starscream couldn’t help but smirk a little.

Megatron lifts his hand to backhand Smokescreen when the sound of distant blaster fire alerts the warlord. As he saw the rest of the cavalry of Autobots but no Prime. “Where is Optimus?” Megatron looked around and panicked hoping the Autobot leader didn’t notice the Star Saber. Megatron then spotted Optimus jumping and climbing the rocks to get to the lifted boulder with the Star Saber. He transformed into vehicle mode to gain some speed and momentum as he jumped and ran towards the relic. Megatron panics as he runs after the Prime and orders his soldiers to stop him. Megatron transformed and flew after the Prime.

The group that surrounded Starscream and Thundercracker flew off after the Prime. “Smokescreen gets the others up to speed! Me and TC will try and help Optimus!” Starscream and Thundercracker transformed and flew off to help the Prime while the rest of the team went after the troops on the ground. Smokescreen laid the unconscious Skywarp up against a rock as he went back into the fray to help the others.

The fliers were shooting at the Prime being led by Megatron, and Starscream was trying to get ahead of the warlord and draw its fire. Optimus was pulling crazy maneuvers trying to dodge the blasts. Thundercracker managed to knock off two of the supporting fliers with his sonic booms but Megatron was still shooting at the Prime as he got the speed and momentum to be able to make a jump to the boulder with the Star Saber.

Starscream felt that weird tingle in his chest as he softly glowed and managed to push himself and gain some speed in the air to pass Megatron causing the warlord to lose his balance and stagger in the air. He passed Megatron and was heading to Optimus, one of Megatron’s blasts hit the Prime which caused him to go off course. Starscream zoomed to correct it as Optimus transformed back into bot form and grabbed Starscream’s wing. It hurt but Starscream did a barrel roll and with the momentum of the spin redirected the Prime back on course to be able to grab the blade.

Optimus went flying as he managed to grab the hilt of the Star Saber. The rest of the team watched from the ground as their leader nabbed the saber. Megatron veered off and the blade began to glow a vibrating blue as Optimus clung to it hanging off the rising boulder. Optimus felt the power of the Star Saber run through him as the sword dislodged. Optimus free falling through the air. Starscream swings back and lets the Prime land on his back to cushion the fall. It hurt, it really did as Starscream wasn’t built for strength or to lift heavy things like other bots, especially one as big as Optimus. But Optimus jumped off closer to the ground and thankfully suffered no extreme fall damage. Starscream staggered but transformed and landed, he was going to feel that tomorrow.

Megatron returned to the Nemesis and ordered his subordinates to release the boulder hoping to crush the Autobots with it if he couldn’t get the relic from it. The massive rock came tumbling down at an alarming speed as the rest of the team begged Optimus and Starscream to move out of the way. Starscream turned to see the boulder coming for them. Optimus was looking at the sword with his back to the boulder, and with one swift motion of his arm sliced the boulder in two with the Star Saber. Causing the massive rock to split in half and both halves continued to roll in opposite directions.

“Did he just-” Bulkhead began,

‘He did,” Bumblebee beeped in confirmation,

Optimus looked up at the Nemesis and began to run towards it, winding up and swinging the sword as an energy blast came out from the Star Saber and went flying towards the Nemesis’s engines striking it with a loud bang.

“Sweet Solus Prime, “Starscream said in disbelief,

“It could do that?” Smokescreen asked, looking at the group

“Wouldn’t you know more?! You worked at the Hall of Records!” Thundercracker said back at the newbie,

The Nemesis lost some altitude but still managed to fly away from the battlefield. Skywarp woke up and got to his pedes, “Ugh…did we win?” He asked as Optimus was standing there with the sword. “Yay…” he said tiredly as he slumped forward a bit. Optimus called for a ground bridge and the group returned to base.

“How epic was that?! I saw it with my own optics!” Smokescreen said with excitement,

“Very.” Skywarp agreed, “Sucks I was out cold for most of it but it sounds epic.”

They all reconvene in the base as Optimus looks closer at the sword. The sword begins to glow. “Optimus, what is happening?” Ratchet asks worried,

“I am receiving a message…”

Chapter Text

Episode: Alpha/Omega

The Nemesis flies through the sky after having some extensive repairs being done to its engine systems. Megatron was displeased with the recent events, failure to prevent Optimus from getting the Star Saber, Starscream escaping his clutches yet again and the damage to his ship…the Decepticons were facing hardened times. Megatron was in the middle of a communications message with someone as Dreadwing walks into the bridge. The message cuts out the moment Dreadwing approaches Megatron, as he turns to look at his first lieutenant.

“Who were you communicating with, my liege?” Dreadwing asks curiously,

“Reinforcements. With Optimus now in possession of the Star Saber and those treacherous seekers now joining the Autobot ranks…I sent for some… extra help.” Megatron said to his lieutenant.

“Forgive me, Lord Megatron. I feel I have failed you by letting Optimus Prime acquire the Star Saber. Please be aware I am ready to lead a counter attack against the Autobots.” Dreadwing told his master,

“Counter attack? Maybe you didn’t notice the fact that Optimus cleaved an entire mountain with a single blow? With the Star Saber in his possession my enemy can obliterate us with a wave of his servo. I must find a way to tip the balance of power back into our favor. Getting addition support is only the beginning.” Megatron said walking passed Dreadwing.

“Do we not also possess a powerful relic of the ancients? Getting reinforcements will only bolster our ranks, not tip the scales.” Dreadwing argued,

Megatron scowled, “We do possess the Forge of Solus Prime. And it is useless unless in the hands of a Prime.” Megatron paused as he made a rather unorthodox realization….and began to laugh. Dreadwing looked at his master curiously,

“But I might wield that power if I had means to control that hand…” Megatron smirked,
-

Optimus held up the Star Saber as he began to receive a message from his old mentor, Alpha Trion. “Optimus, what is Alpha Trion saying?” Ratchet asked,

Optimus felt the presence of the former Prime well within the sword. A blinding blue light engulfed Optimus’s vision as he looked up to see the glowing outline of Alpha Trion speaking to him. “I wish that I could have met you under better circumstances, Optimus Prime. I fear that Iacon will not withstand the next Decepticon assault.” Alpha Trion spoke,

“So you speak to me from across the ages?” Optimus asked,

“If you are listening to this message, then I take solace in knowing you possess the Star Saber.” Alpha Trion was not speaking directly for Optimus but rather left him a message embedded within the sword. “I am certain you have deduced how these Cybertronian relics and Decepticon weapons came to be found on such a remote world. I indeed transported them myself. Not to just keep them from Megatron’s reach, but more importantly so that they reach yours.”

Optimus sighs as it appears Alpha Trion knew more than he thought. And somehow orchestrated that the relics would arrive on Earth. “As you may have long suspected, the Covenant of Primus records events of the future as well as the past. My imperfect understanding of its runes affords me a shadowy glimpse of what is to come. The Covenant’s pages foretold that you, Optimus Prime, would journey to this small but significant planet and there engage in a crucial chapter in the war against the Decepticons. I know neither the nature of the battle nor its outcome. I know you are not alone in your battle, Cybertronian relics can only aid with the war. I just hope that these relics of the ancients will aid the Autobots in your time of need. Especially against the Decepticons…but also a more cunning and darker enemy that lurks under a friendly facade… In the next few moments I will launch the last set of relics, the most significant and powerful of them all…”

The Autobots wait to see what Optimus has learned from the former Prime and the wisdom or knowledge he is passing to Optimus. The sword stops glowing as Optimus slumps forward with the sword still in hand. Ratchet went over to Optimus and checked on him as the rest of the team seemed concerned for Optimus’s wellbeing. Not Starscream though, as whatever news that Alpha Trion has passed is going to make the situation probably more complicated. Ancient and powerful beings like Primes, especially one of the last of the 13 original Primes, aren't going to just make things simple for them. Starscream watched with both curiosity and anxiety as he waited for whatever cryptic nonsense Alpha Trion told Optimus.

“Easy Optimus,” Ratchet told the Prime as he held the Prime’s shoulder. Optimus looks at him and with a deep sigh stands up to his full height holding out the Star Saber.

Smokescreen stepped forward, “So…did Alpha Trion ask about me?” Bulkhead smacked the rookie upside the head for such a stupid remark, “OW…” Smokescreen rubbed his helm.

“What was the message?” Bulkhead asked, Optimus optics quickly darted towards Warlock and then back at the group. “It is paramount that we recover the last four Iacon relics. The Omega Keys.”

‘Keys? Keys to what?’ Bumblebee beeped asking the Prime to be more specific.

“To the regeneration of our home planet.” Optimus explained,
-
Back on the Nemesis Megatron and Dreadwing walk on the upper deck of the ship as the Nemesis is heading towards Earth’s moon.

“Isn’t Earth’s moon a barren rock?” Dreadwing asks,

“Indeed, but the moon is not our destination.” Megatron told him as the space bridge came into view from behind Earth’s moon. “It was relocated here after the Autobots discovered its location back on Earth. The dark side of the moon offers excellent cover.”

“Why are we here? Are we going somewhere?” Dreadwing asks,

“No, we are waiting for a delivery.” Megatron said with his arms folded behind his back.

“Delivery? Delivery of what my liege?” Dreadwing asks as if on cue the space bridge lights up and a small ship comes flying out of its glowing light. The ship then lands on the deck of the Nemesis as it land gear hiss and groans into place. Megatron turns to the ship as Dreadwing looks very perplexed by the whole thing.

The docking ramp comes down as three bots exit the ship. Three femmes of varying heights and builds walk towards the warlord and his first lieutenant. The first to approach megatron was a purple and teal seeker of average height with a lithe build. Behind her is a black and red two-wheeler with flame decals adoring her chest. She had a cocky grin on her face as she looked over at the third member of the group. A primarily purple femme grounder, the tallest of the three but with an uninteresting paint job compared to the other two. But the most striking feature of hers was one of her optics was rounded and glowed a vivid red matching the accent colors of her frame. The purple one was carrying a large case as they stopped in front of the warlord.

“Lord Megatron.” the seeker said with a formal greeting, Megatron nodded in acknowledgment.

“Dreadwing, allow me to introduce The Rise Strike team.” Megatron gestured to the three femmes.

“Slipstream.” The seeker nodded,

“Flamewar.” The two wheeler smirked,

“And Shadow Striker.” The purple grounder didn’t react but somehow gave the presence of acknowledgement.

“We were honored you contacted us, Lord Megatron. We procured the item you requested before coming to your aid.” Slipstream bowed, Dreadwing noticed the cadence in her voice, her mannerisms and appearance were very similar to Starscream’s…it was like someone made a femme Starscream and changed her paint color.

“Hand it over, Striker.” Flamewar chuckled, Dreadwing looked curiously at the two-wheeler, Striker groaned at Flamewar’s bad joke.

Shadow Striker shoved the case into Dreadwing’s arms causing the seeker to stumble back a step or two. Dreading glared at Shadow Striker who walked back to her companions. Flamewar chuckled as she looked over at Dreadwing.

“I really gotta hand it to ya, Striker. You know how to handle him…” Flamewar snickered, Striker shook her head at her comrade, “Enough, Flamewar. It wasn’t funny the first time.” Shadow Striker said to the two-wheeler.

“Sorry you can’t appreciate a good pun. Maybe Dreadwing here will. Open the case there, buddy boy.” Flamewar smiled and gestured to the case in Dreadwing’s arms. Dreadwing frowned at the lack of respect from Flamewar but opened the case. He looked down in shock when he saw a severed arm…

“What is the name of Primus is this?!” Dreadwing yelled at the femmes, he looked at his master in confusion.

“Our way to turn the tides…” Megatron said,
-

“A way to restore our planet?!” Warlock said excitedly,

“Pack your gear we are going back to Cybertron!” Bulkhead cheered,

‘I can’t believe it.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“Ha, ha, ha! Believe it now, Bumblebee! Civilization at last!” Ratchet chuckled,

“Aw man, I just got here.” Smokescreen noted,

“Oh, oh! Remember the aerial tournament in Vos?! Agh I can’t wait for those to start back up!” Skywarp said, his wings flapping in excitement.

“Remember oil baths? First thing I’m doing is soaking for a whole solar cycle.” Arcee said, hugging herself and referencing the bath.

“I can’t wait to tell Miko!” Bulkhead cheered, but then his smile quickly faded,

“And Jack,” Arcee said somberly,

‘And Raf…’ Bumblebee beeps sadly,

“And Marissa,” Thundercracker’s wings drooped as all of the bots with human partners realized that they would be leaving them behind. Smokescreen got up from the wall he was leaning on and walked toward Optimus.

“Optimus, keys open doors…can they really revive an entire planet?” Smokescreen asked the Prime,

“Keys also unlock things, Smokescreen…so whatever these keys unlock probably will restore the planet.” Starscream interjected as the Prime looks at the two of them,

“I am unfamiliar with the lore of these keys so your theory could be valid, Starscream. Alpha Trion knew many secrets, and the ancients possess technology that has been lost due to our people’s modern science.” Optimus explains,

“Whatever their function, we must get the 4 Omega Keys into our possession. This much is certain we cannot restore Cybertron without all of them.” Optimus tells the group,

“Which means we cannot afford to lose a single key to the Decepticons.” Thundercracker states,

“4 sets of coordinates from Alpha Trion remain encrypted. It is logical to think that these are the locations of each of the Omega Keys. I must not waver…I cannot rest until all 4 of the coordinates are decoded….” Optimus turns back towards the screen of the Iacon Database, “The future of our planet depends on it…”

Optimus began to try and decrypt Alpha Trion’s coordinates; the group all sort of felt a sense of bittersweet happiness. On one hand saving their homeworld and the prospect of returning home. On the other hand, leaving their new home on Earth and all the human allies they made is sorrowful.

Ratchet calls Warlock over to help him with the Star Saber holder. Ratchet made plans to make it easier to carry the blade around. Warlock was assisting Ratchet as Moonlight was being eager and looking at the blade. But then her attention shifts over to the rest of the team all in a group talking as she scampers over.

“I feel guilty. I’m not sure I want to go back.” Arcee said to the group,

“Who knew we’d all get used to our new home…” Bulkhead added,

‘I don’t think I could leave Raf behind.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“Yay same here. I don’t think I could leave Miko.” Bulkhead noted,

“I’ve lived on this planet longer than any of you…I don’t think I could go back to Cybertron even if I wanted to.” Thundercracker said sadly,

“We’ve made friends here, family.” Arcee stated,

Ratchet looks up as he overhears the group talking. “We could always…text them.” He said then returned to his work. The group just looked at him and paused, it was an idea…not a great one…but a plausible one.

“Besides…I’ve been fighting for so long, I don’t think I can do anything else.” Bulkhead said turning back to the group,

“You can go back into construction. The power of the ancients may be able to restore Cybertron. Our war ravaged cities will definitely require rebuilding.” Ratchet pointed out to the wrecker,

“I wouldn’t make any travel plans yet. We still need to locate the Omega Keys and locate them before the Cons do.” Arcee reminded the group,

“Heh, Like that’s going to be a problem. Optimus has the Star Saber now. Megatron’s end is in sight.” Smokescreen pointed to the Star Saber to highlight his point.

Starscream was listening to the words of the team. Restoring Cybertron would be monumental… And if the Autobots managed to succeed in this endeavor, Cybertron would need leadership…Starscream smirked at the thought. They needed to find these Omega Keys pronto.
-

“I mean yes I can do it, Lord Megatron…If you are sure this is what you want?” Knock Out said to Megatron laying down on a medical berth. Knock Out was still questing the whole process but he wasn’t about to argue the validity of an unorthodox medical procedure.

“Like something I’ve never desired before, doctor.” Megatron told the medic,

“Well ok. I will induce stasis-” Knock Out goes to press the proper button to knock Megatron out for the procedure but the warlord cries out a bellowing No! Causing Knock Out to pause and look quizzically at his master.

“I wish to bear witness as you attach my new appendage.” Megatron stated,

Knock Out walked over and placed his servo on Megatron’s fusion cannon, Knock Out pulled out his buzzsaw and told Megatron to disable some of the pain receptors in his arm to ease the pain as he didn’t want to go under. The medic then began to sever Megatron’s arm from the elbow down as the arm The Strike team brought was there waiting patiently to be attached to its new owner.

After the surgery Megatron was more than eager to test his new appendage. He chuckled to himself as he walked to the room containing the Forge of Solus Prime. The hammer lay on a table ready to be used and now can be used thanks to Megatron’s recent procurement. He grabs the hammer with his new hand and the hammer buzzes to life. The energy of the Prime the limb was severed from fueling the relic and making it possible to be used by Megatron.

“At long last the power of the Primes…belongs to me!” Megatron said triumphantly, He takes the hammer and begins slamming it down on a large chunk of Dark Energon. Strike after strike forging it into something new.

Knock Out, Dreadwing and The Strike team all watch and bear witness to Megatron using the forge.

“I can’t believe Megatron cut his own arm off and replaced it with a dead Prime’s just to use a hammer.” Flamewar said crossing her arms,

Dreadwing turned to her and scowled, ‘The Forge of Solus Prime possesses the ability to create anything from raw material. But the relic can only be used by a Prime, so your delivery was very much appreciated by our lord.”

Flamewar shrugs, Slipstream looks over at what Megatron is doing, “And said raw material is a large piece of Dark Energon it seems.” Slipstream says as the sound of Megatron hammering the Dark Energon echoes through the room. The group moves to the side as Soundwave enters the room and approaches Megatron. Showing a map and set of coordinates on his visor.

“Ah Soundwave, it would seem you have decoded the next set of Iacon coordinates. Perfect timing.” Megatron says as with one last swing of the forge the energon morphs into a long, jagged purple blade.

Megatron held up his newest creation in front of all the Decepticons in the room. “Perfect timing…to test my newest weapon…”

Chapter Text

“Autobots I have decoded the first set of coordinates of the final four coordinates.” Optimus announces, and the group gathers closer to the Prime, “Divide into teams, in the event I am able to decode another, before the first team returns.”

“I’m on team one! Who’s with me?” Smokescreen raises his servo, Arcee also volunteers to go as does Starscream as aerial support.

“This should be…interesting.” Ratchet said quietly as he activated the ground bridge.

The ground bridge activated and the trio walked through the portal. They arrived in Egypt in a desert area as the two grounders traveled in their vehicles modes through the portal but then transformed back to their bot forms as they got to the desert. Starscream was looking around while Arcee and Smokescreen were more on edge. Since discovering his semi-immortality… Starscream had been nervous about being shot at, yes it will hurt…but won’t kill him. He’s survived centuries of being tortured and beaten by Megatron; he can handle pain.

Arcee was the one holding the tracker as she walked closer to Smokescreen who gave the all-clear. “No locator beacon…Which means it’s still underground…” Arcee said as she pinpointed the relic to be in a nearby tomb.

“Why did it have to be underground…” Starscream complained,

“Come on Scream, a hidden tomb? Could be cool.” Smokescreen said,

“You’ve been watching too many Earth movies with humans. And it is Starscream, not Scream.” Starscream told the rookie as he and Smokescreen followed Arcee toward the tomb.

Arcee had been rather cold with Smokescreen similar to how she was when Starscream originally joined the ranks. The rookie has proven himself in combat but not really as a team player. Also all the pranks he pulled with Jack left a bad taste on Arcee’s glossa. Smokescreen could feel the tension with Arcee, Starscream couldn’t really care less of the newbie’s cocky attitude. Yes, he finds it grating but he did save Skywarp from Pharma and is a proven comrade on the field so he lets things slide.

“Arcee, I feel I have to apologize for the pranks I pulled with Jack, I didn’t think his boss would get so mad.” Smokescreen apologized,

Starscream could see Arcee mentally groan at Smokescreen, “It isn’t about Jack it’s about being a team. Team Prime cannot afford any casualties, human or Bot. I’ve lost two seasoned partners already…I don’t need to add a rookie to that…” Arcee snapped as she continued walking away.

“Ouch.” Starscream said under his breath, considering he was the reason one of those partners was dead, Starscream felt a pang of guilt. She really went for the jugular with Smokescreen.

“Not going to happen. Elite guardsman’s honor…Wait…you lost two partners?” Smokescreen said following after her, into the temple. Starscream stiffened, “Maybe we should change the subject.”

“How did you lose them?” Smokescreen asked, Starscream was getting more agitated. He and Arcee buried the metaphorical hatchet on it but it’s still a touchy subject for the two-wheeler.

“Airachnid terminated Tailgate and Starscream terminated Cliffjumper when he was still with the Cons.” She said Starscream was shocked she would reveal it to Smokescreen. The rookie turned to Starscream with surprise, “You terminated her partner?!”

“It was a long time ago and before I began my reformant. Arcee and I have made peace with it so don’t pry more, rookie.” Starscream sneered, Smokescreen looked to Arcee for confirmation as she nodded that they were on good terms. “Starscream…made it up to me.” She said with a soft smile remembering talking to Cliffjumper one last time.

The trio crouched down and entered the temple. Starscream had to have his wings flushed against his back in order to not hit the ceiling. He was surprisingly the tallest of their little scouting party and as such had to crouch the most, it was uncomfortable. Arcee was in the front followed by Smokescreen with Starscream taking up the rear.

“Heh, nice of these humans to pile all of these rocks on top of our relic, right?” Smokescreen said, trying to break the awkward silence of the group. No one answered as they were getting closer to the relic and didn’t have time for chit-chat. They made a left turn and heard the locator device beeping louder and more frequently indicating that the relic was close. They raised their lights and saw that the humans had carvings on the walls depicting humans having the key and even worshiping it. “Pretty much spells things out for us huh?” Smokescreen said in regards to the hieroglyphs.

They realized the hieroglyphs indicated a door as Arcee and Smokescreen attempted to move the door over and see if the relic was inside. They removed the door and found the key inside the tomb. “The ancient humans must have thought that the Omega Key was a gift from the gods.” Smokescreen noted,

“They weren’t wrong, technically.” Starscream added, the three then began to make their way out of the tomb. Arcee notices a tall figure in the distance. As they get closer they realize that the figure is in fact Megatron with an unknown seeker by his side. Starscream immediately recognized the seeker. Slipstream…his brothers aren’t going to be happy to find out she is running around on Earth now…

“The relic, now!” Megatron demanded,

“Three against two…We got this.” Smokescreen said, Starscream wasn’t convinced Megatron had something up his sleeve if he came here with just Slipstream.

Megatron heard Smokescreen’s words and unsheathed the sword from his back. A glowing, purple, jagged blade was revealed in Megatron’s rather different looking hand. Starscream noticed his gunmetal gray hand and purple fusion cannon was gone. Replaced with a red and yellow hand that clearly did not match. Megatron pointed the evil glowing sword at the trio and began to panic. It looked eerily similar to the Star Saber.

“Ratchet! Ground bridge now!” Arcee commed in a panic, Megatron spun around and launched an energy swipe similar to the Star Saber at the trio and sent them flying back in the dunes. Smokescreen ended up dropping the Omega Key from the force of the blast. Arcee was knocked out for a moment and Smokescreen groaned but got to his pedes as did Starscream. The rookie used his blaster to shoot at the warlord as Starscream was still trying to get his bearings.

Each blast Megatron swiped away with the sword as if he was playing a perverse version of baseball hitting the blasts in directions away from him. Arcee and Starscream fired at him as he released another energy beam at Smokescreen, sending the poor bot flying into the nearby pyramid. Starscream got up and ran towards Smokescreen but felt a blaster at his back…

“Ah, ah, ah, Starscream. No flying off for you…” Slipstream teased,

“Slipstream…what brings you to Earth?” Starscream asks,

“Me and my girls were summoned by our lord. Imagine my surprise when I heard you switched sides! Ah, so unlike you, cousin.” Slipstream said with a smile, Starscream for once hated knowing another one of his relatives was alive and well. Slipstream, his carrier’s sister child and Starscream’s cousin. They grew up together and many people mistook them for fraternal twins as they were so similar despite actually being cousins.

Megatron approached Arcee as the key landed closer to her. Acree felt an overwhelming sense of defeat as Megatron picked up the key. She was in no position to fight him off, Starscream had a gun to his back and Smokescreen was blasted into oblivion. “What manner of treasure did Iacon send us this time?” Megatron said, looking down at the two-wheeler.

He looked down at the defeated Arcee and lifted her head with the tip of his blade. “I would slice you in two right now…but I want you to deliver a message for me. Tell Optimus Prime if he wants this relic, he must come and claim it himself.” As Megatron throws the relic back down, lodging it in the sand.
-
Back at the Autobot base, Arcee felt like a failure for not being able to help the rest of her team. Megatron’s newest weapon proved too much for them to handle. She delivered the message to Optimus. And felt unimaginable guilt at what happened to Smokescreen…Starscream too. The rookie didn’t deserve to end in such a gruesome fate.

“And then Smokescreen…was just gone…” Arcee said solemnly,

“Arcee, neither you nor Starscream are at fault for this…” Ratchet reassured them both,

“Poor kid.” Bulkhead added, Bulkhead grumbled and activated his blaster ready to go give Megatron a piece of his mind. “I say we go and claim a piece of Megatron’s metal hide!” Bumblebee beeped in agreement as the two were ready to go after the Decepticon leader.

“No…” Optimus said loudly, causing the two to stop in their tracks. “We have already lost one of our own today. I will not risk more lives…” Optimus walked over to Arcee and Starscream, “Given what you two have witnessed, it would seem Megatron now possesses might equal to that of the Star Saber. Which means…I am the only one who has a chance at recovering the Omega Key.”

“Optimus at least let me come with you. My outlier ability prevents me from-” Starscream began but Optimus held up a servo.

“No, Megatron wants a duel with me, alone. Besides, your outlier ability prevents you from offlining by normal means and this blade…sounds anything but normal.” Optimus explained, Optimus had a point the energy coming from the blade Starscream felt before. Like the Dark Energon that temporarily coursed through him…The blade could probably be the one thing that offline him permanently. A risk Starscream didn’t want to take.

“Optimus…” Moonlight said as the team turned to the small sparkling,

“Make Megatron pay for Smokey!” She said with a little determined look on her face. Optimus smiled at the young sparkling and got ready to meet Megatron for a battle over the Omega Keys.
-
Optimus ground bridge to the location with the Star Saber adorned to his back as he walked to find his opponent. After a few moments of walking he saw the Omega Key buried in the sand about 30 feet from him. “Claim your prize, Optimus. If you can.” He heard Megatron bellow as he came up the dune to meet him.

Optimus then noticed Megatron’s arm and how different it looked. Megatron didn’t do what he thought he did…did he? “By the Allspark, Megatron, what have you done?” Optimus said in disbelief.

“This?” Megatron said in a cheeky way, holding up his new appendage. “I find it affords me certain advantages. Such as the ability to use the Forge of Solus Prime.” He balled his new fist for dramatic effect. So Megatron did what Optimus thought. Desecrated the dead body of a Prime for his own gain. How morbid, that Megatron would go to such extremes to gain more power.

Optimus frowned but didn’t say anything to Megatron. “My first creation.” as he unsheathed the sword. “Fashioned from the blood of Unicron. I call it the Dark Star Saber. A slayer of Primes if you will…” as he pointed the Dark Star Saber at Optimus. He then began to charge at the Prime and scream a loud battle cry as he was ready to vanquish the Prime with his newest weapon.

Optimus donned his battle mask and unsheathed his own blade ready to battle the warlord. Megatron swiped and launched an energy blast at Optimus but he jumped over it and continued to charge at Megatron. Optimus launches his own energy blast from his sword at Megatron. Megatron raised his sword high and cleaved the energy beam in half and watched as the energy split in opposite directions away from the warlord. He stood there smirking at the Prime who was still charging at him. Megatron howled in rage as he resumed his charge to the Prime.

Megatron launched his own energy beams back to back, one Optimus cleaved and one he jumped over again by climbing on top of some of the ruins to avoid the blast. The Prime was getting tired of these games but he had no choice but to face Megatron like this. Optimus jumped high from a set of ruins high in the air above Megatron and raised the Star Saber high over his head and brought it down on the Dark Star Saber.

The energy feedback from the two powerful weapons colliding caused debris and sand to fly everywhere. The two ended up being pushed back by the energy feedback and looked at one another with hatred in their eyes. They clashed their swords hitting each other in intense battle. Hit after hit the blades struck one another and the two had to fight against the feedback to get to one another as they both won’t back down.

One clash of blades at the two held their stances, the energy whirling around them. Megatron laughed, “The two of us wield the power of the cosmos, like gods! As it was meant to be!” Megatron dropped one hand from the sword and shove it into Optimus’s neck pinning him to a piece of rubble. Optimus croaked from the quick and painful move as Megatron squeezed his windpipe.

“I am but a soldier, Megatron. And you are a prisoner of your own twisted delusions!” Optimus cried out as he kicked Megatron back causing him to lose his grip on Optimus. Optimus rubbed his neck real quick as Megatron landed in the sand not to far away. As he got up he launched a very large energy wave at Optimus who jumped to the left to get out of its path. As the wave managed to cleave a pyramid in two.

The two went back to clashing blades. Strike after strike as Optimus made a wrong move allowing Megatron to strike at his shoulder. Optimus took a knee and looked at the damage as the Dark Energon made the wound sting more than it should.

“My Dark Star Saber has tasted one spark tonight…and it still thirsts for that of a Prime’s!” Megatron taunts,

Optimus’s optics narrowed as he swiped at Megatron but the warlord was quick and blocked the blow. They continued to strike at one another, hit after hit as the energy feedback got more and more intense with each strike. Megatron pulls a dirty maneuver as he backhands Optimus and sends him flying into the sand. Megatron slowly approaches the downed Prime as he scrambles to get to his pedes. He defensively holds up the Star Saber to block Megatron’s strike when the worst possible thing could happen. Megatron’s Dark Star Saber ... shattered the Star Saber with its blow.

It was like slow motion watching one of the most powerful relics of the 13 get shattered before his optics. Optimus was in pure disbelief at what he was witnessing. He falls back onto his knees as the shattered pieces disintegrate into the sand. Megatron pressed the Dark Star Saber into his back. “AND SO IT ENDS! Just as I envisioned, your head beside my new trophy!” As Megatron wined it up and was ready to decapitate the Prime.

“Ah you mean this?” A mysterious voice said,

Megatron turned to see none other than Smokescreen holding up the Omega Key on his wrist was none other than the Phase Shifter. “Finders keepers.” The rookie taunted, while distracted Optimus punched Megatron in the face and held him long enough for Smokescreen to escape. At least that's what the Prime thought but the guardsman ended up running towards the Prime.

“Smokescreen! Fall back!” Optimus cried out as an energy blast from the Dark Star Saber nearly cleaved his legs off. Smokescreen landed face down in the sand as he watched Optimus and Megatron struggle. Optimus pushed Megatron down into the ground and tried to pin him there but Megatron struck back with a sucker punch causing the Prime to stagger back. Megatron got to his pedes as he launched another blast at Optimus.

Optimus didn’t have time to dodge but Smokescreen ran in and grabbed him using the Phase Shifter to phase through the blast. “Ratchet, ground bridge, NOW!” Optimus commed,

Megatron screamed in protest as Smokescreen still had the Omega Key in his possession. A ground bridge opened up nearby as the two ran into the portal. Megatron yelled in the distance as he launched another energy wave to try and stop them but it was too late…they made it through and the portal closed.

The team was shocked to see Smokescreen alive and well. Skywarp ran over and gave him a big hug. Smokescreen explained what happened, that he ‘borrowed’ the Phase Shifter as a precaution and he was knocked out for a bit but came two and saw Megatron and Optimus fighting. And how he waited to make the right move and snag the key before Megatron noticed. He also asked Ratchet if he could keep the Phase shifter as a ‘signature weapon’. Ratchet said fine, but Skywarp reminded everyone he too can phase through walls…

“You got your new signature…but Optimus lost his…” Thundercracker said as the team looked over at the broken Star Saber.

“He may not have the Star Saber anymore. But that won’t make him any less of a warrior.” Ratchet said as Optimus already went back to decoding the Iacon database picking up where Warlock left off. Optimus is more determined than ever to get his servos on the Omega Keys.

Chapter Text

Episode: Hard Knocks

Aboard the Nemesis, Soundwave works diligently to decrypt the next Iacon relic coordinate in the bridge. Megatron standing nearby as he regales tale of his fight with Optimus and how he shattered the Star Saber not only to Soundwave but to the Strike Team in the bridge with him.

Megatron laughs, “You should have seen Optimus Prime’s face when his precious Star Saber shattered like glass along with his hopes of an Autobot victory.” He said clutching his fist in triumph,

“Though won’t that make him more determined to decode the remaining Iacon entries?” Slipstream noted to the warlord,

Megatron turned to her and her Strike Team, “Indeed, Slipstream. But we have our own expert coder amongst the Decepticons…”

As Megatron was about to explain Soundwave’s numerous proficiencies, he managed to decode the next set of coordinates. As the location popped up on the main monitor in the bridge. The sound of approaching pedefalls alerted Megatron to another presence, as Knock Out walked down the catwalk of the bridge. His servos neatly behind his back, “Hopefully this relic is less sacred and more…profane. Like an Electro Disrupter Cannon, we could use one of those…” Knock Out states as he stops in front of his master.

The Strike Team looks at Knock Out with an amused expression. Megatron didn’t turn to the medic but sighed as unlike Soundwave, Knock Out’s latest blunder cost them the Phase Shifter. Plus hearing him gripe about his paint job after it was severely damaged during his mission.

“Indeed, Knock Out.” Megatron said in agreement, Megatron activated his comms “Dreadwing, report to the bridge immediately.”

Knock Out looked surprised at his master, “Please, my lord, allow me the honor of retrieving this relic for you.” Knock Out placed a servo on his own chest.

Megatron raised a brow at the doctor, “I’m surprised you would risk your finish so soon after your little…accident…”

The Strike Team chuckled as Knock Out cringed, remembering getting his entire body scratched up by the Autbots and the painstaking effort to restore his finish to its proper glory. Knock Out then side eyed the femmes who were chuckling at his failures.

Megatron ignored the femmes and looked at Knock Out, “Nonetheless, I remain unconvinced that you are the best candidate for retrieving the relic. After your failure to acquire the Phase Shifter, and how it had a role in preventing me from retrieving the last Iacon relic...”

Knock Out cringed again at him now blaming him for Smokescreen using the Phase Shifter to acquire the last relic… But Knock Out was more than a pretty face, he was intelligent and had a plan in mind. “At the time I lacked the proper tools for the job. But…since Soundwave is currently occupied...I can’t imagine he will mind if I borrow this.” As Knock Out holds up the Resonance Blaster that Soundwave recovered on their last relic hunt. “So that I might better secure your prize and deal a heap of hurt on the Autobots…”
-
Back at the Autobot base Optimus stayed up all night attempting to decode the next set of coordinates for the next Omega Key. Smokescreen walked into the main room and saw Moonlight with Starscream reading a datapad, Arcee and Bulkhead discussing something and Skywarp and Bumblebee talking about some racing human show they were watching together. and then looked up at Optimus by the main console. “I’m going to be a great warrior someday…Just like Optimus…” Smokescreen said to himself…out loud…so that everyone could hear.

“Well…train hard and gain some wisdom along the way and I’m sure it will happen.” Bulkhead said confidently to bolster the rookie’s confidence.

“Oh it will. It’s my destiny.” Smokescreen said back at the wrecker, Starscream shook his head as he was helping Moonlight with her spelling. ‘Bulkhead should have kept his mouth shut.’ The seeker thought.

Bumblebee came over as he heard the group talking. Skywarp walked over to Starscream and Moonlight and sat down. “This oughta be good…” Skywarp whispered to Starscream who smirked,

‘Destiny? Who believes in that scrap?’ Bumblebee beeped,

Arcee looked over at Smokescreen with her servos on her hips… “How so?”

“Well…one minute I am in security detail at Iacon, the next I wake up on the other side of the galaxy to find myself under Optimus’s command! What are the chances right? Things happen for a reason.” Smokescreen said happily,

Starscream frowned and looked at his brother… “Things don’t happen for a reason. It’s not so black and white.” Starscream said slightly angry,

“Oh come on, Scream, don’t be so pessimistic.” Smokescreen argued,

Starscream got up as Skywarp tried to stop him, “Star…don’t…please.” Skywarp begged,

“So it’s destiny for Skywarp here to be a prison of Overlord so he conveniently ended up here? It’s destiny for Bumblebee to get his voice box ripped out by Megatron? Or Arcee to lose her partners? Your childlike naivety about everything is getting old. You’ve been here for a month, at least take the wisdom of your elders or your comrades into consideration before spotting scrap.” Starscream ranted,

Smokescreen slinked back, as did the others as Starscream was speaking the truth but in a rather harsh way. Warlock walked in and sensed the weird energy in the room and saw Starscream staring down Smokescreen. ‘Oh no…’ Warlock thought as he approached his sparkmate.

“Sweetspark, lay off him ok?” Warlock whispered placing a servo on Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream relented and turned to Warlock who whispered to him, “Sweetspark, you were naive once…give him a little break…” as he rubbed Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream huffed and went back to helping Moonlight.

“Look I have come a long way since then…And I am not going to squander this opportunity.” Smokescreen said to the team,

“Autobots.” Optimus interrupted, “The next set of Iacon coordinates has been decoded.” Optimus turned to Ratchet, “Ratchet ready the ground bridge.”

“The last one to the Omega Key has to scrub the energon tanks for a week!” Smokescreen exclaimed as he ran towards the ground bridge, the rest of the team looked at one another. Warlock looked at the others, “Wait you don’t have self cleaning tanks?”

“Do you?” Arcee asked back, Warlock looked at her and blinked, “Yes.”

They just stared at the scientist ‘like huh?’, “You know what I’ll go with Smokescreen this time… Starscream, Skywarp can you stay with Moonlight for a bit?” Warlock asked the seekers.

They both nodded as Warlock went and followed Smokescreen. “Warlock, Arcee, and Bumblebee prepare to roll out.” Optimus ordered,

‘Alrighty then!’ Bumblebee beeped, Arcee followed after the scout as Smokescreen turned to the Prime in shock,

“Wait, what about me?” Smokescreen asked, completely confused, “I mean…me and Bulkhead?” Smokescreen tried to save face, but Bulkhead scoffed at the rookie’s attempt.

“The two of you will remain here if I can decode another Iacon entry. Before the others return. If not, the seekers can go out.” Optimus stated,

“Considering the very fate of Cybertron is at stake, response time is critical.” Ratchet backed up Optimus’s call as he initiated the ground bridge.

“Keep your engines idle, kid. Come on Lock, Bee our destiny awaits.” Arcee mocked from Smokescreen’s earlier statement. As the trio transformed and sped off. Starscream stifled a laugh as Bulkhead walked up to the rookie “We call it a pit stop.” as he smacked Smokescreen’s back and caused him to stumble forward.
-
The ground bridge took them to a shore side town. Bumblebee, Warlock and Arcee arrived on location looking for the next Omega Key. Arcee spotted the key in an opened pod contained on the other side of the shore.

“Well, well just the Autobots I wanted to see…” Knock Out announced as he emerged from behind some boulders near the Omega Key.

“Ok I’ll handle the mad doctor… Bee grabs the key. Warlock, back up.” Arcee ordered as she brought out her blasters. Bumblebee nodded as he got into a fighting stance.

“I’ve been waiting to thank you both specifically for that time in New York. And the lovely memories…” As he used the Resonance Blaster and struck Arcee specifically first and then blasted Bumblebee into the wall of the shoreline. Holding him in place as he approached Bumblebee caused his own chassis to start to buckle and break under the pressure of the Resonance Blaster. Warlock tackled him as Knock Out rolled out of his grasp. Warlock looked over at Knock Out, “What the frag, Knock Out?!”

“Warlock…not the bot I expected…relax…I’m not going to hurt you…as long as you stay out of my way.” Knock Out smirked,

“You know I can’t do that, Knock Out.” Warlock said, engaging his blasters. Knock Out used the blaster on Warlock as it blasted the scientist far back into the water with a loud splash.

“Who knew Soundwave’s relic could be such a… knock out…” as he turned to see Arcee charging at him and changed directions of the blaster towards her. “What’s that, deary? I can’t hear you!” Knock Out taunted,

“Bee! The relic!” Arcee attempted to yell over the Resonance Blaster, Knock Out turned to see Bumblebee stagger out of the rockface and towards the relic. Knock Out cursed himself and had a wicked idea. “How low can it go…” He said to himself as he aimed the blaster at the ground causing a sonic shockwave to erupt underground. Causing Arcee and Bumblebee to go flying.

By the time the two climbed out of the rubble Knock Out was gone with the relic and Warlock managed to get himself to shore. Warlock shook off the water and saw the two staggering out of the rubble. “So I guess we didn’t get this relic…I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help.”

“It’s alright, Warlock. We all failed…” Arcee said, as she wondered how the rest of the team was going to react to losing one of the Omega Keys…
-
“It appears to be identical to the relic taken from me by Optimus and the newer Autobot…” As Megatron inspects the key. “Perhaps it is a decoy the Autobots…allowed you to seize…”

“That or it is another key to open something else…” Flamewar said in defense of Knock Out,

“I doubt it is a decoy…they battled desperately…even Warlock was there…and he rarely goes on the battlefield…” Knock Out mentioned,

Warlock, the scientist that Airachnid mentions and was in Starscream’s memories…If he is on the battlefield then these keys must be important. “Pieces to a bigger puzzle perhaps?” Megatron stated as a beep alerted the warlord to Soundwave decoding another location.

“Excellent, Soundwave. With any luck these new coordinates will shed some light on these relics…” Megatron stated,

“Soundwave is on a roll and so am I!” Knock Out claimed triumphantly as he pulled out the Resonance Blaster for emphasis. He assumed from his recent success he could get the next relic and was making his way to the ground bridge.

“Keep your vanity in check, doctor.” Megatron stated,

“Have I not proven myself?!” Knock Out asked in surprise,

“Your scientific expertise is of greater use to analyze our newest acquisition.” As Megatron holds up the Omega Key without knowing what its true purpose is. “Strike Team, retrieve the next relic with Dreadwing.” Megatron said to Slipstream, Shadow Striker and Flamewar.

“Of course, Lord Megatron.” Slipstream bows as her team exits the bridge.

“Ok am I the only one who thinks she’s too much like Starscream?” Knock Out states as Slipstream was out of earshot,

“You would do best not to bring him up around me, doctor…especially after his last few escape attempts…” Megatron practically growled,

“Right…so analyze the key…got it.” Knock Out said in a panic and rushed off to his lab,
-
Bumblebee was being scanned by Ratchet as his chassis sustained serious damage from the Resonance Blaster. Ratchet deemed him unfit for duty for the time being until proper repairs can be implemented.

“I’m sorry Optimus. Knock Out was waiting for us…he…he took the key from under us…” Arcee said Warlock also felt guilty as he felt useless in the battle. Starscream reassured him heh did his best but going up against a Decepticon weapon like the Resonance Blaster was a challenge.

“And now with the two current keys in play separated. No one has the means to revive Cybertron.” Ratchet stated as he began working on Bumblebee’s headlights.

“While our quest to restore our planet has reached a stalemate, securing the remaining keys is the most prudent course of action.” Optimus stated to the team.

“Oh man it must have been a crazy fight with Knock Out going all super sonic like that…I wish I was there! I would have-” Smokescreen said excitedly until he was cut off,

“Would have what? Recovered the key like you did the first one?” Arcee jeered at the rookie,

“Maybe?” He said, confused by Arcee’s tone, “I don’t know I want us to be firing on all cylinders! And with the Star Saber gone and me having a good track record…I’m the best candidate for the next mission.” He said all pumped up and jumping in place eager to go on the next key run.

Thundercracker and Skywarp shook their heads as Starscream walked towards his brothers. “Hey Scream…if I get that antsy…let Sky teleport me into the nearest volcano.” Thundercracker whispered to his brother,

Skywarp snickers, “Seriously…I ain’t the smartest bot but even I can read the room…”

“So much for growth…” Starscream sneered, and Bulkhead overheard the mean girl chatter from the seekers.

“How about you three go on the next run then? If you don’t think Smokey can handle it.” Bulkhead said loudly, Smokescreen turned to the seekers.

“Do you three doubt me? I can out-perform you, seekers! And your fancy outlier abilities!” Smokescreen boasted and pointed to himself, Skywarp paused and looked at Starscream and said something to him in Vosian that caused Starscream to laugh.

“How about telling the class what Sky just said…since not all of us speak seeker.” Bulkhead said to the trio, Thundercracker turned to Bulkhead with a chuckle.

“An old Vosian saying that doesn’t translate well…basically Those who use the power of spite outweigh those using the power of pride. It’s more poetic in our native tongue.” Thundercracker explains, “Basically now Skywarp wants to shut up Smokey over there for the next key run.”

Arcee grumbled at the seekers bickering and carrying her injured self away from all the chatter. Warlock felt extra guilty…”Maybe I could help…My abilities can heal a bit if I concentrate…” He whispered,

“Warlock no, we don’t need people questioning you more. Even if you did, you said using your…abilities can cause weird personality shifts and that is the last thing we need now in basically crisis mode.” Starscream protested,

Bulkhead turned his attention onto Smokescreen, “Listen, kid. Bumblebee, Arcee and especially Warlock aren’t any slouches, and Optimus managed well without the big sword. And don’t downplay seekers, there is a reason Megatron’s troops rule the skies. Starscream was his top guy till recently, but you wouldn’t know all this since you’ve been in stasis.” Bulkhead explained to the rookie,

“Exactly! I missed out on so much. I need to make up for lost time!” Smokescreen was practically vibrating with how much he wanted this.

“You do it when Optimus says you do. You have to be in this for the long haul. Slow and steady wins the race…a human proverb that works really well here…” Bulkhead stated,

Optimus managed to decode a third set of coordinates and decided to send Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Skywarp, and Thundercracker to secure the relic…let’s hope they can get their servos on this key…

Chapter Text

Ratchet activates the ground bridge for the next team to go and get the relic. Arcee looks over as Thundercracker walks by, “TC, take this.” as she hands him the locator device to help them locate the next key.

“Thanks ‘Cee.” Thundercracker said with a smile, as he joined the others to go on the next mission.

The group landed in a rather nice forested area. Blasters out as they scouted the area and began their search for the relic.

“Stay close.” Bulkhead advised the team, as the seekers took points to scout ahead of the other two.

“And stay focused,” Thundercracker added looking at the locator device, Smokescreen begins to wander ahead of the group.

“Hold it.” Skywarp harshly whispers as the group pauses and hears multiple pedfalls.

“What is that?” Smokescreen said annoyingly loud, as the group turned to see Dreadwing and Slipstream on the cliffside high above them. The Decepticons spotted them down below. Thundercracker and Skywarp optics widen in surprise as they see Slipstream amongst the group.

“Oh…this is not going to be fun…” Thundercracker said loudly,

“Good to see the rest of the family is surprisingly intact… Well for now.” Slipstream and Dreadwing transform and fly off causing the group to hit the ground to avoid getting rammed by the two jets.

“Another sibling?! How many of you are there? This makes 4 now!” Bulkhead asked as they just found another member of Starscream’s bloodline.

“In our defense, she isn’t a sibling…she is a cousin though…” Thundercracker corrected as he got to his pedes. Before Bulkhead could say anything he heard a beeping noise, a very familiar beeping noise. As he gets up he notices that Dreadwing armed the nearby trees with his bombs.

“We need to get out of here, now! Skywarp teleport us somewhere far away!” Bulkhead yelled but it was too late the bombs began to go off as the four of them began to run and avoid the blast. Thundercracker suspected that if he and Skywarp fly above Slipstream and Dreadwing would shoot them down… either way, they are pinned to get blasted in some way. They ended up tumbling down a cliff face as bomb after bomb went off turning the whole nearby area into a blast zone.

Once the bombs stopped going off the four of them were alive thankfully but now on the ground grumbling from the fall. Dreadwing and Slipstream came flying back over to them and transformed and landed, as two more femmes that Thundercracker or Skywarp didn’t recognize appeared.

Unfortunately, Bulkhead did recognize one of the femmes. Shadow Striker, a Decepticon mercenary is seriously bad news. “Smoke! We will handle the Cons and go find the relic!” Thundercracker said, tossing him the locator and Smokescreen catching it.

Smokescreen nodded and looked down at the locator. Smokescreen then ran off as Dreadwing was getting ready to pursue but still had three other Autobots to deal with. “Flamewar…track the rookie down and get to the relic before him.” Dreadwing ordered,

“You got it, boss!” She said cheerfully as she transformed into a motorcycle and sped off after Smokescreen.

The matchups were almost alarmingly set in a way. Bulkhead would deal with Dreadwing, Thundercracker would go after Slipstream, and Skywarp wanted to take a crack at Shadow Striker.

“You love doing your dirty work from a distance don’t ya?” Bulkhead said to Dreadwing as he approached the lieutenant, “Too bad you don’t have the ball bearings to fight up close and personal!” Bulkhead taunted, punching his fist as a means of challenge.

“In this particular case, I will make an exception.” Dreadwing said back to the wrecker, as Dreadwing jumped and charged at Bulkhead.

Shadow Striker pulled out her cannon and began firing at Skywarp who phased through some of the blasts. When she saw that the cannon wasn’t working she pulled out her blade and charged at the seeker ready for her own close-quarters battle.

Slipstream and Thundercracker circled each other as Slipstream decided to take it to the air. She transformed and Thundercracker followed and began their aerial battle.

Bulkhead pulled out his wrecking ball gauntlet and went to strike the charging Decepticon but Dreadwing managed to deflect Bulkhead’s first strike and place a bomb on his back. Bulkhead turned as he attempted to counter Dreadwing’s move but the seeker dodged again! Dreadwing lifted his fists in the air and slammed it down on Bulkhead’s shoulders. Bulkhead groaned but then tackled and ran with Dreadwing until Dreadwing’s back collided with a tree. Dreadwing yelped in pain and to get out of Bulkhead’s grasp kneed the wrecker in the gut causing him to stagger back freeing Dreadwing from his grasp.

Shadow Striker and Skywarp got into melee range as the mercenary swiped at the outlier’s legs first then at his head and watched her blade phase through him. “I was told you could teleport…you must be using the Phase Shifter.” She said standing up straight.

“Nah, I don’t need a relic… I’m just that talented.” Skywarp said as he pulled out his blaster and began to fire at Shadow Striker.

She did a number of backflips back to avoid Skywarp’s blasts as she ducked behind a tree. Skywarp slowly approached and when he quickly went to go behind the tree and blast her, he was shocked to not find her behind the tree she ducked behind. Skywarp looked around as he heard Shadow Striker's laugh echo around him…guess he knows why she’s called Shadow Striker.

Thundercracker and Slipstream were locked in an aerial battle. Thundercracker was chasing after her trying to ground her with many blasts missing her. Slipstream wasn’t as good a flier as Starscream but she was annoying close in skill. Slipstream pulled upward as she tried to get behind Thundercracker. Thundercracker thought this a perfect time to use a sonic boom and cause her to fall out of the sky.

Slipstream planned on him thinking that, as the sonic boom went off she bursted at the last second gaining just enough altitude to miss the boom. The boom then acted as a boost as Slipstream was now behind Thundercracker and began blasting him, turning the tables in her favor.

Dreadwing gained enough space from gut kick, to spin and kick Bulkhead in the face, sending the wrecker flying back. But that didn’t stop Bulkhead as he gained his footing and charged back at Dreadwing ramming his gauntlet right into his mouth. As Dreadwing was stunned Bulkhead pulled out his blaster in his other hand and shot him square in the gut. Sending Dreadwing flying through the tree and into a massive rock behind it. Dreadwing got to his pedes and chuckled remembering the bomb he put on his back. “You seem to forget how our last encounter went…”

“No…no I didn’t…” Bulkhead said with a glare, Dreadwing realized during the chaos…Bulkhead attached his own bomb to his back. Dreadwing struggled for a moment but managed to get the bomb off him and threw it in the air. Unfortunately, it was in the direct path of Thundercracker and Slipstream as the force of the blast knocked both of them out of the air.

“Thundercracker!” Bulkhead cried out as Skywarp looked up and saw the blast and began to see his brother quickly losing altitude. The blast knocked out Dreadwing, Slipstream, and Thundercracker.

Bulkhead heard Skywarp running towards him but was cut off by a reappearing Shadow Striker who stabbed at the seeker as he ran. Energon spurted from a large gash in his side as he fell to the ground. Leaving Bulkhead and Shadow Striker the last two standing…

“Been a while since I’ve seen a wrecker…this should be fun…” Shadow Striker said, holding out her blade ready to do battle with Bulkhead.

The two stared each other down, both glaring at one another and sizing up each other’s opponent. Bulkhead charged at Shadow Striker and swung his gauntlet at her but Shadow Striker dodged the initial attack. She swiped at him with her blade and cut Bulkhead’s arm. Bulkhead winced in pain as he stepped back, Shadow Striker pounced at him and aimed for his spark but Bulkhead was quick and raised his gauntlet high in the air and broke the sword in half as he came down on it full force and then backhand Shadow Striker away from him. Shadow Striker got to her pedes and looked at her destroyed blade with anger.

She pulled out her blaster and began shooting at Bulkhead. Bulkhead transformed and revved his engine and was weaving around the blasts. He was trying to get close to Shadow Striker but another thought occurred to him as he decided to charge at her. He sped up quickly and rammed into her. It knocked the air out of her as Bulkhead bashed her into the cliff face. Shadow Striker fell limp down onto the ground as Bulkhead backed up. He managed to knock her out.

Bulkhead took a moment to get a breath in. “Smoke, TC, and Skywarp are down. Please tell me you have the relic?” Bulkhead commed Smokescreen.

Smokescreen’s servos were full at the moment. Flamewar caught up to him and the two were locked in battle over getting the relic. Smokescreen managed to get the relic out of the rubble but Flamewar arrived and now the two were fighting for it. The relic was in his hands, as Smokescreen was attempting to block all the kicks and punches being thrown at him. Her fighting style was very similar to Arcee’s, Smokescreen noticed.

As the two battled it out a weird gust of wind passed the two of them. It caused Smokescreen to fall, dropping the key. He scrambled to get the key when he heard Flamewar yelp in pain and fall. Smokescreen turned to see the Decepticon unconscious on the ground. “What the-” Before he could finish his thought everything went black.

“Smoke? Smokescreen. Smokescreen!” Smokescreen heard someone calling his name as he came to as Bulkhead, Thundercracker, and Skywarp standing over him. Thundercracker was supporting Skywarp as he was injured and gripping his side.

“Where’s the relic?” Bulkhead asked,

“Wha-What happened?” Smokescreen said coming to as he got up,

“That’s what we want to know.” Thundercracker said,

“Wait did that Con run off with the key?” Smokescreen said frantically looking around for the key,

“Maybe. You were the only one here so she must have run off with it.” Bulkhead said, “Scrap…Prime is not gonna be happy we lost another key to the Cons…”

“No, it couldn’t be her…She got knocked out too.” Smokescreen said,

“Then…who has the relic?” Skywarp started as everyone looked at each other.

“Either way, no key, Ratchet, we are going to need a bridge.” Thundercracker commed,

“I told Optimus I would return with that key…” Smokescreen said disappointed that he failed his idol.

Bulkhead walked over and put his arm around Smokescreen “Listen kid, Alpha Trion said we need all four keys to restore Cybertron, remember? We just need to hold onto the one key we have and get the rest from Megatron…”

The ground bridge arrived and Thundercracker and Skywarp entered first so that Skywarp could get looked over. Bulkhead and Smokescreen followed after their little talk. Unbeknownst to them…someone was listening in on their little chat.

“Restore Cybertron, hmm…how interesting.” The mystery assailant stated he held the Omega Key to the sky. Pharma stepped out of the shadows plotting what he could do with this new relic.
-
“Smokescreen got sucker-punched, it could have happened to any of us.” Bulkhead defended, “Besides those new Cons were doozy. The fact we all managed to fight them off was a miracle.”

“Slipstream is no joke. She’s very choosy about her compatriots. So whoever the other one besides Shadow Striker is must also be as capable as those two.” Starscream stated,

“Either way, I failed. I dropped my guard during the fight and someone came in and took the relic. Some great warrior I’m turning out to be…” Smokescreen said dejectedly about himself.

Arcee sighed in frustration, “You still don’t get it, do you? A couple of victories aren’t going to make you a legend. And not every mission can be a success. No for me, the seekers, Bee or even Optimus. We’ve gained relics and we lost some. We’ve lost friends, slag, we even lost a whole world! But with the keys, we have a chance at a do-over. Everyone in this room needs to be in sync, this isn’t about you or your destiny.” She glared at the young rookie hoping to hammer her point in with full force.

Smokescreen looked away, getting another lecture from a teammate about destiny and being a better teammate. He proved himself on the battlefield a handful of times already but yet he still gets lectured by everyone here. Optimus turned away from the computer and saw how dejected Smokescreen looked at his most recent failure. “Arcee you have made your point…”

“No Optimus, let me finish. You have the skills Smokescreen, you might become a great warrior someday and I sincerely hope that you do. Greatness begins and ends when you put yourself over the team.” Arcee said sincerely,

Starscream watched as Smokescreen scowled at her statement. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys!”

“Then stop acting like a hero, and start acting like an Autobot.” Arcee said in a heavy tone, the whole room went silent.

Smokescreen clenched his servos, “You know what I’m tired of getting lectured by everyone! Maybe I’m just not good enough!” Smokescreen ran out and transformed zooming out of the base away from everyone.

“That went well.” Starscream said, crossing his arms, Arcee glared at him.

“How is what I said any different than the scrap you said earlier?” Arcee spat at Starscream,

“Don’t take your anger out on me, Arcee. My lecture to the young guardsman was similar to yours. I’m not saying you aren’t right. I’m saying kicking the kid while he feels down isn’t going to let the message sink in.” Starscream explained, Arcee clenched her servos. Starscream was right, maybe she was too harsh after he felt bad already.

“Maybe next time Optimus tells you to stop you should…” Warlock chimed in with Moonlight around his leg. “Is Smokescreen gonna come back?” She asks her sire.

“I’ll go get him…” As Bulkhead began to make his way out of the base. But Optimus stops him by placing a servo on his chest.

“Smokescreen is young and has much to learn. But right now he needs to clear his thoughts.” As he stepped back “And I need to decode the final Iacon entry.” Optimus returns to the computer.

“Smokescreen will be back! Sire goes for walks to clear his head…maybe he just needs to do that.” Moonlight chimed in, clearly not grasping the whole conversation but trying to lighten the tense mood.

“Yeah, he just needs to go for a ride. He’ll be back just like Moonlight said.” Bulkhead replied cheerfully to the sparkling.

After a bit, Optimus sighed happily as he decoded the last coordinates. “The last coordinate for the final Omega Key has been decoded.” Optimus announces to the team. The team looked confused as the monitor began to beep and something came on the screen. At first, it looks extremely pixelated but then the picture becomes more and more clearer by the second. As a picture was forming on the screen,

“Maybe it’s a picture of the relic instead of coordinates?” Warlock stated,

“What possible use could a picture be without us knowing its location?” Ratchet rebutted,

The picture finally came into focus on the screen and to everyone’s shock it wasn’t a relic on the screen, but a picture of Smokescreen. “Smokescreen?” Bulkhead said in shock,

“Is this Smokescreen's idea of a joke?” Arcee snapped,

‘No way Smokescreen could program anything into the database…’ Bumblebee added,

“Maybe he knows where the key is.” Skywarp stated,

“And never bother to mention it? Fat chance.” Thundercracker stated,

“The most logical summation is that Smokescreen is the key but doesn’t know it.” Ratchet explained,

“Whatever the case is, he could be in extreme danger.” Optimus goes and activates his commlink, “Smokescreen returns to base immediately.” The message didn’t go through as everyone stood around waiting for the rookie to answer.

“He must have turned it off.” Warlock stated,

“Locate his position and activate the ground bridge. Seekers take to the air you are faster than us land vehicles and can cover more ground.” Optimus ordered as the trine and Warlock flew out of the base and began to try and locate Smokescreen.

They each took a quadrant to explore as Warlock headed north he could hear the loud engine of the rookie. “Gotcha, rookie.” Warlock said to himself but he wasn’t alone as he saw none other than Laserbeak trailing the sports car.

“Scrap, the Decepticons must have decoded it too.” Warlock said as he kicked up the speed. Laserbeak began to shoot at Smokescreen causing him to veer off the road and transform back into his bot form. Warlock zoomed in and transformed and ran up to Smokescreen.

“Warlock? What’s going on?” Smokescreen asked, confused and alarmed, before he could answer Warlock and Smokescreen were hit with the Resonance Blaster. Sending the two flying into a mass of rocks. The two groaned as they saw Soundwave off in the distance.

The Autobots ground bridged to the coordinates as they got their blasters ready they saw Soundwave dragging both Warlock and Smokescreen through his own ground bridge. The trine landed and began booking it towards the portal.

“Warlock!” Starscream yelled as Soundwave disappeared with both bots into the ground bridge.

Chapter Text

Episode: Inside Job

Smokescreen woke up and noticed Knock Out was looking down on him. “Wakey, wakey.” The doctor teased,

Smokescreen’s optics shot open “What?!” Smokescreen yelled in surprise, as he struggled against the restraints he was tied to. The Decepticon doctor smirked at the struggle watching the rookie try his best to escape but failed.

“Oh and if you are looking for your Phase Shifter…” Knock Out holds it up on his wrist, “Finders keepers…” The doctor taunts,

“Enough taunting Knock Out. Hand me the final Iacon relic. Now…” Megatron demanded with a growl, Smokescreen looked at Megatron confused.

“Uh…I can’t really help you with that… The only relic I had was that…” Smokescreen said gesturing with his head to the Phase Shifter on Knock Out’s wrist. He is confused as to why Megatron is asking him for the final relic of all people. Smokescreen had no idea what Megatron was on, but clearly, he was confused.

“Soundwave.” Megatron stated that Soundwave's visor brought the Iacon Database and that the last encrypted location revealed some of the pixelated image. “You have the wrong guy only, only Optimus or maybe even Warlock could decode the Iacon Database.” Smokescreen stated to the warlord.

“You misunderstand that the final entry has been decoded…by us! And according to our findings…And according to our findings, I do indeed have ‘the right guy’,” Megatron told Smokescreen, as he looked over at Soundwave’s visor to see Smokescreen projected onto the screen. Smokescreen looked at the visor in complete shock…why was he on the screen?! He looked around and noticed that Warlock wasn’t in the room with him.

“Where’s Warlock?” Smokescreen said looking side to side to try and see if he spotted him.

“Where he is, is none of your concern.” Megatron stated, “He is far more valuable than an Iacon relic…”

“Besides, we need to figure out what you’re packing…” Knock Out alluded, as he held up a scanner to Smokescreen and found the Omega Key lodged inside the bot's innards. “Why it seems we found some hidden treasure…”
-
Warlock woke up in the Decepticon’s prison cell. He was chained up with his arms and legs tied tightly… The Decepticons were being extra cautious with him. Warlock began to come to as he realized he was captured. He began to panic as he struggled against his restraints as he heard the door open as Dreadwing walked in.

“Scientist, you're lucky Lord Megatron didn’t want to risk probing your mind for information…considering how much potential you have.” Dreadwing told Warlock,

Warlock squinted his optics, Warlock felt that presence….that Quintesson apathy took over as he closed his eyes and looked at Dreadwing with an emotionless expression.“You have a few minutes to release me…or you will not like the outcome.”

“Oh and why is that? You are a scientist, I rarely have heard of you on the battlefield…” Dreadwing told Warlock,

“And yet I am the one who terminated Overlord…” Warlock said coldly, Dreadwing paused, turned, and looked at the scientist, “Yes, the Autobots terminated him if I recall and that includes you.” Dreadwing said to the chained seeker. He squinted at Warlock noticing something definitely was off.

“No, I did. Single handedly, I might add. I ripped Overlord limb from limb for the pure pleasure of knowing I can…” Warlock said unnervingly calm and almost smug. His face was still emotionless which added to the unnerving felling of all of this…

Dreadwing looked confused at the scientist, “That’s not talk an Autobot would normally have…”

“I was in a relationship with Airachnid. You think she would waste time with a weakling?” Warlock sneered, Warlock’s inner self was screaming at his Quintesson self to shut up. But it fell on deaf audio receptors.

“I misjudged you, Autobot… I can see why Starscream would flock to you…” Dreadwing said absentmindedly, Warlock glowered at the seeker. Even in this state he still garnered Starscream as an ally and companion…hearing slander didn’t make him happy.

“Dreadwing… Are you a fool?” Warlock asked him, Dreadwing whipped his head around and looked at Warlock. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, are you a fool?” Warlock asked again,

“What nonsense is this? No, I am not a fool.” Dreadwing said angrily,

“Then let me go or you might prove yourself a fool.” Warlock told Dreadwing. Warlock wasn’t in control… his apathetic Quintesson persona took over and was clearly trying to antagonize the Decepticon.

“What do you hope to gain from hollow threats and shameless goading?” Dreadwing told him, staring down the scientist.

“You really have no idea what you are dealing with…” Warlock stated,

“Lord Megatron will be in soon… hopefully you’ll have more decorum with him…” Dreadwing said as he left. Warlock smirked as he looked for cameras in the cell. And noticed there weren’t any, Warlock chuckled to himself.“The Decepticons are absolute idiots…” As glowing green tentacles slipped out from under Warlock’s plating and snapped the chains that held him.

Warlock rolled his shoulder as he felt a throbbing headache. “Shut it you! You need a proper escape… your bleeding spark and brains aren’t needed now…” Warlock yelled at his true self. As he began calculating his escape…
-
Back in the infirmary, Megatron and Knock Out are looking at the monitor and noticing that Smokescreen has another one of those mysterious keys lodged inside his body. “Another of these identical keys?!” Megatron exclaimed, “Remove it swiftly,” Megatron told Knock Out.

“With pleasure.” Knock Out pulled out his saw hand as he activated it for emphasis, “I do so resent a finish flashier than my own…” Knock Out joked as he walked towards Smokescreen with a saw in hand ready to rip the rookie apart. He put the saw close to his abdomen and was close to cutting him. Smokescreen began to panic and squirm as he was afraid Knock Out was about to literally cut him open. He then stopped his saw and retracted it with a smirk, “Ha! Made you squirm…” He teased,

Knock Out held up his wrist with the Phase Shifter on it. He phased his hand through his arm to display what was about to happen. Knock Out stomped on the ground, “Rather intuitive for a relic…not letting its wearer fall through the ground…”

“Swiftly, Doctor!” Megatron chastised, Knock Out looked back at Smokescreen and held his servo up high, and stuck his hand through the abdomen of Smokescreen and went searching for the relic inside. Smokescreen squirmed as Knock Out went in looking for the relic. “Get your grubby servos out of my gears!” Smokescreen yelled,

“Grubby?! How dare you!” Knock Out yelled back as he pulled out the Omega Key. Knock Out held up the key to his master as Megatron looked at it curiously. “Tell me the function of these relics…Now!” Megatron demanded,

“Doorstops, bling, datapad weights… beats me.” Smokescreen said with a slight smirk,

“Too bad this little baby,” As he holds up the Phase Shifter, “Can’t let me reach into his brain and pluck out the info…” Knock Out sneered at the rookie.

“Fortunately we do have a device that can…as well as another Autobot we can probe.” Megatron said with a wicked smirk,

“Leave Warlock out of this! He isn’t a warrior!” Smokescreen yelled at Megatron,

Dreadwing entered the room, “Lord Megatron…he is awake and rather…perplexing…”

“Oh? Is that so?” Megatron said to his lieutenant, Dreadwing seemed uncomfortable talking about Warlock. Smokescreen found this very odd as Warlock was usually a rather calm and sweet bot. Maybe the Decepticons aren’y used to someone like him around.

“He seems dangerous…He is claiming some rather…outlandish things… I wouldn’t take his word for it…” Dreadwing warned,

“Oh…now that sounds interesting… elaborate Dreadwing…” Megatron insisted,

“He claimed to be the one to offline Overlord… single-handedly.” Dreadwing said in a serious tone,

Smokescreen’s optics widened in shock. He had heard of Overlord and that he perished recently from the Autobots… They never told him how though, but imagine Warlock of all bots to single handedly terminate one of the baddest Cons out there? No way…

“Seriously? He terminated Overlord? I mean we didn’t stick around to see what happened…” Knock Out stated,

“Really? He killed Overlord? I was under the assumption that the combiner terminated him… Maybe now I can see why Airachnid was so keen on recruiting him…” Megatron spoke mostly to himself out loud.

“Dreadwing, have Knock Out connect you to the Cortical Psychic Patch and find out what this Autobot knows… I’m going to speak to this… Warlock…” Megatron said to Dreadwing. Dreadwing nodded in understanding and Megatron walked out eager to finally meet this bot one everyone’s lips.
-
Dreadwing was hooked up to the Cortical Psychic Patch as he entered Smokescreen’s mind. He walked into the memory of Optimus explaining what the Omega Keys function is.

“Optimus, keys open doors…can they really revive an entire planet?” Smokescreen asked the Prime,

“Keys also unlock things, Smokescreen…so whatever these keys unlock probably will restore the planet.” Starscream interjected as the Prime looks at the two of them,

“I am unfamiliar with the lore of these keys so your theory could be valid, Starscream. Alpha Trion knew many secrets, and the ancients possess technology that has been lost due to our people’s modern science.” Optimus explains,

“The restoration of our world? Can such a thing be accomplished?” Dreadwing said to himself,

Knock Out was watching on the monitor as they acquired the information they sought. He walked over to Smokescreen and removed the link from the rookie’s head. Smokescreen groaned in pain as he felt the cable being yanked out of his head. He looked over and saw Knock Out do the same for Dreadwing on the other berth. Dreadwing regained consciousness as he sat up on the berth.

“Lord Megatron will want to find the location of the other two keys post haste.” Dreadwing said standing up, “Until then I believe we can go further into Smokescreen’s mind to find the location of the Autobot base…But first I must deliver the key safely to the containment vault. Knock Out… locate the Autobot base within Smokescreen’s mind.” Dreadwing ordered,

“Me? Why can’t you do it?” Knock Out protested,

“Lord Megatron is busy with the scientist. If you don’t want to do it, get one of the Strike Team to, I bet Slipstream would be more than happy to deliver the Autobot base location to our master.” Dreadwing started trying to play against Knock Out’s pride. Knock Out could tell what he was doing and the annoying part is…he was right.

Dreadwing walked out of the room leaving to go make sure the Omega Key was safely stored.
-
Megatron entered the prison cell and realized that Warlock was not chained up but rather standing in the middle of the room with his arms behind his back facing away from the warlord.

“So you got out of your restraints? Seems you're not just intelligent but clever.” Megatron sneered walking more into the room.

“Dreadwing said you were coming in soon…So I waited… what, rather me run around your ship instead?” Warlock taunted in a condescending tone, Megatron couldn’t help but smirk at the scientist’s bravado.

“So you're Warlock, Starscream’s latest tool. And Airachnid’s former partner… a mech who created life without the Well and managed to kill one of the fiercest Decepticons… you have quite the accolades.” Megatron walked around Warlock trying to get face to face with him.

“I’ve accomplished a lot in my life. Tell me Megatron… What do you want from me? You kept me and Smokescreen separate so there must be a reason…” Warlock said, finally looking at the warlord. Megatron can see the hatred and rage in his optics despite his calm demeanor.

Megatron chuckled, “You assume correctly, doctor.”

“I’m no doctor. Not officially anyway…” Warlock corrected,

“My mistake, I wish to convince you to use your intellect for the right side.” Megatron started walking to face Warlock properly. “I can tell from the look in your optics your talents are wasted with the Autobots…”

Warlock frowned at Megatron’s assumption of him, “My optics hmmm? What do you see then?”

“Fury. Wrath. Vengeance… I take it Prime and the other Autobots didn’t take you terminating Overlord kindly…?” Megatron asked knowing the answer,

“Under the circumstances of what happened…they understood my…methods…” Warlock informed Megatron watching him as he circles him like a shark waiting to strike.

“Circumstances? Prime isn’t the type to let murder go…” Megatron was trying to get Warlock to snap, saying something to break this calm facade.

“Maybe if you did run like a coward you would have seen those circumstances.” Warlock jeered at Megatron which caused him to pause and growl in anger at the scientist.

“I’ve terminated people for talking the way you do…I can’t tell if you picked it up from Starscream or if this is how you are. Such a sharp glossa for such a supposed pacifist. Rarely do I see you on missions like other members of Optimus’s team. A glimpse into Starscream’s psyche didn’t reveal you as so…venomous…”

“Honestly tell me why I don’t give you the same fate as Overlord right now?” Warlock threatened Megatron was now getting under his plating. Good, Megatron was beginning to see the cracks.

“Because Starscream will hate you for it.” Megatron pointed out, “He will resent you for depriving him of the opportunity of terminating me himself.” Megatron was right…and Warlock hated it.

“You know I would never join the Decepticons willingly. Especially after all you did to Starscream.” Warlock said, watching as Megatron resumed his circling.

“You think I'm some savage? Some brute that beat Starscream for no reason? He is a conniving, scheming, manipulator, one that could put Liege Maximo to shame. He tried terminating me countless times and claimed the Decepticons for himself. Primus managed to even swindle someone as intelligent as you…” Megatron stated as he stopped behind Warlock and placed a large clawed servo on his shoulder.

“I too was in a romantic relationship with him. At first, things were wonderful, picturesque even… Just like it is for you now. Warlock… Starscream is going to use you and then betray you… just like he did me… He wants something from you and is using everything in his power to get it… his sweet lies, his body, his fake promises. He will tell you what you want and then the next thing you know…” Megatron leans in and gets close to Warlock’s audio receptors. “You’ll want to break him as badly as I do…”

Warlock lost it, green energy erupted from him as Megatron went flying into the wall. Megatron crashed into the wall with a loud thud as he looked up at the glowing mech. “The only thing breaking here is YOU!” Warlock roared in a distorted malevolent way…
-
Knock Out grumbled as he raised his servos in the air after Dreadwing left. “Sure, leave it to Knock Out! Knock Out will do all the grunt work!” He sighs and looks back at Smokescreen, “Well time to go diving again…”

Smokescreen struggles against the restraints. “No, not again! Stay out of my head!” Smokescreen yelled in protest to the doctor’s plans. Knock Out chuckles at his pitiful attempt at defiance. Knock Out got too close to Smokescreen’s servo. Smokescreen managed to grab the Phase Shifter with his digits as Knock Out struggled to break free of Smokescreen’s grip. “You stubborn brat!” Knock Out yelled as Smokescreen was able to activate the Phase Shifter and phase out of his restraints. The two struggled for control of the Phase Shifter as they walked and fought for full control of the relic.

Smokescreen had an idea as he backed up towards the wall as the Phase Shifter was active on the both of them. Smokescreen planned to trap Knock Out in the wall as they phased through. His plan almost worked as the two both managed to phase through the wall. Knock Out landed on top of Smokescreen as he lost his grip on the Phase Shifter. Smokescreen was victorious as he shoved Knock Out off him. Knock Out was about to get up and attack when an explosion rattled the whole ship and the alarms started to go off.

Knock Out and Smokescreen exchanged a look of concern and confusion. “Uh… Does Warlock typically do explosions?” Knock Out asked Smokescreen,

“Scrap! Warlock!” Smokescreen yelled as then they heard blaster fire and a few moments later saw an injured Warlock running down the hall. His wing bent the wrong way and large trails of engeron leaked out of his wounds. Knock Out got to his pedes and looked at the troops following him as Smokescreen returned suppressing fire to help his comrade. The two Vehicons that were following him were quickly dispatched by Smokescreen’s blaster as Warlock caught up to him.

“Warlock?! What happened?” Smokescreen asked in shock, Warlock looked over at Knock Out, “I’m cashing in my favor…now!”

Knock Out blinked in confusion as did Smokescreen. Knock Out grumbled and stepped back, “Fine. What do you want?”

“Ground Bridge location. Get us coordinates to the ground.” Warlock demanded, Knock Out nodded as he ran to find the nearest ground bridge console.

“Uh…what?” Smokescreen said completely lost in what just happened,

“Smoke, we need to get the keys and get out. You have a plan?” Warlock asked as he coughed up more energon.

“Warlock, you are in no condition to fight! Let me grab the keys and go with Knock Out I’ll meet you.” Smokescreen said as he hoped to find out where Dreadwing went with the key. Smokescreen ran off as Warlock went to find Knock Out.

Smokescreen phased through several hallways hoping to avoid the Vehicons and Insecticons running around. He spotted Dreadwing placing the key in a vault with the other key inside. Dreadwing was commed at the moment the door closed. “My Lord, what happened?” Dreadwing asked,

“FIND THAT BLASTED QUINTESSON NOW!” Megatron roared into Dreadwing’s commlink as he winced at the volume Megatron was yelling. Dreadwing rushed down the hall and left the area, giving Smokescreen ample opportunity to nab the keys. Smokescreen phased through the vault doors and grabbed the two keys then went to Warlock’s position.

Warlock and Knock Out were in a small room off from a secluded hallway. Knock Out punched in some random coordinates as Smokescreen entered. Knock Out stopped some of the bleeding on Warlock’s frame as Warlock sat up and went close to Smokescreen. Smokescreen held up the keys. Warlock looked at Knock Out, “You know I have to do it to cover your aft…”

“Scratch my paint and I will open up those wounds again, Warlock…” Knock Out smirked as Warlock placed a servo on Knock Out’s shoulder and green glowing tendrils snaked out his palm and caused Knock Out to go unconscious. “Warlock what is-”

“No time to explain, we have to go now!” Warlock activated the ground bridge as the two ran through the portal. The portal closed as Megatron came running in covered in wounds and burn marks. He looked around the room and saw his chief medical officer unconscious on the ground realizing that they escaped. Megatron roared in anger as he lost his quarry.

Chapter Text

The moment they arrived on the ground far away from the Nemesis, Warlock collapsed as Smokescreen ran to him. “Ratchet! Do you read? Warlock and I got out. We have the keys…we need a ground bridge now Warlock is hurt badly.”

Ratchet ran through the ground bridge and assessed the damage. “Smokescreen, help me get him to the ground bridge.” Ratchet ordered as he and Smokescreen lifted Warlock and helped him through the ground bridge.

Ratchet laid down Warlock on a medical berth as he began to assess the damage, Starscream barged into the med bay.

“Warlock!” Starscream cried as he tried to go up to the medical berth.

“Ap, Ap, Ap, Starscream, get out now I need to work!” Ratchet insisted and ushered the panicked seeker out of the med bay.

Starscream stood there still panicked as his brothers rushed over to comfort him. “He’s going to be ok, Star.” Thundercracker told him,

“Warlock is one tough bot! He will be fine.” Skywarp assured, Starscream looked back at the med bay and could hear Ratchet doing his best to help Warlock.
-
“Didn’t I tell ya! Destiny. Alpha Trion knew I would keep it safe.” Smokescreen said looking at the two Omega Keys next to him.

Arcee sighed and smiled at the rookie, “Nice work, kid.”

‘You did great Smoke, but you only grabbed two keys, not three.’ Bumblebee beeped as he held up two digits.

“Those were the only two I saw in the vault.” Smokescreen told the team,

“So the Cons didn’t run off with that other key…then who the frag has it?” Skywarp said scratching his helm.

“Either way we now possess 3 of the 4 Omega Keys…” Optimus stated holding up the 3 keys.

“So either Smokescreen missed a key on the ship… or someone else has the last key.” Bulkhead said remembering what Smokescreen said when they went looking for the other key and he was sucker-punched.

Ratchet came out as he was wiping his servos from all the work he did. “Warlock is stable. Most of the damage he sustained was superficial. His wing did suffer some internal damage and needed to be splinted, but he will make a full recovery.”

Starscream felt like he could breathe again as little Moonlight scurried up to Ratchet. “Can I see my sire?” She asked,

“He’s asleep right now. But I bet he would be happy to see you once he wakes up…” Ratchet warmly smiled at the sparkling. Moonlight ran into the med bay and if anyone peaked in would see her nestled into her sire’s arms waiting for him to wake up.

Smokescreen had no idea what happened to Warlock on the ship all he knew was that he escaped and extorted Knock Out for something… Smokescreen knew only one other bot in the base would have answers as he looked over at Starscream. But he didn’t want to draw the seeker’s ire just yet, he had a more pressing question to ask Optimus.

“Optimus…I have a weird question to ask…” Smokescreen said to the Prime, Optimus looked at Smokescreen as did the rest of the team.

“What’s a Quintesson?” Smokescreen asked,

Starscream felt the energon in his veins freeze. The rest of team Prime either looked confused, or scared. “A Quintesson is an alien species that was created by Quintus Prime. They are know for their heightened intellect and apathetic or vicious demeanor. They have a complex history with Cybertronians. Why do you ask, Smokescreen?” Optimus answered,

“Megatron was yelling about not letting the Quintesson escape to Dreadwing…Do you think Megatron teamed up with them?” Smokescreen asked,

“Highly doubtful. Quintessons see Cybertronians as lesser beings, they wouldn’t attempt an alliance with the Decepticons…” Ratchet butted in and said in an annoyed tone.

“So are these Quintessons that dangerous?” Bulkhead asks,

“Yes and no. They are know for their intelligence but have no combat skills and tend to use other species for their grunt work. If one is on Earth I doubt it is trying to harm humanity more likely trying to leave the planet…” Ratchet theorized,

“Megatron must of captured one and using it’s brains for something… Make sense. If it escaped when me and Warlock did it’s long gone…” Smokescreen also theorized,

“I’ve unfortunately had the opportunity to see a dead Quintesson up close… Multiple faces, tentacles and an unusual biology. Trust me you would know a Quintesson if you saw one…” Ratchet assured the team.

“Tentacles…” Smokescreen said quietly, but not quietly enough… Starscream overheard…Smokescreen knows …Scrap. Starscream side eyed Smokescreen and leaned in close to the sitting bot. “Do not say another word…” Starscream said in a low threatening manner.

Smokescreen turned to the seeker as he leaned upwards and walked away. Starscream did know something and was hiding it… Smokescreen was ready to out the Ex-Con but there has to be more to the story. Optimus also noticed this and decided to do something about it.

“Smokescreen, Starscream… a word in private.” Optimus asked as he walked towards a side area of the base. The others looked around at the two as they followed after their leader. Starscream was internally panicking, did Prime know too?!

Optimus entered a empty room as Smokescreen and Starscream followed too. The door closed behind them as Optimus turned to the two. “Warlock is not what he seems is he?” Optimus said to Starscream directly, Smokescreen turned to look at Starcream who was looking down and clenching his fist.

“How long have you known?” Starscream asked almost angrily but more…defeated if anything.

Optimus sighed, “You can relax, Starscream-” Optimus was interrupted before he could finish.

“Warlock is not a threat, Optimus! He is an ally! He wouldn’t hurt any of us…” Starscream protested, Smokescreen thought back to what he saw on the Decepticon warship. The glowing green tentacles that knocked out well… Knock Out.

“Wait so… the Quintesson is Warlock?!” Smokescreen said in surprise,

“Wait..you didn’t know?! I thought you knew!” Starscream yelled at Smokescreen,

“He had glowing green tentacles and extorted Knock Out…I didn’t know he wasn’t Cybertronian!” Smokescreen yelled back,

“Wait he actually has tentacles? I thought he was joking about that!” Starscream said in surprise,

“Starscream.” The Prime interrupted, “How long have you known about Warlock’s…ancestry?”

Starscream took a deep breath and looked at the Prime, “About a month or so. Warlock told me his origins. He is still partially Cybertronian but he is also Quintesson. He hates using his Quintesson abilities if he can…it brings out a darker side of him. A side of him, he despises.” Starscream told the two of them.

“I know…I saw it firsthand.” Optimus said seriously,

“What?! When?!” Starscream demanded,

“Overlord…” Optimus said stoicly, “You were…offline when it happened but the rest of the team watched Warlock’s other face reveal itself… I went over and spoke to him during the aftermath… he told me the truth and begged me not to tell the others.”

Starscream felt a pain in his spark… Warlock revealed himself to Optimus before him?! “Another face…cute. Because Quintessons have multiple faces? You think you’re being funny, Prime?!” Starscream well….screamed.

“Starscream that is no way to talk to Optimus…” Smokescreen stepped between the two.

“Starscream, I mean no disrespect. This is how he explained it to me. I know Warlock is no threat to us… but he can be a threat to others… Clearly, he lost control of himself aboard the Nemesis and Megatron found out… We need to be smart about this. The destruction he can cause… You didn’t witness it but I did… I am not shaken by many things but that genuinely terrified me.”

Smokescreen and Starscream looked at Optimus in shock. Optimus admitted he was scared of Warlock. “Warlock is a pacifist by nature! He just wants to remain in peace and do science! It is why he avoided joining a faction! Optimus we all can lose our cool in extreme circumstances! Whatever Megatron subjected Warlock to must have drawn it out similar to whatever caused it to come out with Overlord!”

Optimus paused and just stared at Starscream, “Starscream are you not aware of what happened last time? What caused his rage at Overlord…”

Starscream had an idea. He did technically die during that encounter, even with his outlier ability bringing him back he can imagine Warlock turning into a rage monster after finding out he died. “I understand why he lost it last time. But only one of use was on the ship when this other incident occurred.” Starscream said as he turned to Smokescreen.

“Look I was being held in another room than Warlock. Dreadwing said Warlock was being weird and scary. He was bragging about the Overlord thing practically.” Smokescreen told them,

“Warlock would never! He isn’t like that…” Starscream remembers the times he would brag about killing Cliffjumper and internally cringe.

“Well, he caused an explosion and regrouped with me, apparently Knock Out owed him a favor for some reason? Anyway, we escaped and that is all I know…” Smokescreen informed the two.

Right the seance, Warlock must have cashed in the favor to escape. Starscream wonders what could possibly cause Warlock’s rage to come out. What brought out his inner darkness… Starscream learned a long time ago to not probe Warlock for answers but wait until the scientist is ready to talk and he will tell you what you want to know.

Starscream was a mix of emotions. Rage, sadness, betrayal, worry…Warlock what happened?! Optimus placed a reassuring servo on Starscream’s shoulder. “Starscream, I just wanted to clear the air and keep Warlock’s…secret to the three of us. If he wants to tell the rest of the team he will in time. I respect Warlock too much to let such an important facet of himself be accidentally revealed.”

“Thank you, Optimus. I…I glad to hear that.” Starscream said with an air of calmness to it, his nerves beginning to calm down. The three seemed calm down and agreed to leave the secret between the three of them. As the exit the room Ratchet met them in the hallway.

“Optimus, we received a communication from Pharma…he has the last key…and wants to negotiate,” Ratchet informed the three,

“That weird mech with the chainsaw?! Why did he take the key from me?!” Smokescreen yelled mad about being suckered punched by him.

Optimus paused as he realized Pharma is using this for leverage…but for what end…What could he want in exchange for the Omega Key?

Chapter Text

Optimus, Ratchet, Bulkhead, and Starscream walked through the ground bridge blaster out as they approached cautiously out of the ground bridge. They saw Pharma leaning against a tree with the Omega Key in his servos. Pharma seemed unimpressed with the Autobot approaching him. Pharma looked up and then immediately scowled to see Starscream still with the Autobots.

“Well, you showed, good.” Pharma got up from the tree and walked towards the group.

“Pharma…” Optimus said sternly,

“Glad to see most of you…” Pharma said in a rather condescending way, Starscream rolled his optics at the obvious snub.

“Why did take the Omega Key?” Ratchet asked,

“Iacon relics are things of great power…why wouldn’t I?” Pharma said looking down at the relic in his servo.

“Besides they are good for negotiates. Case in point.” As he playfully points at the team with the Omega Key twirling it at them.

“What do you want Pharma?” Bulkhead asked the medic,

“Off this disgusting mudball with an energon stockpile…” He said rather quickly,

“Pharma…we do not have the resources to give you something like that. We don’t have a spaceship, nor a space bridge. Our energon reserves are lackluster with the large team we now have… Please… you don’t know what kind of relic you possess.” Ratchet pleaded with him,

Pharma scoffed as he looked at the key, “Well… so what did you expect to happen, Ratchet? I give you the key out of the goodness of my spark? After everything that has happened…”

“Pharma there is a chance to undo the unpleasantness that happened before. If someone like Starscream can see the errors of his ways and become a better bot; you can too.” Ratchet tried to appeal to Pharma’s better nature.

“Please Ratchet don’t beg it’s pathetic.” Pharma sneered, “Those are my terms so… do we have a deal?”

“Pharma you’ve clearly had a few screws knocked loose! Just give us the fraggin’ key!” Starscream was getting fed up ready to just rip it out of his servos.

“Oh Starscream I wasn’t talking to you…” Pharma smirked, he was too calm…too confident… it was like the cave all over again… this was a trap.

“Optimus! Close the ground bridge now!” Starscream yelled in a panic, Optimus’s optics widened as there was an explosion that came out of the ground bridge causing to close.

Knocking forward the 4 bots to the ground, knocking Bulkhead and Ratchet out cold. Optimus lifted his head and saw a purple blur rush past him as he saw Shadow Striker standing next to Pharma with the other 3 Omega Keys in her arms. “Well this was a lovely chat… but I have more pressing matters to get to… ta, ta.” Pharma said as another ground bridge opened up.

Optimus clamored to his pedes as did Starscream as the two raced after them. But it was too late as Pharma and Shadow Striker walked through the ground bridge it closed. Optimus staggers forward standing where the ground bridge was prior. Starscream slowly stopped and saw Optimus clenching his fists and then letting out a blood-curdling scream of rage. It was loud, full of anguish, and out of character for the usually cool-headed Prime.

Optimus just told him how he was scared of Warlock when he lost his cool, but for once seeing Optimus lose his… Starscream could only feel the agony and rage Prime kept to himself finally getting released. Optimus always kept a clear head, always the voice of reason… finally seeing him express other emotions was both terrifying and cathartic to know Optimus has other emotions.

“Optimus…We will get them back… Just-” Starscream began before Optimus turned to him with a look he had never seen on the Prime’s face… Vengeance.
-
On the Nemesis Shadow Striker and Pharma regroup with the rest of the Strike Team. “I’m surprised, Autobot…I never expected you to turn on your own…” Slipstream said as Shadow Striker walked pasted her with the Omega Keys.

“They turned on me first… I’m just evening the score a little…” Pharma smirked, “Now that I upheld my end of the bargain…”

“Yes, yes. Flamewar has stocked the ship with the excess energon cubes as you requested. Now let me lead you to the upper deck…” Slipstream said with a smirk as the two seekers left.

Slipstream true to her word stockpiled the Strike Team ship with energon and handed it over to Pharma. A small ship and some energon pale in comparison to being able to present Megatron with all 4 Omega Keys. Pharma was ready to board when Slipstream stopped him for a second.

“I have a way to sweeten the pot…” She informed Pharma,

“Oh..? And what do you want in exchange?” Pharma asked as Slipstream smirked.
-
Megatron was being repaired by Knock Out after the whole escape debacle from the two Autobots. Megatron sustained pretty serious damage from his fight with Warlock. Knock Out began asking some questions to his master,“Does that scientist have some kind of weird weapon I’ve never seen before? The damage on your armor is so strange it’s like it melted and burned in spots but the injuries look like-”

“Tentacles. That scientist is no Cybertronian… at least not a normal ones…” Megatron sneered he knew the truth the moment Warlock lost his cool. That green aura and those tendrils that peeked out from his armor… A Quintesson… Megatron hoped to never see one again in his lifetime after his last encounter with the alien species.

“Didn’t think Starscream would be into that…” Knock Out joked but also was internally alarmed. The sparkling Moonlight, a child of a tentacled supergenius and a spider-like Insecticon huntress…. What a bizarre and yet dangerous combo. Flamewar came bouncing into the med bay looking for Megatron.

“Oh big boss, Slipstream is looking for you… She has something to show you.” Flamewar chuckled, Knock Out was confused by the femme’s pleased demeanor, especially after the major loss they just had.

“Tell Slipstream if it isn’t the about the location of the Autobot’s base or the Omega Keys it is of no importance to me…” Megatron ordered from the med berth.

“Oh… But it does have to do with the keys…” Flamewar smirked, Megatron sat upright and saw the mischievous look on the femme’s face.

“Where is she?” Megatron demanded as he got up from the berth. Knock Out was about to protest the warlord from getting up but he and Flamewar already disappeared down the hall. Flamewar leads Megatron to the bridge.

Slipstream and Shadow Striker were on the other side of the bridge talking as they watched from the monitor Pharma leaving through the space bridge. “And just where were you three when the Autobots escaped?” Megatron yelled as Flamewar joined her teammates.

“I apologize my lord, my team and I were following a lead to one of the Omega keys.” Slipstream informed Megatron,

“How? Optimus possessed the other two keys and then his newest recruit and that mockery of a scientist escaped with our two keys!” Megatron snarled at the seeker.

“Yes, the Autobots possessed two of the Omega Keys… But Optimus didn’t have both… another Autobot, Pharma had one of the keys and was willing to… negotiate.” Slipstream informed her master,

“And with those negotiates…” Slipstream gestured to Shadow Striker who held up all four of the Omega Keys. “Oh, and the location of the Autobot base…but um… let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be Tarn right now…” Slipstream said ominously and with a bit of sass.

Megatron started to chuckle which turned into a maniacal laughter… Oh, this terrible day just turned around….

Chapter Text

Starscream walked into the med bay after the whole Omega Key debacle. Starscream did his best to calm down the Prime but it felt way too familiar to calming down Megatron… So Starscream had to step away. He walked towards the med bay and saw little Moonlight asleep in her sire’s arms.

Starscream couldn’t help but smile at the cute scene in front of him. But seeing his love unconscious and knowing something went wrong on the Nemesis put a knot in Starscream’s stomach. He looked over Warlock and saw that Ratchet did do a good job of repairs. He saw Warlock’s wing splint as it would take a bit for a serious wing injury like that to recover, but he was happy Warlock was ok, physically.

Moonlight’s optics onlined as she saw Starscream standing next to her and her sire. “Hi, Starscream.”

“Hello, Moonlight. Enjoy your little nap?” He asks with a warm smile, Moonlight rubbed her optics and sat up looking at Starscream.

“It was ok, I just want sire to wake up…” She looked back at her sire still unconscious on the med berth. Starscream sighed hoping he would wake up soon too. Starscream sat in a chair and just watch Warlock slumber. Moonlight got bored after a while waiting and pestered Starscream, normally he was fine with the child’s antics or even encouraging at times but right now was not the time to bother the seeker.

“Moonlight sweetspark why don’t you go and play with either Smokescreen or Bumblebee?” Starscream trying to get the sparkling to be someone else’s problem.

“I tried. Everyone is all moody and angry… Even Optimus is acting funny…” Moonlight said kicking her pedes. Today has been an eventful one, Smokescreen and Warlock returned with two of the Omega Keys after escaping the Nemesis; And then promptly loosing said keys to Pharma and the Decepticons not even an hour later….Not to mention the bombs Shadow Striker left in one of them in backroom damaging the sleeping quarters of most of the Autobots. Another in the hanger destroying the main door, and One near where the human would congregate…all in all a very bad day.

“Today hasn’t been a good day…Maybe watch some television? Or draw something…” Starscream suggested,

“No that’s boring…I want to play!” The sparkling whined,

“Moonlight-” Starscream said in a warning kind of way, as the sparkling listed off things she wanted to do and is tired of everyone being mopey. Starscream was already stressed enough with all that is going on, entertaining a sparkling was not on his agenda as he grew more and more frustrated with her.

“MOONLIGHT, ENOUGH!” Starscream shrieked at the sparkling, causing her to pause. Then the tears started as she began to cry. Starscream began to panic he didn’t mean to yell; he is just super stressed. He felt deep guilt making the poor little femme cry.

“Moonlight, hey no, I’m sorry. I’m just really stressed. Please don’t cry, I didn't mean it.” Starscream begged her to stop crying as he gently rubbed her back.

“You hate me!” Moonlight ran out of the room crying. Starscream felt like an absolute slagger right about now.

“Primus can something go right today!” He yelled kicking the medical berth. He sighed in frustration and looked over at Warlock, “You would of known what to do. Maybe I’m not cut out for parenting…”

Starscream decided to go for a flight as the air around the base is tense enough and him screaming at a sparkling didn’t help. About an hour later Starscream came back to the base, the vibe still the same as everyone was in low spirits. Starscream went to check on Warlock and saw that he was not in the med bay. Starscream panicked and ran around the base looking for him. His final hope was to check in with the Autobot medic. Ratchet informed Starscream, Warlock woke up about a half hour ago and took Moonlight back to his ship.

“Did he say anything else?” Starscream asked,

“No, he just asked where Moonlight was and then took her and left. No other words were really exchanged…It was a bit odd.” Ratchet said going back to what he was doing. That worried Starscream more…did someone tell him what happened? Did screws get knock loose? What happened on the ship?!

Starscream left to go to Warlock’s ship as he enter the air was a little less suffocating that the Autobot base but still off. Starscream went looking for Warlock or even Moonlight, just a sign of someone here. Warlock and Moonlight were playing some game in Moonlight’s room, it was the first jovial thing he had seen since today has been such a whirlwind. Starscream has been feeling tired after all the stress of the day and thinks a recharge is necessary. Starscream walked to his and Warlock’s shared room and flopped onto the bed and after a few moments fell into recharge.

Starscream was looking around in utter darkness…It felt like he was back in his head with the Cortical Psychic Patch and Megatron. He heard screams and crying coming from all around him. Starscream covered his audio receptors as the sounds were getting louder and higher in pitch. Until after a few moments it stopped and in the center of the area was Megatron talking with Warlock. Starscream looked confused, ‘What? What is this?’

Megatron was circling Warlock when he stopped behind the mech. They were talking but Starscream couldn’t make out the words of what Megatron was saying. It was like Megatron’s voice box was underwater all distorted and garbled. Starscream got closer hoping that the dream Megatron or Warlock wouldn’t react to his presence. Starscream then sees Megatron leans in and gets close to Warlock’s audio receptors. “You’ll want to break him as badly as I do…” Warlock then looked directly at Starscream with a evil grin and lunges at the seeker.

Starscream bolted upright in the berth. He felt his fans kick on as he was gasping for air. Starscream grabbed his chest as he had no idea what that nightmare was about… He looked over to his right and saw Warlock recharging with Moonlight tucked under his arms.

Starscream sighed in relief but decided to walk out of the room, he need air he needed to process what the frag he just experienced. Starscream just sat in the bridge looking out the window at the night sky. It was rather serene and beautiful to look at. Starscream had his head in his palms and just stared out the window just loosing track of time and just…disassociating.

After a few minute he heard pedefalls, could be his brothers, could be Warlock, too heavy for Moonlight. Starscream snapped out of his stupor and saw Warlock walk into the bridge. “Hey I didn’t see you in berth, I got worried.” Warlock smiled warmly at Starscream. There he was his Warlock, the sweet pacifist scientist; Not whatever that dream version was.

“I had a nightmare. I needed some air.” Starscream said rather solemnly and quietly,

“Must be really bad one. Do you want to talk about it?” Warlock asked getting closer to the seeker,

“What happened on the Nemesis, Warlock?” Starscream asked but still looking out the window.

“Uh…I don’t want to discuss it.” Warlock said in a rather distressed tone, Starscream raised a brow but still didn’t look at Warlock.

“Because Smokescreen figured out you were a Quintesson because of your actions…And… When were you going to tell me you revealed yourself to Optimus before me?” Starscream said in an annoyed tone,

“I guess a lot happened while I was out…” Warlock chuckled nervously,

“You have no idea…” Starscream said coldly, Starscream finally turned to Warlock and looked up at him, “You used your powers… You told me you don’t like using your powers because it brings out a bad part of you… So…I ask again, what happened?” Starscream’s question sounded more like a demand as he glared down at Warlock.

“Sometimes when I get overly stressed or am put in stressful situations…it..it comes out, my less desirable and more…vicious self.” Warlock said looking down at the floor, “I struggle to control it. Extreme situations like waking up chained in a prison cell will cause anyone to panic…” Warlock began to explain, “It took over and I said some rather…vile things… I cashed in our favor from Knock Out to help me and Smokescreen escape.”

“What did Megatron do to you?” Starscream asked with a tinge of anger in his throat.

“We fought…He said something horrendous that caused me to go into a blind rage…” Warlock admitted hoping that would satisfy Starscream. Starscream leaned back in the chair and intertwined his digits in his lap.

“It must of been horrid to send you in an even worse state… Was it like when Overlord terminated me angry? Or just how you are when you are in that state?” Starscream asked,

“Why are you interrogating me, Starscream? What purpose is questioning me go to solve?” Warlock asked starting to get annoyed,

“Because I need to know…” Starscream answered,

“Need to know what? If I will lose control again? Are you that paranoid I’m going to hurt someone?” Warlock said angrily,

“No! I just want to make sure Megatron didn’t…that he…” Starscream was struggling to figure out how to word what he wanted to say.

“He what? What are you worried about?!” Warlock was getting increasingly frustrated,

“Megatron found out too.” Starscream said in a worried tone,

“Found out that I’m a Quintesson? Yeah he put it together when the green energy sent him flying through a wall and messed up his plating! I know he knows.” Warlock told Starscream,

“You know now he’s going to be gunning for you! You’re intellect and power is something he will want to get his servos on! What were you thinking?!” Starscream got up and pointed at the scientist.

“Thinking?! I wasn’t thinking! I let my more vicious side take the reigns against my better judgement and well…I let it slip, ok?! I tried to terminate the fragger!” Warlock admitted, something that happened during his battle… something he didn’t want to admit.

“What?! You tried to…Warlock!” Starscream said angrily, “You can’t just rage out and kill Decepticons! Even ones as bad as Megatron and Overlord.”

“I don’t need a non-killing lecture from you of all bots! He didn’t die I was able to regain some control over myself and I chose to run instead, happy?!” Warlock yelled, Starscream’s wings hiked up and he glared at Warlock.

“Oh sorry I don’t want you to have the guilt of more blood on your servos! I only say because I was worried sick about you!” Starscream admitted,

“Starscream I have more energon on my servos than you can imagine…” Warlock said coldly, “And that is why I had to change my ways…”

“I can see now why you and Airachnid were such an item.” Starscream realized,

“Shut up.” Warlock muttered,

“I heard that!” Starscream yelled back, “I don’t care about what you did in the past I worry about what you are going to do!”

“What? Worried I might kill Megatron and rob you of your vengeance?!” There it was the one thing Warlock tried to not let slip off his glossa…

“WHAT?! I want to kill Megatron, yes. Do I care how, no. Why the frag would you think that?!” Starscream asked totally lost,

“Because since the day I met you all you wanted to do was terminate Megatron! Primus Starscream it’s the reason ended up together is because you wanted to use me for energon and revenge!” Warlock pointed out,

“That was then! I grew to love you, Warlock! I would never use you like that again!” Starscream shouted,

“Again? So you admit it.” Warlock pointed at the seeker,

“Yes, I used you back then. But not now! I was so worried about you! I care about you, I love you I don’t like the idea of Megatron planting messed up things in that brilliant head of yours.” Starscream admits,

“Do you want to know what Megatron said that sent me into a rage?” Warlock asked, Starscream looked at him waiting for him to elaborate. Warlock sighed, “He talked about how you're a manipulator. That our relationship is just an act for you to get something out of it and eventually you will grow bored and try to terminate me and…” Warlock clenched his servos, “I will want to break you as badly as he does…”

Starscream felt his spark pulsate at what Warlock just said. Just like the dream but Warlock admitted it was reality. That the dream conversation was real. Starscream’s wings went flat against his back as he looked down clenching his servos.

“Do you really think that lowly of me, Warlock?” Starscream was on the verge of tears. Did Megatron ruin his first good relationship?

“He was trying to plant seeds of doubt in our relationship. I…” Warlock chucked, “It was so ridiculous and anger inducing that even my Quintesson side just wanted to rip him apart.”

“So you don’t believe me to be some puppet master here to use you?” Starscream asked,

“Are you?” Warlock asked wondering where this was going…

“No. I care, Warlock. For a long time I didn’t give a scrap about anyone but myself and in such a short timespan I got almost everything I could want. You, Moonlight, my brothers, comrades that give a scrap about me…Why would I risk any of that? Even if I was that brilliant of a manipulator…I wouldn’t risk losing you ever…You mean to much to me to ‘throw away’ or try and deceive…” Starscream looked at Warlock, “And the fact you even consider listening to Megatron’s lies…hurts.”

“Starscream, I didn’t! It…it was just a stressful situation I handled badly, ok?” Warlock admitted,

“Look let’s drop this ok? I love you, Star. Megatron’s stupid manipulation tactic ended up with me kicking him in the face…I didn’t work if anything I would be even more happy to help you terminate that monster…Just… don’t tell Optimus…” Warlock smiled,

Starscream shook his helm. He smirked at Warlock indicating that their little spat was hopefully over.

“Plus we have most of the Omega Keys now! We have a chance to restore Cybertron!” Warlock said happily,

Starscream’s smirk instantly fade and he cringed, “Yeah…about that... you missed more than you thought…”

Starscream then fills in Warlock about all he missed while he was unconscious…

Chapter Text

Episode: Regeneration

The next day tensions are slightly better. Warlock and Starscream seemed to have reconciled as did Starscream and Moonlight. Moonlight accepted Starscream's apology only in exchange for energon candies which seemed like a pretty good deal. Warlock was displeased in learning Pharma teamed up with the Decepticons and stole the Omega Keys.

They entered the Autobot base and overheard the rest of the team filling in the humans on the whole key situation. “Why didn’t any of you tell us about the Omega Keys before?” Jack asked,

“If you haven’t picked up on it, things have been super intense around here lately…” Arcee informs her partner,

“Yeah one minute we have the keys the next Pharma stole all of the keys and gave them to the Cons…” Smokescreen jeered,

“Well we’ll just have to take 'em back from the Cons again.” Miko added, “Then we can all go to Cybertron.”

The bots looked uncomfortable about the ideas of the humans coming with them to Cybertron. “We are coming with you guys, right?” Miko questioned, now noticing Bulkhead’s worried look.

“Even if we can go they can still call, text and visit if possible.” Marissa added,

“We cannot even plan anything yet.” Ratchet interjected, he sighed “Pharma took the keys and gave them to Megatron most likely for resources to leave Earth…”

“So what then? Give up? Let bucket head, restore Cybertron?” Skywarp interjected,

“I didn’t say that. We need to figure out how to reclaim the relics.” Ratchet told the team,

“Not unless we have something to bargain with. And we definitely don’t want to give the Cons more relics…” Jack said,

“So…what? Hope they call and want to negotiate?!” Starscream said in disbelief that no one is coming up with a viable plan. Just then the computer began to beep as an incoming message appeared on the screen.

“What Pharma changed his mind?” Starscream jokes,

“Not Pharma, Dreadwing. He wants to negotiate…” Ratchet said in disbelief,

“Starscream, are you psycho?” Moonlight asked,

“It’s psychic, sweetie and…no…” Warlock corrected the sparkling.

Dreadwing provided rendezvous coordinates as a small team was dispatched to talk to the Decepticon. Optimus, Bumblebee, Starscream and Thundercracker would go and talk to him while the rest of the team waited on standby and listened in. The team left through the groundbridge and met Dreadwing who was standing on a ledge overlooking a small river.

“Autobots…” Dreadwing acknowledged,

“Dreadwing, for what purpose do you summon us?” Optimus asked as the rest of the team had their blasters out.

“A proposal. I request the services of the Autobots in exchange…for this.” Dreadwing pulls out from behind him the Forge of Solus Prime.

“The Forge? And what do you seek in exchange for the Forge, Dreadwing?” Optimus asks, Dreadwing’s optics flicker towards Starscream.

“Retribution. During the time Knock Out was unconscious during your escape Megatron had him linked up to a Cortical Psychic Patch to see if that…thing had more secrets. It revealed the true reason Knock Out lied and helped you escape…” Dreadwing began to explain, Starscream scowled at Dreadwing referring to Warlock as a ‘thing’.

“I wish to speak to Skyquake…In exchange for the Forge of Solus Prime.” Dreadwing offered,
-
In the Autobot base the rest of the team looked slightly perplexed by Dreadwing’s request, especially the humans…

“Wait…but Skyquake died and got turned into a zombie Con…” Miko said,

“Plus isn’t he trapped in the Shadowzone?” Raf added,

“Uh…guys care to explain?” Jack asked,

Arcee looked around the room and noticed everyone looking confused except Ratchet and Warlock. Who looked at Arcee with a nod as a signal to go ahead.

“He wants to use Moonlight’s outlier ability to talk to the dead. Even if Skyquake is a zombie in the Shadowzone, Moonlight most likely can find and reach his soul.” Arcee explained,

“Wait, we had someone who can talk to the dead this whole time?” Smokescreen said in shock,

“Yes, but I don’t like putting strain on my daughter to appease people’s consciences.” Warlock added, “We did it for Arcee and Cliffjumper and we did it for Knock Out and Breakdown… Under Starscream’s insistence.”

“So that’s how Scream got kidnapped…Still weird for me to see him do nice things.” Skywarp added,

“Regardless, Dreadwing is offering us a powerful Iacon relic in exchange for a conversation with his brother…I think we should take it.” Ratchet stated,

“So…do we get the keys back if I help him?” Moonlight asks,

“No, he will give a different relic.” Warlock told his daughter,

“Then why bother? We need the keys, not a hammer.” Smokescreen said frustrated and crossed his arms.

“Please tell me you don’t see what Dreadwing is getting at?” Warlock said to the rookie, Smokescreen looked confused. Warlock shook his head, “With the Forge of Solus Prime we can forge new keys!”

“That’s…brilliant! Optimus can make new keys and we don’t have to worry about taking them from the Cons.” Smokescreen said as they all turn their attention back to the monitor,
-
“Well that ‘thing’ you are referring to is the one who can get you in contact with your twin. So I suggest giving him his proper respect.” Starscream hissed at Dreadwing, Dreadwing frowned but understood.

“Dreadwing, why betray Megatron and deliver us the relic?” Optimus asked,

“Because you saw through the Psychic Patch others getting a chance to say goodbye to the people they care about most. First Arcee through my mind, then Knock Out… You want your chance.” Starscream explained to the Prime, Dreadwing nodded in confirmation.
-
Jack looked at Arcee, “You got to say goodbye to Cliff?” Arcee nodded, “Starscream and Moonlight were kind enough to let me have it.”

“I get letting Arcee say goodbye to Cliffjumper but letting Knock Out say goodbye to Breakdown? I don’t get it.” Bulkhead said,

Warlock and Skywarp exchanged looks, “I mean Knock Out was freaking out when Breakdown initially went missing. And…well not to put my own bias on it but the two were close…Like how Arcee and Cliffjumper are.”

“Oh…” Bulkhead said,

“Yeah…So Starscream wanted to help Knock Out after the whole…Cylas thing…” Warlock explained,

“Makes sense… Yikes…poor Knock Out…” Bulkhead put everything together now and he can understand why Starscream would be inclined to help his old comrade.

“Also why is he referring to Moonlight as a thing and not a sparkling…” Raf asked confused,

“Also why did Starscream say that to him?” Marissa also noted,

“Maybe because they don’t like Insecticons and Starscream, maybe misspoke…” Smokescreen attempted to save,

“Yeah, maybe he was thinking of me, not Moonlight…” Warlock tried to back up, It apparently was convincing enough for people not to ask more questions. Smokescreen and Warlock sighed a bit in relief. Arcee noticed but didn’t say anything as the negotiates at hand were far more important.
-
“Do we have a deal, Prime?” Dreadwing asks,

“I still want to know why you are betraying Megatron. Even to speak to Skyquake wouldn't be enough to betray him.” Optimus spoke to the Decepticon, Dreadwing scowled but remained mostly stoic.

“Megatron’s recent behaviors have…me questioning the cause…” Dreadwing admitted,

“Oh really now you’re questioning his actions?!” Starscream yelled,

“Starscream…” Optimus warned, Starscream huffed and looked at the Autobot leader with contempt.

“Dreadwing…I implore once again to join the Autobot cause.” Optimus outstretched his servo. Dreadwing looked at the outstretched servo, “I wish to speak to my brother before making any other deals.”

“I understand.” Optimus used his commlink to contact Warlock and Moonlight. Warlock came through the ground bridge with Moonlight trailing behind. Moonlight seemed wary as she clung to her sire’s leg.

The two walked up to Dreadwing. The sparkling looking up at Dreadwing with a feeling of trepidation. “Do you have anything that belongs to your brother?” Moonlight asked sheepishly,

“Yes. I do.” As Dreadwing pulls out Skyquake’s mangled zombie arm. clearly it was blasted and beaten to get it to stop moving.

Starscream awkwardly chuckled, “You found his arm…”

“Yes. I did…now child, please summon my brother’s spirit.” Dreadwing asked, and handed the large arm to the tiny sparkling. The arm was too big for her to hold so Warlock held it for her while she drew her summoning circle.

The rest of the Autobots were interested in seeing the progress of the sparkling’s ability. Dreadwing observed the sparkling’s method. Dreadwing looked over at Warlock, “How did your child learn such a skill?”

“An Iacon relic mixed with her outlier ability.” Warlock said bluntly,

“I see so it has nothing to do with what you actually are?” Dreadwing said,

Bumblebee turned to look at Dreadwing and Warlock curiously as he overheard their conversation. Bumblebee turned to Optimus, ‘Optimus what does Dreadwing mean?’

“That is something to discuss another time, Bumblebee. It is not my place to say.” Optimus said while watching Moonlight’s process. Bumblebee frowned at Optimus’s dismissal but the Prime must have a reason to not tell the scout.

After a few moments, Moonlight was done and asked for the arm. Warlock handed his daughter the arm and she sat down and began to locate Skyquake’s soul.

Another few minutes have passed and the circle sprung to life with green glowing energy.
A blinding light caused all the bots in the area to cover their optics. Standing there in the middle of the circle was Skyquake; He was transparent with a glowing purple light where his spark would be. “Just like Cliffjumper…” Starscream whispered, a pang of guilt hit Starscream as he doomed Skyquake to not be allowed into the Allspark.

Skyquake looked around and scowled when he saw the Autobots and especially Starscream. “Why are the Autobots and usurper summoning my spirit?” Skyquake asked with a sneer.

“They did it because of me, brother.” Dreadwing said, Skyquake turned to see his twin standing there. “Dreadwing.” Skyquake acknowledged, his spirit turned towards his brother.

“Why are the Autobots here? What is the meaning of all of this?” Skyquake asked,

Dreadwing side eyed the Autobots. “I made a deal with the Autobots to speak to you one last time, Skyquake.” Dreadwing explained, Skyquake frowned “And betray our master by dealing with the enemy?!”

Dreadwing was taken aback by his twin’s anger, “Brother I-”, Sykquake holds up a servo, “Apologizes brother…I needed to get my bearings for such an unorthodox reunion.” Skyquake turned to see the sparkling holding his dismembered arm.

“It would seem a lot has transpired since my demise…” Skyquake said quietly,

“Very much so. We are on the brink of restoring Cybertron.” Dreadwing declared, Skyquake looked surprised. “How so?”

Dreadwing talks about the Omega Keys and their purpose. Some other information Dreadwing omitted as Optimus and the other Autobots standing there observing. Skyquake looked over at Bumblebee and Starscream standing there.

“Why is my killer and the slagger who prevented me from having a warrior’s death and preventing me from joining the Allspark still standing here?” Skyquake said angrily, Bumblebee and Starscream awkwardly exchanged looks.

“Unfortunate circumstances…” Dreadwing said coldly,

“Skyquake…I was unaware of the repercussions of the effects of Dark Energon on a spark or the person. I just copied what Megatron did.” Starscream explained,

“Lord Megatron attempted to do this?” Skyquake asked, the Autobots noticed Skyquake’s face of horror and curiosity.

“Yes. He attempted originally to bolster our ranks by filling them with the undead. Using the blood of Unicron he resurrected thousands of Terrorcons to do his bidding and even injected himself with the Blood of Unicron to control them.” Starscream told Skyquake. Skyquake looked down at his pedes, fists clenched and his jaw wound tight.

“Skyquake…something is troubling you…what is it?” Optimus asked, now curious by the Decepticons reaction to the news.

“Being infected with Dark Energon doesn’t just prevent you from joining the Allspark…it can cause people to be ejected from the Allspark.” Everyone looked horrified by the news.

“You mean to tell me any one of those unfortunate Terrorcons had their souls yanked out of the Allspark because Megatron wanted an army?!” Thundercracker said in anger, Skyquake nodded, “Some didn’t get ejected but it was a mass exodus of souls all turning purple like mine and unable to return to the comforts of the Allspark. I only know this as I experienced it first hand.”

“Skyquake…” Dreadwing said sadly, he felt horrible for his sibling.

Skyquake turned to his brother with a half hearted smile, “I’m glad you summoned me, Dreadwing. I’m more than happy to talk to you once again and learn how you are doing.”

Dreadwing asked for some privacy with his brother as the Autobots agreed to give it to him as they discussed the horrific news they just learned. “So sparks get rejected out of the Allspark just because their bodies were infected?! That’s messed up!” Thundercracker stated,

“There has to be a way to cleanse these souls of Dark Energon contamination.” Starscream said grabbing his chin in though, there has to be a way to save all these wayward souls. Starscream felt bad for just Skyquake and Cliffjumper now know most of the souls Megatron infected are doomed too…It really put things in a horrific perspective.

Warlock paused and pursed his lips. He had an idea but wasn’t sure it would work. Warlock tapped Starscream’s shoulder. “I have an idea. I’ll be right back.” Before Starscream could say anything, Warlock transformed and flew away. Everyone was perplexed but now waiting to see what the scientist had in mind.

Dreadwing spent that time talking with his sibling and even hearing the bot laugh for the first time, a little unnerving but nice to see he was happy to see his brother. Warlock returned with Mournsong in his servos. “Warlock, what are you doing?! You can’t touch those bare servoed!” Starscream yelled at the scientist.

Warlock nodded, “Relax.” as they noted a small green glowing light around his servos. “I have protection.” Warlock walked over to Moonlight who was still glowing and clutching Skyquake’s arm. “Moonlight, sweetspark, can you hear me?” Warlock asked his daughter. The girl nodded.

Skyquake and Dreadwing watched carefully at the two interactions. “Remember you said you wanted to help wayward sparks?” Warlock said, Moonlight nodded, “Well I’m going to put Mournsong on you and can you help Skyquake?”

Everyone looked shocked, Warlock’s experiments in the past would be considered risky or…questionable but none of them he would risk his child for unless he was absolutely certain. Moonlight nodded as Warlock placed Mournsong on Moonlight and stood back up and back away slightly giving the sparkling room.

After a moment of being on her face the relic glowed, the same eerie green as the rest of her. To everyone’s surprise, Moonlight began to sing. A very low, melodic but solemn song. The music was getting louder and Moonlight looked directly at Skyquake the melody shifted from one of sadness to one of rage as Moonlight’s voice got staticy and the melodic took on a harsher sound. Skyquake felt a pang of pain in his spark as he knelt down. “Skyquake!” Dreadwing called after and was about to go to his side as Warlock stopped him. “Wait.”

The melody got harsher and louder causing a few of the bots to cover their audio receptors. At the crescendo of the song Skyquake’s purple glowing spark began to change from purple back to a simple soft yellow. The harsh song went back to being melancholic, and lower as Moonlight used Mournsong to purge the darkness from Skyquake’s soul.

Somewhere in the Shadowzone Skyquake’s zombie body heard the melody…it howled in a distorted monstrous way as it panicked and clutched its helm. The purple glow began to fade as Skyquake’s zombie body was purged of the Dark Energon keeping it animated. It fell with a loud thud that no one could hear as his body could finally rest in peace.

Everyone looked astonished and amazed by what the sparkling did but even though the mask they could tell the sparkling was getting tired and her energy draining. Skyquake’s transparent body stuttered, “Th-Thank you.” were his last words as Skyquake faded. The circle went dark and Moonlight flopped back unconscious. “Moonlight!” Warlock cried when activating his little protective field he removed Mournsong while Starscream picked up the sparkling.

Dreadwing stood there and watched as his brother's soul left and found comfort knowing he can rejoin the Allspark. Dreadwing turned to the Autobots and in his deal handed them the Forge of Solus Prime. Optimus took it graciously and nodded at the Decepticon.

“I thank you all for letting me speak to my brother. And for purging the rot that infected his soul.” Dreadwing said with gratitude.

“Dreadwing.” Optimus spoke, “The offer still stands for you to join our ranks. You know now that Megatron’s lust for power not only damages the living but the dead too. Reconsider your allegiance.”

Dreadwing looked over at each bot and lingered on the sparkling who just saved his brother. Dreadwing shut his optics. “I…I can’t leave the ranks of the Decepticons. But I can offer another recourse.”

The Autbots looked curiously at Dreadwing. “I can offer you a bot on the inside.”

Chapter Text

Optimus paused at Dreadwing’s offer. Dreadwing refused to leave Megatron’s ranks out of principle, one Optimus can respect. Dreadwing decided to be an inside man for the Autobots as a way of thanking him for officially giving Skyquake proper rest and guaranteeing him back into the Allspark. He informed Optimus that yes, Pharma made a deal with the Strike Team for the Omega Keys but was not sure if any other information had been given but to be on high alert.

Optimus brings in the Forge of Solus Prime as Dreadwing jets off back to the Nemesis. The rest of the Autobots listen in, including Arcee who wants to save Cliffjumper as soon as she can.

Moonlight was wiped out as Warlock asked to return to his ship for a while to make sure she was ok. Optimus allowed it as Moonlight did more than enough good for the day and deserved a nice long rest.

Optimus held up the Forge as everyone looked at the activated Forge in awe. “It’s no Star Saber, but I bet it can shatter his blade and put some dents into that ugly mug of his…” Smokescreen said confidently, Starscream shook his head as a relic of that capacity. A wrong swing could make the warlord stronger than he was…

“It’s not that kind of hammer, Smokescreen.” Arcee corrected, thanking Primus for Arcee and her voice of reason.

“Warlock brought up a good point while he was listening in. That we can use the Forge to craft our own set of Omega Keys.” Ratchet told the Prime, Optimus looked at Ratchet with a solemn expression. “Even with such a level of power…It would require a level of expertise I do not possess.”

“I guess we better hope Megatron doesn’t destroy the keys and prevent anyone from going home.” Arcee said,

“Megatron may be evil, but I expect him to use the keys for their intended purpose.” Optimus stated,

“I concur. Megatron isn’t a fool to throw away such a vital opportunity…” Starscream added,

“I say we let him keep it and do the work for us…” Bulkhead said as the rest of the team turned to the wrecker. “What difference does it make who restores Cybertron?!” Bulkhead said defensively,

Starscream shook his head, “Politics.”

“Excuse me?” Bulkhead said to the seeker,

“Starscream is correct. If Megatron revives Cybertron, he will use it to his political advantage.” Optimus said to Bulkhead,

“Uh…you lost me…” Bulkhead said to the Prime,

Starscream interjected once more, “In all likelihood, Megatron would use the fact he restored Cybertron to control the returning and new masses of people and label all Autobots as war criminals.”

“Just like when the war broke out with Vos. Just hearing that the seekers were interested in Megatron’s ideals caused our people to be shunned and our home bombed out of existence. It’s why most of the seeker population joined the Decepticons.” Thundercracker added, Skywarp’s wings went flat against his back. Bulkhead then understood the seriousness of the whole situation.

“Exactly, the leader of the Decepticons will portray himself as our planet's savior. And brand us all as monsters.” Optimus told the group, “But there is hope. While Megatron has the keys he has yet to discover the location of the Omega Lock itself.”

“Omega Lock?” Skwarp said in confusion, the rest of the team also looked as confused as the seeker as to what the Omega Lock was. “Ok…now you lost me…” Arcee said in shock.

“That which the four relics were designed to unlock. We must locate the device before Megatron does…And secure it until we can recover the keys.” Optimus told his team,

“Optimus, there aren’t any more Iacon entries to decode. This lock could be anywhere on Earth.” Ratchet pointed out,

“Actually…The lock is on Cybertron…” Optimus corrected,

Everyone went ‘Huh?’ at Optimus’s statement, “How do you know this Optimus?” Ratchet asked,

“Alpha Trion revealed its location with the message from the Star Saber…” Optimus told the team,

“I’m more worried about why you waited til now to tell us all this, Optimus.” Ratchet interjected,

“Alpha Trion did not wish it so.” Optimus said, Optimus walked towards the ground bridge. “With the Forge of Solus Prime, we now possess the means of reaching Cybertron.” As Optimus got into the panels of the ground bridge. “I must work quickly as our tactical advantage over Megatron will not last long.”
-
“Dreadwing,” Megatron called to his first lieutenant. Dreadwing turned to his master, “I have been searching for you…”

“I am at your service Lord Megatron.” Dreadwing bowed to his master,

“Shadow Striker informed me you left the Nemesis for an extended period of time… care to explain?” Megatron asked his lieutenant,

“I wanted to go for a flight one last time while on Earth. As we are so close to restoring Cybertron, my liege. The Earth's sky, when nice, is a wonderful thing to glide around on.” Dreadwing lied to his master as if he could tell him, ‘Hey I learned you’re a pile of slag and I saved my brother’s soul no thanks to you and your dark energon.’

“Fair enough. Knock Out and Soundwave are working on a way to pinpoint what the Omega Keys unlock… do not go galavanting on Earth when we need you. Remain on the ship.” Megatron stated,

“Yes my liege.” Dreadwing said hoping that he could tell the Autobots of Megatron’s plans as soon as possible.
-
“Is it me or has Optimus been acting differently since he got the message from Alpha Trion…” Arcee said to the team.

‘A little bit.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“He has been keeping things from us…” Bulkhead added,

Bumblebee remembered what Dreadwing said to Warlock, should he bring it up to the rest of the team?

“Give me one good reason for Optimus to not trust his team?” Bulkhead held up a finger in emphasis,

“Numerous reasons actually.” Starscream said from the side his arms crossed and him leaning on the wall.

“Care to enlighten us?” Arcee asked,

“Well in the case of our recent issue. Plausible deniability. If Smokescreen, Warlock or I knew the location of the Omega Lock while in Megatron’s custody he would be one step closer to restoring Cybertron.” Starscream explained,

Smokescreen walked in hearing Starscream’s explanation, “Scream has a point. They would have pulled it from my head. Like they did with knowing what the Keys were for… Optimus is just protecting us.”

‘Then what about Warlock?’ Bumblebee asked,

“What about Warlock?” Bulkhead asked,

‘Optimus is hiding something about him too.’ Bumblebee told the team and looked at Starscream, ‘I bet you know.’

“Warlock’s personal issues are not for you to discuss.” Starscream hissed defensively,

“Look, antagonizing one another isn’t going to help us find the Omega Lock quicker…” Thundercracker tried to defuse the tension that was building.

‘Then what is Warlock hiding? We are all a team here. He shouldn’t be afraid.’ Bumblebee said to Starscream.

“It’s not my place, nor Optimus’s to say, Bumblebee. I respect Warlock too much to air his-” Starscream stopped when Warlock walked into the room. He looked around and sighed.

“I’m a Quintesson.” He said bluntly as the team looked at him in shock.

“Warlock you don’t-” Warlock held up a hand to stop Starscream’s protest.

“It was going to come out soon anyway.” Warlock said, “Better get ahead of it.”

“So that weird glowing energy is your Quintesson powers?” Arcee asked, Warlock nodded.

“And for Moonlight too?” Bulkhead asked,

“Not entirely, Airachnid was an outlier and Moonlight inherited some stuff from her so I am not entirely sure of her abilities from me, the relics, or her carrier.” Warlock explained,

“Why lie about it?” Bulkhead asked,

“Quintessons aren’t exactly fans of Cybertronians or vice versa. I figured if I told anyone the truth you would kill me or kick me out.” Warlock admitted,

“You’re a part of the team, we would never kick you out over something like that.” Bulkhead said sincerely,

“Besides, your Quintesson powers helped me escape the Nemesis. They can come in handy every so often.” Smokescreen added,

“You knew?” Arcee asked,

“Optimus told me and Starscream to keep our mouths shut til Warlock was ready to tell everyone.” Smokescreen looked at Starscream,

“Secrets aside, we really can’t do anything while the Cons have all the keys…” Bulkhead said,

The rest of the team was feeling dejected but a small glimmer of hope is they won't find the location of the Omega Lock anytime soon…

Chapter Text

Knock Out was scanning the Omega Keys in hopes of finding a unique signature or something to help them indicate how they could restore Cybertron. Unfortunately, Slipstream decided herself to oversee the operation and has been a pain in Knock Out’s side the whole time. It’s like Starscream never left the ranks and was cranked up to 11.

“Tick, Tock, Knock Out. Tick, Tock…” Slipstream said, pacing around the doctor. “Megatron is expecting results which you aren’t providing…”

“Me?! Unless nagging counts I haven’t seen you lift a digit!” Knock Out sassed back at her,

“If it weren’t for me and my team we wouldn’t have all the keys! Do I need to prove myself further by ciphering how they operate too?” Slipstream said back at Knock Out crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“Maybe your team should be the one deciphering them than me, a trained scientist?!” Knock Out sassed, Slipstream glared and took the relic from Knock Out, and began banging it on the table. “Oh jeez, why didn’t I think of that!” Knock Out yelled sarcastically.

The rest of the Strike Team came in and saw Slipstream arguing. Flamewar giggled as Shadow Striker shook her head at their hot-headed leader. Flamewar walked up and took two of the keys and stabbed them together as a joke. But.. accidentally activated something with the keys…. The interlocking keys stuck together and started glowing.

Slipstream and Knock Out paused over their argument to see her somehow figure something out through a silly joke. “You don’t think?” Slipstream said as she looked at Knock Out. Knock Out and Slipstream then grabbed the other two keys and jammed them together. The four keys interlocked and then began to glow and levitate on their own as all four of the keys untangled and pointed upward. The keys then projected a map of Cybetron with a large red target located on the upper right hemisphere.

“And that is why we value teamwork…” Slipstream said with a smirk, Knock Out commed their leader into the lab to see what they discovered. Megatron entered and saw the glowing map of Cybertron hovering over the lab table. “Well of course the keys are meant to open something…I didn’t expect it to be on Cybertron.” Megatron said, analyzing the map in front of him.

“Set coordinates for the space bridge to Cybertron.” Megatron ordered as the rest of the Decepticons got ready to head to the new coordinates they just unlocked.
-
“Another astonishing blend of science and magic. Courtesy of the ancients…” Ratchet said as he saw thanks to the Forge of Solus Prime their ground bridge was now recalibrated and enhanced to operate like a space bridge.

“And our leader…” Smokescreen added,

“Can’t believe a few swings of that hammer allowed Optimus to turn a ground bridge into a space bridge…” Skywarp said still astonished by the Prime’s feat.

The lights in the base began to flicker as the computer’s sensors were going off. “Our sensors are detecting a massive energon burst occurring outside Earth’s atmosphere. A surge of that kind can mean only one thing. Activation of another space bridge.” Ratchet informs the team.

“Megatron must have discovered that the Omega Lock is on Cybertron.” Optimus said as he entered the room,

“So we lost our only advantage at the moment.” Starscream scowled, of course, Megatron would figure it out before they could get to the planet's side.

“Now that we possess the means of interstellar travel… The element of surprise still remains in our favor.” Warlock pointed out,

The rest of the team went to gather the remaining relics they had in storage for the battle. That includes the Polarity Gauntlet, The Immobilizer, The Enigma of Combination, The Phase and Shadow Shifter, The Apex Armor and finally the Spark Extractor.

Each bot took a relic for themselves to use in the upcoming battle. Bumblebee took the Polarity Gauntlet, Bulkhead equipped himself with the Immobilizer, Arcee took the Apex Armor, and Smokescreen had the Phase Shifter. Thundercracker took hold of the Enigma of Combination, Starscream took the Spark Extractor and Warlock took the Shadow Shifter. Skywarp was confident in his phasing and teleporting abilities to not need a relic. Plus if things get dire they can form Zephyr once more and pound the Decepticon forces with ease…hopefully.

The sound of hammering in the depths of the base echoes outwards as the team pauses to wait for their leader and wonders what he is forging now. The rest of the team waited by the space bridge as Warlock instructed Moonlight to behave for Ratchet while he is gone.

Optimus reemerged from the hall with a reforged Star Saber. “Megatron must be stopped no matter the cost…” Optimus announced as he ran through the bridge to get there before Megatron.

The Autobots ran through the portal after their leader and transformed to get more ground covered as they headed for the Omega Lock.

Moonlight looked up at Ratchet, “Are they going to be ok?” She asked the medic,

Ratchet looks down at the worried sparkling, “I hope so…”
-
The Decepticon forces walked through the remains of what used to be a great Cybertronian city. Megatron brought quite the entourage with him. A large number of Vehicons and Eradicons along with two members of the Strike Team, Shadow Striker and Flamewar. Four Vehicons followed behind Megatron holding each of one of the Omega Keys in their hands. The Decepticons continue their trek through the city and end up near what used to be the shoreline of the Sea of Rust.

“According to the landmarks displayed by the keys…The object we are locating lays deep within the Sea of Rust.” As Megatron looks out over the horizon and sees the remnants of the Sea of Rust. Megatron sighs as his victory is at hand….
-
Ratchet paced around the base anxiously waiting for word from Optimus and the rest of the team. Moonlight made a game out of watching Ratchet pace, “132, 133, 134….” counting each time Ratchet changed direction in his pacing. It annoyed the medic but he was afraid with his current mental state he would upset the sparkling and he was in no mood to deal with a crying child at this junction.

Ratchet heard the comm line ring as Ratchet scrambled to the computer. “Optimus?!” Ratchet asked frantically,

“Uh no, Jack.” Jack answered, Ratchet groaned as it was not the person he expected.

“School’s been out for an hour now…so when are the others going to come and get us?” Jack asked as he, Miko, and Raf waited outside the school.

Hi, Jack!” Moonlight yelled from the other side of the room,

“Hi, Moonlight.” Jack answered,

“Anyway…the entire team is rather…indispose at the moment…” Ratchet told Jack, “ I suggest you either call up Marissa or get an alternate form of transport.”

Miko got close to the phone and tried to overhear, “Miko…” Jack sighs as Miko asks what Ratchet said, “The bots are busy…”

“Then tell Ratchet to come and get us…It’s not like he’s doing anything important!” Miko yelled into the cell phone…

Ratchet scowled at Miko’s words as Moonlight came up next to the medic to listen better. Ratchet grumbled, “Just go home! I will be in touch later!” and hung up the phone.

“Aw…I wanted to talk to Miko…” Moonlight pouted, Ratchet looked down at the huffy sparkling, “We must keep the channel open in case Optimus calls. No tying up the line!” As Ratchet walked away for a moment…
-
Megatron held up the locator device that should help him guide his way to the Omega Lock. He checked it and looked around his surroundings as he and his troops continued theit march to the Lock.

Smokescreen phased out of the ground at the end line of where the troops ended and began to open fire and shooting out and hitting about three of the Vehicons. Megatron paused as he heard blaster fire coming from the rear and saw an all out shooting match with his troops and the singular Autobot. As he then turned around and retreated into the wall of some ruins.

“Smokescreen? How…The Autobots do not possess a space bridge…” Megatron said in disbelief, a whirling sound caught Megatron’s attention as a large chunk of rusted metal was hovering in the air. It came crashing down onto Megatron’s troops as he then spotted Bumblebee too. The Autobots did find a way to Cybertron….

Bumblebee came rushing out down the side of the ledge he was on and transformed. He rode down the wall at breakneck speed avoiding blaster fire. He passed Bulkhead who had the Immobilizer in his servos ready to fire. He began firing off at the attacking Vehicons in chunks paralyzing them in place. Bulkhead and Bumblebee then jumped off the ledge and began shooting at the troops.

On another piece of debris high about the area where the battle is taking place Arcee began blasting at the troops. Arcee did a backflip off the debris avoiding the blasts of the Vehicons. Arcee then donned the Apex Armor and landed with a loud crash she swung her arm knocked back several Eradicons and issued the charge into the group of Vehicons. Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Smokescreen held the ground charge as Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, and Warlock came in with aerial support.

Megatron stood there glaring at Shadow Striker and Flamewar, “Protect the keys at all cost!” he ordered as the two femmes sprung into action. The rest of the Veichons formed a protective perimeter around the four Vehicons who were holding the keys. The rest of the troops ran towards the charging Autobots as they opened fire on all the ground assaulting members while some aerial Decepticons got up to deal with the 4 seekers flying overhead.

Arcee was using the Apex Armor to its full capacity smashing through the troops like a wrecking ball. The troops tried to corner her and surround her but it failed abysmally, as she lifted one up and spun around smacking all the troops in her vicinity and chucking the poor bot she used as a weapon aside.

Bumblebee followed Arcee’s move and used the Polarity Gauntlet to chuck large chunks of debris at the troops. Bulkhead decided to help out by freezing them in place and watching them get hit with debris because they couldn’t move out of the way. Smokescreen was using the Phase Shifter to disappear underground then back up again to surprise and shoot out the Decepticons as he weaved through the downed troops he created.

The seekers in the air were also causing havoc in the skies, as Skywarp would face through the troops as well and caused them to fly smack dab into one of Thundercracker’s sonic booms. Starscream used his superior flying capabilities to knock some of his opponents out of the sky. Warlock wasn’t the best at aerial combat but he was good at setting things up for the other three to take out.

Megatron unsheath his Dark Star Saber and rushed the Autobots with Shadow Striker and Flamewar. It wasn’t too much longer when Optimus joined the fray and he and Megatron began to clash swords. “I bested your little blade once…and I will do it again!” Megatron roared as he punched and kicked Optimus knocking the Prime off balance.

Optimus regained his footing as Megatron came down with the Dark Star Saber, blocking his attack. He used his strength to move the blade out of his face and punch the warlord sending him staggering backward; As the two engaged in a heated sword fight.

Meanwhile, the troops were losing against the Autobots with their relics. The final maneuver was when all three seekers flew upward and Thundercracker activated the Enigma. Zephyr came barreling out of the sky and was picking off the ground troops with ease. His rapid fires were too quick to block or dodge so he was able to clear a part for Bulkhead and Bumblebee. The two saw the four Vehicons with the keys. Bulkhead used the immobilizer to freeze them, and Bumblebee used the Polarity Gauntlet to grab the keys from the frozen Decepticons. Each of the ground bots, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen each grabbed one of the keys.

Shadow Striker and Flamewar jumped into action but it was futile. Bulkhead saw the two dangerous femmes approaching and quickly immobilized them with the Immobilizer. The two were frozen in place unable to really help their master. Megatron looked and saw his troops down and his two better fighters also immobilized. The glance over gave Optimus an opening and Optimus decked Megatron in the face causing him to stagger back again.

The opening allowed Optimus to charge an energy blast from the Star Saber and hit Megatron's head, sending the warlord flying upward. The Autobots ended up retreating with their prize in their grasp as the troops attempted to follow them. Megatron ended up landing on top of a building as he looked down at his troops. “I will have those keys, or I will have your sparks!”

Zephyr defused as Thundercracker and Skywarp followed the rest of the team but Starscream…Starscream had a twisted plan in mind. He still had in his possession the Spark Extractor as he activated and launched the relic down in the sea of Vehicon troopers and then jetted as fast as he could away. The Spark Extractor activated as a large pulse erupted from the weapon. All the poor Vehicons in the nearby area were having their sparks removed and falling limp as they died.

Megatron growled at Starscream’s underhanded move as he saw the seeker flying off into the distance. Megatron threw his Dark Star Saber at the relic hitting it dead center causing the powerful energy field to dissipate and the weapon to be utterly useless. Megatron commed his warship, “Slipstream! The Autobots have the Omega Keys. Send reinforcements.”

“Actually my liege…I was just informing Soundwave here of…more opportune solutions… that should be more effective.” Slipstream smirks.

Chapter Text

Episode: Regeneration/Darkest Hour

The Autobots got a decent head start from the battle as they both drove and flew as fast as they could towards where Alpha Trion told them the Omega Lock would be. They transformed into their bot forms as they got closer to the Omega Lock’s location.

“Our headstart won’t last long…” Arcee said holding the Apex Armor under her right arm and following her leader closer to where the lock was supposed to be.

“These are the supposed coordinates,” Skywarp said as he and the rest of the seekers landed and followed. Optimus led the group closer to a structure in the heart of the Sea of Rust. A strange mechanical-looking thing was there with nothing around it…this must be the Omega Lock.

“Doesn’t look like much.” Bulkhead said,

“Hard to believe this is supposed to restore Cybertron.” Thundercracker added.

Optimus activated his commlink, “Ratchet we have located the Omega Lock.” He informed his friend, Ratchet, who gave a big sigh of relief. “At last.” Moonlight looked at the computer screen to see anything else of note.

“According to Alpha Trion, the Omega is a conduit to the very Allspark itself.” Optimus told his team. Smokescreen stated he was unworthy of doing this and tried to hand it off to Optimus to give him the honors. But before Optimus could take the key all four Omega Keys began to glow and subtly shake.

The Omega Lock began to glow just like the keys as it spread to the ground below them. Light in unique glyphs and shapes was being illuminated as the ground shifted and began to transform. The glyphs looked similar to those Moonlight would use to contact the dead, clearly, they must be used to like itself to the Allspark in some way a new fact Optimus and Warlock made a note of.

Like Cybertronians themselves, the Omega Lock had more than meets the eye as massive glowing structures came out of the ground. As the mechanized parts continued to move and shift to get into their proper place. A large circular conduit was formed over them as it began to glow a vivid bright blue. The Autobots stood in awe as they hadn’t seen something so ancient yet magical happen right before their optics.

But it did not last long as engines could be heard in the distance. Shadow Striker, Flamewar, and Megatron were all barreling towards the Omega Lock. Somehow the two got out of stasis and rejoined their leader. Megatron got their first and transformed and landed with a flourish. He slowly walked towards the Autobots. As the Autobots lined up in a defensive position to protect the Omega Lock from the Decepticon leader.

“Autobots. I would suggest you put a halt to your task…and hand over those keys…” Megatron said oddly calm. Starscream didn’t like how causal the warlord was being. Something was off.

“And why would we do that?” Smokescreen said in a cocky tone,

Then a ground bridge portal opened up behind Megatron and his lieutenants walked through each carrying a strange glass canister. Inside each canister was…one of their human companions. Slipstream was carrying Jack, Soundwave had Raf, Knock Out had Miko and Dreadwing was carrying Marissa and Buster in the same tube. Shadow Striker and Flamewar joined them in the line up each now holding the Autobots’ human companions hostage…

“Well if you don’t want your little human friends back…” Slipstream taunted,

Each of the humans looked terrified. Marissa was banging on the glass in frustration. “I wouldn’t do that… There is no oxygen here, human.” Shadow Striker told Marissa as she stopped banging and sat down defeated.

The Autobots were shocked that Megatron would stoop so low, but not Starscream or the seekers. Starscream thought it was only a matter of time before Megatron got his clawed servos into the humans and used them as bait. Starscream just wished that moment wasn’t right now, right at the precipice of restoring their world.

“And if we refuse…” Optimus asked warily, what was Megatron planning?

Megatron walked up to Optimus, “Well then you leave me no choice but to open the pods and expose your human allies to the lovely toxic Cybertronian atmosphere…” Megatron got into Optimus’s face, “And watch the life be suffocated out of them…”

The Autobots and Decepticons were left at a standstill. The Decepticons were all smirking triumphantly at their underhandedness. Optimus looked over at Dreadwing who remained stoic almost ashamed of such a deplorable action but in order to keep up appearances he could not falter in his subterfuge.

Miko began to also kick the glass in frustration, “This is totally not how I wanted to visit Cybertron…”

“Slipstream…” Megatron ordered as he turned to look at her,

“Oh sweet Jack~...Time to come out and play…” She teased as she ran her claws down the glass to scare the human.

“Go ahead.” Jack said turning to face the Decepticon, “Optimus and the rest of the Autobots were ready to sacrifice themselves for my world…I will do the same for them…”

“Me too.” Miko added,

Raf gulped but also agreed, clearly the boy was too terrified to truly speak his mind.

“And the same goes for me, TC is family and we look out for family here!” Marissa glared at Dreadwing and Buster barked in agreement.

This was low for Megatron, at least in Starscream’s optics. Using children as a way to sway the tides right as they are about to restore their world, just for political gain? Honestly the old Starscream probably would have done it too. But now…the Omega lock is right there! C’mon Megatron seriously….

Starscream frowned not at Megatron’s dirty move but because he could tell what the outcome would be. Optimus preached about not harming any humans during the war. Even though the humans are willing to sacrifice themselves for the Autobtos…which Starscream surprisingly respects. He knows Optimus isn’t going to risk any human lives for Cybertron’s restoration.

“Perhaps…we should oblige them?” Megatron said in a slightly cocky tone,

Optimus with the Star Saber in hand looks up at his enemy with a glare. Optimus let’s out a soft sigh, “If my decision dooms the Autobot cause on Cybertron, so be it. But I will never forsake out human allies.” and he stabs the Star Saber into the ground and begins to back up to where the rest of the team.

Starscream called it. Warlock looked over at his partner in complete shock, clearly, Warlock didn’t think Optimus would doom their homeworld for 4 humans and a dog. Starscream got a sense of what kind of bot Optimus was not only from changing sides but for fighting him for eons. Starscream looked over at the others who all had a mixed reaction. Arcee grumbled as she removed the Apex Armor and threw it as it landed near the Star Saber. The others all followed too, tosing their respective relics towards the Star Saber.

Knock Out walked up first gesturing for Bulkhead to come over with the keys in exchange for Miko. Bulkhead looked to his side for Optimus confirmation. Optimus nodded at Bulkhead as he walked over and exchanged the Omega Key for Miko. Bumblebee did the same for Raf and Arcee did the same for Jack. All that was left was Dreadwing with Marissa and Buster. Dreadwing stepped forward and held out his hand. Megatron blocked Dreadwing for a moment.

“I want Starscream to deliver the key to me…” Megatron smirked,

Starscream glared at the warlord, a final ‘fuck you’ from Megatron. Thundercracker followed behind and took Marissa from Dreadwing’s servos. Starscream handed Megatron the key as Megatron looked down at his former second-in-command with a wicked grin. As Starscream stepped back in line a ground bridge opened up and swarms of Vehicons poured out all surrounding the Autobots.
-
Back on Earth June was looking for Jack all around the house. No sign of the teenage boy she decided to check with the Autobots as it was most likely where he son would be. She began dialing the communication number to reach the Autobot base.

Ratchet reusmed pacing, “304, 305, 306….” Moonlight continued counting. Ratchet glared at the sparkling but it kept her out of his hair so he allowed it. When the computer frequency chimed Ratchet ran over to the console. “Optimus?” Ratchet asked desperately,

“No…June Darby. How are you?” She answered and asked,

“I’m preoccupied at the moment, Ms. Darby. I am expecting urgent news from the Autotbots.” Ratchet said back in an annoyed tone,

“Oh…is Jack with them?” She asked,

“No why?” Ratchet responded,

“Because I can’t reach him for some reason. And I haven’t seen him all day.” June explains,

“I will have Jack contact you immediately if I hear from him…But if you’ll excuse me I have to keep the comm lines clear.” As he hangs up on her,

“Ratchet? Hello?” June said in the phone cannot believe the Autobot medic just hung up on her. Where is Jack? She wondered…
-
Back on Cybertron, the surrounded Autobots watch helplessly as the Decepticons place the Omega Keys in each of their respective slots. As the Omega Lock whirls to life and large light beams arise from inside the mechanism, forming some kind of interface for the wielders to use. Energy pulsed up the supports of the Omega Lock as the weird energy pool above flickers and glows. Energy crackled along the rim of the pool indicating that the Omega Lock was ready to function.

Megatron pressed a red glowing button on the controls and a beam shot out of the Omega Lock’s rim and a ruined building in the distance. The building got engulfed in light and the metal framework began to lift, mold, and change restoring the once-ruined building back to its former glory. The light from the Omega Lock faded as the building stood there pristine amongst the rest of the ruins of the former city.

“By the Allspark…” Optimus said in both awe and disbelief at what he just witnessed. The rest of the Autobots were just as stunned at seeing the building being restored. The Decepticons too looked on and were impressed by the machine's apparent power.

“You got what you want, Megatron. This conflict is between Autobots and Decepticons. Allow me to return the humans to Earth.” Optimus demanded as he stepped forward but all the Vehicons blasters were now retraining onto him.

Megatron turned to look at his long-time enemy, “Oh…I wouldn’t recommend that. They will be far safer here.” Megatron smirked, Optimus looked confused for a moment then glared at his old enemy who clearly had something wicked planned.

“Is the space bridge locked on target?” He turned to look at Slipstream, “Yes…as per your instructions, my liege.”

“Good…why only rule one world…when I can rule two…” Megatron turns back to the control console of the Omega Lock. A large space bridge portal opened up over the Omega Lock as Megatron punched in something and pressed the large red button. A massive energy beam shoots out of the Omega Lock and into the space bridge portal.

The Autobots looked on in horror at what Megatron is now doing. Optimus let out a soft ‘No’ in disbelief as it was so faint only those next to him could hear.
-
On Earth June is trying to call Jack again… She is worried that her son is not picking up his phone… She standing in the garage hoping to see him return on Arcee and have an explanation for why he wasn’t answering. Then a loud boom caused the ground to shake horribly and car alarms began to go off as June dropped her phone in the commotion.

She looked out towards the opened garage door and saw a massive beam of light coming out of the sky in the distance. She stepped outside and could hear Jack’s answering machine over the speaker but she was too stunned at what she was witnessing to leave another message.

Ratchet was scrambling back at base trying to figure out the source of the sudden earthquake. He figured from his readings it had something to do with the Omega Lock. “Optimus do you read? An unknown energy spike in Earth’s atmosphere has caused all of the base’s systems to crash…” Ratchet scrambled as the systems were all screaming at him, lights flicking on multiple screens and the consoles.

Poor Moonlight covered her audio receptors at the alarms going off as she didn’t know what was happening and was scared. She ran to Ratchet and clutched his leg, he looked down to see the scared sparkling. He had no time to comfort the child as he needed to get his systems back online… “Please tell me this is related to the activation of the Omega Lock…” Ratchet whispered to himself hoping that this wasn’t a bad sign of things to come.
-
“If the Omega Lock can restore Cybertron…It’ll do the same to Earth right?” Miko asks the Autobots hoping whatever Megatron is planning isn’t really going to do damage to their homeworld.

“No…” Optimus said coldly, the Autobots turned to their leader “The Omega Lock will cyberform Earth in favor of its new matrix…destroying all indigenous life in the process…”Everyone looked at their leader in horror, especially the humans as Megatron’s plan would wipe out humanity.

Megatron looked up at the beam overhead and laughed triumphantly at his plan… “What should I call my new world? Perhaps…New Kaon? Or maybe…Gilded Earth?” He glared over at Optimus, taunting the poor Prime over his failure to secure the Omega Lock and stop him.

The humans cried out, “No!” Jack cried out banging on the glass in anger. Raf curled into a ball and the poor boy began to cry as he watched slowly as these aliens destroyed his world. Miko screamed in anger “Leave our planet alone!” Marissa just held the whimpering dog close to her as she, like Raf felt hopeless in this situation.

Optimus felt everything around him begin to distort. The sounds of Megatron’s laughter, the humans crying out the hum of the Omega Lock everything just…warped in his audio processors as he tried to formulate a plan. Unfortunately for the Prime… Warlock and Starscream already had ideas in mind they didn’t share with the rest of the team.

Starscream couldn’t let Megatron win…Starscream wasn’t as attached to Earth as the rest of the Autobots but he wasn’t going to let Megatron wipe out all life there. Starscream cannot die under normal circumstances…guess it was now or never to see how far his semi-immortality can be pushed. As he launched a missile right at Megatron the explosion of which sent the bots by the console to fly back. Warlock punched and kicked some of the Vehicons for a clearing for Starscream as the seeker began booking it towards the lock's main console.

Optimus came out of his stupor to see the two trying to stop Megatron. Optimus glared at Megatron and drew his blade. Knock Out began to get up until Warlock kicked a Vehicon and it bashed into the medic sending him flying again.

Megatron got to his pedes as he looked at Optimus with a look of fury. Seems the Autobots aren’t going to stand by and let him win… With the distraction from Warlock and Starscream Optimus had a clear path to grab the Star Saber that was embedded into the ground. Optimus knocked back the pursuing Vehicons behind his back with the blade, as he looked directly at Megatron.

Starscream tried to grab one of the keys in the slot. Maybe removing one will stop the Omega Lock as Slipstream attacked and tackled the poor seeker. “You are not stopping us!” She yelled at Starscream as she tried to gouge out his optics with her claws.

“Primus I cannot believe we are related! You absolute glitch!” Starscream yelled back at his cousin, as the two rolled around on the ground trying to fight each other.

Megatron roared in anger as he drew his Dark Star Saber to face Optimus the two’s blades clashed causing a massive energy field to spark from the blades around the two warriors. Megatron tried to push Optimus but Optimus was stronger and caused the warlord to reel back and with one swift cut from the Star Saber severed Megatron's arm. The arm he got from descrating a Prime’s corpse that is…the one he used to wield the Dark Star Saber. The blade itself went flying and was embedded in the ground near the severed limb.

Optimus then rushed over to the Omega Lock as the remaining Decepticons except Slipstream attempted to try and stop the Prime who was barreling towards the lock itself. Starscream managed to kick Slipstream off him and get to his pedes. By the time he saw Optimus get close, he didn’t have time to grab a key as Optimus jumped high in the air and brought the Star Saber down on the main console of the Omega Lock. A massive explosion erupted from the console as everyone nearby was practically caught in the blast radius.
-
The giant energy beam coming from the sky slowly disappeared. The computers at the base quickly came back online. As Ratchet now had access to most of the functions of the computer he immediately called Optimus again for a status update.

“Optimus…do you read?” Ratchet asked again hoping this time to finally reach the Prime.

“Ratchet…Please…open a space bridge…” Optimus said rather calmly, Ratchet went over to their new space bridge ready to open a new portal for his team.

Chapter Text

The aftermath of the Omega Lock explosion was brutal. Everything in a 2 mile radius was covered in scorch marks and flames… The Autobots used their bodies to shield the containers containing their human allies. Some of the smoke faded as Optimus came slowly walking up to the rest of his team with Starscream slinking behind. The space bridge opened up as the team rushed into it before the Decepticons could get to their pedes and stop them.

Slipstream got to her pedes and was coughing from all the smoke entering her system. The Decepticons gathered and looked onto the destruction of the Omega Lock in pure horror. Their way of restoring their home is gone…because of Optimus Prime.

Slipstream clenched her servos and screamed loudly at this monumental failure. The others of the Strike Team stepped back as Dreadwing ran over to help their master. Knock Out, as the physician of the group ran over to tend to Megatron’s wounds.

“PRIME! He will pay for dooming Cybertron to being a lifeless husk!” Slipstream yelled as she saw the space bridge close behind her…But then the most unusual sounds happened… Megatron…Megatron started laughing…

Megatron slowly got up from Knock Out and Dreadwing’s tending as the warlord continued to laugh. He looked to his lieutenants with looks of absolute glee and a wicked smile. “They can run…but they can never run…home…” Megatron said triumphantly,
-
Moonlight ran up to the space bridge to see her sire again. As the Autobots filed into the back first Arcee holding Jack, next was Smokescreen and Skywarp, then Bumblebee holding Raf, followed by Thundercracker holding Marissa and Buster and Bulkhead with Miko, Optimus, Warlock and Starscream were the last to come through.

Ratchet looked at his allies with absolute confusion as they were carrying the humans with them. “The children? What happened?” Ratchet asked as Moonlight ran to her sire. Warlock picked up the small sparkling and gave her a hug, a very somber and tight hug.

Everyone was quiet and the air was tense from the returning team…Ratchet watched as they placed the humans down and all were skulking around the base. “Can someone tell me what is going on?” Ratchet asked now getting annoyed,

Bulkhead stopped and turned to Ratchet with a somber look on his face, “Optimus…Optimus destroyed the Omega Lock…” He told Ratchet…

Ratchet’s optics widened in absolute horror, “You…you did-”

“I did what was necessary…” Optimus cut off Ratchet as the medic was practically shaking from the revelation. “We did not have time or the ability to have another prolonged battle…not with Earth in imminent danger…”

Starscream clenched his servos in rage, “Bullscrap…”

“What was that?” Optimus asked Starscream,

“It’s BULLSCRAP!” Starscream repeated, “I was right there! I could have removed an Omega Key from it’s slot and stopped Megatron from cyberforming Earth! If you waited literally 5 seconds we could have kept the Omega Lock intact and fought off the Cons!”

“Starscream, I understand your frustration…” Optimus tried to calm the seeker down,

“UNDERSTAND?! Starscream has the right to be furious! I am furious! You destroyed the one thing in the universe capable enough to restore our world…Optimus…We..we..needed that…” Ratchet’s rage quickly faded to disbelief and grief as he staggered back bumping into the computer.

“Starscream…there was no way to know if you could dislodge the Omega Key from inside the lock. We were surrounded and the humans were at risk. I couldn't afford to let a possible theory put the rest of the team in danger.” Optimus explained to the seeker,

“But now we will never know as you cleaved the slaggin’ thing in two!” Starscream swiped his arm in anger at the Prime’s action.

“Starscream…Optimus would have done anything else if it meant saving the Omega Lock…It was a battlefield decision…” Smokescreen defended his leader.

“I’m still with Starscream! There had to be another way!” Ratchet yelled at Smokescreen,

“It wasn’t that simple, Ratchet.” Marissa said, getting the medic’s attention.

“Megatron was using the Omega Lock to attack Earth.” Jack explained,

“Optimus saved our planet!” Miko added,

“Well what about OUR PLANET?! Ratchet yelled as he pinched the bridge of his helm. Ratchet tried to compose himself but was struggling to.

“All of our struggles, all the energon split, and countless sacrifices… All for NOTHING!” Ratchet screamed,

“Right or wrong, it doesn’t matter. We have another problem here on this planet.” Arcee interjects the medic’s rant. “The Cons changed the rules as they put the humans into play…”

The computer chimed as Agent Fowler started yelling over the computer. From the view of the computer Agent Fowler was in a helicopter. “PRIME! The pentagon is prepared to go defcon one. I need to know what we are dealing with?!” Agent Fowler shouted,

“What are you talking about Agent Fowler?” Warlock asked the federal agent,

“Maybe you should step outside and see for yourselves…” Agent Fowler said to the team. Everyone exchanged a look and began to make their way up to the top of the base for what Agent Fowler was talking about.

The Autobots get to the top of the base and see in the distance a tall, menacing tower looming over them. The Decepticons must have used the Omega Lock to build this structure on Earth. A helicopter could be heard overhead as Agent Fowler lands the copter and runs over to the Autobots.

“Megatron has completed his first phase of cyberforming Earth. The construction of his fortress…” Optimus said ominously, as the whole group looked up at the evil looking fortress.

“It resembles his fortress in Kaon…not surprised…” Starscream said as he looked at the familiar structure.

“Similar or not, this is bad.” Agent Fowler interjected, “Why did they pick Jasper, Nevada of all places…”

“Because they know where our base is…” Warlock said as he realized why.

“Damn Pharma….” Starscream said under his breath,

Bumblebee pointed out that the Nemesis is landing close to the building. The ship turned and shifted to face the Autobot base. The Autobots witness Slipstream lead the charge on the Autobot base leading her team of seeker Eradicons. They began to fire at the Autobots standing atop their base. The Autobots began to defend themselves by firing back at the flying seekers. Optimus donned his signature face mask as turned and saw a wave of Insecticons begin making their way over to the Autobots.

The Autobots began to fight relentlessly against the Insecticons while dodging the blasts from the seekers circling their base. The Autobot seekers didn’t have the opportunity to take to the air as the Insecticon assault was knocking them back and taking up too much air space. And even if they did try to transform and fly up the Eradicons would shoot them down before they could get proper altitude.

Optimus was using his Star Saber to hack and slash his way through the Insecticon horde. He finally got enough space and time to shoot out an energy wave from the Star Saber and annihilate the next wave of Insecticons on their wave over. But Slipstream and her seekers were circling about and as soon as she saw the Insecticons wiped out ordered her seekers to open fire yet again. Giving the Autobots no time to charge up another energy wave and to fireback.

Optimus decided with their seekers unable to get to the air that a tactical retreat into their base is the best course of action. Agent Fowler was going to his chopper when Slipstream blew it up before he could get there. Bulkhead saw the human going flying back and ran to grab him as they retreated back into the base.

Ratchet felt the explosions and felt the base quake and sediment from the roof beginning to fall. Ratchet turned to see the team returning from the roof, “What is going on out there?” He asked Oprimus who was approaching him.

“The Decepticons have invaded Jasper and located our base…” Optimus explained,

Agent Fowler was on the phone with someone as he mentioned that reinforcements had just arrived. “Agent Fowler, your human military is not equipped to fight the Decepticon forces….”

“You didn’t think I was going to let Team Prime have all the fun did ya?” A familiar voice echoed through the comms,

“Ha, ha it’s Jackie!” Bulkhead said happily and excited that his old comrade was joining the fight.

Wheeljack in the Jackhammer began to shoot at the Insecticons and stray seekers that were flying around the base. “Wheeljack? How did you-” Ratchet began before getting cut off by the wrecker, his face appeared on the computer screen as he spoke.

“Picked up a strange energon signature. Hope you don’t mind the company.” Wheeljack said with a smirk, as he was shooting Insecticons out of the sky.

Optimus turned to look at the humans who seemed frightened, poor Moonlight who was clinging to her sire’s leg and even poor buster who was whimpering… He had to make a decision. Optimus took a deep breath and walked away from his team, his back turned to them as he gave an order he had hoped to never give. “Ratchet activates the ground bridge. We are getting everyone out of here…”

“What?! We’re just abandoning the base?” Ratchet said in both confusion and anger.

“The base is lost. Wheeljack and Fowler’s human reinforcements can only hold them back for so long…” He turned to his team as he gave his next few orders. “Bumblebee, Rafael you two will depart first.”

‘What?’ Bumblebee asked as he was confused,

“You’re splitting us up?” Raf asked,

“Shouldn’t we stick together?” Jack asked,

“All for one, one for all?” Miko asked clasping her hands together,

“No, Prime is right, splitting the team up gives the highest chance of survival. If we all stick together the Decepticons can get us all.” Starscream explains Optimus’s plan.

“Starscream is correct, it will give us time to eventually regroup and plan a counter attack. Survival is our only priority now.” Optimsu elaborated more,

Bumblebee turned back to his human partner and held out his hand to help Raf down. Marissa and Buster ran down towards TC, Miko walked towards Bulkhead with her arms crossed over her chest and Jack went to Arcee.

Warlock picked up Moonlight and looked at Starscream. “Our ship isn’t compromised yet but we cannot house everyone…”

“My old base by Marissa’s unfortunately is compromised so we don’t have any other options than your ship, Warlock.” Thundercracker pointed out,

“We do not have time to discuss…Bumblebee prepares for departure…” Optimus said, rushing the team out of the base.

Bumblebee transformed and Raf got into the driver’s side, as the two sped out of the base through the ground bridge. Next was Bulkhead and Miko as Ratchet punches in another set of coordinates. Followed by Thundercracker, Marissa, Agent Fowler and Buster. Jack looked longingly at the rest of the team while on Arcee he put his helmet on and sighed deeply as Optimus informed them they didn’t have much time left.

Out on the battlefield Wheeljack was shooting Cons down left and right unfortunately that got Slipstream’s attention. As she launched missiles at the Jackhammer, “You’re finished, Autobot.” She said with sadistic glee.

Wheeljack did his best to try and avoid the missiles but they were heat seeking and followed every maneuver he made to avoid them. Then after a split second hit the Jackhammer’s engine causing it to descend out of the sky.

Warlock, Moonlight, Starscream and Skywarp were going to retreat back to Warlock’s ship and get it away from the Harbinger as it could be compromised. Starscream turned back to see Ratchet, Smokescreen and Optimus still remaining in the base. Starscream clenched his servos and turned back to the Prime. “Let me stay…”

“Starscream…” Optimus said in surprise,

“What’s the point of practically being immortal if I can’t take a scrapping…Prime. Optimus… the team needs you more than me.” Starscream insisted,

“No, It is my duty as leader to prevent the Decepticons from following us… and Starscream…there are too many dependent on you as well.” Optimus places his servo on Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream turns back to his brother, Warlock, and Moonlight who were all anxiously waiting for him to join them.

Starscrem clenched his servos, “Optimus I-”

“Go, please. If anyone can lead the Autobots in my absence… I entrust you to do so…” Optimus said with a smile,

Starscream’s spark dropped, him leader of the Autobots? What a strange twist of events. He tried for eons to become leader of the Decepticons…and here is Optimus his former enemy, his current leader and even so far as to extend the title of friend to…. Handing leadership over to him…willingly…

Starscream looked at Optimus with a look of determination and confidence, “You can trust me Optimus. I will do my best…”

Optimus smiles and lets go of Starscream as he and the rest of the seekers rush out of the base and through the portal.

“Are you sure you should trust Starscream of all bots with such responsibility?” Ratchet asked,

“Of our remaining team, he is the most qualified. Starscream has shown tremendous growth since joining the Autobots. He values the team and everyone around him…he learned to trust and rely on us and fights to protect us at every turn… I’m proud of the change he has gone through and the bot he has become. I hope he can pass on his knowledge and kindness to the rest of the team…”

Ratchet and Smokescreen look at Optimus as he speaks about Starscream… It is true the former Decepticon Air Commander has changed a lot as he joined the team. Smokescreen hated the way Optimus was talking but he needed to leave. Smokescreen gave a final salute as he transformed and zoomed out through the ground bridge.

That left Ratchet and Optimus in the base. Optimus insisted he stay, Ratchet felt a pang in his spark as his oldest friend was about to sacrifice himself for his safety. Ratchet walked towards the ground bridge as he turned back to Optimus…

“Before I go there is something I must say to you, Optimus…” Ratchet said somberly, Optimus looked up at his old friend.

“I love you like a brother, Optimus…. Please come back to us…” Ratchet said tears welling up in the medic’s optics.

“I’m sorry Ratchet…I cannot promise you that…” Optimus said with sadness in his voice.

Ratchet left through the ground bridge as Optimus turned to the ground bridge controls. He lifted the Star Saber up high to slice the ground bridge and prevent the team from being located.

The Nemesis positioned itself over the Autobot base and charged up a massive cannon from within the bowels of the ship. The beam went off causing the entire Autobot base and the mountain it was inside to explode… sediment, metal and fire rained down from the destroyed base.

Megatron looked down pleased at the destruction he had just caused. He transformed and was followed by Dreadwing and Slipstream who landed in the ruins of the Autobot base. “Well looks like Pharma was telling the truth…this is the place…”

“This was the place…” Dreadwing corrected, as he felt a pang of disbelief that the Autobots were defeated… he felt sorry for them, but Optimus brought this upon himself for dooming their planet. Dreadwing was feeling a whole mix of emotions in that moment but didn’t let it show…

“United we stand…and divided they fall….” Megatron smirked as smoke billowed behind the warlord, excited over defeating the Autobots.

Chapter Text

Episode: Darkmount, NV

The Decepticons comb through the remains of the Autobot base trying to confirm that the Autobots are truly destroyed. Megatron stood over the ruins with a smile on his faceplate, finally…finally, he not only found the Autobot base but destroyed their main command center.

He most definitely was looking for the remains of his arch-enemy, Optimus Prime. “Leave no stone unturned! Find their bodies now!”

“Master.” A voice from behind Megatron caught his attention. It was Slipstream, Shadow Striker, and Flamewar dragging Wheeljack to their master. “We pulled him out from the wreckage of his ship…”

Megatron slowly approached the wrecker. Slipstream turned to look at the wrecker, Wheeljack was badly injured from the crash landing and couldn't fight back.

“Looks like one survived….” Shadow Striker said,

“Take him back to the citadel for questioning…Back to Darkmount.” Megatron said, looking up at his new citadel.

As the Decepticons continued to excavate the ruins and found several unusual things. First, they found a stasis pod containing Airachnid. Megatron was wondering what happened to the Insecticon huntress… But the biggest surprise was seeing the Forge of Solus Prime in the wreckage. A relic Megatron could have sworn was in their possession not the Autobots…. It would explain how Optimus Prime could reforge the Star Saber and probably upgraded their ground bridge to a space bridge to meet them on Cybertron.

“The Forge of Solus Prime?!” Megatron yelled at the two Vehicons that brought over the relic. “How is it that you managed to materialize this?! But not a single remain of an Autobot?!”

Dreadwing slowly approached his master, thankfully no one knows he is the reason they possess the Forge. “My lord, there is still plenty for the soldiers to comb through…”

Megatron turned to his lieutenant, “We managed to locate a traitor and a relic but not a corpse?! Do not be so ignorant, Dreadwing.”

“It’s not like they could all escape without us noticing…” Slipstream said as she approached the two mechs. “They most likely used their ground bridge as a last-ditch effort to escape…but someone had to stay behind to operate it…” Slipstream proposed to the two.

“But who would be stupid enough to stay behind?” Dreadwing asked,

“That…we will find out once we find their corpse… As for the rest, I will inform Soundwave to try and locate any rogue Cybertronian signals in case my theory…pans out.” Slipstream said to her master.

“At least someone here is offering solutions…” Megatron snarled as he side-eyed Dreadwing.
-
Underneath the destroyed base Smokescreen using the Phase Shifter manages to drag Optimus’s badly injured body into a cavern far below that the Decepticons couldn’t find them.

Smokescreen places Optimus propped up against the wall as the Prime groans in pain.

“You’re hurt…hopefully you look worse than you feel…” Smokescreen said as he inspected Optimus’s injuries. Optimus groaned as he tried to move but Smokescreen held the Prime in place, “Don’t move, don’t speak, just power down and rest. I got you covered.”
-
Megatron and Dreadwing were walking away from the wreckage as Slipstream’s theory seems to be correct. The Autobots ground bridged out of their base before the blast as no bodies were discovered.

“We must initiate global surveillance, and send search and destroy teams to every sector of this planet.” Dreadwing suggested to his master… knowing full well that he would probably redirect them if they managed to pinpoint any of the surviving Autobots.

Megatron activated his commlink, “Soundwave, monitor all Earth Base transmissions for any sign of Autobot communication. With each other…or with their human allies.”

In the distance Dreadwing noticed human forces making their way over to their current position. Dreadwing pointed this out to Megatron as the human military got closer. The human military sent waves of tanks, helicopters, and planes to deal with the Decepticons. “I will prepare a squadron, my lord…” Dreadwing said as he was ready to jump into action.

“No need, Dreadwing.” Megatron told his lieutenant, Dreadwing looked confused at his master. “Why not let Darkmount’s defenses speak for itself….”

The canons that adorn the top of the Decepticon fortress began to shift. One canon that was facing the approaching army began to glow a sickly yellowish green as it charged up. It shot out a beam at the approaching forces and hit the dead center of the massive military force. The beam didn’t destroy them or just blow them up, no, it was a magnetic blast. The magnetic blast pulled all the vehicles that the humans were using into the blast point. The tanks went flying as the helicopters and planes found themselves rapidly approaching the ground. The vehicles turned into some sort of mass of metal as they all were sucked in from the force of the blast.

Then as quickly as they were pulled in, the magnetic force reversed sending everything flying in opposite directions with a deadly force. It was almost as devastating as an explosion as the tanks went airborne and the helicopters got their parts torn apart from the blast force. The planes went cartwheeling across the ground as the magnetic energy dissipated, leaving the devastation of just magnetic energy littering across Jasper’s desert floor. The human forces were defeated with one simple blast.

Dreadwing and Megatron watched the devastation not too far from the Autobot base. Megatron smiled triumphantly as he saw the devastating power of his new fortress in action.
-
On Warlock’s ship Starscream was pacing back and forth. It has been a couple of days since their evacuation of the Autobot base and the destruction of the Omega Lock. Moonlight watched Starscream’s pacing as she counted, just like with Ratchet, “25, 26, 27…”

Warlock entered the bridge and saw the seeker pacing. “Starscream there is nothing we can do at this juncture. Even if we tracked down everyone we don’t have a plan to deal with the monster of a fortress Megatron conjured up.”

Skywarp followed in as phased through Warlock. Warlock shivered; he hated when Skywarp did that to get through things without asking them to move. “We can at least try to find TC. The Elite Trine can do some damage.”

“Not with Slipstream and Dreadwing still amongst their ranks. Dreadwing might secretly be assisting us, but we still don't … the rest of the Autobots aren’t aware of Optimus’s sacrifice.”

“Or the fact he named you his successor…” Warlock added,

“I don’t know how the other Autobots would take kindly to me assuming rank. Plus we aren’t sure if Optimus perished in base or not…” Starscream stated grabbing his chin.

“So now what? Contact the rest of the team and regroup?” Skywarp asked,

“No Soundwave most likely is monitoring any Cybertronian frequencies and communications. By now Megatron probably realized that the rest of the Autobots were not in the base and were trying to track us down.” Starscream stated he hated to admit it but Megatron isn’t that dumb to not look for the rest of his enemies…especially Starscream.
-
Thankfully Agent Fowler was able to evacuate the residents of Jasper as soon as the sky beam touched Earth’s surface. As the small town laid in absolute ruin. The Decepticons stormed the human town in search of more Autobot allies or for the Autobots themselves. Carnage ravaged the streets and smoke billowed from a number of buildings as the town was torn to shreds. The carnage all leaves back to the large fortress ominously overhanging in the distance, over what is left of the town.

Megatron sat atop his new throne on Darkmount looking out over the remnants of the town. “A new power dominates your world. Any further attempts of an attack will be met with greater force.”

Agent Fowler sat in his office listening to Megatron’s threats through his phone. The Decepticon leader specifically requested him to speak in this regard and Agent Fowler was both miffed and curious as to what he would say. Too bad it was just idle threats.

“Your leaders should be advised that my fusion canons possess enough fire power to decimate any densely populated area of my choosing. I would in a most likely sense…set my optics on your nation’s capital.” Megatron mused,

“Point taken. Now what do you want from us?” Agent Fowler said, trying to hold back his anger.

“Nothing, Agent Fowler. The Decepticons mean no harm to humanity. We merely desire a place to call home.” Megatron told the federal Agent,

Slipstream slowly approached the throne Megatron was currently sitting on as he spoke to Agent Fowler. “No offense Megatron, but I’m having a tough time swallowing all of this.Since you seemed so bent on plastering humankind under molten steel.” Agent Fowler slammed his fist on his desk as he spoke. He wasn’t buying anything Megatron was saying.

“Agent Fowler….” Megatron said in a pleasant way, “I admit, war brings out the worst in me. But the conflict with the Autobots is now over. And our quarrel has never been with your kind. Now, that the one true enemy of the Decepticons is no more. My only wish is to co-exist with the human race, peacefully.”

Agent Fowler was leaning over the intercom where Megatron’s voice was coming out of. His eye twitched as he couldn’t believe the garbage that was coming out of Megatron’s mouth. He had witnessed the warlord’s cruelty first hand! He was tortured by Starscream way back when… he kidnapped children! Does he actually think he is buying this? Maybe someone who didn’t know Megatron’s true intention and nature would buy this crap, but not Agent William Fowler.

“Together, Agent Fowler, I believe we can make that dream…a reality.” Megatron finishes and hangs up the communication. Agent Fowler grimaced as he stood up looking at the phone with utter disgust.

Megatron got up from his throne as Slipstream applauded him. “That was very convincing, my liege. I almost bought it myself…” as she followed behind Megatron who was walking towards one of the open areas of the throne room.

Megatron chuckled at Slipstream’s remark. “Earth is now ours, Slipstream. And we will finish what we started. Humankind has no idea what is in store for them…”
-
Agent Fowler walked over to the window in his office. Megatron was so full of crap he could probably smell it through the phone. Agent Fowler didn’t have bot backup and the human military has been shown to be ineffective against Darkmount’s defenses. Agent Fowler was backed into a corner and he didn’t like it.

Agent Fowler was on the phone with General Bryce, his superior. He was notifying him of the successful evacuation of Jasper and the containment of the area surrounding Darkmount. He was telling him that as far as the media and its citizens are concerned the threat was a meteor shower. Only plausible explanation to give as they can’t come out and say aliens took over the town.

“Sir, any attempt at retaliation would be too risky. I just need more time.” Agent Fowler pleaded, Agent Fowler did manage to escape with Marissa, Buster and Thundercracker. As far As Agent Fowler is aware of, Thundercracker might be the only Autobot left.

“Sir with Thundercracker still in our ranks he suggests-” Agent Fowler was cut off by his superior. “Yes sir…I understand…” as his boss hangs up on him. Agent Fowler sits down at his desk clasping his hands as he feels how dire the situation is getting.

June Darby barged into his office carrying a clipboard and looking very tired. After the evacuation of Jasper, there naturally were complications with evacuating an entire town. June being a nurse naturally dealing with the injured or sick who were evacuated from Jasper. Especially those who were still in the hospital or in need of immediate medical support. Plus all the wounded soldiers from the initial assault on Darkmount. All in all, a total mess.

June looked at Agent Fowler at his desk, “Agent Fowler, those supplies you ordered still haven’t arrived. We have injured men…we need that-”

“I’m doing all I can, Nurse Darby!” Agent Fowler snapped,

She looked at him with a look of concern and confusion. “Look, I've been a bit busy at the moment. I’m trying to calm down a bunch of nuke-happy generals who clearly don’t care if they blow Nevada sky-high!” Agent Fowler rises from his seat, “And a Decepticon warlord who wants to make nice because the Autobots are in the metaphorical scrap yard.”

“Last time I checked I wasn’t in the scrap yard yet.” Thundercracker said as his holoform self walked through the door.

“Sorry TC, I-” Agent Fowler sighed, “I just had to listen to Megatron feed me a load of scrap about wanting peace and to live with humans… I trust it as much as I trust my washing machine to not eat my socks.”

“Why is a machine eating socks?” Thundercracker asked confused, Agent Fowler looked at the holoformer and just sighed as explaining it would be too much for him at the moment.

June looked at Thundercracker and Agent Fowler, “Have you heard from anyone, TC, Agent Fowler?” She sounded desperate. Yes her son disappeared with Arcee and the other children other than Marissa were AWOL so Thundercracker can understand her worry. Even he was worried about his brothers. Hopefully, his brothers got out safely, he didn’t see them leaving.

Agent Fowler’s angry expression softened as he turned to June. Thundercracker bit his lip as their responses gave her the answer she didn’t want. “June. Listen, no contact only tells me that the main commlink was destroyed.” Agent Fowler tried to alleviate June’s worry.

“Most likely everyone is keeping radio silent as the Cons would be tracking any Autobot or human frequencies for the others.” Thundercracker stated, “I haven’t even heard from my brothers and I, like you, are worried sick about them.”

“Can’t we just try?” June said, “A quick text is all I-”

“It’s too risky. Like Thundercracker just said, they can track cell phone signals.” Agent Fowler reiterated,

“Then take me back to Jasper. I know Jack would go there to look for me.” She said angrily, she stepped closer to Agent Fowler with a scowl on her face.

“Jasper is on complete Con lockdown. Nobody is getting back in there.” Agent Fowler told her.

“Plus doing that would do more harm than good. Megatron would just snatch you up and use you as bait for Jack and Arcee.” Thundercracker stated, he was right, but she hated he was right.

“The fact Jack hasn’t contacted means that the rest of the team is still out there. Optimus wouldn’t have separated us without a plan in place.” Thundercracker was trying to reassure her, hoping that the lack of communication is a good sign.

“The only one who can fix all of this is Optimus and the rest of the bots. I’m sure the rest of them are out there keeping a low profile. They…they just have to be.” Agent Fowler said with a hit of worry in his own voice. As he looks out the windows at the rest of the military base hoping Prime and the rest of the Autobots come back soon.

Chapter Text

A Decepticon Eradicon was flying over a major highway somewhere in California. He was scanning the vehicles on the highway seeing if any of the Autobots were on the road. He scanned several similar vehicles to try and identify them. He scanned a semi that wasn’t a match for Optimus, a truck that clearly wasn’t Bulkhead but a black and yellow Camaro caught his attention.

He scanned the car but the paint job wasn’t correct. Instead of being yellow with black accents, the car was black with a yellow stripe going down the center… “Negative on any Autobot sightings.” He commed back to base as he veers off away from the highway.

That black and yellow Camaro drove off to the side of the road near a heavily wooded area. The car opened the door to reveal Raf in the driver’s seat getting out as he noted the Decepticon Eradicon had veered off. Bumblebee transformed and peered by moving some branches to the side to see the Eradicon disappear into the distance.

‘Looks like the new paint job worked. The Con is gone. That was close.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“Yeah, too close. But you are right, the new paint job did the trick.” Raf agreed,

‘I really wish I could contact the others. I tried but all I get is static.’ Bumblebee beeped sadly,

“The comm sublink is still down. Bee, I realized Optimus sent us to all different locations to make it harder for the Cons to find us. But if we don’t know where the others are…how can we find them if we can’t contact them?” Raf asked his partner,

‘Look Raf, I’m just as confused as you are. The Cons are still hunting us down. If we can keep heading towards Jasper…maybe we can find the others.’ Bumblebee beeped and gestured to Raf.

“Right…towards Jasper…towards Megatron’s giant fortress…” the teen clearly wasn’t enthused about the idea….
—--
Bulkhead and Miko were driving along the Rocky Mountains somewhere in the mountainous regions near Colorado. Miko looked out the passenger side window at the cliff face she was near. “I never knew there were so many Rocky Mountains….” she said bored with a hint of sadness.

“Come on Miko. It is at least scenic.” Bulkhead tried to cheer her up.

“Whatever…” She said as she sat back in the seat. She looked over to her side and picked up her cell phone and pressed a button.

“MIKO!” Bulkhead yelled as he came to a screeching halt. Miko lurched forward as Bulkhead stopped in the middle of the road. “No cell phone! You know the rules!”

“Calm down Bulk! I wasn’t calling anyone. I was just going to play a game that I already downloaded. See!” Miko holds up the phone towards Bulkhead’s steering wheel with a cutesy game on the home screen of her cellphone.

“Sorry, Miko. I’m just a bit on edge after our last rest stop.” Bulkhead said as he remembered seeing an Eradicon flying over him as Miko and Bulkhead in his holoform getting snacks. Thankfully the holoform allowed the Cons to think it wasn’t the right vehicle.

Bulkhead resumed driving as his scare was over. “Where are we heading even, Bulk? Do you have some sort of plan or did Optimus tell you guys something before we left?” Miko asked,

“We are following standard wrecker protocol.” Bulkhead told her,

“Which is…?” Miko asked because she has no idea what wrecker protocol is other than smash Decepticon creeps.

“It’s an emergency plan we follow during the war. In case any wrecker got stranded or separated from the unit. We would always rendezvous at the same set of coordinates. If Jackie is still alive he’ll be there and then we can form a plan.” Bulkhead explained as he zoomed down the mountain pass.
—--
Wheeljack was in a familiar situation. He was strung up in the Decepticon prison cell in changes hanging from the ceiling… ‘Not again…’ Wheeljack thought to himself as he already dealt with this before when he got replaced by a doppelganger that Starscream sent out ages ago.

Only this time instead of Starscream to taunt again…it was Slipstream. She was just as nasty as Starscream used to be, only with a cooler head. As Wheeljack’s taunts and jabs weren’t having any effect on her. And unlike Starscream’s tortures which used to be more quick sharp pains that lingered over time, Slipstream’s were slow and painful.

Wheeljack groaned as he felt the pangs of pain from the early interrogation. “Don’t stop now…I was just beginning to enjoy myself.” Wheeljack taunt at the seeker.

Slipstream hummed and ignored his taunts. “Oh come on Stream! At least Screamer bantered with me! You’re no fun.”

“This isn’t meant to be fun, Wheeljack. It's an interrogation.” She grabbed a pointy two-pronged device that she jabbed into Wheeljack’s neck. He groaned in pain as the device sent a jolt of electricity into his system.

“Keep taunting me like that and your voice box will end up like Bumblebee’s.” She hissed, “Now then…you will tell me where the rest of the Autobots ran off to. Won’t you? Otherwise, things will get messier…”

“I told ya already. I don’t know where the others are. They didn’t expect me to show up, they didn’t fill me in on anything…So go ahead, princess…knock yourself out…” Wheeljack said, coughing up some blood.

“The only one being knocked out here…is you…” As she jammed the device again into his stomach. The sound of Wheeljack’s screams echoed through the Nemesis’s halls.
—-
Knock Out and Dreadwing were summoned to Megatron’s throne room. Megatron apparently had a task for the two. The two walk in and bow before Megatron. “Dreadwing, Knock Out, assemble a team, and head for Cybertron. While hunting down Autobots remains paramount, we must not squander any Iacon relics that were left behind. For all we know, Optimus Prime is out there…” Megatron looks out the window of his fortress at the remains of the Autobot base. “He might be planning to do the same.”

Knock Out and Dreadwing rose as they confirmed their mandate as they left to gather a team to Cybertron. Dreadwing looked over at Knock Out… “So now we are relegated to looking through the remains of the Omega Lock for relics? Couldn’t he just send the Strike Team for that?” Knock Out complained, and Dreadwing didn’t answer the medic. “Tch. Starscream would have complained with me…”

“I am not Starscream. If you want a replacement, Slipstream is aboard the Nemesis interrogating Wheeljack. Go talk to her if you miss him so much…” Dreadwing said back,

“Did…did you just sass me?” Knock Out asked in surprise, Dreadwing, one of the most serious members of the Decepticon high command, just sassed him. HIM, Knock Out… he was proud…

“It isn’t sass. I am merely explaining your options to you.” Dreadwing said as he went to a console to summon some Vehicons for the search mission.

“You know…they found the Forge of Solus Prime in the Autobot base ruins…. Do you have any theories of how that got there?” Knock Out asked, trying to make some small talk with Dreadwing.

“No.” Dreadwing said back returning to the console,

“Come on, only a certain few had access to the relic vault… so either the Autobots snuck in at some point and stole it without Soundwave finding out or…” Knock Out paused for dramatic effect, “Someone gave it to them…”

“I would not be spreading your theories around so haphazardly, Knock Out. Because as far as the high command is concerned you are the only one who made a back-end deal with the Autobots…” Dreadwing said turning to the medic, “Unless you are trying to point your digit at another source…”

“What?! Look, Starscream made the deal with me! Come on now, if you had the chance to talk to Skyquake again wouldn’t you take it?” Knock Out responded to Dreadwing’s ridiculous statement.

Dreadwing paused, “Skyquake is currently a Terrorcon wandering a shadowy abyss between realities…My brother is long gone and Starscream is the slagger who caused it.” Dreadwing got in Knock Out’s face and practically snarled at the medic.

“I…I never heard you curse before…it’s unnerving…” Knock Out stated a little nervous at Dreadwing’s animosity.

“As far as I am concerned the Autobots' weird way they communicate with the dead through a sparkling of all things is of no interest to me…” Dreadwing stormed away as the troops arrived. Dreadwing began his debrief.

Knock Out paused…he may have not had control over his memories during his unfortunate time in the Cortical Psychic Patch…but he remembered one thing… Breakdown’s spirit was blocking Moonlight. And in Starscream’s memories, he blocked her too…so how did Dreadwing know the sparkling is the one to communicate with the dead?
—--
Smokescreen was sitting on a rock waiting for Optimus to wake up. He held his head in his servos as he glanced over at Optimus still asleep. Then a groan from Optimus nearly caused Smokescreen to fall off the rock as he heard his leader. He immediately ran over to check on Optimus.

“Optimus, it’s me Smokescreen. Things will be ok.” Smokescreen told Optimus who was wearily looking over at Smokescreen.

“H-ha-how did I end up here?” Optimus asked,

“When we were evacuating the base. Right after you passed leadership onto Starscream… It was my turn to leave the base. I transformed and drove through…but I couldn’t leave you behind, Optimus.” Smokescreen looked down, “So I immediately doubled back into the ground bridge…”

Optimus tried to widen his optics but couldn’t due to the pain. “I couldn’t leave you. I couldn’t let you face Megatron and his army alone. So I grabbed the Phase Shifter and I came in back after the base was destroyed. I found your body in the wreckage of the base and dragged you far underground where the Cons couldn’t find us.”

Smokescreen smiled as he looked at the Phase Shifter still on his wrist. “Glad I was able to grab it during the commotion with the Omega Lock, huh?”

Optimus vented heavily as his body was racked with wounds. Smokescreen realized his humor at that moment was useless. “We are very underground. So far that no one can pick up our signals. I will have to scout above ground if we have any hope of finding Ratchet to patch you up.”

“No.” Smokescreen paused as he heard Optimus spoke, “No hope.”

“What are you talking about Optimus?” Smokescreen didn’t like where this was heading. “Ratchet or even maybe Warlock could patch you up. I just need to go find them.”

Optimus felt the static in his voice box as he tried to speak…it wasn’t working so he sighed instead. Smokescreen leaned over his leader trying to comfort him…

Chapter Text

Arcee and Jack were driving down the road and decided to turn into an abandoned construction site. Thankfully, they were not being followed by any Decepticons at the moment. Arcee, using her holo form with Jack riding on the back, helped deceive any Decepticons flying overhead. As they pulled in, Arcee turned off her holo form, and Jack got off Arcee, giving her space to transform into bot form.

“Arcee I am still worried. What if Jasper wasn’t evacuated in time?What if she got hurt? Or taken by the Decepticons?” Jack said, taking off his bike helmet.

“Jack…” Arcee began before being interrupted,

Jack began to walk away slightly still lost in his panicked thoughts. “Plus she has to be worried out of her mind right now! I mean sure Agent Fowler, Rissa or TC could help but…”

“Jack, calm down!” As Arcee gestured for the human teen to cool his metaphorical jets. ‘Look, we’ll get back to Jasper, find a way to reach out to your mother, and the rest of the team.”

Arcee could hear a helicopter whirling in the distance. His head snapped to the source of the sound, hoping it wasn’t a Con. Arcee raced off to double-check and left Jack by the warehouse near the construction site. Jack pulled out his cell phone and pulled up a picture of his mother.

Jack sighed, “Sorry, Mom. I really wish I could call right now and let you know I’m ok.” Jack then had a thought… one text could hurt, could it?
—--
Back on the Nemesis Soundwave worked tirelessly to track any rogue Autobot or human signals that could help them pinpoint the rest of the Autobots. He got lucky as a signal pinged somewhere in Nebraska. They were able to pinpoint the location for Arcee’s human partner, Jack. Apparently, the teen sent a text message that set off the trackers.

“Hey, boss! We found one of the humans!” Flamewar said to Megatron as she and Soundwave looked at the screen as the information began to pour in.

Megatron was sitting on his throne in Darkmount when he heard the comm come in. “Send in the troops.” Megatron ordered as he got up from his throne, “And Flamewar…make sure it’s a live feed…”

Megatron transformed and jetted off to the Nemesis as he in person wishes to see the destruction of the Autobot Arcee and her human pet first hand.

In order to do that Flamewar knocked on Soundwave’s chest. “Wakey, wakey Laserbeak…” She said in a sing-songy kind of way. Soundwave released Laserbeak from his chest and the drone began to fly off to capture the live footage.
—--
June was in a storage locker gathering supplies for the injured when she heard her phone go off. “Who is texting me right now?” She said annoyed,

She went into her pocket and grabbed her cell phone as it stopped beeping. Her eyes went wide as she realized the text message was from Jack. She gasped in shock as opened the text and read it’s contents. “With Arcee, safe, love you.” was all it said but it was enough to alleviate a bunch of the anxiety that June was feeling about her son’s safety.

She sighed in relief as she knew she had to tell Agent Fowler and Thundercracker. “Agent Fowler, TC! Jack and Arcee are alive and safe!” as she ran out of the room to let the two of them know.
—--
Jack stood next to the warehouse a bit relieved he sent the text to his mother. Jack saw that his mother received the message before putting his cell phone back into his pocket.

Jack hears something flying overhead. He then noticed an Eradicon coming in toward him at full speed. “Scrap, c’mon!” Jack yelled as he began to run. The Eradicon then begins to shoot at him as he runs.

Arcee finally caught up to the mystery chopper and realized it was just a news chopper. She put her blaster down as she sighed in relief. She then heard blaster fire coming from where she just was. She turned to see explosions and blaster fire glowing in the distance. “Jack!” She yelled out loud as she transformed and zoomed back at it.

Jack was by a large dirt pile as he figured it would be good cover from the Decepticons hunting him down. Jack then ducked down as he heard a second Eradicon come swooping down from the opposite direction that the other one came from. “Great a second one…” Jack said annoyed that just a simple text caused two Eradicons to show up in less than 10 seconds….

Jack tried to squeeze through a fence to get to the next area as the first Eradicon came back to do another lap. “I am so toast!” He shouted as the blast from the first Eradicon caused him to be able to squeeze through the fence but fall flat on his face on the other side. He felt as a blast landed near him and the heat of the blast nearly singed his clothes.

They continued to haphazardly blast at the running teen and even destroyed the support for one of the radio towers near the construction site. The tower slowly came crashing down as Jack had to veer to a hard right to avoid being crushed. He saw one of the trailers form the construction site near where he was and hid by the side of the trailer hoping to get a small glimpse of cover as he waited for Arcee to come back and save him.

Jack ended up losing his footing and falling flat on his butt as he heard more whirling above him…”Laserbeak” Jack said angrily as he spotted the Decepticon drone watching him. “Great, do the Cons not get television or something?!” He yelled at the drone. He managed to get back up to his feet and was frozen in place as Laserbeak got closer and closer to him. “Well Jack, just you should smile, you're on Decepticon TV…”

Flamewar and Soundwave were watching the screen as Megatron slowly approached from the hall. “Hey boss…” Flamewar greeted, “Just in time for the show…”

Megatron looked at the screen and saw the human, Jack on it. Megatron smirked, “Let’s finally get rid of some of these Autobot scum…”

Jack tried to run away from Laserbeak as the drone followed him. Jack saw a large semi parked near the trailer and decided to crawl under it. Laserbeak may be smaller than the Cons but he is too big to chase him under a vehicle. Then the two Eradicons came looping back again and together were blasting near the truck. The combination of the two blasts caused the truck to go airborne. Jack crouched and covered his head as he looked up to see the truck flying in the opposite direction and landing with a thunderous crash. He was heading toward that direction and was displeased to see it blocking his path.

The two Eradicons looped back and together fired at Jack who was out of stamina and his path was blocked…things couldn’t get worse. The Eradicons came firing in a straight line…surprisingly as they had a terrible aim earlier….

Arcee came barreling off the road and toward where Jack was crouching. With the momentum of her speed, she managed to grab Jack. And getting the two of them out of the Eradicons’ line of fire. She ended up sliding into some steel beams that were left on the ground which killed the momentum. She looked up at the two Eradicons and began to fire at them as they passed overhead over the two.

“How long does it take for two Eradicons to exterminate one Autobot and their pet?!” Megatron snarled,

“I mean their aim is pretty terrible…” Flamewar answered, causing the warlord to snarl at her. “I’ll keep my mouth shut then… heh…” Flamewar slinked away from Megatron whose focus went back to Laserbeak’s footage.

Arcee spotted a gas station on the other side of the road near the construction site. “Over there!” she called out as she transformed and allowed Jack to jump on heading for the gas station. She transformed as they got near the gas pumps she had her blaster out as she looked up trying to spot the two Eradicons. She needed them to get in closer in order for her plan to work.

Laserbeak was lazily following as the two Eradicons flew past the drone, transformed, and landed with a thud. They got near the gas station as they went in bot form to find the Autobot and her human ally.

The two walked closer toward the two and looked down to see a large puddle of gasoline under their pedes. Jack was holding gas pumps in each hand, “Hey Cons which do you prefer, unleaded or diesel?!”

The two quickly realized their mistake as Jack began to run away. Tucked behind the car was Arcee who poked her head and blaster out and shot at the puddle. Jack was running behind the car towards Arcee as the puddle exploded in a blaze of flames. Causing the gas station…to be nothing but a flaming pile of slag…

Laserbeak unfortunately was too close to the blast and it caused the feed to cut out. Soundwave and Flamewar turn toward their leader. Megatron groans in frustration “Gah this blasted Autobots!”

Jack and Arcee used the cover of the explosion as a way to avoid any reinforcements from showing up. The two sped out down the long highway towards Jasper….
—--
On Cybertron Dreadwing, Knock Out and their team were sifting through the debris. “Come on you lazy pieces of slag! Put your spinal struts into it!”

“Yelling at them without helping is pointless, Knock Out.” Dreadwing pointed out as an Insecticon dropped some of the debris in a pile away from the Omega Lock.

“How hard is it to find some measly relics?” Knock Out said as a Vehicon called the medic over to a spot they were removing slag from. Knock Out walked over and saw the Apex Armor was just uncovered in the debris.

“The Apex Armor? Our master will be pleased.” Dreadwing said as he walked over,

“Has anyone found that Phase Shifter? I was quite fond of that relic…” Knock Out said walking away from the spot and hoping something else would be found soon.

Dreadwing noted something in the distance, “Knock Out…” Dreadwing pointed to getting the medic’s attention. Knock Out turned to where Dreadwing was pointed as he looked on in complete shock… “No way…”
—--
Soundwave managed to reconnect with Laserbeak but the poor drone was damaged in the explosion. Soundwave used his tentacles to repair the poor drone. Megatron and Flamewar were standing nearby, “Well? Did any of the surveillance footage survive?” Megatron asked Soundwave.

Soundwave didn’t answer…. “That sounds like a no, sir.” Flamewar told Megatron.

Slipstream came walking in getting bored of torturing Wheeljack and getting nowhere. “My lord, I heard that we might have found one of the Autobots?” Slipstream asked, hoping to get updated on the situation.

“Nah, boss. We were close though. Ol’ Laserbeak got damaged in an explosion. We can’t even tell what direction they went in.” Flamewar updated Slipstream,

“A shame. I guess we need to improve our methods for hunting Autobots…” Slipstream said with a shrug. She turned to Megatron, “No updates from Wheeljack…he’s more stubborn than I thought…”

“Lord Megatron…” Dreadwing’s voice came through the console. “We are ready to return to Darkmount.”

“And you will most definitely want to see what we have recovered…” Knock Out added over the comms.

Megatron ordered Soundwave to open a space bridge for Dreadwing and Knock Out. Soundwave paused working on Laserbeak to open a space bridge for the two to come through. The glowing green light of the space bridge illuminates the area all the high commanding officers are currently in. Megatron looks towards the space bridge hoping that Knock Out and Dreadwing have something useful to show him as they just failed abysmally to exterminate an Autobot.

Knock Out was the first to come through the space bridge with a smug look on his face. “You better have something good Knock Out.” Slipstream hissed at the medic.

“Please tell me Knock Out, that you found something useful?” Megatron asked the doctor.

Knock Out smirked at his master, “Oh, more like somethings, my liege. And…. Someone….” As Knock Out bowed and walked out of the way of the space bridge.

Dreadwing came forth next followed by a new bot…or rather a bot long thought to be dead…. As that bot followed behind Dreadwing out of the space bridge.

“Shockwave….” Megatron said in surprise as he began to laugh…. “Oh, this definitely turns this day around….”

Chapter Text

Episode: Scattered

Megatron looked at his supposedly dead chief science officer with wicked glee. “Lord Megatron.” Shockwave bows before him.

“Shockwave!” Megatron said with glee, “This is quite an unexpected turn of events…I was informed that you perished on Cybertron many years ago.”

“Reports of my demise…were greatly exaggerated, my lord.” Shockwave stated, “A pair of Autobots infiltrated my lab and sabotaged my space bridge. I gave chase but failed to calculate the outcome. I awoke in the rubble…blinded…It became rather apparent I was marooned on our dead planet…with no means of communication.”

Shockwave looked at the rest of the Decepticons in the room… “In time, I repaired my wounds, regained sight, and resumed my experiments. The solitude allowed me to make tremendous advances in my research. Until recently my instruments detected a surge of unidentifiable energy. I traveled to investigate its origin at the edge of the Sea of Rust. Where I encounter the salvage team in the remains of the Omega Lock, but this was not the search party I anticipated from such a long time ago… Leaving me with one unanswered question.”

Shockwave looked around for the person who was responsible for leaving him on Cybertron and was surprised not to see him. “Why was I left for scrap?”

The rest of the Decepticons all exchanged glances at one another… they truly didn’t have an answer for Shockwave. Shockwave looked at Megatron, “Where is Starscream? He was the last Decepticon I interacted with before being abandoned.”

Megatron blinked and a sigh left his lips, “Starscream…turned traitor…he joined the Autobots…If I knew that Starscream was the one to abandon you on Cybertron…I would punish him for leaving you there…But alas he is no long in our ranks.”

Shockwave may not have a face but the look of surprise was rather apparent in the awkward silence that was in the room. “I see…an...uncalculated turn of events…”

“Dreadwing has assumed his position as chief air commander.” Megatron informed Shockwave, Dreadwing nodded at the scientist as he and Megatron walked past.

“Of course, Starscream would be the bumbling oaf to leave someone as important as Shockwave on Cybertron all this time…” Slipstream laughed, Shadow Striker and Flamewar looked at her with joining smirks.

Shockwave looks at Slipstream, his gaze starts from the pedes up. “You resemble Starscream… a relative?”

“Cousin. But don’t count me as treacherous as my other family members… I am not like him…” Slipstream corrected him,

“Others? It would seem I have missed a lot during my time away.” Shockwave stated,

“Indeed you did, Shockwave. Which would mean some adjustments to the chains of command are needed.” Megatron said his back turned to his lieutenants in the room with him.

“Adjustments…?” Slipstream asked, as of the current pecking order of the Decepticon chain of command; Slipstream has no title but is basically handling day-to-day operations… she is fine with this as she has proven to be much better at it than Starscream…but…

“Yes, someone of Shockwave’s capability should resume his position as Chief Science Officer. So…Knock Out…” The doctor turned to his master,

“Hand over any research you’ve developed during this time. Including the Synthetic Energon research and… anything you’ve come across about…that Quintesson…”

“Of course, my liege…” Knock Out stated with a bow. He is very much unhappy with having to hand over all his hard work over to Shockwave…

“A Quintesson? Fascinating.” Shockwave stated, “I have yet to study one up close.”

“It would seem the Autobots had a Quintesson in their ranks. But because of recent developments, we are unable to locate his whereabouts.” Dreadwing stated, “The Quintesson appears like a standard heavy class seeker but is much more of a threat.”

“He is also a scientist…” Megatron interjected, “If we can locate him I assure you we will keep him alive. I bet you would love to pick his brain….”

“A Quintesson scientist? They are considered deceptively clever beings… But one joining the Autobots? That sounds… illogical. Based on the knowledge of Quintessons.” Shockwave told Megatron,

“Well consider this one an anomaly. He is quite formidable.” Megatron informed Shockwave, “Come Shockwave…we have much to update you on…”

Megatron gestured to Shockwave to follow him. Shockwave nodded as Dreadwing looked over at a scowling Knock Out. “You seem displeased.”

Knock Out blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “No, no. Not displeased just…surprised. I may be a doctor but to hand over all my research to Shockwave? I am also a scientist and not a bad one.”

“Well, maybe the boss wants to take some extra work off your shoulders.” Flamewar stated trying to be positive.

“Whatever.” Knock Out rolled his optics and left.

“Who scratched his finish?” Shadow Striker stated watching as the doctor left the room.

“He was displeased to not find the Phase Shifter…” Dreadwing told the Strike Team, that the rest of them filed out of the room and went back to doing what they were prior to this new…addition to the team.

Chapter Text

Arcee and Jack were riding past a corn field as Arcee decides to check on Jack. “Hey, you getting hungry? There is a town up ahead.”

“I better not, I’m running really low on cash.” Jack told her, trying to keep a low profile while low on funds is not a great thing…

“At least you don’t need gasoline or energon…I’m going to pull over anyway. I need to stretch my legs…” Arcee told Jack as she saw a farmhouse not too far from where they were at the moment. They pulled behind the farmhouse as the sun began to set. Arcee transformed and began to stretch after hours of driving. She noticed her partner walking away from her as he viewed the sunset.

She noticed Jack walk away as he seemed a bit melancholy. “Arcee…” The femme turned to look at her partner.

“The whole team is scattered to the winds. For all we know…we are the last members of the team…” Jack said as Arcee placed a servo on his shoulder.

“I don’t believe that, Jack.” Arcee smiled down at the human, “and I know you don’t either.”

“Maybe…not, but the fact is the Decepticons outnumber us, isn’t… isn’t there anyone else we can call upon to help us.” Jack asked, looking up at Arcee.

“There are other Autobots scattered through the cosmos…but reaching them could be difficult. Especially with the Decepticons monitoring all Earth base communications. Our best bet is to get back to Jasper or maybe find Warlock and Starscream. Warlock’s ship probably has some sort of communications device we could use.” Arcee explained,

“Can’t we call Warlock and Starscream? Warlock is super smart; he probably found a way to block the Cons.” Jack seemed confident in Warlock’s abilities.

“Even if Warlock could do that….He’s a pragmatist. He isn’t going to risk Moonlight or his ship just in case the Decepticons could pick up on it. The research he probably has on the ship could be too useful to the Decepticons.” Arcee looked out towards the sunset, “We should focus on getting back to Jasper and finding the team….”
—--
Starscream was looking out the window of Warlock’s room when he heard the pitter patter of small sparkling pedes approach him. Starscream turned to see Moonlight looking up at him. “What is it little one?”

“When can we land? I want to see the others…” Moonlight told Starscream, the seeker looked down at the small sparkling and picked her up and put him on his lap.

“Moonlight, you know the situation. Your sire doesn’t want to risk anybody by landing.” Starscream reinforced the sparkling, “Besides you aren’t the only one who wants to stretch their wings...”

Starscream and Warlock thought about going back to Jasper. At least to see if Optimus was still alive and help him if that was the case. But Warlock refused, saying that what he has in this ship would be too valuable to the Decepticons. Especially the Heartstone which is buried deep in the bowels of the ship under insane security that Warlock himself isn’t sure he can turn off.

Starscream looks back outside at the clouds. “Maybe you can convince him to land in a remote area…”

“You got it, Starscream!” Moonlight cheered, almost falling out of Starscream’s lap. “Whoa! Hold on.” He catches her as he helps Moonlight to the ground safely. The small sparkling goes running to her sire immediately.

Skywarp saw the small sparkling running as he peeked into the room to see his brother on the berth. “So what was that about?”

“Hoping she can butter up Warlock long enough for us to at least get off this blasted ship for 5 minutes. My wings are twitching…” Starscream flop onto the berth. Skywarp chuckled at his brother, Starscream was alway wanting to go for flights. Being cooped up is not something Starscream likes.

Skywarp crawled onto the berth and laid next to his brother. Skywarp looked up at the ceiling. “So you come up with any plan for getting the team back together yet?”

Starscream pursed his lips as he joined Skywarp in looking at the ceiling. “Most of the other bots left prior to us and probably are heading back to Jasper.” Starscream turned to look at Skywarp, “Maybe Warlock has a way to track them down without the Decepticons noticing…”

“What about the Triptych thingy? Can’t you track people with one of them…?” Skywarp asked, Starscream shot straight up. The Onyx Triptych was on Warlock’s ship so it wasn’t lost on Cybertron during the battle.

“Skywarp! That’s brilliant!” Starscream smiled at his brother, Starscream began to run to Warlock’s lab. He saw the separated masks and noticed the one that is more cat-like, Predator, the mask used to track down one's prey. Starscream knew Warlock was working on the programming when he could and hopefully it would be easier to use than Farsight.

Starscream booted up the program and selected to use Predator. The window opened up as it had a prompt to ask for specific details on the target. Starscream smiled as he put the details in for Ratchet. He didn’t see the medic leave the base and having him around could help Warlock with his research or help locate the others. It offered insights into dealing with Ratchet rather than his exact location. Like his mannerisms, his likes, dislikes, weaknesses… good to know but… “Where is he? I don’t need to know his favorite energon candy! I need to know where he is!”

“What are you doing, Starscream?” Starscream turned to see Warlock holding Moonlight. The small sparkling had her thumbs up as she smiled at the seeker.

“Skywarp had the brilliant notion to use the Onyx Triptych to track the others.” Starscream explained,

“That…is actually kind of smart…” Warlock realized,

“I know! And from Skywarp?” Starscream added,

“I can hear you two you know!” Skywarp yelled from the hall as he entered the lab. “I can have my moments, thank you very much…”

Warlock looked up at the computer, “I have an idea…” he put down Moonlight and went over to the console and began typing away at it. He used a combination of all three masks as each line linking the masks to the computer glowed. The other seekers watched in amazement as code went flying through the computer screen. Starscream has seen things like this before from Soundwave and was always impressed.

A ping broke Starscream’s train of thought as he looked up at a map of the United States and saw several glowing dots. “Got them.”

Starscream and Skywarp rushed over to the computer as several glowing pings told them where their teammates were. “Can you zoom in on certain locations?” Starscream asked, Warlock turned to look at him then back at the screen. He zoomed in on several locations based on the directionality of the dots; it would appear that most if not all of the scattered team is heading to Jasper.

There was a ping in Jasper itself and one a couple of miles outside the town. There were two that look close to Jasper in the state above and two in the state known as Utah. “Looks like everyone might be converging to Jasper. And one still in Jasper.” Warlock told Starscream.

“Can you tell who they are?” Starscream asked,

Warlock nodded as he went back to see if he could check who was who. “Let’s see if I can.” Warlock was typing furiously as he tried to ID who was where on the screen. He managed to get some ID’s based on signatures Ratchet provided to him when he joined the team. Without using the Cybertronian network they can discreetly track their comrades.

“So in Jasper is Wheeljack,” Warlock said in surprise,

“Most likely he got captured after the battle…” Stascream said Wheeljack was resourceful; he can find his way out ...hopefully.

“Any sign of Optimus?” Starscream asked, Warlock scanned to see if he could locate any more signals in Jasper… “No… no sign of Optimus.”

Starscream clenched his servos. Optimus’s sacrifice will not be in vain… he will lead the Autobots to victory over Megatron.

“On a more positive note…Thundercracker is outside Jasper. Probably with Agent Fowler and Marissa.” Warlock told everyone,

“Well that’s good TC is safe.” Skywarp said,

“The next closest to us is Ratchet who is about a day or so out…” Warlock told Starscream,

“Well it’s time to go visit the good doctor.” Starscream smirked, as they set the coordinates to Ratchet’s location.
—--
On the Nemesis, Slipstream took a break from ‘interrogating’ Wheeljack to see if there were any sightings of the Autobots documented by humans. What she thought was a photo of Ratchet the Autobots medic ended up being a dancing monkey the next…

She assured Megatron it was Ratchet but the warlord didn’t buy it. “I assume your fascination with Earth memes will not hinder us in our search, Slipstream.” Megatron said unamused by the seeker’s findings.

“Lord Megatron, surely our Autobot prisoner is a better source of information than this primitive data net.” Shockwave insisted,

Slipstream closed the meme and looked at Shockwave, “I have been interrogating the wrecker for days now. If he had anything useful he would have told me by now.”

“Maybe you would have better results if instead of using a club… you used a scalpel. I recommend a Cortical Psychic Patch.” Shockwave suggested to Megatron,

Slipstream huffed and sneered at the scientist. “Club? Who does this cyclops think he is…” She said under her breath.
—--
Bulkhead and Miko were waiting on a hill of flowers on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. Bulkhead picked the spot where he said Wheeljack would meet him or at least hope he would meet him based on wrecker protocol. Miko was sitting next to him, her head on her knees as the two waited there for hours. “I don’t think he is coming…” Miko said, looking up at Bulkhead.

Bulkhead looked back down at the human girl who clearly seemed somewhat distant and a bit sad. Different from her normal boisterous self. “Don’t worry, Miko. Every wrecker knows the protocol. Jackie will show….” Bulkhead looked back out into the distance “If he’s still kickin’...”
—--
Shockwave performed a routine scrubbing of Wheeljack’s mind with the Cortical Psychic Patch. He failed to find any useful information in regards to the location of the Autobots or any information that could lead to their capture. Megatron was displeased with this while Slipstream had a smug smirk on her face of ‘I told you so.’

“Well then that only means one thing… Wheeljack has outlived his usefulness… allow us to dispose of the Autobot trash…” Slipstream said looking to her team who seemed eager to trash the wrecker.

“Allow me to do it.” Dreadwing stated,

“You? Why?” Slipstream asked shocked,

“Wheeljack came to Earth pursuing me. And he and I have a sort of rivalry… disposing of him will be my pleasure and your team will not deprive me of that…” Dreadwing said to the femme seeker who huffed in anger at the audacity of Dreadwing.

“Fine. Dreadwing, dispose of the wrecker.” Megatron ordered as he swiped his servo, dismissing the lot from his throne room.

Dreadwing and two Vehicons went down to bring Wheeljack to a smelting pit located in the heart of Darkmount. Wheeljack came as the two Vehicons shoved him to his pedes. He groaned as his head was still spinning from the Cortical Psychic Patch, his servos cuffed and now he was being dragged to his pedes? What next?

Wheeljack looked ahead as he could feel the heat from the massive smelting pit rise up to where he was standing on this strange platform. He turned to see the two Vehicons and Dreadwing standing close by. “At least you have the bearings to do it yourself…” Wheeljack said to Dreadwing.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Dreadwing said approaching Wheeljack as he solved the wrecker closer to the edge. “It wouldn’t be the first time I took out a wrecker…”

“Go ahead. Do it. Less yappin’ more….” Wheeljack looked over the edge, “Smeltin’ I guess.”

“You really crave death that badly, wrecker?” Dreadwing asked, raising a brow, as he got closer to Wheeljack. “Make it look convincing…”

Wheeljack looked perplexed at what Dreadwing said. “Shove me off the platform and ride me out…”

“Uh…you coming on to me?” Wheeljack asked not sure if Dreadwing was flirting or actually trying to help him.

Dreadwing sighed annoyed at Wheeljack while the two Vehicons exchanged a look. Dreadwing tossed him off the edge. But ‘was grabbed’ as he fell in too. Wheeljack realized that it was in fact a plan and not a back pick up line.

Dreadwing transformed and Wheeljack hopped onto his back as he rode Dreadwing out of the smelting pit. The two Vehicons at the ledge were surprised and were nervous to shoot at their superior. The two Vehicons transformed and flew after them trying to shoot Wheeljack off their superior.

“Why are you helping me?” Wheeljack asked Dreadwing,

“Consider it a debt paid….” Dreadwing said to Wheeljack trying to make it look like he was struggling.

The Vehicons came around from the other side and accidentally shot off Wheeljack’s cuffs. He smiled as he now had access to his blasters. He began to shoot at the Vehicons as Dreadwing did a maneuver that ‘accidentally’ gave Wheeljack some momentum to shoot down the Vehicons. The other Vehicon was shooting at him from the rear as Dreadwing looped around one of the decorative spires on Darkmount. Wheeljack managed to hang on and focus his blast as he hit the Vehicon head on as it spun out and hit a different spire.

Dreadwing then made it look like Wheeljack was piloting him to land outside away from Darkmount. Dreadwing landed as Wheeljack got off. Dreadwing transformed and looked at the wrecker. Wheeljack was confused why Dreadwing was helping him. “Uh thanks?”

“Don’t mention it…” Wheeljack looked at the road and back at Dreadwing, “I mean it. Don’t mention it.” as Darkmount’s security was now on high alert. Searchlights and an alarm went off as they searched for Wheeljack. Wheeljack took the cue and zoomed off towards the rendezvous point that is in wrecker protocol.

Chapter Text

Bumblebee and Raf pulled up to a scrap yard where they saw a picture of Ratchet might be at. Raf thankfully scrubbed the image from the internet and replaced it with a monkey meme so the Decepticons couldn’t track it. Hopefully, they can find out more about what happened from Ratchet. Bumblebee continued to slowly drive through the scrap yard hoping to spot the medic.

“He has to be here…” Raf said, looking for Ratchet.

Bumblebee came to an abrupt stop as they spotted a rather nice-looking ambulance that was parked at the end of the scrap yard. Raf got out of Bumblebee and Bumblebee transformed into bot mode and followed the human. “Ratchet!” Raf called out, but Ratchet didn’t transform.

“Uh, Ratchet?” Raf repeated,

“Go away.” He said annoyed,

‘What crawled up your tailpipe?’ Bumblebee asked,

“You’re interrupting my recharge!” Ratchet said angrily, Bumblebee and Raf exchanged looks both perplexed by Ratchet’s weird behavior.

“Come on Ratchet, we need your help to find the others!” Raf insisted,

“There’s no need to worry about that Raf.” Bumblebee and Raf turned to see Warlock, Starscream, and Skywarp standing there, “We might know where to find the others…”

“Warlock! Starscream, Skywarp! You guys are ok!” Raf said relieved, Ratchet then transformed and looked at the seekers.

Ratchet looked annoyed at them, “How did-”

“The Onyx Triptych and your foresight…and well…Farsight too…” Warlock chuckled at his bad pun that no one got.

“We know where the others might be. We can regroup and-” Starscream said as he began to rally the troops.

“Enough. You all need to go.” Ratchet said angrily,

Starscream looked confused at the medic. “What?”

“We lost! Game over! There is nothing more to be done!” Ratchet yelled,

Warlock stepped forward, “Ratchet we haven’t lost just yet… once we regroup-”

“Then what? We rally under new leadership? Under Starscream as the leader of the Autobots of all things?!” Ratchet yelled, Raf and Bumblebee looked back at Starscream whose wings went flat.

“Yes! Are you going to disgrace Optimus’s wishes?! He placed me in charge after…” Starscream looked down, clenching his servos, “After his sacrifice to keep us all safe. We have a ship and resources! We are not giving up!” His wings flared as he yelled at the stubborn medic.

Ratchet frowned at Starscream. “We are outclassed even with the limited resources we possess! We have no ground bridge, no communication and even if we find the others-”

“Well, we can start by regrouping and getting the team back together. How about that?” Starscream said to the medic in a more calm tone. Bumblebee walked over to Starscream and the others as they looked at Ratchet. Ratchet grumbled, “Fine! Let’s get the rest of the team…”
—--
Back underground, Optimus was breathing heavily as Smokescreen came phasing through the cave wall. He knelt down by Optimus’s side. “I combed through every micron of our old base. I couldn’t find Ratchet’s medical kit or any medical supplies.”

“The….Forge….of Solus Prime…” Optimus said wearily, as he managed to move his head slightly to better look at Smokescreen.

“The Forge…is gone too…” Smokescreen said sadly, “Cons picked the place clean.”

Smokescreen wondered why Optimus was asking for the forge of all things… then it hit him like a ton of bricks. “Wait…the forge! You can use it to repair yourself. Power of the Primes and all that…Optimus. Just hang on a bit longer. That hammer has to be somewhere in Megatron’s fortress.”

“Dre-Dreadwing…” Optimus stated Weakley,

“Right! We have him on the inside! I almost forgot! I’ll find Dreadwing and get the forge for you, Optimus.” Smokescreen then phased through the wall and began to make his way to Darkmount.
—--
Miko and Bulkhead were resting while waiting for Wheeljack to finally show up. The loud sound of a revved engine caused Bulkhead to wake up. Worried it was a Decepticon Bulkhead pulled out his blaster and aimed it at the road. “Miko…wake up…” Bulkhead said as he got to his pedes causing the small human girl to fall onto her side inadvertently causing her to wake up.

Miko yawned as she looked at Bulkhead who was aiming his blaster at the road. “Is it Cons?” She asked,

Upon closer examination, Bulkhead recognized the sound of the engine. “Ha ha! It’s Jackie!”

Bulkhead ran to meet Wheeljack by the road. Miko followed him as Wheeljack paused and took some time to transform into bot mode. Bulkhead greeted his old friend, “Jackie! Where have you been?!” pulling him into a tight bear hug.

Miko pulled out her phone to take a picture of this reunion. “Just a narrow escape from the Cons. No biggie.”

“You were by the base?” Bulkhead asked, “Miko and I were heading back there to regroup with the others.”

“Well, what’s left of the base? Cons leveled the whole place. Didn’t see no one else trapped in their dungeon either.” Wheeljack told them, “But I did get help from Dreadwing of all people… said he was paying a debt?”

“Oh, when Moonlight let him talk to Skyquake’s ghost! Nice!” Miko said happily,

“What about ghosts?” Wheeljack was lost,

“Uh, we'll catch you up on things Jackie,” Bulkhead told him,

“Let’s roll out before the Cons show up. I managed to salvage some supplies from the Jackhammer…let’s say I have a rather…explosive present for ole Slipstream…” Wheeljack said, turning back into his vehicle mode and zooming off. Bulkhead transformed and opened his car door letting Miko in as he tried to catch up.
—--
Arcee and Jack were driving down a long stretch of road, not a person or house in sight for miles, just dirt. Jack looked down at Arcee “Last time things got this dire Optimus slipped me that keycard for Vector Sigma…”

Arcee adjusted her mirrors so she could get a better view of Jack. “I know you are feeling helpless, Jack. This doesn’t need to be your burden alone.”

A loud engine erupted near where they were as the sound was deafening. A medium-sized Cybertronian ship was flying overhead. Causing Arcee to stop abruptly and nearly sending Jack flying. The two looked up at the ship that was beginning to descend down near where they were. Arcee couldn’t tell if the ship was of Autobot or Decepticon allegiance, but either way, she was ready to fight.

The ship landed right in the middle of the road. Thankfully there was no one around or any other vehicles. Jack took off his helmet as he began to walk towards the ship. From the fact it wasn’t firing at them they had to be friendly…right?

Arcee transformed and walked towards the ship with her blasters out. A hatch from the ship began to lower as there was a tall figure clearly standing on the platform. Arcee aimed her blasters at the figure as it approached. Only…to recognize it as the Autobot leader, Ultra Magnus.

“Jack, meet Ultra Magnus…” She said putting her blasters away and finally feeling some hope for the first time in a while.
—-
“I cannot believe you let Wheeljack escape! You didn’t even place a tracker on him or anything! You are completely useless…” Slipstream berated Dreadwing who finished getting patched up by Knock Out.

“Wheeljack’s escape was an oversight I am willing to correct, Slipstream easily.” Dreadwing to the angry seeker,

“Enough both of you failed! The Autobot numbers are increasing and I am getting tired of constant failure. Can anyone bring me the heads of the Autobots!” Megatron yelled, causing his lieutenants to flinch at his voice.

“If I may, Lord Megatron.” Shockwave interrupted his master’s yelling. “During my exile on Cybertron, I had time to work on a long-dormant project. One that I think might provide a solution to our current problem.” Shockwave walked past the two arguing seekers and to the console to bring up files of his project.

A picture of a CNA sequence appeared on screen. Knock Out looked up at the sequence with curiosity gleaming in his optics. “A CNA sequence…but of what?”

“This was excavated from a sample I possessed on Cybertron. The experiment I conducted with this had yielded promising results.” Shockwave explained as he turned to the lieutenants.

“Do we have time to wait around for Shockwave’s science project to come through? We are on the hunt for Autobots…” Slipstream said crossing her arms and finding Shockwave’s plan useless.

“You misunderstand Slipstream. The sample has been fully cultivated. And only be transported from my lab on Cybertron.” Shockwave elaborated to the sassy seeker.

Shockwave left for a while to go retrieve his project on Cybertron. After an hour or so he calmly walks back through the space bridge into Megatron’s throne room in Darkmount. “I present to you my liege…the perfect Autobot hunter…” as Shockwave gestures to the space bridge portal.

A massive metal claw pounded onto the group as whatever it was exited the portal. It was big whatever this thing was as it slowly walked out of the portal. Metal claws scraping against the floor as all the Decepticons who present look at it in awe. This beast now that they had a better look at it looked down at the Cybertronians in front of him with both malice and curiosity…

It slowly growled as it stalked the room looking side to side. The Vehicons present backed up as the beast came more and more out of the portal. Its long spikey tail swaying behind it fully exited the portal. Everyone looked at the creature with a mix of fear and awe as even Megatron stood up from his throne to get a better look at the monster Shockwave had created.

It roared loudly as its mandibles split open and its wings flared wide. Megatron smirked as his newest hunter looked very promising…

Chapter Text

Starscream after all the chaos decided to go wash off in the showers on Warlock’s ship. A moment of peace after picking up Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Raf. Thankfully Skywarp and Moonlight are able to keep Bumblebee and Raf entertained for the time being.

Starscream was feeling so stressed with everything that had been transpiring. He hadn’t had a moment of peace since so many people were now on the ship. He turned on the water to have the warm water run over his frame. Starscream sighed as the water hit his frame.

“Primus…I’m now the leader of the Autobots…” Starscream said to himself,

Starscream looked down at the floor as the water drained into the ship's pipes. He was about to grab the cleaning solvent when he heard the door hiss open and close to the showers.

Starscream looked to see Warlock coming into the shower. Warlock walked over to Starscream as he turned on the other shower head next to Starscream causing the room to get rather steamy.

“Need a quick soak too?” Starscream said to Warlock who looked at him with a glint of mischief in his optics.

“Yeah I just need a bit of stress relief is all. We’ve been dealing with so much the past few weeks.” Warlock said but he didn’t have any cleaning solvent with him.

Starscream looked at him confused. Warlock then smirked at Starscream and crossed his arms and looked him up and down.

“Warlock…you cheeky glitch…” Starscream realized what he was getting at. Starscream put down the cleaning solvent and turned up the temperature of the shower to add to the steam.

Warlock then got closer to Starscream as he wrapped his arm around Starscream’s small waist and pulled him into a kiss. Starscream and Warlock haven’t had a true moment of intimacy in such a long time. With all the stress of the Omega Keys, Darkmount, and the separation of the team…this was very much needed.

Starscream snaked his glossa into Warlock’s mouth as the two’s glossas tangled together. Warlock moaned into the kiss and Starscream wrapped his arms around Warlock’s neck. Warlock pushed Starscream into the wall of the shower as Starscream hiked his leg around Warlock’s hip as both their fans kicked on from both the steam and their steamy exchange.

Starscream’s wings were flat against the wall as Warlock ran his servos up and down Starscream’s wings. Gently applying pressure up and down the sensitive transformation seams. Starscream moaned as Warlock’s digits ran against the seams. “You tease…” Starscream moaned as his optics were lidded as he looked at his lover.

Warlock chuckled, “What? I know what you like…”

Starscream almost snorted at Warlock’s cheesy answer. Starscream resumed making out with the scientist as the steam rose more and more in the room. The warm water running down their frames as they passionately kiss.

Warlock can feel the pressure of his spike against his panel as Starscream begins to roll his hips against the scientist in a slow rhythmic motion. The mixture of the moisture and the heat of their body cause more steam to form and come off their bodies. Starscream’s servos traced the underside of Warlock’s armor and against the transformation seams on his chassis. Causing Warlock to shudder in pleasure at Starscream’s teasing.

Starscream hadn’t had a good interfacing in a while so this was very much needed. Warlock paused as he smiled down at Starscream and grabbed the cleaning solvent off the shelf and lathered some up in his digits. He gently began to massage and clean Starscream as his skillful digits ran through the sensitive seams and joints.

Starscream was nipping at Warlock’s neck cables as his sharp digits traced the plating on his shoulder. Starscream’s lithe but sharp digits are able to get into the small seams as he gently scrapes his digit through. Causing Warlock to moan as he pulled Starscream up higher onto his large frame.

Their internal temperatures began to rise as the water just hit their frame and would instantly steam. Warlock ran his servos down Starscream’s small waist and teased his panel. Some of the solvents were foaming around his panel. Starscream chuckled, “You really know how to put a bot in the mood~”

Starscream’s panel opened as the solvent covered it slightly. Warlock chuckled as he realized his little mistake. “Whoops.”

Starscream looked down and rolled his optics, “If anything it’s less to clean…”

Warlock laughed, it’s been a while since he heard Warlock laugh it was nice to hear after all this time. Warlock took Starscream’s spike in his hands and began to gently stroke it… Starscream moaned as Warlock tented to his needy appendage. Warlock’s own panel opened as his own needy appendage needed tending too but Warlock was more focused on Starscream than himself at the moment.

The solvent acted as a lubricant for Starscream’s spike. Starscream arched his back angling up as Warlock continued to stroke his spike tenderly. Starscream can hear his fans being deafening as he looked down and saw Warlock’s spike now pressurized. Starscream smirked as he wiggled out of Warlock’s grasp, confusing the scientist. As Starscream got onto his knees and began to suck on Warlock’s spike.

Warlock moaned as Starscream skillfully sucked and worked his spike. Warlock could feel his valve beginning to leak a little as Starscream used his slender digits to tease the valve opening as Warlock shuddered as Starscream offered a double attack on Warlock’s nethers.

Starscream’s glossa ran across the bottom of Warlock’s spike. As he used two of his digits to work Warlock’s valve as he hit some of the interior nodes. Warlock nearly buckled from Starscream’s efforts. He was breathing heavily as his fans were failing abysmally as the steam added to the heat of the moment.

Starscream’s own spike began to leak transfluid as he was getting more worked up by not having it tended to. Warlock could hear Starscream’s needy moans as he worked his spike. Warlock looked down and noticed Starscream’s spike leaking so much.

Warlock picked up Starscream and flipped him upside down and began to suck his spike while holding him upside down. Starscream was very much caught off guard by the sudden 69 but he wasn’t mad about it. Starscream rested his knee spikes against the back of Warlock’s shoulders as he used it to balance himself in the 69. Warlock began to suck on Starscream’s spike with fevre and zeal. Starscream moaned as he struggled to focus on sucking off Warlock as he was now upside down. The hot air coming off his vent caused more steam to come off Warlock’s hip plate. The moisture of the shower was dripping down Starscream’s lower body as it was facing up towards the shower.

The water was nice and warm against Starscream’s valve as the pressure of the shower was pressing down on it as Warlock sucked on Starscream’s spike. Starscream was struggling to focus on teasing Warlock’s valve as the mixture of the water from the shower and Warlock’s working of his spike clouded his mind in pleasure.

Starscream’s teasing of Warlock’s valve mixed with the sucking of his spike caused Warlock to buckle from the pleasure. Warlock fell onto his backside as Starscream flopped on top of Warlock. The two were still in the 69 position but both removed their mouths from the other’s spike and began to laugh.

Starscream positioned himself over Warlock’s spike. Warlock finished laughing just to see Starscream mount himself on his spike. He then lowered himself quickly down onto the spike sending a shockwave of pleasure through Warlock’s frame. The water mixing with the ample amount of transfluid made Starscream easily slide down on Warlock’s spike. Warlock moaned as Starscream began to roll his hips and ride his partner.

Warlock moaned loudly as Starscream moved in a seductive rhythm. Warlock moved his hip as he adjusted to Starscream’s rhythm. The steam got more intense as the both were getting closer and closer to overloading.

Starscream was getting louder as the water beat down on both of them, the steam rising higher and higher as Starscream overloaded. His voice is getting a bit staticy from the intense pleasure and the moisture coating his throat.

Warlock wasn’t far behind as he overloaded right after and flopped on his back on the wet floor. Starscream removed himself from Warlock’s hips and stood up. He was still a bit wobbly from the post-interface bliss but he grabbed the solvent and tossed it at Warlock.

Warlock saw it land into his lap. “Clean yourself off.” Starscream jokes, Warlock laughed as he got up and helped Starscream clean off after their fun.

Chapter Text

Episode: Prey

“A Predacon? They have been extinct since the earliest records on Cybertron.” Dreadwing stated,

“Yes. But this specimen was bred in a laboratory. Cloned from fossilized remains, which I discovered on Cybertron.” Shockwave corrected as he walked over to his creation.

“Hey Striker…” Flamewar nudged her teammate, “Remind you of anything?” Flamewar had a cheeky smile on her face.

“You mean that Earth movie you insisted on watching, about the… Dinosaurs?” Shadow Striker wanted to confirm.

“Yeah! They cloned their own Predacons and tried to make a theme park out of it. Of course it went horribly wrong and a lot of people died.” Flamewar said bluntly and oddly cheerful, as any nearby Vehicons all exchanged looks of concern.

“Shockwave.” Megatron began to walk down from his throne, “I does my spark good to see you tampering with creation again…” as Megatron stood near the scientist.

“My lord, please be careful. We do not know if this beast is trained.” Slipstream warned Megatron as he walked closer and closer to the Predacon.

“There is no need to worry, Slipstream. The Predacon is under my control.” Shockwave reassured her,

The Predacon began to eye Megatron and sniff him, studying the warlord up close. Megatron also studied the creature up close as he smiled. “Such primal magnificence.” He complimented the beast.

“And with this.” Shockwave holds up a small vial of energon, “A vial of energon, from Wheeljack. Spilled from the failed interrogation…”

Slipstream sneered at Shockwave’s obvious jab. Shockwave walked over to the beast and then held up the vial to the Predacon’s bright yellow optics. The creature began to scan the vial and used it to track down Wheeljack. The Predacon roared loudly as it began to flap its wings. It caused large gusts of wind that shook the throne room in Darkmount. The beast then took flight roaring as it went to track down its prey.
—---
Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Miko were crouched behind a boulder outside of an energon mine. Miko frowned, still not sure why the three of them were outside of an energon mine.

Miko pouted as she looked up at the two wreckers. “So why are we just hanging out, outside of a dinghy energon mine?”

“Simple, we are going to blow it up.” Wheeljack told her, Miko looked at him confused.

“What does leveling a Decepticon mine have to do with getting the band back together and taking down Megatron?” Miko asked, standing up and looking at the two wreckers.

“Here’s the plan. Once we light up this place, the blast will be big and distinct.” Wheeljack told Miko,

“And any Autobot in 500 kliks would see the energon explosion and come running.” Bulkhead added,

Miko looked back at mine now knowing the plan and smirked. “Then let’s do this…”
—--
Arcee and Jack were in front of Ultra Magnus, the second in command of the Autobots. Arcee was in disbelief that Ultra Magnus was on Earth at all let alone that he managed to track them down.

“No one has seen or heard from you in ages! How did you find your way to Earth?” Arcee asked him,

“Soldier, we may not be on Cybertron but military protocol remains.” Ultra Magnus stated,

“My apologies, sir.” Arcee said standing at attention for Ultra Magnus.

Jack looked confused, “Sir?”

“Advise the native lifeform to watch its tone as well.” Ultra Magnus added, noticing Jack’s confusion.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s just a stick in the mud.” An unknown femme voice said from inside the ship.

“Hex, it would be best if you didn’t use the system’s speaker system for commentary. That’s an order.” Ultra Magnus chastised the unknown voice from inside the ship.

Jack hearing Ultra Magnus argue with the voice inside the ship was even more confused. “Arcee, who are these guys?”

Arcee turned to look at Jack and leaned in and whispered, “Ultra Magnus was Optimus’s first lieutenant during the war on Cybertron. He’s very by the book, just go with it. As for the other inside, I'm not sure who they are.”

Ultra Magnus let Arcee finish explaining things to Jack before speaking again. “As for the answer to your previous question. My story is the same as most Autobots. I went scouring for others after Cybertron went dark. Reuniting with some and then watching them fall at the hands of the Decepticons. The only Autobot I currently ally myself with at the moment is inside the ship. She detected a unique energy signature and we followed it to this planet.”

“The beam from the Omega Lock?” Jack asked,

“If that is what the massive energy burst coming from Cybertron is, then you would be correct, native.” Ultra Magnus confirmed with Jack. “Upon my arrival, it became evident that this planet had been invaded. Our scanners picked up Autobot signals and yours was the closest in proximity to our position.”

“Wait…signals? As in plural?” Jack asked but then got a scowling look from Ultra Magnus. “Uh...sir.” Jack stood up straighter.

“We detected 4 in total.” Ultra Magnus informed them. Arcee and Jack realized some of the group were reconvening. But there were more than 4 members of the team, there were 11. 12 if you count Moonlight.

“But there were more than 4 of us…” Jack sighed as he came to an unpleasant conclusion.

“Jack, that doesn’t necessarily mean what you think it means. Autobot signals cannot be detected if they are being shielded. No doubt Warlock has a detection shield preventing his ship from being located.”

“Wait, did you just say Warlock?” The femme said over the speakers again,

“Hex, what did I just say?” Ultra Magnus reprimanded, the speaker shut off as a femme seeker came running out of the ship. Her chassis was a maroon reddish pink with bright lime green and gray accents. She was rather tall for a femme seeker as she came up to Ultra Magnus’s shoulders. She looked down at Arcee as a look of panic and surprise was on her face plate.

“Where is my brother?” She asked, causing Arcee and Jack to look at the seeker in shock.
—--
Back on Warlock’s ship, Ratchet, Warlock and Starscream were using the Onyx Triptych to track the other members of Team Prime. They noticed Wheeljack leaving Jasper and heading towards the Rocky Mountains and regrouped with who they think is Bulkhead.

Arcee disappeared off the map and Smokescreen was still missing as well. Leaving the group with three possible options. Track down Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Miko. Try to see if they can find Arcee, Jack and Smokescreen. Or the guaranteed option of going to where Thundercracker is and informing Agent Fowler and have the human back them up again.

“So what’s the plan, oh great new leader of the Autobots?” Skywarp teased his brother.

Ratchet grumbled at Skywarp’s joke, he still wasn’t on board with Optimus passing the title onto Starscream of all people. But he was there and heard it first hand so there was no disputing it. Starscream glared at his brother but he did think regrouping with the humans and getting Thundercracker back would be the safest and most logical option.

“I suggest we contact the humans. At least as a warning to our arrival at their base. Warlock had an interesting idea that I think would prove advantageous.” Starscream began, Bumblebee and Ratchet turned to listen to Starscream’s idea. “If we go back to the Harbinger and use the communication system there we cannot be tracked. The Decepticons are filtering for human and Autobot communication, not their own.”

“Using the Harbinger as a proxy? That is clever.” Ratchet stated as Warlock smiled a bit proud of himself.

They were far from the Harbinger and closer to the human military base but they had a plan. Using the ground bridge remote from the Harbinger and using Decepticon ground bridging system, Starscream, Ratchet and Bumblebee teleported into the ship and began to start up the communication frequency to call Agent Fowler.

Agent Fowler, June Darby, Marissa and Thundercracker’s holoform were in his office on the military base. Buster was sitting comfortably in Thundercracker’s lap as he was petting her. Agent Fowler heard his phone begin to ring and recognize the Decepticon frequency. Great, Megatron has more gloating he wants to do…

Agent Fowler pressed the speaker button so Thundercracker could hear. “What is it now, Lord Megatron?” Agent Fowler asked with some sass.

“Agent Fowler, it's Ratchet.” Ratchet said urgently,

“Ratchet?!” June said frantically as Thundercracker stood up holding Buster in his arms. Marissa rushed over to the phone. “Where’s Jack? Is he with you?” June asked worriedly.

“No he is not. We made a risky but calculated maneuver contacting you via the Harbinger. Hopefully the Decepticons are not monitoring their own frequencies as closely as they are monitoring the humans.” Ratchet explained,

“We? So others are with you?!” Thundercracker interjected,

“Yes, TC. Some of us have regrouped and are heading to your coordinates as we speak.” Starscream interrupted.

Thundercracker felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard his brother speak. “We figured giving you a heads up to our arrival will prevent Warlock’s ship from being shot down.” Starscream explained, “We should be there in about an hour or so. We will fill you in on what small amount of intel we managed to grab.”

“Wait! Did you hear from Prime or the others?!” Agent Fowler tried to ask but it was too late the call got disconnected.

Ratchet and Starscream hung up and the humans plus Thundercracker felt a wave of relief as some of Team Prime was returning. But what about the rest of the team?

Chapter Text

Smokescreen, using the Phase Shifter, decided to sneak into Darkmount and steal the Forge of Solus Prime. He looked up at Darkmount from the underground area he came out of. “Nice little fortress you crafted for yourself, Megatron. It’s gonna be hard to find the Forge inside of it.”

He then had an idea, what if he didn’t move the relics into Darkmount? What if he kept them in the same place he kept them before? Smokescreen’s optics drifted over to the Nemesis which was parked on a landing dock attached to Darkmount. “Now let’s see if you moved your toys, Megatron.”

Smokescreen then began to phase through the walls of Darkmount until he could slowly make his way up the spire towards where the Nemesis was parked. He peaked out from the landing dock where it was and looked in multiple directions to make sure the coast was cleared. He then rushed towards the Nemesis hoping to find the Forge inside it.

He managed to get into the interior of the Nemesis and hoped that the Decepticons left the relics in the same vault they had last time. He then began sneaking down the hall telling himself he will not fail and let Optimus down when he heard a voice echo through the hall. The moment Smokescreen heard the voice he jumped back into the hall.

“Overreacting?! Me?!” Slipstream yelled at her team,

“Well Shockwave said he had everything under control.” Shadow Striker reiterated,

“You’re seriously siding with that One-opticed creatin?!” Slipstream argued, the trio continued down the hall as Slipstream complained.

Flamewar looked over at the wall and shook her head. She swore she saw something… “Flamewar! Stop lagging behind!” Slipstream yelled, as Flamewar ran to catch up to her leader. Smokescreen was venting heavily as he nearly got caught.

Smokescreen then began to back up, phasing through multiple layers of the wall of the Nemesis until he noticed his surroundings were a deep shade of red. He turned and saw the frozen face of Airachnid staring back at him. He yelped in surprise as he phased out of the stasis pod and fell on his back. He then clamored to his pedes and looked back at where he just was as Smokescreen looked her over. “You don’t scare me, creepy crawly…”

He then looked around and realized he was in the vault he was looking for as he saw multiple relics in the room. He then saw to his left in a containment unit the Forge of Solus Prime.

“Hello, beautiful…”
—---
Wheeljack and Bulkhead were getting ready to blow up the mine. They spent a very long time planting explosives in the mine to the point it became night time. Wheeljack and Bulkhead placed numerous grenades across the walls of the mine. Once Wheeljack finished arming the last of the grenades the two ran out of the mine as fast as they could with Miko gesturing them to come over to her position.

Bulkhead and Wheeljack joined Miko a safe distance away as Wheeljack was about to activate the explosives and a loud screeching sound echoed out. Miko looked up to where the sound was coming from and pointed at the large flying shape heading in their direction. “We got company!”

“Megatron?” Wheeljack guessed looking at the flying shape,

“No, way too big to be bucket-head….” Bulkhead noted as the flying shape sped upward into the sky with a flourish. The mystery flier screeched again as its large wings were silhouetted against the moonlight of the night sky. His wings were flapping and last time Bulkhead checked Megatron did not fly like that.

“Last time I checked, ole Megsy did fly like that…” Wheeljack noted, as whoever or whatever this was is coming in hot, literally. As a large flaming orb of fire came out of whatever this was and was heading right for where they were.

Bulkhead scooped up Miko and Wheeljack followed as the fireball hit where they were and erupted into molten rock and slag. The creature then flew back up into the clouds as Bulkhead and Wheeljack staggered to their pedes.

“A freakin’ dragon?! Where did the Cons get a dragon?!” Miko cried out being held in Bulkhead’s servos.

Bulkhead and Wheeljack shared a look, “What’s a dragon?” they both as in unison looking very confused.

Miko blinked, “Giant, flying, fire breathing lizard!”

The ‘dragon’ came looping back around out of the clouds clearly to try and shoot another fireball. As flames erupted from its throat and aimed to where they were standing. Again the two wreckers dodged the flames as Bulkhead was running with Miko in his arms. He then transformed into vehicle mode as a way to not only be able to outrun the fire from the Predacon but to keep Miko safe.

The Preadcon landed with a loud thud right in front of Wheeljack. It growled at the wrecker as Wheeljack screamed back activating his blasters and rapidly and haphazardly shooting at the beast. The Predacon flinched and didn’t like the annoying blaster fire as he swung at Wheeljack with its armored tail. It hit the wrecker, sending him flying into a nearby boulder. Wheeljack was stunned by the hit from his front and back as the creature walked towards him and reared up its head and roared.

Just as the Predacon was about to strike Bulkhead came zooming in and using the momentum of his vehicle form transformed mid-air and with his wrecking ball gauntlet smashed it right in the Preadcon’s face. Knocking its attention from Wheeljack to Bulkhead. The Preadcon then breathed more fire as Bulkhead tried to outrun it. He didn’t and ended up bouncing and skidding against the ground covered in small amounts of dirt, soot and fire.

“Bulkhead!” Miko cried out and ran towards her partner to check on him. Bulkhead warned her to stay back as he was probably hot to the touch. He then put out small little fires on his chassis as he turned back to look at the Predacon.

The Predacon ignored Bulkhead for the time being as his prey was not him, but Wheeljack. Wheeljack in the moment that the Predacon’s attention was away from him threw a grenade under the beast and activated it. Wheeljack smirked at the beast who turned to look at him only for the grenade to go off. The blast was large but not large enough to do any real damage to the Predacon. As the beast wasn’t even phased by the blast from underneath it.

“We’re going to need more fire power, Jackie!” Bulkhead called out.

“Well good thing I know where to find some!” Wheeljack yelled back as he ran towards the tunnel full of explosives and flammable energon.

Wheeljack ran past several Vehicons who were still working in the mines. “Incoming!” Wheeljack shouted as he continued deeper into the mine. The Vehicons then registered that it was an Autobot and pulled out their blasters and aimed at Wheeljack. But the sound of rampaging Predacon caught their attention. As the hole to the mine was too small for the beat and he clawed his way inside the tunnel roaring and thrashing about. The Predacon managed to squeeze it’s large body through the hole of the cavern and continued it’s pursuit of of its prey.

The poor miners and Wheeljack ran further into the tunnel away from the pursuing beast. Wheeljack transformed into his vehicle mode turned around, and drove under the Predacon towards the mouth of the tunnel. He managed to get out and far enough away from the opening that he felt safe enough to activate the detonator for the explosives.

“And that’s how the walls came tumblin’ down!” Wheeljack shouted as he pressed the detonator. The whole mine erupted in an explosion hopefully killing and or caving in the Predacon. The secondary energon explosion erupted a few seconds after. Hopefully one or some of their comrades would be in the vicinity so that they can see their signal.

Miko shouted in victory over the Predacon…

But it was short lived as the Predacon crawled its way out of the rubble. The creature crawled to the top of where the tunnel once was and with a mighty flap of their wings cleared the smoke away from the rubble. It roared loudly as the moonlight cemented its silhouette against the ground near where the Autobots stood.

The Predacon turned to look at them with anger in its optics as it prepared for another attack. As it got airborne all hope seemed lost until out of nowhere a blast came and shot the beast mid-air. A Cybertronian ship that neither Wheeljack or Bulkhead had seen before came in and helped them.

“Is it one of ours?” Bulkhead asked holding Miko in his servos,

Wheeljack turned to look at Bulkhead for a split second, “Does it matter?!” Wheeljack looked back out at the ship now circling back to fight off the Predacon. He and Bulkhead then decided to run for it as they bolted in the opposite direction of the Predacon.

The Predacon was disoriented from the blast as it shook its head to regain its bearings. It roared and began pursuit. The ship then began to follow Bulkhead and Wheeljack as it opened its hanger door revealing it as a way for them to escape the fiery beast.

The Predacon fired numerous times to try and stop them from running but Wheeljack, Bulkhead and Miko made it aboard the mysterious ship. As the hanger door closed with the two wreckers and the human girl inside Wheeljack had his blasters at the ready to greet whoever just picked them up, just in case.

The look of surprise on their faces when they saw none other than Jack and Arcee waiting for them.

“Arcee!” Bulkhead shouted lower his hand so Miko could get off.

“Jack!” Miko shouted as she ran towards Jack jumping up and giving Jack a big hug. Bulkhead did the same for Arcee picking up the two-wheeler off the ground in a hearty bear hug.

“Thanks for the save.” Wheeljack said to Arcee,

“Don’t thank me, thank them.” Arcee pointed to Ultra Magnus who was piloting the spaceship and Hex who was manning the blasters. Hex waved at them with a big smile on her face.

“Soldiers.” Ultra Magnus acknowledged,

“Howdy.” Hex said back at them,

“Ultra Magnus?” Bulkhead said in disbelief, “It’s an honor.”

Wheeljack on the other hand looked less enthused about seeing Ultra Magnus. But Wheeljack turned to Arcee, “Guess blowing that mine made us easy to spot.”

“Ultra Magnus already had a lock on your positions. And ours. So…mind telling us what in the Pits is chasing us?” Arcee looked at the monitor to her right.

“We think the Decepticons got a dragon.” Miko explained,

“Or some kind of Beastformer…” Jack added,

The Predacon began to pursue the ship as its prey was aboard it. Ultra Magnus performed a number of various maneuvers to avoid the beast’s flames. Ultra Magnus turned to Hex, “Hex, activate the hyperdrive.”

“Sir, are you sure? We will not be able to leave Earth if we do this.” Hex explained,

“Do it.” Ultra Magnus ordered, Hex nodded as she flipped a switch.

“Hang on!” Ultra Magnus shouted as the ship engaged in hyperspace-like jump. The Predacon went reeling back tumbling out of the sky and into the rocky ground below. Boulder and rubble came tumbling down as it covered the creature.

The ship vibrated roughly as they headed to the next set of coordinates, near Jasper.

Chapter Text

Warlock’s ship was getting closer and closer to Jasper. Ratchet, Bumblebee and Starscream ground bridged back to Warlock’s ship. Ratchet went to go to the supply room to gather energon to refuel the engines when he noticed a door he hadn’t noticed before. Ratchet opened it by entering in Warlock’s override code. He walked down a short flight of stairs and saw a containment unit with a weird shaped crystal inside of it.

The crystal glowed a sickly green with flecks of yellow all reflecting off the walls of the room. The shape of the crystal reminded Ratchet of an anatomical recreation of a spark chamber. Ratchet went to go closer but then noticed the various security measures both obvious and not obvious surrounding it. Ratchet then decided to head back to the supply room and not touch the very guarded crystal.

Ratchet saw Warlock and Moonlight doing their lessons, Skywarp and Starscream were discussing how good it would be to see Thundercracker again, and Bumblebee and Raf were playing a video game Warlock had on the computer system. Ratchet turned to look at Warlock as that guarded crystal kept bothering him.

“Warlock, can I ask you a question?” Ratchet asked to get the scientist’s attention. “There is a guarded crystal down in the lower level of your ship…what is that?”

Warlock paused as everyone turned to look at Warlock for an explanation. Warlock cleared his throat, “It’s a relic called the Heartstone. It’s similar to the Emberstone created by Quintus Prime. It’s a valuable family heirloom.”

‘A relic as an heirloom? That must be an interesting story.’ Bumblebee beeped,

“How did your family get it, Warlock?” Raf asked,

“Oh! My carrier made it.” Warlock told Raf,

“Your carrier just casually made a duplicate of a relic of the Primes?! Now I have to hear this.” Ratchet said in disbelief.

Warlock adjusted his seat as he smiled at everyone, “Well we have about 45 minutes til we get to the base. How about a story then?”

“Yay story!” Moonlight climbed into her sure’s lap as she was eager to hear the tale of the Heartstone.

“So our story takes place way before the Cybertronian war…”
———
On Luna-One, Cybertron’s moon, Shuttle class seekers and miners were working on transporting mining goods to Iacon. A worker there named Aurum was transported energon cubes back via supply shuttles.

Aurum was very tall even by shuttle class seeker standards. His armor was a mix of maroon, gold and gray as he was built for heavy duty lifting and day labor. He had a loud gruff voice that commanded authority and when he shouted all the workers would listen to him. And if he yelled at you, your audio receptors who have to get adjusted for how loud he can get.

Aurum and his team were working overtime as he really wanted to get back to Iacon to catch the shuttle to Kaon to watch the latest Megatronus fight at the gladiator arena.

Aurum realized his lazy coworkers didn’t get all the mining equipment out of the energon tunnels and was not pleased to go deep in the mine to retrieve the equipment. By the time he finished his coworkers all but left him and the last shuttle to Iacon had departed. He would have to wait til tomorrow morning to catch the returning shuttle.

“But of lazy freeloading slaggers!” Aurum shouted as he dropped the equipment.

Aurum grumbled as he waited near the construction site for the next transport shuttle. Aurum was bored, he had nothing to do, he wasn’t going to do extra work that’s how he got in this predicament in the first place. He then decided to look up at the stars. It was a clear night, no spacial storms or any forecasted meteor showers. At least that's what he read, because he saw what looked like a shooting star getting disturbingly close to him.

The meteor in question was heading about a mile north of his current position as Aurum saw a blinding green light illuminating from where the meteor landed. Aurum decided to check it out.

Aurum transformed and flew out towards the crash site. He hovered overhead as the sickly yellowish green glow made him nervous for something radioactive or dangerous. He tested to see if it was radioactive with his equipment and by the time he got the all clear, transformed and landed the meteor was gone!

Aurum was perplexed as there was a crater from a rather large meteor but no rock or object in sight. Aurum looked over the end of the crater and saw the light was beginning to fade.

“That’s so stran-GAH!” Aurum was caught off guard as long thin black tendrils with a greenish sheen wrapped around his limbs and lifted him high in the air.

Aurum fought against the tendrils but they only got tighter the more he struggled. Whatever was grabbing him turned him around to face it. As Aurum was greeted with a strange surprise.

The tendrils were coming out of the helm of what looked like a Cybertronian…but also not like a Cybertronian. It was like an uncanny attempt at looking at another’s being’s description of a Cybertronian. The body was lithe and sharp with jagged shoulder plating and hip plating. A wispy tiny waist and long pointed legs. Her helm looked more like a crown as it had a small glowing orb in the middle of it illuminating that sickly green glow. The creature's face was definitely femme and rather beautiful. She was probably just a tad shorter than Aurum which is saying she was crazy tall.

Aurum had no idea if this was just a very strange looking Cybertronian or another race altogether, but he knew one thing and that he was scared. The creature squinted her glowing yellow optics at Aurum. Trying to assess if he was a threat or not.

“Uh…hello?” Aurum tried to greet the femme,

The femme hissed at him. “Uh…I don’t speak… whatever that was…” Aurum said both being snarky and confused.

The being released Aurum as he fell to the ground with a thud. Aurum got to his pedes and looked over at the tentacled creature that just attacked him. “So…are you ok? You fell out of the sky.” Aurum said, pointing at the direction she came from.

She didn’t turn to look at where he was pointing instead she looked at him, intensely. “Uh…do you understand me?” Aurum asked, the femme blinked and then tilted her head. The femme moved a tentacle and pressed the end of it against his helm. A spark of pain ignited against Aurum’s helm. She then moved the tentacle away and Aurum rubbed his helm.

“You are Cybertronian, yes?” The femme spoke in a clear voice,

Aurum was surprised by the femme voice as he looked at her. “Yes, you are on Cybertron’s moon, Luna-One.”

“I see…I made it quite far…” She said to herself, acting like he wasn’t there. Aurum paused, worried to not set off whoever this person was.

“Where…are you from?” Aurum asked, assuming that maybe she was from one of the colonies.

“I am from Quintessa. A child of Quintus.” She said proudly,

“Quintus? Like Quintus Prime?” Aurum asked her, she nodded. Aurum was floored; Quintus Prime disappeared eons ago. And here was someone claiming to be his offspring. He remembered vaguely what Quintus Prime looked like and now can see the resemblance between the two.

“So you’re Quintus Prime’s daughter?” Aurum asked, just trying to get a confirmation.

“I am one of the firsts. Quintus’s strongest daughter, the rightful heir.” She said confidently,

Aurum is still lost but he got the confirmation he was looking for. “Ok…does Quintus’s heir, have a designation?”

“Void.” She said quickly,

“Void? Your name is Void?” Aurum realized that was a very grim name for a very scary individual.

“It is my name. Is there a problem with it, seeker?” Void said back with a slight hint of sass.

“I am Aurum, nice to officially meet you. And hopefully you will not attack me again.” Aurum chuckled nervously,

“Aurum.” She said slowly, “Pleasure.” she held out a hand to shake, or at least it looked like she wanted a shake. But when Aurum shaked it she looked confused but brushed past it.

Aurum and Void went back to the construction site as Aurum had all night to wait for the next shuttle back to Iacon. Aurum began to ask more questions from Void and she informed him that she was not a Cybertronian like her creator but something else. She was a Quintesson, a race uniquely created by Quintus Prime on an abandoned world using the power of his relic the Emberstone.

Aurum was familiar with the Quitenssons and their war with Cybertronians many, many years ago. So seeing one who wasn’t trying to enslave him or destroy him (at the moment) was shocking. Void continued her story of how at first she thought the Cybertronians were just weaker, lesser versions of the Quintessons. But as the Quintessons evolved, becoming more calculated, cruel and overall cowardly she realized that Cybertronians might not be as weak as they thought. Not to mention that Cybertron fought back hard against the initial war against them ages ago.

Aurum asked about what happened to Quintus Prime and his fate. Was he still online? Where was the Emberstone? Are the Quintessons going to invade Cybertron again? Many questions Aurum asked as Void told him to calm down and let her speak. Aurum went quiet as Void answered most of his questions.

Quintus was no more, terminated by the new overlords of Quintessa the Quintesson Judges. A multifaced, cowardly but intelligent variant of the Quintesson race. Void explained they don’t build them like her anymore, she was seen as too dangerous, too powerful. The Judges plotted her demise just as they did her creator. So Void did the only thing she could at the moment and fled far to a world where she could blend in, Cybertron.

“You’ll still stick out.” Aurum pointed out, “Most Cybertronians don’t have head tentacles or glowing auras.”

Void blinked and sighed as she stood up. She easily shifted her plating and hid her tendrils within her helm. Her pointy arm flattened and became more squared or rounded off and her pointy feet turned into heeled pedes. And her greenish yellow glow faded immediately. She looked like a high speed seeker, sleek, dangerous and beautiful. Aurum just sat there dumbfounded and just stared at the pretty shape-shifted alien.

The two then spent most of the evening just talking about Quintessa and Cybertron respectively. They both ended up talking all night and only realized it was morning when the shuttle came in for the morning shift. Aurum smiled and held out a hand for Void for the two to go to Cybertron together. Void smiled at the seeker and the two headed to Iacon.
—--
“Cute but that doesn’t answer how your carrier came into possession of the Heartstone?” Ratchet interjected,

“I was getting to that, Ratchet. It’s called world building.” Warlock said, clearing his throat, “Anyway the two ended up developing feelings for one another and settled in Nova Cronum. And decided that the two of them wanted to start a family.”
—---
“So our CNA isn’t compatible?” Aurum asked surprised,

“We are entirely different species, Aurum. Even if we wanted to reproduce a stable spark containing Cybertronian CNA and Quintesson DNA would not be possible.” Void explained, Void and Aurum were walking in their home as Void was pacing back and forth trying to figure out how to combine their genetics together to start a family.

Void had an idea, she was a student of Quintus, perhaps some nugget of wisdom in her memories could help resolve this issue. She sat down and in a meditative state went searching through her memory banks for a way for him and Aurum to thrive.

A memory, a very old one popped into Void’s mind. One she cherishes is one of her and Quintus walking down a river on Quintessa discussing the intercities of life. Quintus was always a dreamer aspiring to create new and interesting forms of life. He believes that life, in all its forms, is the most important thing in the universe. And that life should be encouraged to grow and thrive no matter the cost.

Something that he and Void used to argue about many times. That in order for some life to thrive others must die. Quintus shrugged at Void’s point, “That is the circle of life, my daughter. Sometimes one life must end for another to begin.” Quintus floated down the river a bit ahead of her. “But then new more exciting things can form! The changes, the essence of life is to thrive, survive and live.”

Quintus turned to Void, “Do you not want your brother’s and sisters to thrive here on Quintessa? I hope that one day we may all venture to Cybertron together. Using the Emberstone to create your kind is one of my greatest achievements! I am a proud sire of the Quintesson race and all of your abilities to thrive and grow as a species.”

Quintus stopped as they ended up near the end of the river. “Void. You are one of the few creations I feel the closest to. You remind me of my kin…before the fall. Do you know why I designated you Void?” He asked, looking down at her.

“No, sire I do not.” She replied,

Quintus Prime knelt down, “Because you are a void. An empty slate. You have yet to find your purpose and a reason to thrive for your own means.” Quintus reached into his own spark chamber and pulled out a small ball of light. “You carry the weight of Quintessa on your shoulders, Void. Allow me to make it easier for you when you so choose.”

Void held the small ball of greenish yellow light in her servos. “Sire, what is this?”

“A piece of my spark, Void. My mind and my abilities to create new life are my greatest assets. But my spark is what makes me who I am. A dreamer, a strategist and a caring sire. Since you do not possess a spark of your own… I want to give you a piece of mine. A piece of my heart…my dear, precious daughter. Let it give you the inspiration to dream of a brighter future for the Quintessons.” Quintus wrapped a caring tendril around Void’s wrist.

“I will treasure it always, sire. I…I will find purpose for your spark.” Void said happily as she placed the small ball of light between the crown points on her helm.

Void came back to the present. The glowing orb she treasures and displayed as a token of her sire’s deep seeded love for her…might be the key to all of this. She removed the glowing orb from her crown and held the small ball of light in her palms. Aurum looked at her curiously, “So… has Quintus Prime ever graced you with the wisdom of the ancients?”

“Actually yes. This small light will be what creates our family, Aurum.” Void has no idea how to use a fragment of Quintus Prime’s spark as a way for them to have a family together. But it has to be the key, her sire wouldn’t give her something so valuable without intent.

Void spent weeks trying to figure out how to harness the power of the fragment. Thankfully Nova Cronum was full of brilliant scientists who were curious about the mysterious orb of power. The research eventually helped develop the groundwork for creating drones like Vehicons and cold-constructs. But the crowning jewel of the research was hardening the energy into a crystal and being able to use the power within it to combine CNA of different creatures together to form whole new subspecies of Cybertronians.

With all the research and experimentation now bearing fruit, Void returned home with the crystal in hand excited to tell Aurum of the breakthrough. “So this little rock is going to give us a family?” Aurum asked, confused and staring at the weird green crystal.

“I call it the Heartstone. Made from the heart of Quintus Prime this crystal should allow my Quintesson DNA and your Cybertronian CNA to merge and create a new species! Our species…our family…” Void said happily, her sire would be proud to see her using his spark to help bridge his people with his creations.
—--
“And then bing, bang, boom! Came me and my sister, Hex.” Warlock said with a smile, everyone in the room looked completely dumbfounded.

“You’re telling me that the crystal is a fragment of Quintus Prime himself?!” Ratchet said bewildered,

“Yeah. It’s why my carrier called it the Heartstone. It’s from the heart.” Warlock explained,

“How romantic.” Starscream said with a hint of sarcasm but the story itself was rather remarkable and rather touching.

‘I think that the story is really sweet and sentimental. And it makes the Heartstone probably just as valuable as the Emberstone in a way.’ Bumblebee added,

“I think it makes it more valuable. It’s literally a part of a Prime!” Skywarp noted, “We literally have a fragment of a Prime in the basement of this ship?! How cool is that!”

Ratchet looked at the enthusiasm of the rest of the team as the story finished just in time for them to arrive at the military base.

Chapter Text

Warlock landed his ship at the military base. Thundercracker and Marissa came running out followed by Buster. The group began to exit out of Warlock’s ship. Skywarp came running out first and he and Thundercracker hugged it out as the two spun around happily. Starscream approached his two brothers as the Elite Trine was reunited again.

June and Agent Fowler came out too as they saw Ratchet, Bumblebee, Raf, Warlock, and Moonlight following close behind. “Good to see you guys.” Agent Fowler said, greeting the team as they filed out of the spaceship.

June looked up to the sky as her smile quickly faded, “Was there only one ship…right?”

The rest of the team then looked up and saw another spaceship approaching very quickly. The Autobots told the humans to stand back. The military was ready and armed waiting for a signal to fire. The ship looked Cybertronian as it got closer. Starscream looked up at the mystery ship, it didn’t look like a Decepticon ship…but he wouldn’t rule it out.

As the ship was engaging in its landing protocols, Ratchet recognized the ship as an Autobot one. “It’s one of ours! Hold your fire!” Ratchet cried out telling the humans to hold their fire by holding out a servo and gesturing to them.

The ship landed as the landing gear engaged and the hangar door came down and the rest of the team was standing on the platform. Jack, Miko, Arcee, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack all were standing on the descending platform. Miko looked out and spotted the rest of the team.

“Raf!” Miko called out happily as she ran towards him, Miko practically picked him up into a bear hug.

“Jack!” June cried out as Jack rushed over to his mother and the two hugged. June held back tears as she was so happy to see her son safe and sound.

Ratchet looked up happily with a smile on his face as he saw most of the team coming towards him. But to his surprise, he saw two more bots behind the group of them. One being Ultra Magnus and the other he didn’t recognize.

“Ultra Magnus?” Ratchet said in surprise,

“Doctor.” Ultra Magnus replied,

The seekers joined in talking to the others and checking out Bumblebee’s new paint job. Ultra Magnus’s gaze flickered over to Starscream who was being chummy and chatting with the rest of the Autobot team. Ultra Magnus said nothing at first as the rest of the team seems to be amicable towards him. But Ultra Magnus internally was reeling from seeing Megatron’s second-in-command standing with the Autobots all chummy. Ratchet looked over at Ultra Magnus’s line of sight and looked back at him. “A lot has transpired here on Earth. You have nothing to worry about with him now, he is one of us.”

“Megatron’s former second-in-command is now an Autobot? Things really are strange in this world.” Ultra Magnus stated still watching the seekers.

“Actually that is something I need to discuss with you…Ultra Magnus.” Ratchet said somberly, Ultra Magnus’s attention snapped back to the medic.

Hex walked over to her brother, a person she had not seen in ages. “Well, this is an interesting turn of events…What happened to not picking a side?”

Warlock awkwardly chuckled as he glanced over at a laughing Starscream. “A lot has changed.”

“Hello.” A small voice interrupted the two. Hex looked down to see Moonlight who was looking up at her. Hex had a mischievous smirk on her face as she looked at her brother. “Someone has been busy….” Hex squatted down, “Nice to meet you, I’m Hex.”

The little seeker’s optics lit up. “Auntie Hex!” She jumped into Hex’s arms. “Nice to meet ya, kid.” Hex said to her niece. Warlock smiled at least Hex doesn’t want to confront what happened back then right now. Or at least wanted to remain amicable for the time being…

Miko looked over at the happy little sparkling in Hex’s arms. “So that’s Warlock’s sister the whole time?! Why did no one tell me?!” Miko exclaimed,

“There’s a lot of explaining to do actually.” Raf said, looking over at Ratchet and a very unhappy Ultra Magnus as they continue talking. “A lot of explaining…” Raf reiterated as Miko, Jack and Marissa didn’t like how ominous that sounded.

Arcee looked around at everyone here and noticed that two bots were unaccounted for. “Ultra Magnus locked in on the signal on most of the bots here. The ones he couldn’t track were on Warlock’s ship but were still missing two.”

Bumblebee whirled unhappily, catching the attention of the two wheeler. “Bee do you know something?”

‘Uh…I think it’s best if Ratchet tells you.’ Bumblebee beeped looking over at Starscream and his brothers.

Ratchet rejoined the group with Ultra Magnus. “So Doc, Bee says you have something to tell us?” Wheeljack addressed,

Ratchet bit his lower lip anxiously and then sighed. “It would appear we are still missing Smokescreen and Optimus. Optimus was the only one who knew where he bridged to. As for Optimus…he…he” Ratchet stuttered clearly emotional and struggling to get the words out. “He stayed behind to ensure that Megatron could not track us via the ground bridge….”

“I saw what was left of the base afterward…It was rubble.” Thundercracker said, “If Optimus did survive he would have been taken to Darkmount…”

“And I definitely didn’t see him in the prison on the Nemesis or in Darkmount.” Wheeljack added,

“That is not all… before some of us leaving the base…Optimus passed on leadership to the Autobots in case he…” Ratchet choked up, “In case he didn’t make it out.”

“Wait…so who’s in charge of the bots?” Agent Fowler asked, Ratchet looked up and over to Starscream. The rest of the bots followed Ratchet’s line of sight and looked absolutely shocked.

“Wait…Starscream is the new leader of the Autobots?!” Miko shouted in surprise, the part fo the team who was hearing this for the first time was absolutely shocked. Starscream? Ex-Decepticon Commander? Now appointed leader of the Autobots with Optimus gone. It would sound ridiculous to any Autobot hearing this.

“What about Ultra Magnus? He was trained by Optimus and was his first lieutenant during the war for Cybertron.” Arcee pointed out, that was true. Ultra Magnus would have been Starscream’s equivalent as the ‘second in command’ of the Autobots. He hopes that Ultra Magnus will not put up a fuss about this. If Starscream said it even with the team now accepting him that would be a very hard pill to swallow.

Ultra Magnus took a deep inhale. “If Optimus wished for Starscream to assume leadership of the Autobots I will not argue. A confirmed chain of command would be more proactive as we have to stop Megatron.”

Starscream was shocked that Ultra Magnus was not questioning this and nodded in agreement, “As long as Megatron has his fortress, Darkmount it will be difficult to try and locate our missing comrades.”

“I agree with you, Starscream. We must proceed without Optimus and deal with Megatron as soon as possible.” Ultra Magnus confirmed, a wave of relief washed over the seeker as Ultra Magnus at least outwardly isn’t objecting to his new status as leader. And now Starscream must take the reigns and plan for the next steps in dealing with Megatron. The team began to make plans for their next steps in dealing with Megatron and the Decepticons.
—---
Smokescreen came into the cavern he was hiding in. He phased through the wall lugging the Forge of Solus Prime with him. Optimus groaned as he heard pedefalls that belonged to Smokescreen and the scrapping of the Forge against the ground. Smokescreen let go of the Forge and turned to Optimus excitedly, “Optimus I got the Forge. You can use it to repair yourself.”

“Th-That is not why I had you retrieve the relic, Smokescreen.” Optimus said slowly, he turned his head to look at the rookie. Smokescreen looked confused, why would Optimus want him to retrieve the Forge if not to repair himself?

“The power of the Forge is not unlimited…Its power has begun to ebb…” Optimus said, struggling to face Smokescreen. He rested his helm back against the rocks as the pain he suffered from the blast had only worsened.

“So it’s running low…who cares?! We only need enough juice to get you back into fighting shape.” Smokescreen argued with the Prime,

“No…” Optimus argued, “Whatever power that remains within the Forge must be used to rebuild the Omega Lock. And to restore Cybertron.”

Smokescreen understood what Optimus was getting at but the alternative of it also… “But Optimus…that would mean-”

“The fate of our kind is more vital than the life of any one of us….Including me.” Optimus shut his optics at his words. The weight of them was heavy but true. Optimus would give his life if it meant restoring their homeworld.

“Optimus…the Forge is a relic of the Primes! We cannot use it to restore Cybertron…not without a Prime.” Smokescreen explained, that he understood Optimus’s reasoning but it was faulty. They can’t restore Cybertron without him!

“There will be a new Prime…” Optimus stated,

Smokescreen shook his helm, “We can figure all that out after we patch you up and take down Megatron.” Smokescreen got to his pedes and went to grab the Forge for Optimus. But then Smokescreen felt a servo grab his arm. “Prior to leaving the base, I appointed Starscream the new leader of the Autobots…A being of redemption and leadership.”

“So you want me to go find Starscream and tell him you want him to be a Prime?!” Smokescreen asked, completely shocked.

“No…I feel within my spark that the next Prime…is standing before me.” Optimus said with a cough. Smokescreen stood there absolutely shocked…not Starscream as the next Prime but him?!

Chapter Text

Warlock, Moonlight, and Hex went into Warlock’s ship to gather weapons or explosives that could be used in the upcoming battle between them and the Decepticons at Darkmount. Little Moonlight wanted to help but after she dropped a heavy blaster for the small sparkling and blasted the wall accidentally. The loud sound plus dropping the blaster scared her and caused the poor sparkling to cry. Warlock felt bad and comforted his daughter. Hex watched her brother soothe his daughter which caused her to smile. But internally she was feeling all sorts of emotions now seeing her brother again after all this time. He took her out of the room and told her maybe to go play with the human kids for a bit while he finished up.

Hex watched the little sparkling run out of the room to where the humans were. “So…you and Airachnid?”

“Yes, her carrier is Airachnid…I don’t want to go into this, Hex. Not now.” Warlock said sternly,

“Fine, fine just…wanted confirmation was all…” Hex was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, as Warlock gathered the explosives for Wheeljack. Hex pursed her lips as she tapped her arm, “So did she join?”

“No. Last I saw her she was locked in a stasis pod. Hopefully, she didn’t get out and is running around too.” Warlock said, picking up the explosives.

“Wait…she’s on Earth too?” Hex looked over at her brother,

“Yes. She is. And for the record, we aren’t together anymore.” Warlock looked at her, “You were right…she wasn’t right for me.”

Hex smiled, feeling a bit validated by her past statement. “Good…so…” Hex pushed herself off the wall, “You going to apologize?”

“Apologize?” Warlock asked, confused by his sister’s request. “Why do I need to apologize? I told you, you were right. Isn’t that enough?”

“No. Are you joking?” Hex asked in disbelief, she shook her head, “Really after the last time we met and you aren’t going to apologize?”

Warlock paused as he stopped grabbing explosives. “You know that wasn’t me. You know how I can…get…” Warlock felt embarrassed and angry that Hex would bring it up.

“I know…but you let it drive a wedge between and and then ran off with carrier’s most prized possession?! Come on Warlock I was fuming and wanted to tear you a new one.” Hex said getting closer to Warlock,

“The Heartstone is here, safe. I used it to make Moonlight clearly. Why are you on my case?” Warlock asked now getting annoyed by his sister’s probing.

“Well, duh I can tell you used it with Airachnid to make her. We can’t have sparklings normally…I think…” Hex paused as she wasn’t sure if they could… “But regardless, you still turned your back on me and left with her!”

“She wasn’t with the Decepticons anymore and was a rogue. I didn’t want to pick a side, Hex!” Warlock looked at her annoyed,

“Well, at least you came around eventually…” Hex said in a huff crossing her arms again and pouting.

“For the love of Primus…” Warlock whispered under his breath as he continued to pick up weapons.

Hex side-eyed her brother, “You just have to say sorry and this will be over.”

“Ok, No! We aren’t doing this.” Warlock dropped the explosives and got up into Hex’s face. “You want an apology? Because I didn’t want to fight in the war back then? That I wanted to focus on my research. Research, that could benefit the both of us! Learning more about our Quintesson origins, seeing if we could have sparklings at all! I was in love with Airachnid…and yes it didn’t work out and she betrayed me.”

Warlock raised a servo before Hex could interject, “My…darker half and she were too good together and I nearly lost who I was, Hex!” Warlock clenched his fists, “When I made Moonlight I came back to my senses. I realized it wasn’t going to work and I wouldn’t give her a little Insecticon army of tiny hers…which now that I think about it is even more scary with our Quintesson DNA…” Warlock said as the idea popped into his head, he sighed and turned back to her. “We all make mistakes but I am not apologizing for my choice.”

Hex listened to her brother and then frowned, “So your research was more important than your family then you retroactively went back on it because of family? Wow, Lock, you really are a hypocrite.”

Starscream walked in and wanted to check on why it was taking Warlock and Hex so long to gather weaponry. He then heard the two of them yelling. “Oh no…” Starscream realized that there would be tension between the two at first but now? Before the big battle with Darkmount?

Starscream peeked in at the two as they were in each other's faces. “Hex, why can’t you just let it go?!” Warlock yelled at his sister.

“Because it hurt Warlock! Because our creators disappeared during the exodus and you were the only member of my family left and you chose your research and Airachnid over me! Over family! And now you’re saying you joined the Autobots to protect Moonlight, your family! Was I not enough?!” Hex’s voice broke and got a bit staticy over her cries as tears welled up in her optics.

Starscream understood Hex’s pain. How he felt with Thundercracker after finding out that Thundercracker abandoned him. How he felt about leaving Skywarp at the mercy of Overlord… family something that Starscream alienated himself away from for ages but now? He can’t live without both his siblings and Warlock and Moonlight.

Starscream looked in more to see Warlock looking stunned by Hex’s tears. “Hex…”

“No! It’s not fair! I missed you, Warlock! I lost my creators and then my brother turned his back on me! I was alone! All alone!” Hex cried out,

Starscream really felt that…he was alone for so long and eventually numbed the pain from it. He was in Hex’s shoes and when he confronted Thundercracker the two were able to bury the hatchet as humans say. Starscream really hoped that the two could do the same.

Warlock sighed as he looked at his nearly crying sister. “Hex…I didn’t…I-”

“No! You didn’t realize!” Hex interrupted,

“Warlock.” Starscream interrupted, the two turned to see Starscream standing there. Warlock looked surprised and Hex began to wipe away her tears to hide the fact she was crying.

“Starscream? Uh, this is a bad time.” Warlock insisted Starscream to leave.

“Apologize to her, Warlock.” Starscream said sternly,

“Huh?” Warlock blinked,

“Apologize to her. She deserves an apology. Even if you didn’t mean to hurt her, you did.” Starscream said, pointing at Hex. “Be the bigger bot and apologize to your sister.”

The two Quintesson siblings exchanged glances as out of nowhere…Hex then began to laugh, causing the two of them to look at her. “You sound like our sire. Telling us to cut the scrap and make up.”

Warlock then began to laugh too at the realization. Starscream blinked in confusion at the two siblings laughing. “All that time with Moonlight is enhancing your creator skills.” Warlock jokes, causing Starscream to roll his optics.

“Ha, ha. Very funny.” Starscream said unamused,

Warlock looked over at his sister, “Hex.”

She turned to look at him, “I… know that what I did was selfish and… I really hurt you. I didn’t realize and…I really am sorry.” Warlock apologized,

Hex smiled at her brother, “Thank you.”

“So can we go back to preparing for the big battle?” Starscream asked,

The two chuckled, “Yes, sire we can return to prepping for the battle.” Hex jokes,

“You two are going to be insufferable, aren’t you?” Starscream asked,

“Of course, sire.” Warlock smiles cheekily,

Starscream rolled his optics again and grumbled, “Enough! Let’s go.” Starscream turned his back and began to walk out.

Hex and Warlock looked at each other and began to gather the supplies. “So…you and Starscream?”

“Was it that obvious?” Warlock asked with a smile,

“You two seem cute together. And he seemed to really adopt the whole creator title already.” Hex said gathering some of the guns.

“Yeah…he really bonded with Moonlight well. And who knows…we might use the Heartstone in the not-so-distant future.” Warlock said with a smile,

Hex laughed, “You’re a really caring sire. I can imagine you with another little sparkling running around. Just maybe wait til the war ends this time…”

Warlock rolled his optics, “Yeah, yeah I know. Another sparkling running around now would not be a good idea.”

The two gathered the supplies and headed back to the rest of the team. They sort of resolved their familial drama but for now, they have to focus on the upcoming battle.

Chapter Text

Episode: Rebellion

Warlock and Hex returned to Ultra Magnus’s ship with the ammunition and weapons as Ultra Magnus revealed weapons of his own. Wheeljack was very enthused about the explosives that Warlock brought him as he was running low on grenades after blowing up the mine.

The rest of the team was preparing themselves for the upcoming battle as Ultra Magnus began speaking about how they were outnumbered and lacked enough firepower to really do damage to the citadel.

“Uncle Sam’s military has the firepower. I cannot let them make a move as long as Megatron’s ray guns are pointed at Washington.” Agent Fowler explained the human military would be a nice backup. But Agent Fowler was right, his hands are tied until they can disarm the cannons on top of Darkmount.

Ultra Magnus leaned into Ratchet and Starscream who were standing by. “Why does Agent Fowler’s uncle have control of a military force?” Ultra Magnus asked the two.

“No, no that’s not…That’s not what he means, Ultra Magnus.” Starscream stated, “Agent Fowler uses…interesting terminology at times when he is referring to the military of his country.” Starscream clarified for him causing Ultra Magnus to hum and nod in understanding, “Then we must infiltrate Darkmount. In order to nullify it’s fusion cannons.”

“Unfortunately it seems the fortress is heavily guarded against unsanctioned ground bridging.” Ratchet pointed to the screen on Ultra Magnus’s bridge screen as Warlock linked the two together in order to share data.

“Primus, it is even shielded against ones originating from Decepticon technology.” Ratchet pointed at the various blocked entrance points on the screen.

“Isn’t Dreadwing still an option? He said he’d be our bot on the inside.” Skywarp pointed out,

“Fat chance now after he helped me escape.” Wheeljack noted,

“The Decepticons might be on a higher alert after Wheeljack’s escape and keep a more scrutinizing optic on the high command.” Starscream noted, “It’s happened a few times as higher ranked members get shuffled about or are offlined.”

“I guess then we’ll have to sneak past enemy lines…wrecker style.” Wheeljack said happily as he punched his fist into his other hand.

“I couldn’t deal with ‘wrecker style’ back on Cybertron and refuse to deal with it here.” Ultra Magnus stated sternly,

Wheeljack frowned at Ultra Magnus’s comment. “We have to play this smart…wrecker’s aren’t known for their subtlety.” Ultra Magnus added,

Starscream looked up and noticed the clear tension between Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus and figured it would be best to diffuse the situation. “I think I might have an idea…”
—---
“Me a Prime?! I mean who wouldn’t want to be a Prime?” Smokescreen said in surprise and bewilderment. “But…but I am not ready for that level of responsibility. Someone like Ratchet, Starscream….someone else not me! Not yet at least.”

“Smokescreen, the choice is neither yours nor mine to make.” Optimus told the rookie. “When the time comes the Matrix of Leadership will present itself to whoever spark is worthy.”

“So that doesn’t mean that I will be chosen? It could still be one of the others.” Smokescreen pointed out,

“Yes, but… there is a certain level of understanding that comes with wielding the Matrix of Leadership. And I can tell who is possibly worthy or not.” Optimus explained,

“Great…” Smokescreen said now more worried than ever.
—---
Jack walked out towards the desert area ready to enact Starscream’s plan. “Well, this worked great last time.” Jack said sarcastically as he pulled out his cell phone and sent a text to Miko.

Immediately on the Decepticon’s tracking system, Jack’s picture came up as he was texting from Kansas. Slipstream and Soundwave were looking at the monitor as Slipstream smirked, “I knew the humans wouldn’t be able to resist using their telecommunication devices.”

“Track him down and bring him back alive for interrogation.” Slipstream ordered the Aerial Vehicon troopers near her. The 5 of them standing there all nodded in agreement and began making their way to Jack’s location.

Raf uses Warlock’s ship to keep better track of everything they need for the plan. “I got 5 Decepticon bogies converging on Jack’s location.” Raf announced to the rest of the team.

“Not anymore.” Warlock said with a smile as pressed some buttons on the console and opened a ground bridge. Jack immediately ran through back onto Warlock’s ship. Ratchet activated his commlink to notify Miko her turn was up next.

Miko faked ordering a pizza outside of Delaware. Miko’s signal popped up on the screen as Slipstream laughed triumphantly. “Seriously? Another one? Today is our lucky day.”

Dreadwing walked into the bridge seeing the two humans on the monitor. Dreadwing immediately knew something was up. The humans and Autobots were extra careful about communication and now two of the human allies are using their phones? The Autobots are up to something that was glaringly obvious. He was going to let this play out… hopefully, Slipstream isn’t that oblivious…

Soundwave grabbed Slipstream’s arm to get her attention. “What is it, Soundwave?”

Soundwave points to the monitor. Dreadwing tried to hide a smirk, Soundwave was catching on while Slipstream wasn’t. “Oh come on, Soundwave. Can’t you just believe in some good fortune?” Slipstream turned away from Soundwave and towards another small squad of Vehicons and ordered them to grab Miko. Warlock opened the ground bridge and had Miko jump back through onto his ship.

Marissa was up next as she walked out of a convenience store in Montana and posted a picture to her social media of her near the mountains. The screen lit up again as Slipstream turned to see the social media post and the mountains in the background. “It’s like taking energon candies from a sparkling! Send another squadron to this mountain location at once!”

Another ground bridge portal opened up as Marissa ran back to Warlock’s ship and Buster happily greeted her with a loud bark.

Ratchet and Warlock prepared for the next step. “Jack, are you ready for the next step?”

Jack cleared his throat, “Decepticon command, do you read?” Jack said rather flatly and unconvincingly.

“Uh…maybe we can enhance it with static?” Thundercracker suggested,

Jack went up to the communications device and delivered his lines. “Decepticon command do you read? We are under Autobot attack. Send reinforcements!” The audio was slightly distorted and staticy to hide Jack’s voice.

The location beacon came from one of the Decepticon's energon mines in Illinois. Slipstream ordered the Insecticons to go and investigate. The Insecticons made their way to the mine to help defend it. Starscream’s plan worked. As they managed to successfully trip up the Decepticons, and thin their forces that would be at Darkmount.

The Autobot gets ready for their assault on Darkmount as Agent Fowler waits for Starscream’s signal to come and support them in the coming battle.
—---
Slipstream received an immediate communication from the mine stating they were not under any attack and was confused as to why the Insecticons were even there. “What?!” Slipstream shouted in surprise, what on Earth is going on?!

Dreadwing smirked, he was figuring it out. They were thinning the forces at Darkmount for some reason and somehow hacked into Decepticon communications somehow. The Autobots most likely are planning an assault on some Decepticon location….Dreadwing was hoping they wouldn’t be stupid enough to come to Darkmount…

“Dreadwing! Slipstream! Care to explain why my forces are scattered across the United States?!” Megatron shouted through the comms.

“It's painfully obvious, my liege.” Dreadwing said calmly walking towards Megatron. He didn’t want to give away everything he figured out but, oh boy he was excited to humiliate Slipstream. “The Autobots tapped into our communication frequencies and are scattering our forces for some reason.”

Slipstream glared at Dreadwing for figuring it out before her, “Ok, wise guy how are they-”

Soundwave interrupted with an old audio clip of Starscream, “The Harbinger….”

“The Autobots must be using it to tap into our communication frequencies…Since only Airachnid and Starscream knew exactly where the Harbinger was…Starscream must be using it to his full advantage…” Dreadwing pointed out,

This causes Megatron to growl angrily, and yet again Starscream plagues him. The sneaky little seeker and his Autobot allies are trying to trick him. He couldn’t wait to get his servos around Starscream’s skinny little neck.

“Lord Megatron allow me to correct this oversight and-” Before Slipstream could finish talking the fortress began to shake.

Megatron glared at his lieutenant as it would appear the Autobots were planning an assault on Darkmount this entire time! “Forget the Harbinger! Defend Darkmount!” Megatron ordered as they prepared for a battle with the Autobots.
—---
Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Thundercracker were outside Darkmount throwing grenades at the base of Darkmount. Slipstream immediately sent her seeker troopers to deal with the Autobots currently bombing the outside of the fortress. The seeker armada went flying towards the base of the fortress to try and take out the Autobots.

The armada began to shoot at Bulkhead and Wheeljack as they spotted them at the base of Darkmount. The Autobots were given extra weaponry from both Warlock’s and Ultra Magnus’s weapons stash. Bulkhead was sporting a large heavy-duty plasma blaster and was shooting the seekers out of the sky. Wheeljack grabbed a flashier type of weapon and electro whip which released a long lash of electro energy and was swatting at the flying seekers overhead. Thundercracker, using his aerial combat expertise, was dodging and weaving between the seekers. Using his outlier ability to create sonic booms he was able to speed into their formations and disrupt them with a single boom. The trio were using a combined force of their own personal blasters and their new weapons to take on the seekers. Bulkhead and Wheeljack transformed and began making their way closer to Darkmount.

Meanwhile…Skywarp teleported Warlock, Starscream, Bumblebee, and Arcee into an interior location within Darkmount. It took a lot of Skywarp’s energy to teleport that many people into the base as he began to glitch slightly. “Sorry, something flares up.” Skywarp apologizes.

“It’s fine, Skywarp. We're in, now…to dismantle those fusion canons…” Starscream said as the group split up and made their way to find the canon’s controls.

The fortress shook again as Megatron turned to his high command. “My lord, I assure you that we have everything under control….” Slipstream said, trying to soothe the angry warlord. Megatron snarled at her, as Dreadwing and her flinched back.

“Lord Megatron. I accept that military concerns are outside my jurisdiction, but I believe it would be prudent to release…The Predacon.” Shockwave suggested,
—---
Wheeljack, Bulkhead, and Thundercracker continue to head towards Darkmount when Thundercracker and the two wreckers notice the seeker armada beginning to retreat back towards Darkmount. Wheeljack and Bulkhead transformed back into bot mode and looked up to hear a deafening roar, a very familiar deafening roar.

As the Predacon revealed itself to the trio outside. The Predacon leaped over the ledge off Darkmount and went flying towards the two wreckers on the ground. Thundercracker offered suppressing fire but the Predacon shook it off. Wheeljack and Bulkhead joined Thundercracker in suppressing fire to help deter the beast.

But then out of the clouds, Ultra Magnus and Hex were flying Ultra Magnus’s ship and shooting at the Predacon to help get the Predacon’s attention. The Predacon roared after seeing the familiar ship yet again. The Predacon began to chase the annoying ship and its annoying blasters.

Ultra Magnus and Hex aimed the ship to go higher and higher into the clouds. The Predacon pursued them and was getting closer and closer to the ship. Ultra Magnus looked at his monitor and saw that the Predacon was in position. “Ratchet, now!” Ultra Magnus said over comms.

Ratchet activated the ground bridge right in front of the ship and Ultra Magnus veered up to avoid the ground bridge. But the Predacon did not make it in time and went right through the ground bridge. The Predacon entered a frozen, blisteringly cold tundra as it barreled through the portal. The freezing winds and subzero temperatures caused the poor Predacon to freeze in place like a statue. The Predacon was out of play.

“Oh well, looks like the beast failed…” Slipstream smirked, Shockwave despite not having a face looked shocked and ended up walking away. Slipstream smirked and gloated as Shockwave left the bridge of the Nemesis. He then left the ship entirely and decided to take the battle to the Autobots…
—---
Smokescreen turned to look at Optimus as he spoke, “Who…stands before me?” Optimus chocks out,

“It’s me, Optimus. It’s Smokescreen.” Smokescreen reminds the Prime, Optimus groans as his optics begin to flicker. Optimus deep in the wells of his mind sees a very familiar figure.

“Come, Optimus.” The voice says, Optimus in his mind approaches the voice only for a blinding light to take over. Standing before him yet again is Alpha Trion.

“I stand before you, my student. As it would seem…your time has come, Optimus.” Alpha Trion told Optimus, Optimus looked down saddened but he knew this was coming…But there is still so many unknowns and so many variables to think about if he passes.

“You hesitate, Optimus. Why?” Alpha Trion asks,

“I…I do not fear joining the Allspark. But I do have concerns for the fate of the Matrix of Leadership.” Optimus told his mentor,

“You and I know there is a worthy candidate nearby. One who will learn how to be a Prime just like you once did.” Alpha Trion tried to ease Optimus’s hesitation and worry. But Optimus wouldn’t stop worrying he knew the battle with Megatron would be fierce.
—---
Ultra Magnus and Hex managed to loop around the citadel. Ultra Magnus activated his comms to check in on the infiltration teams. Arcee, Bumblebee, and Skywarp were having some trouble reaching the objective as there still were Vehicon sentries posted around Darkmount. They may have thinned the forces but there still were guards about. Bumblebee was using a force shield he got from Ultra Magnus to help deflect some of the blasts from the Vehicon guards. Skywarp was phasing through guards and shooting them while Arcee was in the back giving supporting fire.

Arcee answered Ultra Magnus’s comm “Security is tighter than expected.”

Ultra Magnus and Hex were being followed by the seeker armada after seeing they got rid of the Predacon. Hex was shooting different seekers out of the sky and was helping Bulkhead, Thundercracker and Wheeljack on the outside.

Starscream and Warlock were trying to get closer to the command center to help the other team get to the cannons. Warlock and Starscream found what looked liked the actual power core room to the cannons. Warlock shot out one of the guards on the left and Starscream shot the other guard on the other side, taking them both out before they could call for backup.

The two ran to the console ready to take down the fusion cannons of Darkmount when a rogue blast that came out of nowhere hit Warlock sending him flying into the wall. Starscream turned his blasters ready to shoot the guard that was now there, but it wasn’t a guard, no, it was Megatron.

“Well I was wondering how long it would take you to slink your way in here, Starscream.” Megatron said with his fusion cannon aimed at the seeker. Starscream frowned, this was not going to go his way. Even if it is two on one if Warlock loses control….

“Let me guess? You planned on disabling my fusion cannons by deactivating the core? How predictable.” Megatron said, gesturing to the power core to his right. Starscream had his blasters trained on Megatron.

“And what if it was? Do you really expect me to just stand back and let you take over Earth? You’re either incredibly stupid or insane if you think that!” Starscream yelled back,

Megatron laughed, his attention focused on Starscream; he didn't see Warlock get up. “Come now Starscream, after all the years serving under me, can’t you finally see victory is at hand?”

“After all these years can’t you see I still hate your guts!” Starscream yelled back firing at Megatron. Megatron then barreled his way towards the seeker but Warlock got in between them beginning to struggle with the warlord.

“And now you sick your abomination after me? Starscream, I guess you never do change.” Megatron kneed Warlock in the gut and began to relentlessly punch him in the face. Damaging the side of his helm. Small fragments of blue, green, and white chipped off and fell to the side of Warlock’s body as Megatron released a savage attack. Energon began to drip from the wounds on his face until he fell unconscious.

“You still cower behind those stronger than yourself.” Megatron then released Warlock as his body slumped to the ground. Megatron shook his hand as droplets of energy sprayed the ground. Megatron’s fist was coated in the blue liquid as his attention turned to Starscream.

Starscream looked in horror at the brutal beating Megatron quickly unleashed on Warlock. Starscream, enraged, began shooting at Megatron again. Megatron ran towards Starscream intending to ram him into the wall but Starscream tucked and rolled out of the way, dodging the warlord’s attack.

Starscream laughed, “Really that’s the best you got? Gonna take a lot more to hurt me, let alone kill me!”

Megatron’s spiked shoulder indented the wall as he turned to Starscream, “Killing you has been long overdue, Starscream. And I will relish snuffing out your spark!”

“Ha! You can try! I can’t die!” Starscream gloated, and Megatron laughed at the seeker’s overconfidence. Little did he know about Starscream’s outlier ability…
—---
Shockwave continued to jump down from the spikes and spires protruding from Darkmount until he landed at the bottom of the fortress. Shockwave’s heavy frame landed with a loud thud as he stood up to his full height. Shockwave looked out and saw Bulkhead and Wheeljack on the ground swiping, lashing, and shooting at the seekers while Thundercracker and Ultra Magnus’s ship was dealing more aerial damage and support.

Shockwave transformed into his tank form and began to barrel towards the two wreckers on the ground. Using his tank’s power fusion cannon to shoot at the wreckers. The cannon blast was powerful, causing Wheeljack and Bulkhead to go flying in the opposite direction and practically knocking the two wreckers out easily. Shockwave transformed back into his bot form and walked closer to them and looked them over. “Your mission was most…illogical.” He gloated in his own way.

Ultra Magnus and Thundercracker saw the two wreckers down as Thundercracker transformed and landed near Shockwave. “Shockwave?! I’m surprised to see you here.” Thundercracker said getting into a fighting stance.

Shockwave turned to Thundercracker, “I’m surprised to see you as well. Considering you were stated to be dead. It would seem both of us being here should be illogical…and yet…”

Thundercracker pulled out his blaster, “Logic this!” As Thundercracker blasted Shockwave the two began to battle. But then Slipstream joined the battle and managed to down Ultra Magnus’s ship in the background. Causing Thundercracker to hesitate as he saw the ship go down. Shockwave uses the momentary hesitation to strike. He decked Thundercracker in the face hard, sending the seeker flying into a boulder. Thundercracker attempted to get up but Shockwave was standing over him and delivered another knockout punch. Causing poor Thundercracker to see only black as he passed out.
—---
Bumblebee, Skywarp, and Arcee made their way through the first wave of guards as they managed to get through the first door to the next room they were greeted by Flamewar and Shadowstriker with a group of guards.

“Skywarp can you-” Arcee began as she saw Skywarp glitching and struggling to remain solid.

‘Looks like it’s up to us, ‘Cee.’ Bumblebee beeped,

Shadow Striker smiled as she snapped her servos and more guards came out from behind the door they just cleared.

“Scrap,” Arcee said as the trio got surrounded.
—---
Megatron was thrashing poor Starscream around the room. Starscream hated how nostalgic this felt as Megatron threw him past the fusion cannon core. Starscream bounced then skidded across the floor groaning in pain at the warlord’s onslaught.

Megatron walked slowly over to the groaning seeker. “Just like old times, eh Starscream?” Megatron smirked as he pulled out his sword.

“Go…frag…yourself, Megatron…” Starscream croaked out, Megatron frowned as he jammed his sword right into Starscream’s chest. Starscream cried out in pain as the blade pierced his back and poked out his front. He then lifted Starscream up off the ground and held his pierced body in the air.

Starscream’s body fell limp as Megatron thrust his arm to the side causing Starscream’s offlined body to slam into the wall next to Warlock’s. His body crashed into the wall and slid down leaving a streak of energon on the wall and it began to pool under Starscream’s corpse.

“Good Riddance.” Megatron said, cleaning the energon off his blade.

Chapter Text

Agent Fowler and the rest of his human backup were waiting for the Autobot signal to come in and support them. Agent Fowler was both getting restless and worried that the bots were taking so long to contact them.

“What in the name of Paul Revere’s horse is taking them so long?!” Agent Fowler said yelling at the console of his jet.
—---
Megatron dragged Starscream’s corpse and Warlock’s unconscious body up to his throne room on Darkmount. Slipstream stood by with her servos behind her back with a wicked grin on her face.

“All infiltrators have been captured, my liege.” Slipstream informed Megatron, “But there was no sign of Optimus Prime.”

Slipstream saw that Starscream was offline but the Quintesson was still alive. “My lord, why did you kill Starscream but leave the other one alive?”

Megatron turned to Slipstream, “The Quintesson is a scientist that managed to create a sparkling without needing the Well to do so. Not to mention fusing its DNA with Cybertronian CNA to create the offspring he has with Airachnid.”

Slipstream paused at Megatron’s explanation. A scientist with this level of capability could be useful to someone like Shockwave. But the last time he got angry he nearly terminated Megatron…hopefully the warlord knows what he is doing…

Warlock began to come as he saw a dead Starscream next to him. Warlock’s optics shoot open as he sees him dead, he hopes Megatron won’t realize he can come back from the dead. Warlock then turned his attention to Megatron who was standing over him. “Now, Warlock…tell me where your leader is?” Megatron asked with venom dripping from his voice.

Warlock looked over at Starscream, “Well…How do I put this…”
—---
Alpha Trion and Optimus continue to converse as Smokescreen anxiously waits to see what will happen next. He could hear bits and pieces from Optimus and Alpha Trion’s conversation. Or at least Optimus’s half whatever Alpha Trion is saying he has no idea.

Alpha Trion held out a servo towards Optimus, “Take my hand, Optimus. And join me, join the Allspark.”

Optimus looked up at his former mentor with trepidation. He takes a step forward and is about to take Alpha Trion’s servo. Smokescreen heard Optimus get disturbingly quiet. “Optimus don’t!” Smokescreen pleads as Optimus’s optics….go offline. Optimus’s chassis opens and the Matrix of Leadership shines bright, ready for Smokescreen to take. Smokescreen stood up and stepped back, he could not believe this was happening. He dreamed of being a Prime someday but…this…this didn’t feel right.

“This isn’t how the story is supposed to end…” Smokscreen said lowly, as he turned to look at the Forge of Solus Prime. Smokescreen dragged the heavy hammer to place it in Optimus’s servo. The Forge began to spring to life as the blue electricity flowed and flowed through the hammer. A blinding blue light surged out of the Forge and sent Smokescreen flying back as the light engulfed Optimus.
—---
Megatron began to laugh and laugh hard at what Warlock just told him. Starscream? Leader of the Autobots? He saw Ultra Magnus had joined the Autobots here on Earth, at least he made sense as someone to take over. But Starscream?! HA!

“Well, it looks like he won’t be leading anything. He’s dead. So much for Starscream’s attempt at leadership.” Slipstream mused as she kicked Starscream’s corpse. Megatron’s laughing began to wane and Warlock just kept glancing at Starscream.

Megatron raised a brow, “When I threatened you and Starscream last you flung into a blind rage. Now he’s dead and you haven’t shed a tear or looked remotely upset…why is that?”

Warlock had no proper words for Megatron as what would he say? ‘Hey Starscream is immortal and all you did was just basically knock him unconscious?’ Warlock looked at Megatron, “He’s not dead.”

Megatron’s optics went wide and he just blinked at Warlock, “Are you daft? I skewered him myself! What do you mean he isn’t dead?!”

“Master.” Slipstream interrupted as she pointed to the sky. Megatron’s attention is turned away from Warlock for a moment to look at where Slipstream is pointing.

Warlock looks to his left and sees that familiar golden glow from Starscream as his chest wound closes and his optics online. Starscream blinked as he realized he was not in the power source room but on the top of Darkmount. Megatron’s back is to him as Megatron and Slipstream look out into the distance.

“Is it the Predacon?” Megatron asked,

“No, it is not beastly enough to be it.” Slipstream said as the mysterious flying object was getting closer.

The rest of the Autobots were outside Darkmount unarmed and grouped together. Shockwave watched as Skywarp, Arcee, and Bumblebee were brought with the rest of the Autobots outside. Shockwave turned to see something flying overhead. He captured all the seekers he knew about and Megatron had captured Warlock and Starscream so…who was this mystery flier…?

“I recognized that color scheme….” Slipstream said as the mystery flier got closer….

Megatron’s optics went wide as he realized what or rather who the mystery flier was….It…it was Optimus. Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots…was flying towards them at a breakneck speed. His armor is different, bulkier, and stronger looking. He seemed to acquire some sort of turbine giving him access to the ability of flight. And now heading straight for Darkmount.

He landed on the top of Darkmount and immediately began fighting Megatron. Starscream clamored to his pedes as did Warlock as the two watched Optimus deliver several blows to Megatron. His final punch sent the warlord careening into his throne chair destroying it in the process.

The Vehicons in the throne room began to fire at Optimus. Optimus pulled out a new weapon that Warlock and Starscream have yet to see. A revolving Gatling gun that was firing at a ridiculous speed taking out all the Vehicons. Slipstream began to make her move when Starscream saw and jumped in the way.

“WHAT?! You’re dead?! How is this possible?” Slipstream said while struggling with Starscream.

“Do I look dead?” Starscream snapped back, kicking Slipstream into Warlock’s path as he backhanded her into the steps of the throne room. And successfully knocking her down for the moment.

“Optimus!” Starscream cried out happily as the Prime looked over and saw Warlock and Starscream smiling at him. Optimus smiled back and walked towards them. Starscream ran up first, “We need to take out the fusion cannons as soon as possible.” Starscream told Optimus.

“Understood.” Optimus told Starscream and he donned his face mask and began to fly out of the throne room.

Warlock activated his comms, “To all Autobots ... Optimus Prime is back!”

The team at Warlock’s ship and the human forces waiting all cheered happily to hear that Optimus was alive. The team in front of Darkmount all exchanged looks and all were happy Optimus was back and decided to fight back. Wheeljack pulled out his dual swords and began slashing at the Vehicons. Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead all turned to deck the closest Vehicons in the face. Shockwave stepped back as the two wreckers began to charge at him. Shockwave prepared for another fight ready as Wheeljack slashed at Shockwave’s cannon but missed as the Decepticon aimed at the others in the group. Ultra Magnus blocks it by aiming upward to miss the group and help Bulkhead and Wheeljack.

Megatron burst out of the rubble of what used to be his throne. He turns to look at where Optimus once was and is shocked to see a very much alive Starscream. Slipstream herself finally came to as she sat up and gripped her helm. Megatron growled and shouted, “How are you alive?! I terminated you!”

“Well, you did a poor job of it!” Starscream laughed at Megatron as he backed up and jumped off the ledge of the throne room. Warlock follows Starscream and the two transform as they go to back up and help Optimus take down Darkmount’s fusion cannons.

Megatron shouts loudly, “You conniving Autobots!” as he transforms and jumps off the ledge following Starscream and Warlock. But Megatron’s rage wasn’t on Starscream or Warlock, but on Optimus himself.

“OPTIMUS!!” Megatron roars as the Prime turns to see Megatron beginning to shoot at Optimus. A few blasts hit Optimus as sending him falling a short distance out of the sky. But Optimus regains composure of himself and begins to lead Megatron away from the cannons. Warlock and Starscream are torn in the moment, do they back up Optimus? Or go after the power core of the cannons.

“Commander Slipstream, a group of enemy bogies heading towards Darkmount.” Slipstream hears a Vehicon report to her as she regains her footing. She runs to the edge of the throne room and sees her master chasing Optimus through the spires of Darkmount.

“Arm the fusion cannon! Aim it at the foolish humans and blast them out of the sky!” Slipstream ordered, The Vehicons ran to their stations and began to charge up the fusion cannons.

Warlock as he was flying around Darkmount and found the power core of the fusion cannons. Warlock charges through the glass and surprises the Vehicons inside as Warlock transforms and in a desperate moment throws a Vehicon into the power core. The Vehicon writes and jerks within the power core causing it to eventually explode! Warlock rushes out of the room as the place gets engulfed in flames.

Megatron still chasing Optimus sees the cannons go offline. He is even more enraged as he bombards Optimus with more rapid-fire blasts from his cannon. Optimus doing his best to dodge all the blasts but isn’t used to aerial combat and is getting hit after hit by them. Starscream comes in and surges forward with that same gold glow giving him a boost as he rams into Megatron.

“Gah! You sniveling-” Megatron manages to croak out as he spirals out of Optimus' air path. Starscream turns around to face his old master with Optimus.

Optimus turns to see Agent Fowler’s air support join them. Starscream and Optimus exchange a look as the two realize they have won. “Autobots! Clear the area! This place is about to blow!” Starscream said through the comms.

The rest of the ground troops of Autobots all transform and begin to leave the area. Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Ultra Magnus are still fighting Shockwave. But Bumblebee comes charging forth ramming himself into Shockwave as it knocks the scientist off kilter. This gives the rest of the team time to transform and escape Shockwave as he blasts at them futility.

The human military force fires missiles at the top of Darkmount causing the top of the fortress to explode. Large chunks of spires and the fortress come tumbling down as Megatron gets caught in some of the rubble. He ends up crashing into a random room of Darkmount and sees Flamewar and Shadow Striker there as he stumbles to his pedes and he turns back into bot mode. His knees buckle as he collapses after his battle and is caught in the blast. Flamewar and Shadow Striker carry their unconscious leader back to the Nemesis to escape as Darkmount begins to crumble.

Smokescreen was driving at top speed towards Darkmount when he saw the building beginning to crumble. He transformed into bot mode and watched the powerful Decepticon fortress fall before his optics. “Dammit! I missed it!” Smokescreen shouted angrily as he realized he missed the battle.

The Nemesis managed to make a surprisingly clean getaway as the loud clamoring and debris of Darkmount fell and fell hard. Spires, buttresses, and other supports all give way as the power Decepticon fortress is reduced to rubble. The fortress fell with a loud thunderous thud as the massive threat to humanity was taken out by Autobot forces.
—---
Back at the military base, the Autobots all manage to regroup and survive the battle at Darkmount. Agent Fowler in a lofted area decides to give a speech of thanks to the Autobots for defending humanity from the Decepticon threat. Agent Fowler finishes his speech with a salute to Optimus and the rest of the Autobots.

Starscream turned to Optimus with a knowing expression. He must relinquish leadership to the Autobots back to Optimus. It makes sense, “Optimus.” Starscream said getting the Prime’s attention. “I believe it is time to return the title of leader of the Autobots back to you.”

Optimus smiles and nods and turns to Ultra Magnus and Hex. “Welcome to Earth you two.”

“Thank you, sir.” Ultra Magnus turned to the team who all accepted him with open arms.

Ratchet turns to Smokescreen as the rest of the team begins to get comfortable in their new base. “Is it true, Smokescreen?” Smokescreen turns to Ratchet, “Is the Forge drained of all its power?”

Smokescreen sadly nods as Ratchet sees the sorrow in the rookie’s optics. “Then any hope of restoring the Omega Lock is lost…”

“I had to make a complicated choice...I did what I thought was right.” Smokescreen told Ratchet,

“And your instincts are proven to be quite sound…” Ratchet says as he approves of Smokescreen’s decision. Smokescreen looks at Ratchet in surprise but then over at Optimus as a smile comes across his face.

Chapter Text

The whole team decided to rest and recuperate after all the stress and tribulation of the day. Especially after dismantling Darkmount and getting the whole team back together. Starscream himself was feeling extra tired after everything and well…dying again.

Starscream returned to Warlock’s ship after a day of battle. Starscream face plants onto Warlock and his shared berth. Starscream groaned into a pillow as he had Warlock’s large berth to himself for the moment. He felt his wings flatten against his back as he felt the softness and coziness of the berth take him over.

Warlock opened the door and saw a face-planted Starscream lying down on the berth groaning into a pillow. Warlock stifled a laugh as he saw his partner tired after all of today’s events. Warlock walked over and sat down next to Starscream on the berth. “Is someone tired?” Warlock teased Starscream.

Starscream turned his head to give Warlock an unamused look. “You would be tired too if you died….again.”

Warlock’s playful smirk fell, “Oh…yeah…uh…” Warlock realized his mistake, “Does it make you tired…to…uh…not die?”

Starscream turned his head back into the pillow and sighed. “No…not dying doesn’t make me tired. But fighting Megatron and dealing with Darkmount makes one tired.”

“True. Fighting an entire fortress would make one tired.” Warlock said, rubbing Starscream’s back. Starscream hummed appreciatively at Warlock’s gesture. Warlock smiled at the cute sounds Starscream was making as he rubbed his back.

“Warlock…” Starscream whined and Warlock paused in his rubbing of Starscream’s back. Starscream turned to his side and gestured for the scientist to join him on the berth. Starscream used a gesture that Moonlight uses often by reaching his hands out and opening and closing his servos. Warlock smiled down at Starscream and crawled into the berth with him. Immediately Starscream pounced on him and was all over Warlock. Starscream wrapped his arms around Warlock’s chest and his long lithe legs intertwined with Warlock’s sturdier ones. Starscream pulled himself flush up against Warlock as he nuzzled his head into the crook of Warlock’s neck.

Warlock chuckled as Starscream was eager for some cuddles from Warlock. Starscream huffed as he fixed himself comfortably against his partner. Warlock kissed the top of Starscream’s helm as Starscream hummed happily. Warlock wrapped his arm around Starscream’s waist and pulled Starscream even closer to him. Starscream wiggled a little to find a comfortable spot as Warlock held him close.

Starscream practically could hear the pulse of Warlock’s spark in his chest as the seeker rested his head there. His pulse was steady and strong. It was very soothing to listen to it. “Your spark pulse is strong.” Starscream commented, Warlock chuckled as Starscream felt the reverb from his laugh through his chest. It was very soothing to feel the reverb from Warlock’s laugh as well and hearing his partner laughing brings a smile to Starscream’s faceplate.

“Comfy?” Warlock asked Starscream,

Starscream groaned happily as a response. Causing Warlock to laugh again and Starscream to appreciate the warm moment the two were sharing. Warlock can see Starscream’s wings flutter happily and subtly behind him as Warlock learns the seeker’s wings move to his emotions.

The warmth from the two frames added to the coziness of the whole matter. Starscream hummed into Warlock’s chest as the two continued to cuddle. “This is nice.” Starscream said absentmindedly, Warlock rubbed Starscream’s back, “Yeah it is nice to have a moment of peace.”

“I’m surprised Moonlight hasn’t shown up and shoved her way into this.” Starscream laughed,

“She’s with Thundercracker and Marissa. She wanted to play with Buster for a bit.” Warlock explained,

Starscream chuckled softly, “Of course. Such a playful little thing.”

Warlock smiled; he was happy that Starscream was attached to Moonlight. They basically became a happy little family. Who could have predicted that their alliance of convenience would develop into a relationship and then a makeshift family? Warlock’s mind wandered to what the next steps could be in their relationship…bonding? Being Conjunxes? More sparklings possibly? Who knows how long this war will go on or what the future holds?

Starscream’s own mind began to wander too. But his thoughts were less whimsical and optimistic. He is now worried that Megatron caught on to his outlier ability, and will try to capture him again to learn more about it. There is the relief that he doesn’t have to try to lead the Autobots at the moment since Optimus has returned. A bit of sadness since he desired to lead but having a now even more powerful Optimus on their side would be beneficial. But the Autobots were somewhat willing to let him lead and now that opportunity is gone Starscream felt a pang of sadness over it. But at least he has Warlock here to give him snuggles and comfort him while he has these mixed feelings.

Starscream shifted in his position as his wings hiked up a little. Warlock noticed, “You good, Star?”

Starscream hummed, “Yes just have a lot on my mind is all.”

“Want to talk about it? My audio receptors are open if you want to talk.” Warlock said with a comforting smile.

Starscream scoffed with a smile, “Such a sweetspark. No, it’s fine, just a lot has happened in 24 hours that my mind is beginning to catch up to it.”

“Fair enough. But if you want to talk, I’m here for you.” Warlock said sweetly,

Starscream hummed as Warlock ran a digit down the transformation seam on his wing and began to trace the lines down his body. As Warlock’s digit ran under Starscream’s wing he shuttered. “Keep this up and this will be more than a cuddle session…” Starscream eluded, and Warlock laughed.

Warlock hummed as Starscream rested his helm back in the crook of his neck. They held that position for a while as Starscream and him slowly vented softly just holding each other close and embracing one another. The two then felt their optic lids feel heavy as they slowly fell into recharge.

It wasn’t til about an hour later when the sound of Buster barking woke the two seekers up. Warlock lifted his head and saw Thundercracker holding Buster in one hand and a sleepy Moonlight in his other arm.

Starscream turned over and looked at his brother with a sleepy smile, Thundercracker smiled back. Warlock took Moonlight and heard the futile protests of a sleepy sparkling. Thundercracker gently gave his dog some head scratches. Starscream stretched and got up to talk to his brother.

“You two looked cozy.” Thundercracker teased,

“We were until your dog woke us up.” Starscream sassed back at his brother,

Thundercracker rolled his optics. “Hey, it was that or plop a cranky sparkling on you two while you were sleeping.”

Starscream scoffed, “Well it is almost her recharge time anyway.”

“It’s so funny.” Out of the blue, Thundercracker stated, “You basically being a sire.”

Starscream rolled his optics and scoffed at his brother. “What, you thought I couldn’t care about a youngling?”

“No.” Thundercracker said seriously, Starscream frowned causing his brother to laugh.

“If any of the three of us would be a good sire… I would put it up to you, TC.” Starscream said, almost complimenting him.

“Well dealing with you and Skywarp for years…I have practice. Plus I learned a bit from Marissa’s father.” Thundercracker shrugged, “But we both can agree on, Skywarp…should not have sparklings.”

“I don’t know TC. Maybe if whoever is dumb enough to procreate with our brother can watch him ....” Starscream began then paused, “Yeah even I can’t buy that lie. He would probably endanger the poor thing after a few hours after birth.”

Thundercracker and Starscream laughed at the bad joke. It was comforting to have both his lover and his family there for him. And will be by his side with whatever the next chapter of this war will be.

Chapter Text

Episode: Project Predacon

Agent Fowler came riding into the hangar that has become the new Autobot headquarters on the military base. The vehicle that Agent Fowler came in on was supposed to replace Optimus's previous truck alt-mode. Since the Forge of Solus Prime changed his bot mode significantly and now with jets and the ability to fly a truck with turbines, it might be too… odd.

Since Agent Fowler was privy to an experimental vehicle the military was working on that would be a perfect upgrade for Optimus. Agent Fowler exited the vehicle and explained what the vehicle was as it was a newer experimental vehicle to Optimus and asked if it was good enough for the Prime.

“This will do Agent Fowler. Thank you.” Optimus told the federal agent.

Optimus then began scanning the vehicle to be his new alt-mode as the blue light emitted from his optics and began to scan the military vehicle. Once finished with his scan he turned to Starscream who Optimus called earlier to talk to in regards to recent events. “Starscream.”

“Optimus.” Starscream said back,

“I believe you and I need to have a quick chat.” Optimus said as he got closer to the seeker.

“I’ve heard. Is something the matter?” Starscream asked, he wasn’t sure where this conversation would go or what it ultimately was about but he had theories.

“It is In regards to the change in leadership…” Optimus began,

Starscream held up a servo to stop Optimus, “Ah. I see what you are getting at. You think I will go ‘Optimus has fallen, I Starscream, am now leader of the Autobots…’ Am I correct?”

Optimus looked away for a moment and then nodded. Starscream laughed, “Do not worry. This isn’t like with Megatron. I accept you as the leader of the Autobots. Not that I couldn’t handle the responsibility.” Starscream said smugly as he looked at the tips of his claws… He really needs to file these thoughts for a second.

“I’m glad to hear this Starscream.” Optimus said with a soft smile, “It is a relief that you accept me as a leader."

“I understand more of why you are the leader, Optimus. Megatron….Megatron made questionable choices. As most leaders do at some point. But the bad outweighs the good and I believed his leadership was faulty.” Starscream explains, “During Megatron’s time away for 3 years I remained the head of the mining operations here on Earth. I ran a tight ship. We were productive, discrete, and well-managed.”

“I recall. For a time we thought the Decepticon forces left the planet. I commend you on running such an operation.” Optimus complimented,

“Thank you. And that is why I appreciate you over Megatron. You thank me for my efforts. When Megatron came back with the Dark Energon after his trip through the stars his first thing he did was…” Starscream paused as he recalled the first thing Megatron did was shove a shard of it into Cliffjumper’s corpse. “Uh…used the Dark Energon on a fallen warrior…” Starscream tried to pivot, “And didn’t even state anything about my efforts.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Megatron did not appreciate your efforts, Starscream.” Optimus stated,

“Ha! If only it was that simple. Primus the amount of abuse Megatron put me through would make anyone turn into a traitor…” Starscream laughed,

But Optimus ... .Optimus was not smiling in fact he looked very surprised and confused. “Abuse? What do you mean, Starscream?” The Prime said, confused by Starscream’s meaning.

Starscream then made the horrible realization… Starscream told Warlock about the abuse, he told his brother’s about the abuse, Primus most of the team had some idea of Megatron's treatment of him…he thinks. But Optimus….Optimus had no clue. Optimus didn’t know.

Starscream’s wings fell flat against his back as he made the connection. Optimus stared at the seeker as Starscream scrambled to cover it up. There was no point in telling Optimus…. Optimus and Megatron may have had a complicated history. But telling Optimus, ‘Hey your former best friend/enemy beat me, abused me in every conceivable way for eons and I forgot to tell you about it…’

Starscream composed himself, “Optimus…it doesn’t really matter at this poi-”

“It does matter.” Optimus said sternly, “It matters to me. What did Megatron do to you?”

Starscream was caught off guard. He was willing to sweep it under the metaphorical rug and move on but Optimus…. Optimus wanted to know.

Starscream looked down at the floor, “Well the verbal abuse is obvious. Megatron’s leadership style didn’t exclusively mean I was the only one getting yelled at or demeaned verbally…” Starscream clenched his servos, “But the physical abuse was one of the few things that separated me from the others.”

Optimus sighed as he continued to listen to Starscream. “Megatron and I’s relationship is very complicated, Optimus.”

“I am under the impression that your relationship with him was more than just leader and commander.” Optimus stated, Starscream sighed and nodded at the Prime’s observation.

“The relationship quickly soured and things just….just kept getting worse.” Starscream was now recalling the pain he felt at the hand of Megatron’s ‘leadership’ as well as their ‘relationship’.

Optimus looked at Starscream with a mixture of pity and regret, but also a hint of anger was in the Prime’s optics. “The physical abuse was more common. Him slapping me around, throwing me, stepping on me, bending my wings… those were…well expected an alarming amount of the time.”

“That is quite sad to hear, Starscream.” Optimus’s optics softened in pity.

“I…I could handle it…I learned to handle it…” Starscream said with a hint of venom…he hated how he had to just say that.

“Did he hit any of his other officers?” Optimus asked,

“Rarely. Or I at least I wouldn’t have known. Which means probably no.” Starscream was trying to recall if any other of his higher-ranked officers were ever abused….

Starscream scratched up Knock Out plating a few times…. Starscream then made another disgusting realization… He during his time amongst the Decepticons was just as bad or even worse than Megatron with verbal abuse… and even physical…. He would shove, yell, demean, smack…everything Megatron did to him he would do to others.

“I guess Megatron cannot take all the blame. I wasn’t exactly a model leader myself…” Starscream said lowly his wings dropping a little.

“You were influenced by Megatron’s leadership style. It wouldn’t be odd if you didn’t copy or mimic things he did.” Optimus pointed out,

Starscream scoffed, “Yeah. But now looking back…I was a piece of slag. I wanted to lead the Decepticons to glory. I wanted to lead… But I made the same if not worse mistakes than Megatron…”

“You cannot change the past, Starscream.” Optimus placed a servo on Starscream’s shoulder, “You did have the foresight to leave. To become a better bot. You left the situation and that…. Takes courage.”

Starscream’s wings perked up. He never thought of him leaving the Decepticons as courageous. No it was a tactical move… wasn’t it? He was sick of Megatron and Airachnid conspiring behind him and leaving him out. Clearly she wanted his position and Megatron was open to a shift in rank. But honestly… Starscream was just tired. He was sick of Megatron and figured if he did his own thing he could progress better than under Megatron’s control. He could claim leadership easily if he was outside Soundwave’s watchful eye and Megatron’s regime.

“Leaving a bad situation in favor of helping yourself despite not knowing what to do next is a respectable and hard thing to do. I know at the time you probably weren’t thinking that. When you originally came to us to join we were all skeptical. Especially with your…history.” Optimus said, removing his servo from Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream awkwardly laughed. He would trusted him either in that situation back then.

“But joining Warlock and showing care for others and even helping the Autobots on occasion proved to us that there was an opportunity for growth and change within you, Starscream.” Optimus explained, “It is why I offered the two of you to join us despite all the odds stacked against you. I saw a good bot lurking beneath the surface.”

“You do have leadership skills, Starscream. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. Even when you were with the Decepticons you showed great leadership potential. And seeing you grow and change once you joined the Autobots, when your family came back, with how you are with the humans and Moonlight… there is a light in you, Starscream, that is hard to ignore.” Optimus smiled, “It is why I chose you as my proxy in case the worst happened. I trust in your capabilities and the honor and respect you developed being on the team. The others might question it but they would understand my decision over time.”

“Ultra Magnus was shocked but he accepted it when Ratchet told him.” Starscream said with a meek smile.

“Exactly. There is greatness within you, Starscream. Do not let the horrors of the past cloud your abilities.” Optimus spoke wisely, and Starscream nodded. This talk with Optimus was rather enlightening and uplifting in its own way. Starscream was happy that Optimus recognized his talents and wanted to use them to the fullest. He wasn’t happy to enlighten the Prime about his treatment by Megatron but maybe he just needed to confront it one last time.

Starscream’s wings hiked high as he walked out of the hangar. “Thank you for the talk, Optimus. It was most…. Illuminating.”

Chapter Text

Raf and Ratchet were testing the new ground bridge that was installed in the military hangar. Which illuminated the room with a bluish green hue. With the Harbinger not being a reliable proxy and Warlock’s connection to the ground bridge also routed in the Decepticon ground bridge… it would be wise to replace the ground bridge system they lost when the base was destroyed.

The trine was all sitting in a corner watching from a distance. The rest of the team got closer to observe Ratchet and Raf’s experiments with the new ground bridge.

“Return objective fluctuations have been stabilized!” Raf called out to Ratchet giving the medic a thumbs up.

Ratchet saw Raf’s thumbs up and gave him a subtle nod, “Ultra Magnus we are ready to receive you!” Ratchet called over the commlink.

The swirling vortex of the ground bridge is supposed to be stable and Ultra Magnus volunteered to test the new bridge system. Ultra Magnus in vehicle form came rolling through the new ground bridge without any issue. Carrying with him a tester cube of energon. Starscream held back a snort when he saw Ultra Magnus’s Earth based vehicle mode.

It was identical to Optimus’s old vehicle mode. He understood the two were very similar but copying Optimus’s old alt-mode? Someone needs to learn to be original. Skywarp also noticed and snorted unlike Starscream. Thundercracker looked at his brothers and rolled his optics at their juvenile behavior.

Wheeljack also came out of the portal. Starscream didn’t realize that the wrecker was with the commander. Wheeljack held up a large metal ball that Starscream remembered that sometimes the team would play with. Wheeljack tossed the metal ball at Bulkhead. But Bulkhead wasn’t aware of the toss. The ball ended up bouncing off Bulkhead’s chassis and went careening towards the human kids. Jack acted quickly and pulled Miko and Marissa to the ground and avoided getting hit by the ball.

“Wheeljack!” Ratchet yelled out, he was rightfully made at the wrecker for being so careless. “You could have caused serious damage!”

“Yeah to all of us!” Marissa yelled out, getting to her feet.

In the other room Agent Fowler felt a jolt of force causing him to fall out of his chair. Several papers, pens and desk supplies went flying too. Agent Fowler got to his feet and walked over to his door. The door was damaged as was the wall which had numerous cracks in the concrete. “What in the name of Uncle Sam’s beard is going on in there?” Agent Fowler opened the door and saw that a giant metal ball was blocking the door and caused the damage.

“Uh…a little help here?” Agent Fowler said being blocked by the ball.

“What were you thinking, soldier?” Ultra Magnus asked annoyed at Wheeljack’s antics.

“I was thinking that Bulkhead could catch it.” Wheeljack answered back snarkily,

“I will not tolerate anymore wrecker shenanigans, Wheeljack.” Ultra Magnus said sternly,

“Somethings never change….” Wheeljack said ominously, he didn’t look at Ultra Magnus as he began to walk away.

Starscream noticed the tension in the room. Clearly Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack had opposing views on matters. He knew Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus had differing leadership styles and well…personality. But actually witnessing the two fighting is another matter.

“Do I make myself clear?” Ultra Magnus wanted to hear Wheeljack confirm.

Wheeljack looked over at Ultra Magnus with a look of disdain. The other members of the team also looked on to the drama that was unfolding. Starscream and his brothers watched, this was new to them. Usually the members of Team Prime got along well, seeing clear animosity between two parties was strange.

“Jackie….” Bulkhead said cautiously,

Wheeljack didn’t answer Ultra Magnus. And Ultra Magnus was clearly not liking the disrespect that Wheeljack was giving him. “Need I remind you that Optimus placed me in charge of the wreckers back on Cybertron. He placed me there to get you loose cannons under control!” Ultra Magnus yelled at Wheeljack.

The rest of the team was now watching the two. Even the humans looked concerned, “An effective combat unit begins with discipline. If you wish to disregard that, then you can choose the path of least resistance. As you did before…” Ultra Magnus sneered at Wheeljack who had a cheeky smirk on his face.

“If my ship wasn’t completely scrapped I would do that.” Wheeljack got closer to Ultra Magnus, “Sir…” and then he turned and walked away further into the base. Wheeljack passed by the rest of the team as they all felt uncomfortable witnessing the two argue.

The rest of the team turned to Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus cleared his throat, “Any word from Optimus or Hex?”

Ratchet paused as he spoke up, “Uh, he and Hex are investigating some recent Decepticon activity. Hopefully an energon mine.”
—----
Hex and Optimus were flying to the location that could be potential Decepticon activity. Hex’s new alt-mode was something she scanned thanks to Agent Fowler, a F-14 Tomcat. Optimus and Hex landed outside a cave entrance.

Hex and Optimus looked at the small entrance. Hex was able to crouch down and get inside the small opening, but Optimus…was too big. Optimus then had the bright idea of using his new vehicle mode as it was the perfect size to fit through the entrance and go through the narrow tunnel inside. Hex was walking ahead a bit as Optimus used his headlights to illuminate the tunnel for both him and Hex.

Optimus was slowly following Hex through the tunnel to hopefully get their servos on some energon.
—---
“How rad would it be if you all had jetpacks like Optimus?” Miko said excitedly, the seeker siblings all exchanged looks. What were they chopped liver?

“Well technically half the team can fly.” Thundercracker pointed out to Miko.

“Yeah but jetpacks are different!” Miko stated, “You can stay in bot-mode and still fly!”

“I mean if we wanted to we could do that…” Skywarp said,

“Wait really?! Show us!” Miko asked, she wanted to see the seeker’s fly around like they have jetpacks.

“Ap, Ap, Ap, No random flying in the base! Do it outside!” Ratchet yelled at the seekers and Miko.

“But being able to fly does sound kind of cool.” Bulkhead added,

“Well with the Forge of Solus Prime’s power having been depleted I doubt any land based Autobot will be soaring the skies.” Ratchet mentioned,

“Too bad… I wonder what kind of cool upgrades we all could get?” Skywarp said looking up as he imagined himself with new gear or a cool new outlier ability.

The sound of a revved engine got everyone’s attention as a blue and yellow sports car came speeding into the bunker. The car stopped abruptly in front of Miko, Arcee and Bulkhead.

“Smokescreen?” Arcee asked as the vehicle shape looked eerily familiar. The sports car transformed into Smokescreen as the rookie was excited to show off his new paint job.

“Aw…what gave me away?” Smokescreen asked disappointed to not surprise them. Arcee looked at him with a ‘really?’ look. Smokescreen sighed, “Come on. Robots in disguise remember? Thought I was being covert…”

Ultra Magnus walked towards Smokescreen, he didn’t look too happy. But then again it was rare to ever see Ultra Magnus smile. “Where have you been, soldier?” Ultra Magnus asked Smokescreen, Smokescreen stepped back a few steps a bit nervous by Ultra Magnus’s presence.

“I was out scanning new war paint. Wanted to follow Optimus’s lead and change things up. And also Bumblebee’s…” Smokescreen looked over at the scout who also recently changed his paint scheme.

Bumblebee turned to look at Smokescreen, ‘What about my paint?’ Bumblebee wasn’t paying attention.

“Hey Scream, maybe you should go back to your old colors?” Skywarp elbowed his brother’s side.

Starscream rolled his optics, “I am fine with my current color scheme thank you very much.”

“You me dull aft gray.” Skywarp said bluntly, Starscream glared at his brother as Thundercracker also turned and looked at Starscream hoping to not get involved in the drama.

“Dull aft gray blends in better than bright red.” Starscream snapped back,

“It’s also boring. What kind of seeker wants boring colors?” Skywarp shrugged,

“Do you want to get smacked?” Starscream asked his brother,

“No. But good luck doing it, I'll phase through.” Skwarp triumphantly smirked,

“With both your lucks, Starscream’s servo will get stuck in Skywarp’s head and you’ll both look stupid.” Thundercracker added hopefully to prevent the two from actually fighting. The two glared at each other but thankfully dropped the matter about Starscream’s paint job.

The trio weren’t listening to the conversation between Ultra Magnus and Smokescreen. Ultra magnus pointed to the rows of empty energon cubes and told Smokescreen to stack them. Smokescreen didn’t look amused or happy about it and was muttering something.

“What was that about a Prime?” Ratchet asked as he overheard Smokescreen’s muttering.

Smokescreen turned to the medic and clearly didn’t expect Ratchet to hear him. “Uh I said time, not prime. I said it’s time to stop acting like a rookie.” as he continued to go stack cubes.

Starscream didn’t buy it, he was a master of lies and this was a pathetic attempt to cover up one. Starscream looked over at Ratchet as Arcee was speaking with the medic. “Smokescreen was the only one who went back for Optimus. We might not have him today if it wasn’t for him.”

“We were under strict orders. And Optimus made sure there was a contingency plan in place by putting Starscream in command. But… We are fortunate enough that Smokescreen is inexperienced enough to defy protocol and go back to save him.”

Starscream watched Smokescreen as he was stacking cubes with Bumblebee. He wondered what really went on with him and Optimus during their time apart….
—----
Optimus and Hex continued down the tunnel as they began to hear mining equipment. The duo came upon two Insecticons and a Vehicon using a massive drill to dig into the wall. They overheard one of the Insecticon saying they saw it. Could it be a relic and not energon?

Hex let Optimus in his alt-mode go in front of her. Hex watched Optimus as he rolled up forward closer to the Insecticons. “Abandon the mining operation, NOW!” Optimus shouted at them.

The miners turned to see Optimus and Hex standing at the end of the tunnel. Optimus then began to charge towards the Insecticons catching them off guard. Out of nowhere more Insecticons came out from behind the mining equipment and from the ceiling. They all charged forth at Optimus who also was speeding towards them. Hex pulled out her blasters and began to follow Optimus’s lead and charged forward into a battle.

Optimus launched missiles out from his alt-mode and three missiles went flying towards the charging Insecticons. Each missile hit the individual flying Insecticons head on, as each missile exploded and knocked them out of the air. Hex charged forward behind Optimus and was blasting the other ground charging Insecticons. The Insecticon began to blast at Hex as she dodge out of the way. She ducked and then roundhouse kicked the Insecticon in the side. The Insecticon winced but didn’t budge. Hex then aimed her blaster right in his neck and shot through the Insecticon’s neck causing the head of the Insecticon to be severed. She launched herself back by kicking the dead Insecticon in the torso and did a back handspring as she got ready for her next opponent.

Another Insecticon was about to knock into Hex when Optimus ran him over in his alt-mode sending the Insecticon flying back over the hood of his vehicle mode. Optimus then transformed and using the momentum of his vehicle mode punched an approaching Insecticon up into the ceiling of the cavern. He then dragged the Insecticon through the ceiling of the cavern causing rocks and debris to fall as the Insecticon’s head was being dragged through stone. Optimus then let go of the Insecticon as it ended up in front of Optimus as he fell. The Insecticon bounced off the ground and ended up barely getting to his pedes.

As the poor Insecticion gets to his pedes Optimus ran forward and decked the Insecticon in the face. Optimus backed away as he saw Hex lining up her blaster and shot right through the Insecticons head. The other Insecticons looked at one another and began to flee. One of the Insecticons was trying to grab something that was in the recently drilled hole. Whatever it was the Insecticon grabbed something then flew out with the others through a hole in the ceiling.

Hex was about to pursue when Optimus yelled, “Wait, Hex. Something is still in the excavated area.”

Hex paused as she joined Optimus looking into the hole…it looked like a weird spikey fossil…
—--
Back at base Optimus placed the weird fossil on the table in the main room. He and Hex recently returned with it and were wondering why the Decepticons were so adamant about it.

“So no energon. That sucks.” Skywarp said looking at the weird relic.

“Energon or not the Decepticons were adamant about getting their servos on whatever this is.” Thundercracker pointed out.

The rest of the team began to approach the table and looked at the weird relic Hex and Optimus brought back. Ratchet looked absolutely shocked as he saw what the relic was or rather what the fossil is of….

“It cannot be…” Ratchet muttered in disbelief as he approached the fossil on the table.

“What can’t it be?” Jack asked as he walked to the end of the walkway and was also looking at the fossil.

“It’s the fossilized remains of a Predacon….” Warlock told Jack, the humans looked closer at the fossil. It reminded Marissa of a Dinosaur bone she used to see when she and her father would go to the natural history museum.

“Regardless of how this fossil managed to get on your world…It does give us more insight into how the Decepticons acquired a Predacon in the first place.” Ratchet said, looking at the fossil more closely.

“You mean that dragon Con we were dealing with?” Miko asked,

“Yes, the ‘dragon’ Con also known as a Predacon. But that still remains that Predacons have been extinct on Cybertron for eons. They have been extinct since most common life on Cybertron even began.” Starscream added,

“Well leave it to Shockwave of all people to bring an extinct species back from the dead.” Thundercracker jokes,

“So they are like Earth’s dinosaurs.” Raf connected the resemblance,

“So it’s like the human equivalent of us running into a T-Rex…No wonder you guys didn’t really know what it was.” Marissa said looking closer at the fossil and trying to keep Buster from chewing on it.

“So it’s like a Dinobot?” Miko said,

“Nope, Dinobots are totally different.” Bulkhead corrected,

“But with Megatron’s new interest in Predacons and the return of Shockwave to his ranks it would be glaringly obvious that Megatron is trying to create more Predacons.” Ratchet gathered,

The rest of the team looked at Starscream, “Has Shockwave done something like this before?” Arcee asks,

“Not that I can recall but with Shockwave at the helm who knows what horrors he could come up with.” Starscream said with a shrug.

“It is clear the Shockwave intends to clone Predacons from their fossilized remains here on Earth.” Optimus said to the team.

“What makes you think bucket-head would stop at one Predacon?” Wheeljack stated,

“We could have a Beast War on our hands.” Bulkhead said,

“And with Shockwave’s scientific capabilities he only would need a small amount of CNA to create a Predacon or a Predacon army…” Starscream stated as he looked ominously at the fossil.

“Autobots…we must become beast hunters and track down Predacon fossils to prevent Megatron from creating his army.” Optimus told the team,

“One thing just doesn’t add up though.” Smokescreen interjected, “The Predacons went extinct ages ago on Cybertron…how are they on Earth?”
—----
“On Earth of all places?” Slipstream griped in Shockwave’s lab, Shockwave was busy scanning the small fragment of the fossil that the Insecticon managed to grab on his escape.

“Do you think this is a bit too convenient?” Slipstream said to Megatron who was also in the room.

“These aren’t fossils of true Predacons, Slipstream. But the remains of Predacon clones.” Megatron clarified,

“For you see, our current Predacon isn’t the first. In fact many years ago Shockwave cloned others. I during the war on Cybertron sanctioned a small batch of these… Preda-clones to Earth. To unleash the beasts on unwitting Autobot forces stationed here. Once they accomplished their mission, the surviving Predacon were acting as sentinels on this world. They were guarding the energon reserve that they managed to secure while awaiting for my arrival…But of course our reunion was much delayed…And we lost the beasts to the ravages of time…” Megatron explained thoroughly to his subordinate.

“But not their endo-matter.” Shockwave interjected, “From which I can extract their CNA.”

“Another scavenger hunt? You cannot expect me to believe we are going to scour the world looking for your dead pets, do you Shockwave?” Slipstream asked a bit annoyed at the ridiculousness of this plan.

“Do you expect me to send my creations to a distant world and not have them microchipped?” Shockwave asked the seeker,

“Well I mean…I did but…did you actually microchip them?” Slipstream asked, “Like seriously you actually did?” Shockwave nodded.
—--
“These are files from Cybertronian history texts.” Ratchet said bringing up images of what looks like creatures from mythology. Monsters like the Hydra, Griffin and other creatures.

“Those look like metal versions of creatures from our Greek Mythology and medieval literature.” Jack pointed out upon viewing the screen in front of him.

“It would be apparent that Predacon walked amongst the Earth during ancient times. As they seem to be the basis for humankind’s folklore.” Optimus pointed out, “Reminding us that the paths of Earth and Cybertron are unmistakably linked.”

“So now what?” Marissa asks,

“We try to locate the fossils before the Decepticons can.” Ratchet said as they began to find a way to track them down.

Chapter Text

The Insecticons go into the vault of the Nemesis and carry out the stasis pod of Airachnid. They bring the pod to Shockwave’s lab and promptly put it down in front of the scientist. The Insecticons stepped back and gave Shockwave space to do what he needed to do.

Knock Out, Slipstream, Soundwave, and Dreadwing were all in attendance. “Is this really wise?” Slipstream asked Shockwave, “Letting her out could cause more problems than solutions. Do we really need her back?”

“Lord Megatron is eager to see if this device works. We do not possess another outlier available amongst our ranks to test it on. Unless you wish to convince your relatives to participate.” Shockwave stated to Slipstream, that she frowned at what she assumed was Shockwave’s attempt at sass. Or at least it sounds like sass.

“With the Autobots having multiple outliers amongst their ranks it would be prudent to be able to level the playing field.” Dreadwing added,

Knock Out probably was the most unhappy of the group. He agrees with Slipstream. Releasing Airachnid is a terrible idea. If Shockwave’s newest invention doesn’t work then they will have an Insecticon uprising on their servos. Not to mention she is responsible for Breakdown’s death Knock Out would rather strap her to his lab table with CYLAS and use her as a test subject. I guess that is what is currently happening but still… he wasn’t happy.

Soundwave was watching as he was recording the results of the experiment for Megatron and for Shockwave’s records. The rest of them were there mostly to observe and in the worst case shove her back into the stasis pod or terminate her if they can’t get her back in. They didn’t need another Breakdown incident.

Shockwave walked up and opened the pod. The pod hissed opened as the cryo-gas dissipated. He stepped back a second, the collar he created in his servo as he watched Airachnid twitch back to life. She groaned as she clutched her helm, “Wh-Where-“ Before she could finish her statement Shockwave pinned her to the ground with his cannon arm and snapped the collar around Airachnid’s neck.

“Son of a-“ She hissed as Shockwave got off her and she used her spider legs and jumped back to where the two Insecticons were. She turned to them and then smirked at Shockwave, “Attack!” She yelled and pointed at Shockwave. The others all got into position in case this didn’t work and were ready to strike the spider assassin and possibly the two Insecticons. Shockwave was stoic, standing still as he noticed the two Insecticons not listening to her. She faltered for a moment as she looked at the two Insecticons who were not attacking Shockwave.

What are you lot waiting for?! Attack him! Listen to your queen!” Airachnid yelled at the Insecticons. The two didn’t budge as Slipstream snorted, “Queen huh? Looks more like a court jester to me.”

Airachnid turned and glowered at Slipstream. She noticed the female seeker she hadn’t seen before but instead of asking any questions she was ready to rip out her voice box for such insolence. She leapt up as she got mid-air a jolt of electricity shocked her system as she plummeted to the ground right in front of Slipstream. The electricity is still crackling around her frame.

“So the security measure works.” Dreadwing said flatly,

Airachnid got up and looked back at Shockwave. She felt the collar around her neck and touched it as she realized this is what zapped her. She was about to use one of her spider legs to sever the collar when Shockwave spoke, “That would be ill advised.”

Airachnid glared at Shockwave, “Any attempt at removing the collar will activate the detonation mechanism within the collar. Severing your head from your body.”

Airachnid’s optics went wide, “What is the meaning of all of this?!” She asked angrily as her servos clutched the collar.

“An experiment.” Knock Out said with a smirk,

“Lord Megatron asked me to create something to inhibit outlier abilities. Since you currently are the only outlier available it was most logical to use you. He also asked for…security measures to make sure you compiled.” Shockwave explained,

Airachnid laughed, “What is Megatron having an outlier problem? Or is he planning on using it on Warlock?”

“We don’t think it would work on him. But it would work on the pesky seekers now with the Autobots.” Slipstream stated to Airachnid.

Airachnid paused, seekers? As in plural? She clearly missed a lot since being imprisoned by her own sparkling. Airachnid turned to Dreadwing, “So…now that you’ve proven your little toy works…You expect me to comply?” Airachnid said with a smirk, “Or what? Zap me like a dog when I misbehave?”

“That is the idea.” Knock Out chimed in,

Airachnid frowned, she basically now was on a leash…how humiliating. “I’m surprised I didn’t know Starscream was an outlier.” She said trying to learn more about this ‘outlier problem’.

“He isn’t an outlier. At least we believe he isn’t but his trine mates are.” Slipstream elaborated, she still was wondering how in the name of Primus Starscream came back from the dead back at Darkmount. Was it something the Quintesson did? What is Starscream secretly an outlier this whole time? Did Megatron fumble, killing him? Slipstream’s mind wandered for a second when Dreadwing stepped in. “Regardless of the reason you will return to the Decepticon ranks.”

“Is that so?” Airachnid asked curiously, “What’s stopping me from just leaving?”

“The collar has a built-in tracker and if you become rogue the detonator will go off.” Shockwave added,

“So safe to stay…you’re stuck with us or you can join the Allspark…up to you.” Knock Out said with a satisfying smirk.

“If I did join the Allspark I can say hi to Breakdown for you… I mean after I ripped him to pieces.” Airachnid said sinisterly with a wicked grin.

Knock Out immediately frowned and growled in anger. How dare she bring up Breakdown?! Knock Out pulled out his buzzsaw and was about to step towards her when Dreadwing held out his arm. “She’s trying to get a rise out of you, don't let her.”

“Ah, the honorable Dreadwing. Trying to save Knock Out after you couldn’t save Breakdown.” Airachnid mocked Dreadwing for a brief second and was unnerved but he wasn’t going to let the spider’s teasing get to him.

“That will be enough, Airachnid.” A voice said from the doorway. It was Megatron, he began to walk in as the Insecticons bowed as he walked past them. Airachnid was displeased to see Megatron and especially angry to see her minions bowing to him and not her. Megatron stopped in front of her towering over her and glared down at her.

“I am glad to see the experiment was a success, Shockwave.” Megatron said to the scientist.

“I am pleased, you are pleased, my lord. I can get on producing more of the collar to help us deal with the outlier issue.” Shockwave said with a nod as his part in this is done and he returned to what he was doing prior.

Megatron turns to look at Airachnid, “You will be most useful for the Decepticons' cause now that there is no risk of you betraying me. But there is another reason I released you from your stasis.” Megatron explained as he bent down to get to optic level with Airachnid. “Tell me everything you know about Warlock.”

Chapter Text

The humans were all scattered around in the loft area sleeping on the various furniture that was there. Warlock, Ratchet, and Ultra Magnus continue their efforts in trying to locate Predacon bones deep into the evening. Optimus walked over to where Ratchet was working and noticed his screen differed from Ultra Magnus’s and Warlock’s. His screen was data on the synthetic energon formula he dabbled with a while ago and even used on himself….

“Synthetic energon?” Optimus asks Ratchet as he has no other way of properly bringing up the subject organically. Ratchet turned to look at Optimus, “Indeed. With the lack of energon reserves since our base was destroyed, our ability to deal with impending crises could be difficult.”

“I still have energon in my ship.” Warlock stated as he joined the conversation.

Ratchet sighs, “Yes I am aware of that, Warlock. But those reserves cannot last all of us that long especially now with Ultra Magnus and Hex joining our ranks.”

“I believe it is a wise decision to work on the synthetic energon formula.” Warlock smiled at Ratchet. But the medic wasn’t so optimistic.

“Don’t get your hopes too high. That goes for both of you. Even with the more complicated systems on your ship Warlock, I am still working with rudimentary equipment.” Ratchet’s gaze pans over to the equipment Agent Fowler was able to get for him to use. Optimus and Warlock followed Ratchet’s line of sight to the equipment. “So manage your expectations accordingly…”

“Prime!” Agent Fowler called from his office. The trio of Autobots turned to look at him. The rest of the team began to gather to hear what Agent Fowler had to say. “Satellites have picked up Decepticon activity in multiple locations. One in an oil field outside El Paso, Texas, another in Hebrides Bluffs in Scotland and Easter Island near Chile.

“So don’t forget to pack your kilts.” Agent Fowler added,

“We must divide our resources, Ultra Magnus.” Optimus turns to look at him, “You take the wreckers and Hex to the Bluffs.

“Understood, Optimus.” Ultra Magnus confirms his orders. But he pauses as he leans in closer to Optimus, “Uh…sir…what is a kilt?”

Optimus looks at Agent Fowler and then side-eyes Ultra Magnus and leans down closer to him, “Agent Fowler at times can be oblique. I find it simpler to just nod and mobilize.”

Ultra Magnus then gets the wreckers and Hex ready to leave for the Bluffs. Optimus then turns to the trio of seekers also waiting for orders. “Starscream you lead your trine to Easter Island.”

“Understood.” Starscream nods, and Skywarp turns to Thundercracker “So do you know what a kilt is?”

Thundercracker looked at Skywarp and shrugged, “I don’t know for sure, but I think it’s a kind of pants?”

“Regardless of what a kilt is, we aren't going to the Bluffs.” Starscream pointed out, hoping to not hear a debate on kilts the entire way there. Thankfully Ultra Magnus interjected and took the attention off seekers. “Optimus,” Ultra Magnus called out, getting the Prime’s attention.

“I know there are many emotions tied to the Forge…” Ultra Magnus gestures to the Forge of Solus Prime now drained of its immense power. “Now is not the time to get sentimental…” Optimus stated, looking at Ultra Magnus.

He then picks up the Forge and looks at Optimus, “I would be honored to be able to put this through some practical use…” As he takes the Forge and his team and leaves for the Bluffs.

Optimus turned to the rest of the team remaining, as they got ready to head to EL Paso.
—--
Arcee, Optimus, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen arrived in El Paso on a rather high-up bridge near the oil fields. Optimus states he will search a nearby quadrant of the oil fields for the bones. He gave the others locations to also scout out as well. Arcee by herself and Smokescreen and Bumblebee together. The other two groups leave as they search for the Predacon bones.

Smokescreen and Bumblebee turning into their vehicle modes to gain more ground. The two were driving through the oil rigs and came upon a suspicious area. There were tire track marks all over the ground near this particular oil rig. The two transformed into their bot modes and pulled out their blasters and began scanning their surroundings. After a few moments of surveillance Smokescreen began to interrupt the silence. “Hey Bee, you ever… thought about being a Prime?”

‘What? You mean like now?’ Bumblebee asked,

“No, not like right now. Like someday.” Smokescreen replied,

‘I mean I haven’t thought about being a Prime but rather be a warrior first.’ Bumblebee said going forward and continuing to search.

“Yeah I guess that makes sense.” Smokescreen said as he leaned against an oil rig. He pauses as something didn’t add up. “But I have seen you in action. You can scrap with the best of them. How come Optimus hasn’t promoted you to warrior already?” Smokescreen asked, Bumblebee was still searching for the enemy, ‘It’s my choice to not be promoted.’

“Your choice?” Smokescreen asked confused, “But…why wait?”

‘Because I want to graduate back home, on Cybertron.’ Bumblebee answers,

“I guess that makes sense. It would be more meaningful to graduate back home.” Smokescreen said as he also looked around with Bumblebee. “You are one patient mech, Bee. I maybe should take a cue from you…”

The two stopped as they heard drill nearby. They ducked behind some metal crates as they observed what was nearby. They saw some Vehicons with mining equipment nearby drilling into a large rocky surface. Little did they know that the Vehicons were prepared for an Autobot assault. Several Vehicons were on top of the oil containers watching the two get closer to the drilling site.
—---
Arcee was zooming through the quadrant she was assigned when she heard drilling. She turned into her bot mode and pulled out her blasters to be ready in case there would be a fight. She saw what was making the drilling noise or rather…who was making the noise. Airachnid was drilling with her spider legs into the ground. She was muttering to herself and looked rather annoyed. “Blasted bones! Why send me to do a Vehicon’s job…” Airachnid gripped as she brushed the dirt off her frame.

Airachnid? But she was trapped in the stasis pod…either when the base blew up she escaped or the Decepticons let her out, which sounded unlikely. But who knows what the Decepticons could be planning. Arcee stepped stealthily closer to Airachnid…

Airachnid was still unaware of Arcee’s presence. Arcee was so focused on Airachnid she didn’t see the small hole and her pede got stuck in it. She let out a frustrated grunt that unfortunately got Airachnid’s attention. “Arcee.” She said amused as Arcee unstuck her pede.

“Last time I saw you, you were stuck in a stasis pod.” Arcee said getting in position. Her blasters aimed at Airachnid.

“I am aware. I was shoved in by my own sparkling of all things. You can imagine how betrayed I was by that.” Airachnid began to circle Arcee…Arcee was following Airachnid’s slow movements so as to not lose sight of her.

“Moonlight did the right thing.” Arcee said with a sneer,

“I didn’t realize how powerful my little one is. You can imagine my surprise learning about her…talents. Of course it really isn’t too much of a surprise…she is my child after all.” Airachnid chuckled,

“I’m not going to let you leave with the fossil, Airachnid.” Arcee said sternly, beginning to charge up her blasters.

“Well then that means we have a problem…because I am leaving with it.” Airachnid stopped circling and looked ready to pounce as she engaged her spider legs.
—---
The Vehicons that are on top of the oil containers begin to shoot at the two Autobots. Bumblebee and Smokescreen noticed the Vehicons that were behind them and began to shoot at them. The two immediately dodged out of the way and hid behind some more metal crates and support beams that were laying around. Bumblebee dived to the left while Smokescreen tumbled to the right as the Vehicons were trying to blast them. The two looked at each other from the other sides of where they hid as the Vehicon blasts continued to miss them.

Bumblebee was shooting at one the Vehicons closer to the ground and was able to knock him off the perch he was on. Smokescreen peaked over and saw that Bumblebee managed to knock off one of them and decided to aim for one higher up. Smokescreen turned and began blasting at one at the top of the oil container sending him flying off and crashing with a thud. One of his companions didn’t look happy and managed to hit Smokescreen in the arm causing the rookie to wince in pain.

‘Smoke, you good?’ Bumblebee asked, shooting at the Vehicon that hit Smokescreen.

“Yeah I’m good just a nick.” Smokescreen told Bumblebee. Smokescreen pulled out his other blaster and saw that some of the Vehicons were approaching on foot. The two Vehicons were shooting at where Smokescreen was as the rookie got an idea.

The oil rig mill was moving up and down right next to him. It was large enough to provide adequate cover and possibly fool the Cons for a second. Smokescreen waited until the mill reached the ground and then ran behind it and climbed onto the rising mill. The Vehicons paused for a second as Smokescreen disappeared from sight. This… was exactly what Smokescreen was hoping for.

Smokescreen jumped up from the rising mill giving him the high ground and began blasting at the two Vehicons that were stunned and didn’t have time to react. Smokescreen aimed his jump to land on top of the closer of the two Vehicons. Using the momentum of the jump he made he managed to flip and toss that Vehicon into his comrade and the two went flying into a nearby oil rig. One unfortunately landed underneath the mill part of the rig as it came crashing down onto its helm, taking the Vehicon out.

Bumblebee was shooting out the other Vehicons as he took out two more. He ended up roundhouse kicking another into a mill just like Smokescreen. Bumblebee was so in the zone of combat he turned to shoot his next opponent but it turns out it was just Smokescreen. Smokescreen raised his servos up in defense. “See I told you, you are too good to just be a scout.” Smokescreen complimented his teammate. Bumblebee smiled under his mask as the two heard approaching pedes coming from the drill site. It was Shockwave…
—--
Airachnid was attempting to strike Arcee with her spider legs as the two-wheeler was dodging left and right. Arcee attempts to shoot the spider outright with her blasters but is also missing. Unfortunately the two were evenly matched in terms of dexterity and was making the fight difficult for both of them.

“Honestly Arcee, it is foolish of you to go solo against me…” Airachnid smirked, she launched out some of her spider webbing gunking up Arcee’s blaster.

Arcee grunted in frustration as her blaster was out of play, but not her blades. She had to switch gears and go into melee in order to deal with Airachnid now…which isn’t ideal. Getting close is going to be tricky…

Arcee charged forth with her blade as she attempted to strike at Airachnid. She swiped at one of the spider legs she could have sworn was damaged from the stasis pod closing… “Looks like the Cons patched you up.” Arcee noted as she dodged another attack from Airachnid.

“Yes, Knock Out was gracious enough to repair my damaged limbs…” Airachnid said back as she began blasting at Arcee. Arcee did a number of backflips to avoid being hit by Airachnid’s blasts. Arcee got an idea as she saw a loose stone as she landed. She ran up and threw the rock aiming for Airachnid’s face.

“What are you a sparkling? Throwing rocks at people, Arcee? How sad.” Airachnid taunted as she blasted the rocks as Arcee threw them. Airacnhid was so busy shooting the rocks out of the air she didn’t hear the approaching sounds of turbines up above her. Arcee just needed to buy time for Optimus to land…

Optimus finished searching his quadrant as he saw Arcee and Airachnid battling. Optimus launched missiles at the unaware Airachnid, sending the spider huntress flying away from Arcee. Optimus landed near her and had his gatling gun ready and aimed at Airachnid.

She was told about Optimus’s ‘upgrade’ but seeing it is something else. Two against one wasn’t good odds as Arcee pulled off the webbing and aimed her blaster at Airachnid. Airachnid hissed angrily at this sudden development and began to tunnel deep into the Earth to avoid anymore battling. Optimus and Arcee looked down the hole as Arcee was ready to jump in and track down her old foe.

But the sound of one of the oil rigs exploding in the distance caught both of their attention. As the two raced to see what was going on.
—---
The flammable oil in the rigs began to ignite and basically turn into exploding bombs now going off one by one. Smokescreen and Bumblebee began running to avoid getting blown up by debris from the mills and the flammable oil flying in the sky.

The two managed to outrun most of them and landed with a smokey thud outside the range of the rigs. “How badaft was that!” Smokescreen said excitedly as he got to his pedes.

The two then heard a transformation as Shockwave went charging past them no doubt with the Predacon bones in his grasp. The two also transformed and began to chase down the Decepticon scientist.

As the two Aoutobots were trying to catched up with the Decepticon scientist in their alt-modes. Shockwave’s alt-mode did have the advantage of being a literal Cybertronian tank with his massive cannon mounted on top of his vehicle mode. The cannon swung around slowly aiming itself at the pursuing Autobots. A single blast caused the two bots to swerve and lose momentum in their pursuit of Shockwave. Shockwave was able to get out of the oil field and onto a road and the bridge the Autobots original ground bridged to.

From the opposite end however, Arcee and Optimus were coming to cut off Shockwave’s exit. Shockwave’s cannon turned to face Optimus as he was a bigger threat to Shockwave. Shockwave blasted multiple times at the Prime but missed as Arcee transformed int her bot mode and was shooting at Shockwave’s treads. This caused Shockwave to swerve and ignore Optimus.

Optimus shot out a massive energy beam out of his own blaster and hit Shockwave head on but causing him to completely go airborne. Shockwave ended up tumbling messily forward so badly he had to turn into bot form just to mitigate the damage to his frame. The Predacon fossil ended up falling out of Shockwave’s grasp as it skeeted forward on the bridge far from where Shockwave landed.

Shockwave was stunned and in great pain after that tumble. Airachnid was supposed to be his backup. Where is she? The three other Autobot began to close in on Shockwave and the Predacon bone.

But in a strange turn of events…a ground bridge opens up and a certain Decepticon comes flying out of said portal at breakneck speed. Soundwave began immediately targeting Bumblebee and Smokescreen with rapid fire. “Soundwave…surprised to see him and not Megatron….” Smokescreen said to himself, also trying to avoid the drone’s blasts as he swerved out of Soundwave’s path.

Arcee began going for the fossil and Shockwave saw Arcee running for the fossil and began his own charge towards the bone. Arcee got there first but Shockwave being the bigger bot used his size to his advantage. He with his cannon arm turned into Arcee’s side, sending her flying over the edge of the bridge. She managed to grab the edge of the bridge but was struggling to get back onto the bridge. And ws now dangling off the edge of the bridge struggling to get back up.

Shockwave picked up the bone and began to make his way towards the still open ground bridge Soundwave left for him. Optimus saw that Arcee was out of play and that Shockwave was heading to the portal with the fossil. But he was still being pursued by Soundwave who clearly was trying to be a distraction for Shockwave and get Optimus off his tail.

Bumblebee managed to zoom forward and transform into his bot mode mid-air and kick Shockwave in the back. This caused the Decepticon scientist to tumble over the scout and fall backwards as Bumblebee skidded forward on his pedes leaving a trail of sparks off the ground. Shockwave was about to get up but Smokescreen back flipped onto the scientist's head pressing him into the ground. But then Smokescreen noticed a struggling servo on the bridge.

“Hang on, Arcee!” Smokescreen yelled running to get her back onto the ground.

Bumblebee saw this but ran towards Shockwave to get the fossil. Bumblebee tugged and pulled but Shockwave’s grip was ironclad. Shockwave turned to face Bumblebee and smacked him with his cannon, sending him flying near the edge of the bridge.

Smokescreen managed to get Arcee back onto the bridge and saw Shockwave running towards the portal. Smokescreen ran to be interference as he was shooting at the scientist. The blasts bounced off Shockwave's plating and Shockwave saw Smokescreen getting closer and closer. He was in point-blank range as Shockwave blasted him, knocking Smokescreen out and severely damaging his chassis.

In the air, Optimus was dodging and weaving out of the way from Soundwave. Soundwave even launched Laserbeak as the two both began to shoot at Optimus. Optimus was getting fed up and just as one of his soldiers got badly injured. Optimus pulled out his gatling gun and aimed it at Soundwave and Laserbeak hoping to knock one of them out of the sky.

Optimus managed to hit Soundwave but quickly lost sight of Laserbeak. Laserbeak however was far from lost as the minicon was clinging to Optimus’s turbine. It sent a shockwave of electricity through Optimus’s system quickly causing the Prime to lose altitude and crash land under the bridge.

Soundwave, slightly injured, was able to land safely near the edge of the bridge. He turned into bot form and saw Optimus downed by the bottom of the ravine. But now Shockwave was fighting with Arcee who was doing all sorts of acrobatics to try and get the fossil from Shockwave.

But seemingly out of nowhere Airachnid came flying in and webbed Arcee to the ground, taking her out. Shockwave stood there as Airachnid zoomed past him into the ground bridge. Bumblebee finally came to and tried to chase after the two of them but didn’t get them in time. Soundwave seeing that his compatriots were in the ground bridge transformed and zoomed his way through. Bumblebee shot at Soundwave as he passed by into the bridge as it closed.

Bumblebee de-webbed Arcee and Smokscreen managed to get to his pedes and groggily walk towards the rest of the group. Optimus flew back up onto the bridge and saw that they lost the battle…

Chapter Text

Episode: Project Predacon/Chain of Command

One the Nemesis the trio returned with the fossil in hand. Megatron was waiting for them in Shockwave’s lab. “I am glad to see the mission was a success.” Megatron said with his back to his subordinates.

“But, Shockwave….” Megatron began getting the scientist’s attention, “I understand you specifically engaged Optimus in the field…?”

“Yes, Lord Megatron. It was paramount that I retrieve the specimen. As my partner was nowhere near my location…” Shockwave glared at Airachnid, or at least what Shockwave would call a glare.

“I found something just as valuable that tore me away from Shockwave’s side.” Airachnid smiled, as she produced a Cybertronian data cylinder.

“A data cylinder? How did you procure this?” Shockwave asked, Airachnid smirked at the scientist who was keen on knowing its contents.

“Give the data cylinder to Knock Out to analyze.” Megatron ordered as Soundwave nodded and took the canister to Knock Out. “Shockwave…I believe you perished once already. I would find it more adequate to keep you where your work can be uninterrupted.” Megatron was hinting at the fact that if he loses his prized scientist he would be very displeased. Thankfully Shockwave was able to pick up on the warlord’s meaning… “I understand. I leave the fetching of Predacon bones to Dreadwing and Slipstream. And confine myself to my lab to continue working on Project Predacon.”

“Speaking of…Where is Dreadwing?” Airachnid asked curiously,

“Dreadwing and Shadow Striker were sent to a country known as Scotland to retrieve more bones. “ Megatron looked over the huntress who was covered in dirt and scratches, “In fact once you get looked over by Knock Out and given approval…I would like you and Slipstream to go to the secondary location Shockwave has provided…”

Airachnid smiled as she was pleased with her mission and that Megatron wanted to send her on another. But Shockwave turned to her as Megatron began to walk out of the room. “I hope the information on that data cylinder is worth nearly losing a Predacon bone.” Shockwave said to her, catching her off guard and slightly insulted.

“Does it matter? A data cylinder buried here on Earth could be very useful. The last one we found had the formula for synthetic energon on it…unfortunately due to…others… incompetence…we only possess a small amount of information on the formula.” Airachnid explained to the scientist.

Shockwave’s weird little antennas almost stood at attention at the mention of synthetic energon. “Synthetic energon? This is the first I am hearing of this.”

Airachnid smirked, “I’m surprised Lord Megatron doesn’t prioritize that more than making an army of unruly beasts…”

“The Predacon was not unruly. It was fully under my control. And having an army made up of powerful Predacons could be useful to turn the tides of the war.” Shockwave argued, turning towards Airachnid.

“I guess so…” Airachnid shrugged,

“You disagree?” Shockwave asked, now a bit curious at her disagreement with their master’s choices. “Oh come on Shockwave…you are a smart mech. He has an army, Pits technically two since he stole my hive…how many more soldiers does he need to keep failing at killing a small group of Autobots?”

“Your point is…logical. But Predacons are different from Insecticons and Vehicons…” Shockwave rebuttled, and Airachnid rolled her optics as her spider legs twitched behind her in annoyance. Airachnid could see that Shockwave despite his brilliance was a stubborn mech. Airachnid decided to cut her losses and walk out. “Why are all the brilliant mechs I meet so blind by their own creations?” She muttered to herself. Shockwave picked up her muttering but decided it would be illogical to argue with Airachnid about such petty manners.
—---
Meanwhile in the arctic tundra…frozen in a block of ice after a massive blizzard is the Predacon. It stands in a mighty roaring pose as the sun rises over the icy terrain. The Predacon had been frozen for quite some time but.. The heat of the rising sun almost ignited something within the frozen beast.

The sunlight almost…woke up the frozen monster. The Predacon began to generate heat within itself. The Predacon’s optics began to glow a bright yellow as it began to return to life. The ice began to melt and crack as the heat from its frame was causing it to break. With a quick thrust of its claws, it shattered the ice on its left. With a thrash of its wings, it crumpled the ice on its right. And with that its claws gripped the side of the icy ledge it was stuck upon for so long and its claws cut into the ice. The permafrost lining its previous frozen form melted off.

The Predacon shook its helm as it regained consciousness. It reeled back and roared extremely loudly as it did so as it got ready to take flight. It flew off in a direction towards where its home was, where the Nemesis could possibly be.
—----
On the Nemesis, most of the Decepticon high command stood in Shockwave’s lab a few hours later. “Is it really wise for Shockwave to spawn an army of Predacon here aboard the Nemesis?” Slipstream said as Shockwave was scanning the Predacon bone’s CNA.

Airachnid and Flamewar looked curiously at the seeker. ‘Maybe I’m not the only one who sees the flaw in this plan…’ Airachnid thought with a smirk now on her face. Megatron looked curiously at her. “I’m just stating an obvious fact that even when we had the previous one, it was too large to go through the corridors.”

“Boss…you do realize we are doing it off-site right?” Flamewar noted Slipstream turned to look at her and Airachnid. ‘Never mind she’s as obtuse as Starscream…guess they are related after all.’ Airachnid thought again now that she realized. “Well I was unaware of that…but it does make sense.”

“By the way Shockwave sorry about the loss of your…original prototype…” Slipstream said with fake empathy. Shockwave was unphased by Slipstream’s fake sympathy or teasing.

“Yeah we can’t even find the poor beastie,” Flamewar added, at least her condolences seemed somewhat more genuine than Slipstream’s.

Then suddenly the ship began to shake violently. The Nemesis didn’t land anywhere…so either they were under attack or… “Lord Megatron!” A Vehicon yelled through the comms. “You are needed on the flight deck.”

“Are we under attack?!” Slipstream asked nervously,

“No, the Vehicon sounded too calm. Maybe Shockwave’s beastie found its way home…” Airachnid guessed,

“Preposterous!” Slipstream shouted, Flamewar looked at Slipstream and back at Airachnid…she could sense some tension already and the two were due to go to Easter Island soon. Great, glad Flamewar decided to stay back this time around.

The group along with several Vehicons went to investigate the large mass on the flight deck. As they opened the door they were greeted with the visage of a very much alive Predacon. Its tail lazily sways behind it as it slowly growls as a form of acknowledgment of its masters. It steps forward making loud beastial noises almost like it was happy to be home.

“How in blazes did this thing find the ship?” Slipstream asked with a mixture of curiosity and a hint of annoyance. Airachnid and Flamewar turned to Shockwave expecting the scientist to explain how this was possible.

“Predacons possess sophisticated homing instincts.” Shockwave explained to the group,

“And a very high level of resilience.” Megatron added, looking over the beast. “Slipstream…until Dreadwing returns from his mission, assume control of the Predacon.” Megatron ordered as he went back into the ship.

Airachnid held back a laugh as she saw the look on Slipstream’s face. “What?! Bu-But master, why would I assume control when Shockwave is right here?”

“You and Dreadwing work side by side on military and day-to-day operations. With Dreadwing not here it would be logical for you to assume command in his absence.” Shockwave stated as he followed Megatron back into the ship, “Besides my priority is to work on Project Predacon.”

Slipstream grimaced at the thought of having to spend time with a mindless beast. Airachnid bit her lip as she tried to not smirk. Slipstream angrily turned to Flamewar. “Handle this for now. Airachnid and I are off to Easter Island.”

“What?! No way! Megatron asked you, boss. Not me. So…logically…” She did a bit of an impression of Shockwave, “Logically speaking I and Airachnid should go off to Easter Island while you play Predacon trainer.” Flamewar smirked at her boss.

“Absolutely not! I am not an animal handler!” Slipstream yelled back, Airachnid and the Predacon’s attention went between the two as they argued. Back and forth, back and forth, it was almost comical how neither of them wanted to deal with it. But Airachnid realized what both idiots these two were. If she had it her way she would claim to be the trainer…A beast like this Predacon under her control? They are all stupid for trying to hand off responsibility. But Megatron already ordered her to Easter Island and with this stupid collar around her neck, she cannot afford to disobey orders.

After about 10 minutes of arguing, Flamewar was going with Airachnid to Easter Island. Slipstream was left with the beast on the flight deck… Airachnid cannot wait to see the surveillance footage of this trainwreck….

Chapter Text

Ultra Magnus managed to repair his ship in time for them to head to the Bluffs. Everyone climbed into Ultra Magnus’s ship and headed off to Scotland. Despite Ultra Magnus’s objection, Miko joined them on the mission for the bones as Bulkhead and Wheeljack reassured the commander that they could keep her safe.

The Autobots all gathered onto the lift of Ultra Magnus’s ship. As the lift lowers Ultra Magnus begins his debrief of their plan. “Alright Beast hunters, according to our intel, the Decepticons should be mining for Predacon bone directly beneath us.” The lift platform landed on the ground and before Ultra Magnus could state the plan Wheeljack ran off.

“Does Wheeljack not comprehend the chain of command?” Ultra Magnus asked Bulkhead who looked awkwardly up at his commander. “I didn’t authorize him to run off without cover.” Ultra Magnus added as Bulkhead looked over to Hex for some help but she just shrugged.

“I’m sure Jackie is…just eager to prove himself especially since you two are working together again…uh, sir.” Bulkhead answered, hoping that the explanation would help cover Wheeljack from any flack from Ultra Magnus. Then the trio turned to see Wheeljack shouting in glee as he jumped down off the end of the bluff. Ultra Magnus grimaced as Hex and Bulkhead exchanged worried looks.

Wheeljack was climbing down the rocky face of the bluff and then began to feel small rocks and debris hitting his helm. Wheeljack looked up to see Bulkhead trailing behind him. “Jackie, wait up! Ultra Magnus wants us to-”

“Blah, blah blahbity, blah.” Wheeljack said not letting Bulkhead finish his statement. Bulkhead then heard steps coming from below and urged Wheeljack to be quiet.

Right below them is a Vehicon who was exiting an opening in the bluff’s rocky exterior. He had his blaster out and was clearly on surveillance and guard duty.

“Wrecker fact number 17-“ Wheeljack began,

“Guards never look up.” Bulkhead finished as he lost his footing and a few rocks came loose and fell right in front of the guard. The guard naturally looked up and saw a jumping Wheeljack with his blades ready to pounce on him.

Ultra Magnus and Hex watched from the top of the cliff face and looked at each other at Wheeljack’s wild action. Ultra Magnus shook his head and pulled out his blaster ready to back up the wrecker.

Wheeljack was able to sever the guard’s head from his body as it plopped onto the ground behind Wheeljack. Wheeljack turned to look up at the rest of the team with a mocking salute to Ultra Magnus.

Unfortunately, the guard was not alone as a small group of Vehicons also came out of the entrance. They all pulled out their blaster and began to charge Wheeljack. Wheeljack used his swords to block as many blasts as he could but more and more guards began to come out of the cavern. Wheeljack sliced the closest Vehicons and then Roundhouse kicked the Con into the wall of the cliff.

Bulkhead and Hex jumped down from the cliff to help back up Wheeljack. Bulkhead, using the momentum from his fall, pulled out his wrecking ball gauntlet and smashed the Vehicon right below him. A charging Vehicon came up behind him and Bulkhead turned his other servo into a wrecking ball and bashed the charging Vehicon in the face. Sending him flying towards Hex who vertically kicked the Vehicon into the ground.

A few strange blasts from above caught some of the Vehicons attention. Ultra Magnus decided to join the fray as he jumped down the rocky cliff face with the Forge of Solus Prime in servo. As he fell he grabbed the forge and smacked it down in the middle of a group of Vehicons. Creating a small shockwave of force and creating a crater. The shockwave of force sent the 3 Vehicons flying in opposite directions. One of the flying Vehicons went straight into Bulkhead’s path as he whacked the Con into another Vehicon. One went flying towards Hex as she roundhouse kicked him into an unconscious Vehicon on the ground. Ultra Magnus used the hilt of the Forge to body-check a charging Vehicon into the wall of the cliff.

Ultra Magnus saw in his peripheral vision another Vehicon getting up and he turned and smacked him with the hammer part of the Forge. The Vehicon was knocked out immediately. Wheeljack surveyed the area around him and saw no more Vehicons that were upright. He sheathed his blades as the Autobots looked over at their handy work.

“That is why we wait for cover.” Ultra Magnus said to Wheeljack with a disapproving tone.

“Hey! Is anyone going to come pick me up?!” Miko yelled from the top of the cliff. Hex looked over, transformed, and flew up to get Miko.

“So much for cover.” Wheeljack smirked at Ultra Magnus who shook his head in disappointment as he walked into the cave.
———
Back on the Nemesis, Slipstream and the Predacon were coming at opposing odds as the beast was not listening to her. “Listen you overgrown reptile! I am your superior and I order you back into your pen!”

The Predacon was watching Slipstream as she walked behind the Predacon to shove it. The beast whacked her with its tail and caused her to fall to the ground. She grumbled and got to her pedes as she took the electro probe she got from Knock Out to zap the beast for misbehaving. The beast roared in pain and immediately growled. It began to charge up a fire blast as it turned to face Slipstream and shoot out a torrent of flames. Slipstream yelped in surprise as she ducked from the blast. She narrowly missed the flames as she looked behind her at the massive scorch marking on the flight deck. “Ok…time for plan B.”

Slipstream left the flight deck and was gone for a few minutes then returned donning the Apex Armor. “Try scorching me now…hehe…” Slipstream said to herself. Apparently, by the time Slipstream was gone, the Predacon decided to take a nap. “Unbelievable…”

“Listen!” Slipstream tried to wake up the Predacon by using her pede to tap its snout. The Predacon growled in annoyance at the seeker and looked up to see her in the strange armor. The beast perked up and roared at Slipstream almost in a ‘why did you wake me up?’ sort of way. “Do your worst! The Apex Armor is indestructible!” Slipstream smirked, smacking her chest and looking up at the beast.

The Predacon tilted its head and almost looked like it was smirking as it let out a low chuckle. “Are you laughing at me?! How dare you!” Slipstream pointed at the beast but that only gave the Predacon more leverage as it bit down on Slipstream’s armored arm and she began to be thrashed about by the Predacon. Slipstream shouted and yelled as she was being shaken and thrashed about. The Predacon released her as she went flying over to where the pen entrance was and ended up being thrown into the pen itself. “You think this is funny don’t you!” Slipstream yelled from inside the pen. Her voice echoed off the walls as she could hear the Predacon’s low chuckle again.

Slipstream got up and then heard a loud clanking sound. The door to the pen closed… “You arrogant son of a glitch! And I know you are one I have met Shockwave!” Slipstream yelled through the bars. The Predacon walked out of the pen area and went to resume its nap in the sunlight…
—---
Dreadwing and Shadow Striker were overseeing the mining operation at the Bluffs. The two were both bored and realized this was a waste of both their talents. “Shadow Striker, may I ask you a question?” Dreadwing asked, hoping to satisfy something that had been on his mind for quite some time.

“Yes?” Shadow Striker answered,

“How did you get involved with Slipstream and Flamewar? All three of your personalities would seem like they would clash.” Dreadwing asked, Shadow Striker looked down at the mining operation. “Familiarity.” She said flatly,

“Familiarity? So you are just used to them?” Dreadwing found the answer…rather boring. He knew Shadow Striker wasn’t a talker, not like Flamewar and Slipstream but he hoped for a more thorough answer.

“We had a much larger strike team. But over time members died and the unit got tighter as a result. So yes, our personalities shouldn’t work but we’re too close to try and leave one another.” Shadow Striker elaborated, and Dreadwing found that answer more understanding.

When he was separated from Skyquake, Dreadwing disliked being separated from him and sent to separate posts but he understood that he must follow orders. Both he and his brother had strong ties to the Decepticon cause as their home of Helix was under siege after the fall of Vos. It was the Decepticon forces that helped the survivors, not the council…not the Primes…not Primus but Megatron and his forces. To Dreadwing how can such a noble faction change so drastically from where they started? Wanting change, wanting to right the wrongs of the functionalist society and the inherent racism of the council? To use Unicron himself to summon the undead and curse the poor sparks of the fallen to damnation…

“You seem…distant, Dreadwing…” Shadow Striker pointed out,

Dreadwing hummed, “Shadow Striker… If you knew something deplorable…corrupt and just wrong…would you try to rectify it?”

Shadow Striker looked confused, “Depends what is the problem?”

Dreadwing was hesitant but…he really could hold it in without having someone to ask about the whole Dark Energon situation…
—----
“Is this it?!” Miko held up a rather uncanny look alike to a Predacon bone. But it was actually just a rust-colored rock with jagged edges. Ultra Magnus turned back to Miko holding up the rock, “No it’s a rock.” And he turned back to go further into the mine.

Miko lowered the rock and looked at it as she tossed it to the side. Wheeljack, Hex, and Bulkhead were trailing behind Miko and Ultra Magnus. “Eh, ain’t it like old times, Jackie? Us wreckers all together?”

“Except back then I didn’t need permission to pick my partners…” Wheeljack said back with some anger, Bulkhead blinked and looked worried at his friend. “C’mon Jackie we are all on the same team…Beast Hunters remember?” Bulkhead tried to cheer up Wheeljack and get him to drop the animosity towards Ultra Magnus.

“Quit pout’n like Moonlight, Jackie.” Hex chimed in, “I know Magnus can be a stick in the mud he just means well…”

Wheeljack turned to both of them but specifically Bulkhead, “During all that time it took me to travel to Earth…All I could think about was getting our band of brothers back together!” Wheeljack said with a surprising smile which quickly faded. “But this…isn’t what I had in mind.” He said as his optics looked over at Ultra Magnus walking further into the tunnel.

Hex looked at Wheeljack with saddened optics…she understood what Wheeljack was feeling. Being stifled by rules, regulations, and well…Ultra Magnus. “You did the smart thing, Bulk. Leaving the Wreckers when you did. When we were still bringing our A game…before the rust set in…” Wheeljack dismissively gestured as he resumed his walking.

Hex looked at Bulkhead who was surprisingly stoic at the moment. Even Miko looked at her partner with some concern. “Wait! Hold up! I thought Wheeljack was the one that left the Wreckers?” Miko asked, confused as she was told something else. Hex was just as lost as she didn’t really know much about the Wreckers as a unit. Only what she heard from Ultra Magnus…

“Jackie…Wheeljack basically deserted after the Wreckers were assigned to Ultra Magnus…I transferred before that…to join Optimus and the Battle of Thunderhead pass…Sometimes I feel like Jackie thinks I deserted him.” Bulkhead said with sorrow in his voice.

The group managed to arrive at the mining operation in the Bluffs. The area looked similar to a typical Decepticon mining operation. But the only difference is there was much tighter security. And with two higher ranked officers overseeing the whole operation. The team hid behind boulders as they could hear Dreadwing and Shadow Striker speaking.

“Could’ve been easier with just Dreadwing…now we got the femme to deal with.” Wheeljack looked over the edge of the rock he was hiding behind to see a rather animated conversation between the two. Miko peaked over with Wheeljack, “looks like they’re arguing about something.”

“And you just failed to mention any of this to Lord Megatron?!” Shadow Striker was surprisingly yelling at Dreadwing. The Autobots looked confused as they watched the two Decepticons argue. “Do you think Lord Megatron would actually care, Shadow Striker?” Dreadwing argued back.

Shadow Striker pauses as the whole mine goes quiet for a second, the only sound being the miners digging into the rock. Shadow Striker clenches her servos as she huffs angrily. “And what if you are right? What defect? Be like Starscream and his trine?” Shadow Striker shouted at Dreadwing. “No. Of course not. I would not abandon the Decepticons. But…with this news… Don’t you also question Lord Megatron’s intention?” Dreadwing raised a brow asking Shadow Striker a rather heavy question.

Bulkhead looked concerningly at Miko; Miko returned a worrying glance. The two knew about the whole Dark Energon corrupting the sparks of deceased bots…but looking at the rest of the Autobots with them they seemed clueless. Did Optimus and Warlock not tell them?!

A Vehicon walked up to the two of them arguing with the Predacon bone in servo. The two turned to the Vehicon with the bone. Shadow Striker grabbed the bone and looked at Dreadwing. Shadow Striker looked down and clenched the bone she looked up at Dreadwing but then her round glowing red optic shifted to the rocks where the Autobots were. The Autobots were about to engage their weapons when she handed the bone to Dreadwing. “I will deal with the clean up…do what you need to.”

Dreadwing looked down at the bone and looked at Shadow Striker in surprise as she began to walk away. She began shouting at the miners to clean up and leave the dig site. Once out of view of the other Vehicons and Shadow Striker Dreadwing turned to the Autobots and walked towards them. “You can stop hiding.”

They all came out but Miko especially ran out. “You weren’t supposed to tell anyone!” Miko crossed her arms angrily. “I didn’t. She is just…looking the other way after I explained what I learned.”

“And what exactly did you learn?” Wheeljack asked a bit suspicious, Dreadwing looked confused at the team and then back at Bulkhead. “Did you fail to inform the rest of your team of what happened with Skyquake’s spirit?”

“Uh what?” Hex looked confused, “Spirits?”

“I was aware of Moonlight’s capabilities with the spirits of the deceased. But what are you referring to?” Ultra Magnus asked, Hex turned in a very comical and ‘are you fraggin’ serious kind of way’ towards Ultra Magnus. “My niece can talk to the dead?!”

“Niece? So you are a relative of Warlock’s… interesting.” Dreadwing stated, Bulkhead awkwardly chuckled as he turned to the others. “Did Optimus or Ratchet not fill you guys in about the Dark Energon? And WHY Dreadwing agreed to help us?”

“Uh…no?” Wheeljack answered and the other two looked just as confused. Dreadwing sighed, “Clearly the Autobots have a problem relaying information to the rest of the team… But for brevity, I will summarize. Dark Energon doesn’t just resurrect fallen Cybertronians. It corrupts their spark even after death and ejects them out of the Allspark.”

The trio of Autobots looked at Dreadwing in horror. What a cruel and disgusting fate for those who were probably dead for eons to now have their souls either wandering the void of space…or being sent to the Pits… “And how does that get you on our side?” Hex asked, Dreadwing sighed again, “Moonlight using some strange ability was able to purge the darkness tainting my twin’s soul. Allowing him to rejoin the Allspark.”

“That…now makes a lot more sense why you helped me back at Darkmount…” Wheeljack realized, “Indeed. And why I attempt to help the Autobots discreetly…” Dreadwing handed Bulkhead the Predacon bone. “If Megatron asks you to ambush me before I could call for backup…”

“Thank you Dreadwing. Your assistance is most appreciated.” Ultra Magnus nodded as the team began to leave.

“One more thing.” Dreadwing calls out, and the team turns. “Keep Starscream and his trine away on missions for a while…”

“What why?” Miko asked,

“Starscream and his trine were sent to retrieve Predacon bones at another location as we speak.” Ultra Magnus explained,

“Scrap…they might be in trouble.” Dreadwing realized.

Chapter Text

The Elite Trine arrived at Easter Island. Skywarp began by being juvenile and pretending to pick the nose of the Easter Island heads. Thundercracker and Starscream shook their head in disapproval at Skywarp’s antics. The trio began to walk towards the location as flying would alert any nearby Decepticons as this place doesn’t have high aircraft activity.

The seekers found a large hole in the side of a hill that must be the mining site. “Well this looks like a Decepticon-sized hole in the hill…must be the mining site…” Thundercracker stated as he looked down the tunnel.

“No! It couldn’t obviously be mined with Decepticon drilling devices!” Starscream said sarcastically as he began to walk down the tunnel. Thundercraker rolled his optics as Skywarp snickered at his brother’s bickering. Thundercracker kept looking down and all around as if on high alert… “Thundercracker, why are you so nervous?” Starscream was curious by his brother's behavior.

“Uh…no reason…” Then a small bark came from inside of him.

“Thundercracker….” Starscream said in an annoyed tone, “Tell me you didn’t bring your dog on this mission?!”

“I didn’t bring my dog on this mission.” Thundercracker repeated, Thundercracker opened his cock pit, and out came both Buster and Marissa.

“Thundercracker!” Starscream yelled, Thundercracker held up a servo in defense. Skywarp looked down at the two. “Cool the more the merrier.”

“Not cool! Dangerous!” Starscream pointed at Thundercracker, “What could have possessed you to bring her?!”

“She asked to come along.” Thundercracker said slightly embarrassed that he was easily swayed. Skywarp smiled mischievously as Starscream dragged a servo down his face in frustration. “Fine but stay close Marissa!”

“Gotcha!” She held up a thumbs up and Buster barked in confirmation.

The trio and Marissa entered into the cavern and made it halfway down the tunnel before they felt a rumbling. “What the frag was that?” Skywarp yelped as the trio turned to look at the entrance. The trio then began to hear a screeching sound, a familiar screeching sound. “Oh frag they sicked the Predacon on us!” Skywarp realized Starscream looked at his brothers and then back at the entrance. They saw the beast turning the corner, spotted them, and began charging forth towards them. The trine transformed and began flying through the tunnel away from the beast.

“I thought we left it frozen in the arctic!” Thundercracker shouted as it dodged a fireball from the Predacon. Marissa looked out the window at the Predacon chasing them.

“Well clearly it didn’t stay frozen!” Marissa yelled back, the trine then made a sharp left turn into a narrower cavern, the Predacon crashed into the side of it and then resumed its pursuit. The trio then transformed and ran into a narrower tunnel and as the Predacon followed them it got stuck.

They entered a narrow cavern with a small entry point at the top of the cave. “Scrap that’s too narrow to climb out of.” Starscream said out loud. They can hear the Predacon roaring and struggling to break through the rock of the cavern. “Not too narrow for me or Buster.” Marissa said to Starscream. Marissa could easily squeeze through but there is no guarantee she can call for backup once topside.

“Skywarp can you teleport out of here with Marissa? Me and Thundercracker can occupy the beast until you can come back for us.” Starscream planned out. Skywarp nodded as the glitch flash of purple faded and they were gone.

“I hope you know what you are doing Scream. I’m not immortal like you…” Thundercracker said, aiming his missiles at the entrance where the Predacon was. Starscream pulled out his blasters, “Well not fully immortal but we can put it to the test…” As the two brothers stand ready to fight off the beast.

Skywarp, Marissa, and Buster teleported topside. Skywarp put Marissa down and immediately got blasted. Marissa turned to see Flamewar and Airachnid waiting for them. And in the back Slipstream in the Apex Armor… “Well that didn’t take long.” Airachnid said with a smirk.

Buster began barking at the Decepticons. “Hush your beast human!” Airachnid ordered as the dog began to whimper as she got close.

Flamewar heard Slipstream approaching in the Apex Armor, “Uh boss you don’t need to be wearing that. The Predacon is underground.”

“Uh right…” Slipstream said removing the armor as the sounds of the armor retreating within itself can be heard. Slipstream stretches and watches as Airachnid puts the collar around Skywarp’s neck. A clicking and ping sound could be heard indicating it was active. Skywarp came to and felt something tugging on his neck cables. “You gave me jewelry…how sweet but I don’t want Warlock’s sloppy seconds…”

Airachnid hissed at Skywarp. “Tough talk coming from a bot who’s outnumbered and outmatched.” Flamewar yelled back at Skywarp.

“Outmatched? Well, what if I…” Skywarp attempted to teleport and knock to sense into Flamewar but…he didn’t teleport. Skywarp blinked in confusion as to why his outlier ability wasn’t working. “What? What’s going on?” Skywarp tried again and again but he didn't phase or teleport.

“Join the club…” Airachnid gestured to the collar around her own neck. Slipstream smirked at the confused seeker, “Well we disabled your outlier abilities…”

“What?! Well, what’s stopping me from removing the dumb collar, huh?” Skywarp asked as he began to tug on the collar. “I wouldn’t do that…” Flamewar said in a sing-songy tone, “Unless you want your head to go boom!” Flamewar made an explosion gesture with her servos. Skywarp looked at her in horror.

Marissa looked at Skywarp with a mix of horror and pity. Skywarp without his warping ability?! He would feel powerless…literally. “You’re gonna pay for taking Warp’s uh…warping!” Marissa yelled at Flamewar. She chuckled and looked at the human… “And how will you do that?” Marissa then looked over at the gloating femmes and noticed none of them were paying attention to the Apex Armor just sitting on the stone…
—---
The Predacon finally clawed its way free from the narrow tunnel and slowly and menacingly walked toward the two seekers who were prepared to fight. “Sky is taking his sweet time huh?” Thundercracker said to his brother as the Preadacon reared up its head and roared.

“Something must have happened. We need to hold off the beast at least for a bit longer…” Starscream aimed his blasters at the Predacon. The Predacon charged forth at Starscream and Thundercracker came from the side with a sonic boom knocking the Predacon back and onto its side. Starscream then released a barrage of blasts at the beast but it basically bounced off the Predacon’s plating.

It then charged up a fire blast towards Starscream but then Thundercracker noticed that the Predacon’s chest plating shifted when it charged up. “Starscream draw its fire!” Thundercracker yelled out.

“Aren’t I already doing that?!” Starscream yelled back confused. Starscream hopped up on a ledge and ran to avoid the fiery torrent coming from the Predacon. Thundercracker ran up and sonic blasted the glowing weak point on the Predacon sending it flying back towards the hole it came out of.

Starscream saw that the creature was now more pissed off as it roared loudly at the duo. “Well, now you pissed it off! Congratulations!” Starscream sassily shouted at Thundercracker.

Starscream saw the Predacon turn and attempt to swipe at the two with its tail. Starscream shoved Thundercracker out of the way and used the momentum to show himself in the opposite direction to avoid the tail bash. The two landed on the ground with a thud as Thundercracker rushed over to help Starscream up.

“Ok, I do have one really stupid idea. Like Skywarp level stupid idea….” Thundercracker mentioned, Starscream turned to his brother as the Predacon was charging up another blast. He produced one of Wheeljack’s grenades… “So you carried your human partner and your dog next to an armed grenade. Are you sure you aren’t the reckless one?!” Starscream scolded his brother. Thundercracker ignored Starscream’s insults as he activated the grenade hoping to throw it in the open maw of the Predacon.

Thundercracker threw the grenade and missed…the grenade bounced off the Predacon’s lower jaw and ended up bouncing around the small cavern until it rolled near the two seekers. Starscream just slowly turned and glared at Thundercracker. Thundercracker awkwardly laughed and dragged Starscream with him far away from the grenade.
—----
The grenade went off and caused a large explosion so that the Decepticons up top noticed that massive blast. Airachnid and Slipstream walked towards the explosion hoping that the Predacon didn’t perish in the blast. Flamewar stayed back to keep an optic on Skywarp and the human.

“Let’s hope the beast didn’t perish in the blast.” Airachnid said to Slipstream,

“Let’s hope it did.” She said back at Airachnid, “The beast is unruly…hopefully Shockwave could grow more obedient in the lab…”

The two femmes walked over and peered over the edge but were blocked by smoke but could still hear the low grumbling of the Predacon below. “Great…it lives…” Slipstream said annoyed, Airachnid rolled her optics at Slipstream’s flippant nature. “Well let’s hope the other two survived so we can put the collars on them…at least Starscream would the other isn’t important…”

Marissa saw the Apex Armor right there. She wasn’t sure if she could even lift the thing but if she could get it to Skywarp… Flamewar was teasing poor Skywarp about being powerless and wasn’t paying attention to Marissa. She then booked it towards the armor while Buster began to bark at Flamewar as a distraction. Skywarp and Flamewar were confused at first as to why the canine was barking but Skywarp realized it as the two immediately heard whirling from the Apex Armor.

Flamwar turned and looked surprised as Marissa somehow activated the Apex Armor… “Oh slag…”

Marissa looked herself over in the Apex Armor not thinking it would even work for her but it did. “Whoa! Well, now you have to pick on someone your own size, Flamey…”

Slipstream and Airachnid saw the Predacon fly out of the exploded hole and over towards Flamewar and an activated Apex Armor?! “Who is in the armor?!” Slipstream yelled as the two rushed over towards Flamewar.

Then something fell from the sky above and hit Marissa on the head…the Predacon fossil…it was round and rolled down in front of Skywarp. “Huh…so Predacons can play fetch?” Skywarp said confused and looked at Buster who now wanted to play fetch.

The Predacon pounced on Marissa, “Son of a-” Marissa got buried in the dirt creating an Apex Armor-sized crater in the ground. Slipstream ran over and began to laugh as the Predacon began thrashing the human around just like it did her earlier in the day. “Ha! Look, it's treating the human like a chew toy…”

“Slipstream! Report!” Megatron ordered over the commlink. “Uh…” Slipstream paused as Airachnid took over the communication, “We have acquired the bone, Lord Megatron. And place a collar on the teleporting Autobot…” She looked over at Skywarp who stuck out his glossa at her like a sparkling.

“What about Starscream and Thundercracker?” Megatron asked as Starscream was a much bigger threat than his teleporting sibling. “Buried under tons of rubble. Most likely offline.” Airachnid replied, Slipstream rolled her optics… of course, Thundercracker might be dead but Starscream…

“Well, we thought we offlined Starscream last time and he wasn’t! Dig his body out and put the collar on him…The only way to make sure he doesn’t come back like a bad Scraplet infestation.” Megatron cut the broadcast and Slipstream looked at Airachnid with a knowing smirk. “You heard our lord…dig them out.” Airachnid hissed and went walking towards the pit to dig out their bodies.

The Predacon thrashed Marissa into the dirt once more. Marissa groaned and looked up at the beast "Do your worst, you cosplaying robo-dragon!” Marissa taunted the beast. The Predacon charged up a fire blast and began to torch Marissa in the Apex Armor… Thankfully the suit was fireproof.

Slipstream took the Predacon bone from Flamewar. “Contact Soundwave and let him know how I was able to retrieve the Predacon bone…”

“You?! And what me and Airachnid are a pile of slag?” Flamewar argued back, Slipstream frowned, “I’ll tell him and Lord Megatron you two helped but it was me and the Predacon I commanded that retrieved the bone.”

The Predacon was about to chomp down on Marissa's helm when it paused. It blinked its glowing yellow optics blinked and glared as it immediately turned and pounced on Slipstream. Screeching in her face angrily at the comment she just made. Skywarp looked at Buster, “Guess it didn’t like that.” Buster ruffed in agreement.

The Predacon then turned to look at the bone in Slipstream’s servo and grabbed it. It took off flying into the sky towards the Nemesis. Slipstream sat up completely in shock at what happened. Flamewar chuckled, “Don’t think the big beasty liked you taking the credit.”

Slipstream growled in frustration but that was quickly interrupted as Airachnid went flying over her head. Marissa in the Apex Armor got up and looked like she was ready for a fight. “Primus these Autobots are getting on my nerves!” Slipstream shouted as she got to her pedes and immediately got shoulder checked by Skywarp. “I may not be able to teleport but I can still scrap with the best of them!” Skywarp smirks pulling out his blasters.

Flamewar pulled out her as the two got into a firing match trying to hit the other… Slipstream turned her attention to the human in the Apex Armor. Airachnid immediately webbed the Apex Armor’s hand to the ground as a way to immobilize it. Slipstream smirked as she walked over to remove it from the human. But out of nowhere, a missile came flying toward them sending all three flying in opposite directions.

Airachnid looked up and saw Starscream and Thundercracker standing there armed and ready. “Guess Megatron was right…they are like a Scraplet infestation…” Airachnid hissed under her breath. As she engaged her spider legs and got ready for combat. Slipstream clamored to her pedes as she saw the two now joining the battle. “Ugh! Why can’t you stay dead!”

“Would you all love to see me dead.” Starscream sassed as he began to blast at Slipstream. Thundercracker ran over to back up Skywarp and Marissa turned her attention to Airachnid…

Airachnid attempted to web Marissa again but she was too close and grabbed one of her spider legs and began to thrash and spin her around like she weighed nothing. Starscream held back a laugh as he was preoccupied with Slipstream as the two were servo in servo grabbing and pushing against each other.

Thundercracker could hear the supportive barks of Buster in the background. Thundercracker and Skywarp blasters in servo were ready to take down Flamewar. She grimaced as it was two on one and her comrades were getting their aft handed to them… She decided the best thing to do is follow the Predacon’s lead and retreat….

“Flamewar get back here this insta-AAH!” Airachnid was thrown into Slipstream sending the two bouncing and sliding against the ground.

“That’s for Moonlight and Warlock you eight-legged creep!” Marissa yelled at Airachnid. Airachnid also had enough. The bone was theirs; a retreat is in order even if they only got ⅓ of the collars on the seekers. Airachnid transformed into her helicopter alt-mode and flew off. Slipstream shouted in frustration and followed after Airachnid.

Marissa stood triumphantly against the three seekers. “Well, we didn’t get the bone. But we got the Apex Armor back…”

“And a new problem…” Skywarp piped up, the other two looked confused as Skywarp began to explain the collar around his next.

Chapter Text

Both teams managed to return around the same time Miko was totally jealous of Marissa in the Apex Armor. Ultra Magnus handed Optimus the Predacon bone Dreadwing handed him and briefly explained what transpired at the Bluffs. Starscream joined in giving a brief explanation of his own and that they failed to get the bone as they had to fight off the Predacon and deal with a new problem. Shockwave’s latest toy…the Outlier Damping Collar… Or at least their limited information on the collars.

“So Shockwave created a way to disable outlier abilities?” Ratchet asked, overhearing the discussion.

“Yes, and they spoke about if removed that there is a detention device inside.” Starscream elaborated, Skywarp’s wings drooped as he heard them discussing his dilemma.

“Don’t worry Skywarp! We’ll find a way to remove the collar…” Marissa said, placing the hand of the Apex Armor on his shoulder plating.

“Uh hello? We have the easiest way to remove the collar.” Smokescreen interrupted holding up the Phase Shifter.

“That is a good point…but it will still explode.” Ratchet pointed out, “And Agent Fowler will not be pleased blowing up our base.”

“Plus there is no guarantee that I can teleport fast enough to avoid it.” Skywap said dejectedly,

“That’s true…but it was an idea.” Smokescreen said dejectedly, as his idea wasn’t the best.

“It’s ok Smokescreen, it was a good idea. Just with the explosive ramifications, it’s not the best.” Ratchet stated,

Starscream also got a chill up his spinal strut. “Skywarp…you don’t think they added a tracking feature to it?” The whole team paused and backed up slowly away from him. Skywarp looked around, “They didn’t mention it!”

“Well, why would they?! Starscream, how could you not think of that til now!” Ratchet yelled, Starscream stuttered angrily, “I didn’t also wasn't Warlock’s ship cloaking the base?!”

Warlock walked over, “Yes it is. So do not fret. Please we have more problems than to turn on one another.”

“Warlock brings up a good point. We do not need to yell at one another. We are a team after all.” Optimus points out and everyone slowly begins to relax slightly.

“It could prove problems for future missions if Skywarp’s collar isn’t deactivated.” Arcee chimes in, “If the Cons can track one of us it could be a problem…”

“Or…” Starscream chimed in, “Misdirection…”

“Explain.” Arcee demanded,

“Not to bring up my more… devious ideas. But no offense brother be we could use you as a decoy in some regards. If Smokescreen allows it… he can loan you the Phase Shifter so you have some of your powers back and confuse the Decepticons… thinking their collar doesn’t work. And they would be tracking you if there is a tracking mechanism installed and knowing Shockwave, there is. We can set a trap.” Starscream missed coming up with devious ideas but he didn’t like leaving Skywarp out to dry so to speak.

“That isn’t a horrible idea…” Bulkhead chimed in, “If they track Skywarp we can send him far away to a different mine or location to get stuff and they would go after him and not us…”

Skywarp pouted, “I don’t like being a decoy…but I do like having the Phase Shifter idea…”

Smokescreen frowned, “Come on, it's my signature weapon!”

“It was just an idea!” Starscream snapped back, “I don’t want my poor brother being bait!”

Skywarp smiled at Starscream for at least defending him slightly….even after making him bait. The team began to discuss ways of dealing with this collar. If Skywarp leaves the base the Decepticons could probably track him. Removing the collar has an explosive device, and of course, having their teleporting companion without his powers is also a detriment.

“I also wanted to add something…” Skywarp said the team turned to him. “Airachnid had one too. Probably so the Insecticons didn’t turn on Megatron and why she is back with the faction.”

“Great. She’s back.” Warlock said with some annoyance. Moonlight clung to her sire, “Carrier isn’t going to hurt us right, sire?”

“No, Moonlight. You did a great job fighting her off last time. But…let’s not repeat that ok?” Warlock said in a calm parental way. He cupped the cheek of his daughter and her little spider legs flickered happily.

“Ok, sire.” Moonlight responded,

Ratchet walked over and began to observe the collar around his neck. “I will have to run tests but there has to be a way to remove the collar.”

Skywarp and Ratchet left to begin running tests. Warlock joined them as he turned back to see an upset Starscream. Warlock paused and walked over to Starscream, “Are you alright, sweetspark?”

“No. If I was there I could have stopped Skywarp from getting the collar on his neck.” Starscream said sadly, Thundercracker overheard and walked over. “Come on Scream, don't blame yourself. If I didn’t do that stupid maneuver maybe we could have gotten to Skywarp sooner.”

Starscream waved his hand dismissively, “I’m the trine leader. I should look out for everyone…”

Thundercracker chuckled, “No, Star you can’t control everything. Skywarp is probably more appreciative that you and I backed him up back on Easter Island than leaving him for scrap.”

“Of course, I would never leave him for scrap!” Starscream said to Thundercracker, “I…I just wish I could do more…”

“Don’t beat yourself up, Star…” Thundercracker said, placing a servo on Starscream’s shoulder. Starscream smiled at his brother. Warlock saw that Starscream and Thundercracker have a close bond and the two have buried the hatchet.

Ratchet and Warlock took Skywarp to the lab area and began to run tests on the collar. Skwarp was nervous as it was so close to his neck and trauma from Overlord caused him to twitch. Warlock noticed the twitching and after viewing some of what Overlord did to him pulled Ratchet aside and told him to be gentle with him. Warlock didn’t go into detail but explained enough to have Ratchet understand as it helped Skywarp a bit to calm down.

The two spent the next few days trying to figure out a way to disable the bomb and possibly use the Phase Shifter to remove the collar. Starscream was getting worried that they can’t manage to remove the collars and what danger the collars pose now to the group. It was bad enough it tracks movements possibly, but disabling outlier abilities? Starscream with his outlier ability of basically not dying and regenerating upon death…with the collars in play he can’t afford to make any fatal mistakes.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure this is conducive to our mission at hand?” Ultra Magnus asks as Warlock is uploading the holoform program into his systems.

“Well, no but it would be easier to get to the Darby’s than being in our vehicle mode.” Warlock answered Ultra Magnus as the upload finished. “I already uploaded it to the others. Plus having an advanced holoform can be strategic in certain situations.”

Ultra Magnus still wasn’t convinced that a ‘movie night’ in Team Prime’s holoforms is helpful in any circumstances. Especially with the Decepticons on the move recovering Predacon bones and Skywarp having the damping collar on his neck. But watching a human film about…Dinosaurs? Sounds like a distraction.

“Look with us looking for Predacon bones, this film is the perfect watch!” Miko said happily as she held up the DVD of Jurassic Park. “The movie could be useful for learning about reanimating fossils…” Miko said, trying to convince Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus was surprised by the movie’s content and maybe this could be advantageous to learn about reanimated ancient beings.

“Fine, Miko I will join this ‘movie night’ only to learn more about how humans reanimate their own versions of Predacons.” Ultra Magnus said matter of factly.

Smokescreen and Thundercracker exchanged looks, “So who’s going to tell him it’s a work of fiction?” Skywarp walked by, "Don’t tell him. Otherwise, he will not go.” Smokescreen and Skywarp silently nodded at Thundercracker’s point.

Smokescreen smiled, “I’m so excited to be human for a bit! Be cool to see what humans see.”

“Skywarp turned to Smokescreen, “It is pretty cool! Haven’t used it in a while but we can even eat human food too!”

“Whoa! Really?! I can try human food?!” Smokescreen said excitedly, Skywarp was telling Smokescreen about how human foods all have different textures and taste. Skywarp admitted his favorite thing was something called pizza. Smokescreen was eager to try it so he asked Miko to get Jack’s mom to order pizza to try.

Smokescreen was all too eager to turn into his holoform. He initiated the holoform protocol and the holoform began to materialize. Smokescreen’s holoform was about 5’10 with bleach blonde hair with dark brown roots. His skin was a sunkissed tan color which really emphasised his blonde hair. His clothes matched his paint job with a nice leather blue jacket with two yellow stripes going down one of the sides. A dark navy blue tank top underneath and matching blue racing pants with yellow, white and blue boots make him look like a proper racer.

“This is so cool!” Smokescreen said looking over his holoform. Hex and Wheeljack came walking into the room as they saw Smokescreen's bot form slumped on the ground and a human with Smokescreen’s voice coming out of it looking himself over. “Huh, so the holoform stuff works.” Wheeljack said with a smile. Ultra Magnus turned to see Smokescreen’s holoform behind him.

“Soldier, we will not need our holoforms until later in the evening. Return to your body at once.” Ultra Magnus scolded,

Smokescreen felt a bit embarrassed, Wheeljack rolled his optics, “Come on let the kd test it out. Gotta make sure it works right?” Wheeljack winked over at Smokescreen to confirm that he was on his side.

Ultra Magnus paused as he looked over at Smokescreen. “You do have a point, Wheeljack.” Ultra Magnus sits down on a crate and tests out his holoform. His holoform quickly materialized as a tall man with blackish-blue hair in a neat crew cut. His outfit looks like a military uniform that is neatly pressed and a matching blue with accents of red and silver like his bot form. His skin was pale and he was about 6’6 in height with a muscular build. His shoes are patent leather black with a nice sheen.

Wheeljack followed along too; he might as well check out his holoform. Wheeljack turned into his holoform a bit on the shorter side at 5 '8 with a boxy but strong build. His hair styled similarly to his helm with the sides sticking out and his bangs turned up. A nice shiny gray with wisps of white in it. His face has a nice tan like Smokescreen with a scar over his lip. His outfit is reminiscent of a cowboy with a neck scarf, a white and green vest over a dark grey shirt with red cuffs. His pants grey jeans with very detailed black cowboy boots. “Huh not too shabby…”

Hex feeling left out decided to also test hers out. Hers was taller around 5’10 with a fit build. She was in a dark grey crop tank top with high-waisted army green jeans with a maroon and white flannel around her waist. Her hair was a maroon pixie cut with a shorter undercut underneath. Her shoes were maroon Converse style sneakers with white laces. Hex looked at her holoform and turned to get a better view of her body. “Dang this is freaky but also kinda cool.”

“Well now that we all tested the holoforms. We can return to normal.” Ultra Magnus said as he immediately dematerializes the holoform and his bot form stands up. “Boo.” Hex calls out from her holoform.

“Hex, acting immature will not make me change my mind.” Ultra Magnus stated as he walked away. The other three in their holoforms decided to head over to the human set up and sneak up on the humans as a fun prank. Jack and Miko were making sure they got all the copies of the Jurassic Park trilogy. Smokescreen hopped over the couch and grabbed the DVD from Miko. “Hey!” Miko cried out as Smokescreen laughed. Hex and Wheeljack leaned on the back of the couch with a chuckle.

“Hey you guys tried out your new holoforms.” Jack said with a smile, Miko pouted as she grabbed the DVDs from Smokescreen and looked over at Wheeljack and Hex by the couch. “Yeah we decided to see what all the hype about being human.” Wheeljack jested and Hex hopped over the couch back and sat down on the couch.

“Heard that tonight’s film is about the Earth equivalent of Predacons.” Hex said looking at the DVD box art of Jurassic Park. “They’re called dinosaurs.” Jack corrected, “And the movies are very popular and very action packed.”

“And scary.” Miko added by wiggling her fingers. Hex and Wheeljack looked at the box together. “Hey, at least the movie won’t be boring!” Smokescreen said with a smile.
—----
All the Autobots gather in the main area of the base to make sure their bot forms are situated so that they can leave them for an extended period of time. All the bots activate their holoforms and head out. Optimus was surprised to see his holoform had updated to be a bit more bully-like his new upgraded self but he didn’t really show his surprise as he smiled seeing all of his teammates smiling and ready for a big movie night. Though not as important as locating Predacon bones, doing little things like this will be good for morale.

With Jasper still being rebuilt and a large number of bots and humans, Agent Fowler decided to reserve the community room at the base so the Autobots can have their movie night. The Autobot and their human allies filed in, the Autobots worked together to fix things up to have a proper movie-going experience. June and Agent Fowler are in the kitchen making snacks and microwaving popcorn for the excited crowd of bots who are eager to try it.

June came out with the popcorn and watched the younger bots all rush toward the buttery and salty popcorn. The bots loved the taste of it and asked for more as after several of them depleted it before the movie even started. Agent Fowler just stood there awkwardly holding some pretzels and just hoping he didn’t get swarmed by the bots.

June came back with more popcorn and snacks as they set up the projector and the DVD player for Jurassic Park. The holoform Autobots and the humans all found seats for the movie as Agent Fowler activated the projector. The taller bots sat in the back so as not to block the view for the shorter members of the teams.

Once the movie started everyone went quiet as they watched the first Jurassic Park movie. The humans gave each of the bots that were fighting over popcorn their own little bowls to prevent more brawls over a snack.

Some of the most iconic scenes of the movie got the bots very invested. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm see their first dinosaur, a towering Brachiosaurus, as the majestic score swells. The moment got many of the bots' eyes to widen and enjoy the earworm of the infamous Jurassic Park score.

The subtle, yet iconic visual of water rippling in a glass as the T. Rex approaches, created by its footsteps, is a masterful tension-building piece. And of course, the stormy night scene where the T-Rex breaks out of its paddock is legendary and the bots were going crazy watching it. The roaring T-Rex, flipping the jeep, and the children hiding with a flashlight all contribute to an iconic and terrifying sequence. Ultra Magnus and Optimus mostly remained stoic through the whole ordeal as they were analyzing the film rather than enjoying it.

Starscream grabbed onto Warlock when the Velociraptors in the kitchen were stalking the two kids, a masterclass in suspense as the kids tried to evade the deadly predators. Every time the Velociraptors got close Starscream would squeeze Warlock. Moonlight climbed into her sire’s lap during this scene as she was also scared of the humans being hunted. But Warlock reassured the two that they would be fine.

The ending scene of the survivors flees the island in a helicopter, looking back at the devastation they’ve endured. Dr. Grant watches birds flying over the ocean, ending the movie and all the bots applauding the great film. Agent Fowler asked if the bots wanted to see the others as there (at the time…) were two more movies to watch.

The bots all said yes as they spent the evening watching the Jurassic Park trilogy and enjoyed the brief moment of peace.

Chapter Text

The Autobots received a signal of a possible Predacon bone location somewhere in Ontario, Canada and ground bridged there immediately. The team this time was Arcee, Hex, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee. The four of them were fighting ferociously against the Vehicons and Flamewar who showed up.

The main fight though was between Flamewar and Hex the two were equally matched. The two were throwing punches and kicks at one another with such hatred it would be a fun fight to watch if it wasn’t for the fact everyone was also fighting around them.

“We aren’t going to let you leave with the fossil, Flamewar!” Hex cried out as she right-hooked Flamewar in the face. Some energon came dribbling out of her mouth. Flamewar smirked as she wiped away the energon. “Oh yeah? Well, bet you didn’t count on this!” Flamewar whistled as a roar could be heard in the distance.

“Scrap.” Hex said as the Predacon came flying from the clouds above. It began to charge up its fire blast and was blasting the Autobots below. The Autobot ran away from the torrent of flames as they jumped out of the way or luckily found cover. Hex came out from her hiding spot and saw Flamewar pick up the Predacon bone.

Hex then ran at full speed and shoulder-checked Flamewar and causing her to drop the fossil. Hex held it up triumphantly but unfortunately…the Predacon saw. And the Predacon ran towards Hex and clamped its jaws around her arms and dug in deep. Hex cried out in pain as small trickles of energon leaked out of its mouth and down Hex’s arms.

“Hex!” Arcee cried out as the Predacon flapped its large wings and flew off in the air with its jaw still clamped down Hex’s arms with the bone inside. The Predacon flew off into the distance. Flamewar got to her pedes as she called for the not downed Vehicons to retreat. She summoned a ground bridge and they all vanished through the portal. Leaving the three Autobots standing there dumbfounded as one of their teammates gets dragged away.
—---
“You let my sister get carried off by the Predacon?!” Warlock yelled as Skywarp and Wheeljack held him back.

“We couldn’t do nothin’! We tried but Hex was the only flier we had…” Bulkhead defended,

“Yelling at one another will not solve the problem.” Optimus interjected trying to diffuse the situation. Optimus turned to Warlock, “I understand you are upset. But yelling at others will not bring Hex back sooner.”

Warlock took in a deep breath and calmed down. Skywarp and Wheeljack have let go of Warlock as he seemed to not be so angry as before. Starscream understood Warlock’s anger, if it was Thundercracker or Skywarp that was taken he would be furious too.

“I have worked with Hex for quite some time.” Ultra Magnus spoke up, “She is a very capable warrior I believe she will find her way out of the clutches of the Decepticons.”
—-----
The Predacon landed on the flight deck of the Nemesis and threw Hex forward onto the deck. Streaks of energon and dirt littered her path as she skidded forward. Megatron looked down at Hex who was groaning and clutching the Predacon bone weakly. Megatron smiled and looked down as he yanked the bone out of her grip as she weakly looked up at him.

“Thank you, Autobot. It’s nice to have you directly deliver the relic to us…” Megatron said as he turned to Slipstream who was by his side. “Deal with her.” Megatron took the bone with him inside the Nemesis leaving Hex, the Predacon and Slipstream on the deck.

“Well, well. Nice to see you, Hex is it?” Slipstream said in a condescending tone, Slipstream began to circle around Hex as she got herself to an upright position.

Hex glared at Slipstream, “I’m surprised you even know my designation.”

“Well…I’ll forget it the moment you go offline. What's the point of lingering on the dead.” Slipstream taunted,

Hex frowned at the taunt. Slipstream ended up standing next to the Predacon. She pulls out an electro prod from her subspace as she looks at the beast. “Destroy her!” Slipstream ordered but the Predacon didn’t budge as it looked at Hex.

“Looks like your Predacon doesn’t take orders well.” Hex taunted back at her, Slipstream growled in frustration and activated the prod and zapped the beast. “You stupid animal! Kill her!”

“Hey don’t zap it!” Hex defended the beast,

“Aw, does the poor Autobot care about the Decepticon guard dog?” Slipstream taunted back in a condescending way.

The Predacon yelped from the prod and then growled at Slipstream but then it’s focus looked back at Hex. The Predacon lowly grumbled as it got up and grabbed Hex’s wing with it jaws and dragged it into it’s pen. Hex began to squirm and thrash as Slipstream stood back there with a smirk. The Predacon’s jaws weren’t clamped down as hard as before when it dragged her aboard the Nemesis. But enough that she couldn’t shake him.

The Predacon threw her in surprisingly gently into the pen. The Predacon blocked the entrance of the pen with its body. Hex got to her pedes and looked up at the Predacon who was just staring at her. Hex looked at the creature curiously. It wasn’t attacking, no it was just staring at her…studying her almost.

Hex looked the Predacon up and down and tried to look past it towards the exit. As Hex moved the Predacon mimicked her movements if she went left, the Predacon went left. If she went right, the Predacon went right. Hex then settled in the middle and the Predacon did so too. “You aren’t going to let me leave huh?”

The Predacon responded with a low grumble. Hex waited for it to attack but it didn’t just stare. “Are you going to attack me?” Hex asked not expecting the Predacon to answer but it did by shaking its head no. “Huh. So you can communicate…good to know.” Hex said as she walked towards it. She placed a servo on the Predacon head expecting it to rear up or bite her but it just began purring.

“Aw…you aren’t a big scary monster after all…you just want a friend…” Hex said in a bit of a baby voice now petting the Predacon like a dog. The Predacon began grumbling happily as Hex pet him. “Aww…you're secretly a sweetie aren’t you…”

The Predacon’s tail began to wag as its wings flapped subtly and happily. “So…big guy are you going to keep me here as a friend?”

The Predacon grumbled that it almost sounded like an ‘uh huh’.

“Welp… I don’t think the Decepticons would be too happy with you keeping me.” Hex said as she stopped petting him.

The Predacon whined like a sad dog. “Don’t look so sad…” Hex now felt bad for the poor Predacon. “Well uh… I think the Decepticons will make you some new friends…” Hex mentioned that she knew the Decepticons were planning on making more Predacons.

The Predacon tilted its head and made a sound that reminded Hex of a ‘really?’.

“Yeah really.” Hex said confidently, “Though no offense more of you guys might not be the best thing for me and my friends.”

The Predacon lowly rumbled. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to offend you.” Hex said kicking up some dirt in the pen, “You can be rather scary though.”

The Predacon lay down and lazily swung its tail behind it. Acting like it wanted to listen to Hex more. “Hey look! I’ll be your buddy!” Hex said happily hugging the Predacon. The Predacon grumbled happily again. “But we cannot let the Decepticons know I am here…” She whispered and said into the Predacon’s audio receptor.

The Predacon nodded. “I’m gonna have to call you something other than…just Predacon…” Hex let go of its face, she grabbed her chin and thought for a moment on what to call the Predacon. Hex then came up with something and held up her servo “I got it!” The Predacon tilted its head, “Your name is gonna be Predaking! Since you are like the king of the Predacons.” Hex said with her arms out and a smile on her face, “You like that?”

The Predacon almost smiled, no one bothered giving him a name. The Autobot has been kind to him since he brought her to his pen. Predaking nudged her playfully with his snout. “Aw. You like that name huh?”

“Uh…huh…” Predaking tried to speak, Hex’s optics lit up as she heard the Predacon speak. “Ah! You can talk!” Hex was so excited for him. “I’m gonna teach you all the words!” Hex grabbed Predaking’s cheeks. Predaking smiled and laughed at Hex’s excitement. Hex then laid down next to Predaking leaning against him as she talked to him all night and tried to teach him some new words to her new Predacon friend.

Chapter Text

Hex has been in the custody of the Decepticons for a few days now. Hex was surprised the Autobots didn’t try to rescue her yet, but she wasn’t upset as she was having a rather pleasant time with Predaking. She attempted to teach him to talk and it wasn’t going that well. She managed to get a ‘Uh huh and a No’ from Predaking. Yes, it was too far out of Predaking’s vernacular.

But Hex enjoyed spending time with Predaking and giving him plenty of pets and belly rubs. Though anytime he had to leave his pen for ‘training’ with Slipstream he would grumble in an irritated manner. Predaking stomped out of his pen trying to cover Hex as best he could as she hid at the end of the pen to prevent Slipstream from seeing her. Slipstream surprisingly never noticed Hex in the past few days or questioned what Predaking did with her body…

But Predaking would leave frequently to walk around the flight deck or go out for quick flights. When energon was brought to his pen he would share it with Hex. Hex and Predaking bonded quite a bit over the past few days and Hex even considered trying to get the Predacon to leave with her and join the Autobots… But it would be hard to house a rather large dragon on a small military base. Or even if Predaking would even come with her. She didn’t like how Slipstream was so brutish towards him and was wary if any other Cons tried to tame him.

Dreadwing at least tries a more gentle approach but it doesn’t get as much out of Predaking as Slipstream’s methods. Hence probably why Megatron handed over the training of the Predacon to her. Hex really wishes she could teach Slipstream a lesson but with her having a ridiculously high chance of being swarmed by Decepticons…she shouldn’t risk it til she can make a clean escape.

One day Hex heard Dreadwing and Slipstream talking. “Did you actually see it rip the Autobot to pieces?” Dreadwing asked,

Slipstream rolled her optics, “No. But we haven’t seen the Autobot running around the Nemesis. Besides, she was just some random seeker who was part of the Autobots. I already forgot her designation.” Slipstream shrugged, then Hex heard the voice of Airachnid enter the conversation.

“Are you actually this dense?” Airachnid asked Slipstream,

“Excuse me?” Slipstream asked offended,

“You do know that the ‘random seeker’ was Warlock’s sister…don’t you?” Airachnid asked with a smirk.

“What?! Why did no one tell me?! Megatron ordered me to dispose of her and I did!” Slipstream scrambled to defend herself.

“Guess someone was too preoccupied gloating then to do their homework.” Airachnid smirked at Slipstream.

“Enough you two. Bickering will not undo her demise.” Dreadwing chidded at them. The two femmes huffed and left still bickering as they walked back into the ship proper. Dreadwing walked over to the Predacon pen. “Did you actually eat her?” Dreadwing asked the beast curiously.

“No.” Hex answered and popped out from behind Predaking. Dreadwing looked back in shock as Hex just popped out from behind the Predacon.

“So you’ve just been living in the pen this whole time?” Dreadwing asked confused,

“Well…I cannot just leave.” Hex pointed out, Predaking turned and nudged Hex playfully. “Hey, not now. We can play later.”

“So you managed to bond with our Predacon?” Dreadwing asked, still confused by how the very ferocious beast did not attack the enemy.

“His name is Predaking! Thank you very much!” Hex stated rather loudly, and Predacon looked at Dreadwing with a snort and a nod.

“Ok…Predaking…” Dreadwing corrected himself, “And all this time have you found a way out of here? Or a way to contact the Autobots?”

“Uh…I tried to sneak out but….” Hex was interrupted by a gruff grumble from the Predacon. Dreadwing slowly nodded as he realized the Predacon was the main reason Hex couldn’t leave. “So the Predacon is the main reason you won’t sneak off…?”

The Predacon lowly rumbled at Dreadwing for even suggesting that Hex leaves. Dreadwing could just sneak Hex out easily…but it’s the temperamental Predacon that is the main issue. If it starts causing problems it could reveal Hex and Dreadwing’s betrayal.

Dreadwing told Hex to hang tight and he would find a way to get her off the Nemesis. Little did Dreadwing know someone was watching the three of them in the pen… As Soundwave walks away from the monitor that is directed at the pen.
—----
“Any sign of Hex?” Warlock asked Ratchet,

“No. We have still not heard from Hex yet.” Ratchet said annoyed, Warlock pesters Ratchet every day.

“She can fly…can’t she just fly off when nobody's looking?” Skywarp asked,

“Yeah but with an army of Vehicons, Insecticons, and a large aft Predacon that can also fly…she has to be smart about it.” Thundercracker pointed out,

“What if they found her and terminated her already?!” Warlock said nervously,

“I doubt it.” Ultra Magnus interjected, “You shouldn’t doubt your sister’s capabilities.”

“I don’t doubt my sister’s abilities. She’s a better fighter than I am but…she cannot fight off a Predacon without help.” Warlock explained, “I just want her to be safe.”

“I understand that, Warlock.” Ultra Magnus said as he walked towards Warlock. “We are all worried about Hex. But she is strong and will come back to us safely.”

“Has anyone tried to contact Dreadwing?” Thundercracker asked,

“And compromise our double agent?” Starscream interjected, “Soundwave could intercept it especially after us messing with their communications back with Darkmount.”

“Starscream has a point. But also it couldn’t hurt to send a secure message and just ask if she is alive…?” Warlock pleaded, Ultra Magnus sighed, “If it will assuage your nerves then fine we can see if we can send a secure encrypted message to Dreadwing…”
—----
Dreadwing was walking down the hall of the Nemesis when he received a strange message. It was from the Autobots. ‘Is Hex still alive?’ is all it read. The Autobots must be getting worried for their comrade. A stark contrast to the way the Decepticons felt about their comrades as most of the high command disliked each other.

Dreadwing discreetly sends back his own encrypted message to the Autobots. ‘Alive. Yes.’ simple, and to the point. If intercepted it wouldn’t be too revealing of any misdeeds. But Dreadwing finished his message as the Nemesis flew over some high mountains which to Dreadwing could be great cover for Hex.

Dreadwing made his way over to the pen where the Predacon was asleep. Dreadwing walked up to the closed pen and called Hex’s name. Hex slinked out from the shadows and walked towards Dreadwing. “We are above a mountain range that could provide good cover for an escape.”

Hex looked back at a sleeping Predaking. “See ya, Predaking…” Hex said as Dreadwing made sure the cameras were deactivated on the flight deck. Dreadwing guided Hex to the side of the flight deck, “Be quick and swift before you are noticed.” Dreadwing instructed, Hex nodded as she jumped off and transformed and flew off winding between the mountain peaks and fading off into the distance.

Dreadwing watches Hex fade into the distance. “Good luck, Hex.”

Then, out of nowhere, webs shot out of the darkness, wrapped around Dreadwing, and attached him to the side of the flight deck. “What is the meaning of this?!” Dreadwing squirmed and thrashed in the webs as Airachnid and Soundwave came out of the shadows.

“Was going to ask you the same thing, Dreadwing.” Airachnid said with a knowing smirk, Soundwave walked forward as on his visor the video of Dreadwing and Hex talking in the pen. Dreadwing’s optics widened in fear, he was caught. “I believe Lord Megatron would love to hear about this…”

The sounds of the fighting on the flight deck caused Predaking to wake up. He looked around for Hex and realized she wasn’t there. Predaking began to panic as he began roaring loudly and angrily.

“Looks like the Predacon is sad it’s pet left.” Airachnid teased as her attention went towards the pen. Hex flying away could faintly hear the roars of Predaking and the sadness in the echoes.

Chapter Text

Hex lands a few miles away from where the Nemesis was and comms the Autobot base for a pickup. After a few minutes, Hex exits the ground bridge into the base and is grabbed into a big hug by her brother. “I was so worried!”

“Hey, bro!” Hex laughed as she felt the force of his hug. “I can handle myself you know…” Warlock put Hex down and was smiling at her, happy to see her back. The rest of the team was there also excited to see her again and that she was safe and unharmed.

“It is good to see you alive and well, Hex.” Ultra Magnus said with an affirming nod.

“Sir.” Hex responded the same,

“What happened? What took you so long to get back?” Smokescreen asked,

“Uh…well the Predacon actually…” Hex said awkwardly,

“The Predacon?” Smokescreen asked confused and the rest of the team was just as confused. Hex then explained how the Predacon is actually way smarter and more interesting than the Autobots realize.
—----
Dreadwing was dragged through the halls of the Nemesis by Insecticons as everyone watched in confusion as to why Megatron’s first lieutenant was being dragged in the first place. Then he was tossed in front of Megatron in the bridge. Megatron’s back was towards Dreadwing as Megatron looked out the window of the Nemesis.

Dreadwing managed to get to his knees and looked up at Megatron. “I am very disappointed in you, Dreadwing.” Megatron said with his back still turned to him. “Of all my higher rank officers….” Megatron turned, “I never expected you of all bots to betray me.”

Dreadwing squinted at Megatron as he stopped struggling in the webs. All the higher-ranked officers were standing in the bridge, Knock Out, Shockwave, Shadow Striker, Flamewar, Airachnid, Slipstream…and of course…Soundwave.

“Lord Megatron…there must be some misunderstanding…” Dreadwing said he was no groveler like Starscream or Slipstream, nor was he a great liar but…maybe he could convince Megatron this was a misunderstanding.

“A misunderstanding…hmmm?” Megatron said with a raised brow. He walks closer to Dreadwing and leans down, “I hope you have a very good explanation for why Soundwave has a video of you assisting an Autobot leaving the Nemesis…” Soundwave walked forward and stood next to Megatron as he played the clip. Apparently, Soundwave tricked Dreadwing into thinking the cameras were off…but they weren't. Soundwave watched the whole thing and recorded it. Hex hopping off the side of the ship and flying off into the distance.

“The Predacon…” Dreadwing said calmly,

“The Predacon?” Megatron repeated,

“The Predacon kept the Autobot in its pen. Alive, trying to remove the Autobot agitated the beast.” Dreadwing explained it wasn’t a lie. But it definitely wouldn’t be good enough to convince Megatron.

Megatron went back up to his full height, “Even if it did irritate an ANIMAL!” Megatron yelled, causing everyone to flinch. “You still let the Autobot live! And leave unscathed!”

Megatron walked around, “It makes me question some of your more recent failures. Like when the Autobots jumped you at the Bluffs…did they really attack you?” Megatron leaned in near Dreadwing’s audio receptors. “Or when Wheeljack escaped Darkmount and he just so happened to guide a prolific seeker around in the air and escape? Doesn’t that sound odd?”

Megatron continued to circle Dreadwing as the seeker remained silent. “Answer me Dreadwing…and I know you will speak the truth… Did you betray the Decepticons?” Megatron stopped in front of Dreadwing to see his face and hear his response.

“No. I have not betrayed the Decepticons.” Dreadwing said, looking down at Megatron’s pedes. Megatron sneered and was ready to thrash the seeker for lying to his face. “But I did betray you…”

“That is the same thing, Dreadwing!” Megatron yelled, Dreadwing did not flinch as Megatron yelled. Dreadwing slowly but surely got to his pedes and began to speak, “No it is not the same thing.”

Dreadwing turned to the rest of the high command, “Fellow Decepticons, Do we stand for what the Decepticons truly and originally stand for?” Dreadwing looked around the room, “The Decepticons stood against tyranny! Stand for the rights of Cybertronians! We now have become beings of oppression again!”

Megatron sneered at Dreadwing’s speech, “Decepticons! We have been under a level of oppression for years under the functionalists! Let history not repeat itself! Do not follow Megatron’s tyrannical rule to oblivion!”

The other high command all looked at each other. Then the sound of Megatron unsheathing his blade as Dreadwing turned around to look at Megatron. Megatron reeled back and Dreadwing closed his optics. But Megatron cut the webbing off Dreadwing. Dreadwing opened his optics and looked down and back at Megatron.

“Since you are so…passionate about restoring the Decepticons to their former glory…then defeat the oppression…Dreadwing.” Megatron said with his arms outstretched, “Fight me.”

Dreadwing stood there dumbfounded, fight Megatron? This will not end well. He thought he was going to die…at least now he has a fighting chance to defend himself…or find a way to escape. But if he tried to escape the others would try to stop him. And then there is the Predacon…

“Before I fight you I need to ask you one thing, Megatron.” Dreadwing cannot die without saying what he needs to.

Megatron raised a brow, “Do you know of the ramifications of Dark Energon?”

“There are no ramifications of Dark Energon.” Megatron said coldly,

“Yes, there is.” Dreadwing sneered, “You doom those in the Allspark! Even if long dead, Primus will not allow those tainted by Dark Energon in the Allspark. Those corpses you infused with Dark Energon their souls were ejected and banished to the void!”

Megatron for a moment faltered hearing this news. But remained mostly stoic as Dreadwing spoke. “I did not know this.”

“And now that you do, do you feel shame? Banishing innocents to further your own goal?” Dreadwing asked his former leader. The rest of the high command all looked shocked by this news all but Shadow Striker who knew this.

“Why would I care about lost souls? They mean nothing to me.” Megatron said with a sneer. Dreadwing couldn’t believe that Shadow Striker would be right. Megatron didn’t care. “You really don’t care if you doomed others in the afterlife?” Dreadwing asked Megatron who just began to chuckle.

“Is this because of Skyquake? Because that was Starscream’s doing, not mine.” Megatron said with a smirk.

“At least Starscream rectified it.” Dreadwing said glaring at Megatron.

“Oh?” Megatron said curiously, “How so?”

“That is not information you are entitled to. But the Autobots wanted to save the souls that you damned!” Dreadwing swiped his arm angrily at Megatron.

“Enough prattling. Are you going to fight me? Or are you going to forfeit your miserable life?” Megatron pulled out his blade. Dreadwing pulled out his blade in kind, “If I die today…I will die fighting.”

Dreadwing charged at Megatron as Megatron blocked his initial attack with his blade. Dreadwing, using the weight of his body, tried to press down further onto Megatron’s blade. Megatron shoved Dreadwing off him and Dreadwing slid back as Megatron rushed him and shoulder-checked him in the torso. Megatron’s spiked shoulders pierced Dreadwing’s torso, cracking the glass of his cockpit and damaging some internals leaving dripping wounds as energon was dripping on the floor.

Dreading clutched his bleeding torso as Megatron turned and kicked him in the face, sending him flying into the adjacent wall. Dreadwing dropped his blade in the process as he got up onto his elbows as Megatron grabbed him and yanked him back and threw him into the other wall. “I expected more of a fight from you Dreadwing…”

Dreadwing got to his pedes as he clutched his stomach. Energon now dripping out of the corner of his mouth. Dreadwing pulled out his gatling gun and aimed it at Megatron. He started firing as the rest of the high command went to the far end of the room and hid to avoid getting blasted as the two fought. Megatron blocked a few blasts with his blade and a few hit his body as the gun was faster than Megatron.

A blast caused Megatron to flinch as it hit his shoulder as he staggered back. Dreadwing used that moment to tackle Megatron as the two slid back to the other side of the room near where Dreadwing’s blade was. Dreadwing reached for his blade as he tried to bring it down on Megatron’s throat. Megatron grabbed the blade with his servos as energon gushed out of Megatron’s clawed servos. Megatron held the blade inches away from his throat and Dreadwing was using all of his strength to bring it down.

Megatron felt the energon gushing and it was causing him to lose his grip on the blade. Megatron then kneed Dreadwing in the wound in his stomach. Causing him to flinch and make Dreadwing move as Megatron tore the blade away from Dreadwing’s servos. Megatron then headbutted Dreadwing as he fell off him and Megatron got to his pedes. Using his fusion cannon he aimed it at Dreadwing’s chest.

Dreadwing got onto his back and turned and was immediately blasted. A massive hole through his chest. Dreadwing coughed up energon as the wound was torched and smoldering from the blaster fire. Dreadwing fell back as he coughed again. “I…I’m sorry, Skyquake…”

Dreadwing’s optics go offline and energon begins to pool under him. Megatron lowered his fusion cannon and the high command came out from their hiding spots. Megatron turned to them, “Someone clean up this trash…”

Chapter Text

Starscream walked into his shared quarters and got ready to recharge when he saw Warlock going through his waxes and buffers. “What are you doing, Warlock?” Starscream asked which startled him as he turned to see Starscream.

“Sorry didn’t hear you come in.” Warlock said as he continued to go through the polishes.

Starscream looked over Warlock’s shoulder. “You know…we haven’t had a preening session in a long time.”

“Don’t you usually preen with TC and Warp?” Warlock pointed out,

“Yes. But…when you preened me that one time…” Starscream sat down next to him and crossed his legs. “It was rather…nice…”

Warlock smiled at Starscream and put the boxes in between the two of them. “I know Warp has been sneaking some.” He held up a half-used wax container, “I wonder how Warp knew about it?”

Starscream feigned surprise and placed a servo on his chest. “I have no idea at all.” Starscream lied but Warlock didn’t buy it. “Uh-huh.” Warlock raises a brow playfully teasing his partner. “So you didn’t tell him where my expensive waxes and buffers were for your little trine preening sessions?”

Starscream gasped feigning being insulted, “I would never!”

Warlock rolled his optics, “It's ok. Just let me know. I can’t call Swindle for refills exactly. And the Earth stuff is ok…but…not as good.”

“Fine, fine we’ll stop using your nice waxes.” Starscream leaned into Warlock and wrapped his arms around Warlock’s. Warlock chuckled, “Only for you then?”

Starscream looked up at Warlock with a mischievous smirk, “Of course.”

“Pfft. Natural only best for the mighty Starscream.” Warlock teased, Starscream then yanked Warlock back on the berth. “I deserve only the best.”

Warlock got up and pulled out a more floral-smelling wax for Starscream as the seeker stayed lying down on the berth. Starscream watched Warlock get out a large buffer that will be good to get more surface area. Warlock asked Starscream to turn over and Warlock began with the big buffer to coat his larger two wings with the sweet-smelling wax. Then he switched to a smaller buffer for the two smaller wings sticking out of Starscream’s back.

The sensation of the buffer was soothing at first just a soft rhythmic buffering feeling but then Warlock decided to be a bit cheeky with the next few steps of the process. He used his servos and a fiber cloth on Starscream’s two smaller wings. He first began rubbing the cloth down the seams of the smaller wings and would take his thumb and fore-digit and tease the tips of the smaller wings causing his larger wings to flutter and move as it felt really good. “Tease.” Starscream said his voice low as he was getting lost in the sensation.

“Oh, this is just the beginning, Star.” Warlock said with a smirk, As his servo drifted to the base of his right larger wing as his digit ran across the transformation seam at its base. He could see the gears and pulleys moving as Starscream’s wings reacted to Warlock’s teasing. His wing moved down as it gave Warlock more room to rub and tease. Clearly, Starscream was directing Warlock to what he wanted. Warlock took one of the faster buffers and put it to the exposed area, Starscream began to hum and moan at how good it felt. The buzz from the buffer was so soothing, the first time Warlock preened him there was a strange sexual tension because Starscream was just so paranoid and didn’t know how to trust… now? He can fully enjoy a preening session with Warlock in its entirety.

He took the faster buffer to the base of the Starscream’s wing. Starscream gasped at how good it felt his wings involuntarily rose up and Warlock quickly moved it down to the exposed spot. Then he moved it to the adjacent wing in the same exposed spot as Starscream accidentally kicked one of his legs. Warlock chuckled, “Are you enjoying this?”

Starscream turned slightly at Warlock, “Not as much as you are making me squirm.”

Warlock laughed, “Yeah but it’s good squirming. It means I’m doing a good job.” Starscream couldn’t argue with that. Starscream smiled and went back to resting his head on his servos… A good squirm. Starscream never would have imagined something like that about a year ago… When Megatron made him squirm it was out of fear and paranoia. Now Starscream can wiggle and squirm around Warlock without worrying about an injury…unless he squirms too much and hurts himself by his own stupidity.

Warlock then began to do basic preening of his wing. He then pulled out the warming oils and massaged them into the joints at the base of his wings. “That feels really nice… especially after all the battling we have been doing.” Starscream said as it was so soothing…

Warlock chuckled, “I know the whole Predacon bone hunt has us all running ragged.” Warlock took some extra oil and went to the small seams between Starscream’s shoulder plating and neck cables. Starscream moaned loudly… “You’re spoiling me.”

“Why not spoil you?” Warlock whispered into his audio receptor. Warlock smirked as he took his oil-coated figures to move transformation seams on Starscream’s body. Especially down the individual brackets of his spinal strut as the warm oil seeped into the brackets as Warlock's digits ran down the brackets and teased the seams in between them as he went down and gave each one with generous attention. Rubbing little circles and up and down the spinal strut, he could feel Starscream jerk a little as he didn’t expect such tenderness in such a delicate area. Starscream moaned loudly and his vents subtly turned on, as he didn’t expect it. He was expecting just a more… intimate preening session but this felt more like a full body massage with a lot of romantic tension.

Then Warlock took the warm oil to his hip plating and ran in the seams of his hips. Up and down with a good amount of pressure and began relieving a lot of tension there that Starscream didn’t realize he had. Starscream involuntarily lifted his rear up in the air. Warlock was surprised by the indignant noise Starscream was making that his panel didn’t open.

“The sounds you’re making are making me think this will be more than a preening session.” Warlock said with a seductive tone, as he pulled a bit up on Stasrcream’s hips to get Starscream’s rear closer to his hips. “Is that what you want?” Starscream asked, his voice hoarse from all the moaning.

“Up to you, dear.” Warlock ran his thumbs over the back part of Starscream’s panel. Starscream then used the momentum of Warlock’s hold and some force from his legs to end up crashing into Warlock and sitting in his lap. Warlock instinctively wrapped his arms around Starscream’s small waist. “But what about you, Warlock? Don’t you want to be preened?”

“I mean…” Warlock ran his servos up and down Starscream’s thighs, “I think we can do more preening later…”

Starscream turned around in Warlock’s lap and wrapped his arms around Warlock’s neck. “Hmm…tempting…but…” Starscream leaned over and grabbed the buffer, “I wouldn’t be a good partner in not reciprocating…” as he turned the buffer on and off to be playful.

Starscream still in Warlock’s lap ran the buffer gently over Warlock’s neck and shoulders. Warlock hummed and gently moaned at the soothing feeling of the buffer. Starscream then leaned over and ran the buffer down Warlock’s back. “So how about I spoil you for a bit?”

Warlock nodded as he let Starscream out of his lap and lay down on the berth. Starscream looked over at the expensive waxes, oil, and gel. Those were new… maybe some of the Earth stuff Warlock procured. Starscream pulled out a more clean linen-smelling wax as he knew Warlock always liked that cleaning supply/lemony smell.

He took the larger buffer and worked Warlock’s large wings. The larger seeker hummed appreciating at his partner’s desire to pamper him as well. Starscream was trying to cover the most surface area with the more gentle buffer but he wanted to be mischievous like Warlock was with him. He still had the large gentle buffer on one wing but saw the more intense faster buffer by Warlock’s side. He gently and quietly grabbed it. His fingers playfully tapped the buffer as he turned it on and poked it in the seam area of his wings while the large buffer was still going. Warlock felt the buffer in his seams as his optics shot open in surprise.

Warlock felt the dual buffers going on at the sensitive part of his wing. Starscream was smirking as Warlock wiggled a little and groaned as he was enjoying it. Starscream saw a second faster buffer, grabbed it and put it in the adjacent wing seam. He removed the larger buffer and let the two faster ones massage and buff the innermost seams on Warlock’s wings. Warlock moaned as Starscream wanted to drive Warlock wild with the two faster buffers teasing his seams.

Starscream took the warm oils and rubbed the wider parts of Warlock’s wings with his servos. His long lithe digits were able to get into the tighter transformation seams. He was enjoying teasing the seams of Warlock’s wings, his digits twiddling and moving in the tight seams. Warlock writhed and was venting heavily now at Starscream’s talented digits. His fans were now one and Starscream could hear them; it made his slight smirk widen. “You’re practically torturing me right now.” Warlock playfully jested at Starscream who stopped teasing the seams when he saw Warlock’s helm turn.

“I was a very apt interrogator when I was with the Decepticons.” Starscream jested back, he saw the slight drool down his chin and his loud vents. “Maybe if I tortured like this I’d get more results.”

“Maybe you’d get more than you bargained for then.” Warlock playfully smiled, Starscream rolled his optics as Starscream leaned down close to Warlock’s audio receptor, “Is that how you feel Warlock? That you’re getting more than you bargained for?”

“Oh, I can handle more… But you probably can’t handle more if you get me all riled up…” Warlock looked over Starscream’s frame. Starscream chuckled…” maybe we should put the wax away for now…” Starscream bit his lower lip as he put the buffers and wax to the side.

Warlock turned over as Starscream pounced on Warlock and their lips locked. Guess that preening session will have to wait…

Chapter Text

Episode: Plus One

The humans were sitting in the loft area each doing their own thing. Starscream and Warlock noticed Jack’s mom June had come unannounced and was talking with her son. But what really caught their attention was Agent Fowler rushing out of his office straightening his tie and walking over to them.

“Huh that’s interesting…” Warlock noted,

“Nurse Darby.” Agent Fowler said, getting her attention, “I’m here for the medical supplies that you so graciously donated to the hospital…the supplies that Jack keeps forgetting to pick up.” her son paused the video game he was playing, “Oops. Sorry mom.”

“Anyway…the hospital appreciates the supplies, Agent Fowler.” June continued,

“Please call me William.” Agent Fowler corrected, this got Jack, Warlock, and Starscream to look over curiously…Oh, this was going to be interesting…But before things really could get interesting Raf interrupted the whole situation with his findings. Apparently the young tech genius found a Predacon talon in a museum.

The humans and the two Bots came over to look over as Raf explained in more detail about his discovery. Starscream and Warlock were the main two besides Ratchet who was still in base. Everyone else was out doing patrol, some raiding mines and some searching for bones. All but Skywarp who was not allowed outside base until they can remove the Outlier Damping Collar off his neck. Which was making the seeker stir crazy.

“Well me and Warlock can go retrieve the bones…” Starscream said with an unenthusiastic shrug. As if on cue Skywarp miraculously entered the room as if his teleporting powers weren’t gone as no one heard him come in.

“Ugh! Another mission I can’t go on? This stinks!” Skywarp pouted as he crossed his arms. Starscream turned to his brother, “Don’t worry Warp. Warlock and Ratchet are working on ways to get the collar off.”

“Yeah, but being stuck on base SUCKS….” Skywarp draped himself over the edge of the loft. Starscream rolled his optics at his brother's dramatics. “Skywarp…there is no need for dramatics. Warlock and I will go retrieve the bone from the museum.”

“Do we need the bots to go?” Agent Fowler asked, “I can go grab it myself…”

“I don’t know Agent Fowler.” June said hesitantly, “Maybe we should wait for Optimus to come back…or let Starscream and Warlock handle it.”

“Look Nurse Darby I was an army ranger and federal agent for years before I heard the name Optimus Prime…I am more than equipped to do a simple…milk run.” Agent Fowler insisted, “In fact…you should tag along.”

Warlock leaned over, “There it is…” he whispered in Starscream’s audio receptor. Starscream bit his lip so as not to laugh, and he continued to watch the scene over. Skywarp lifted his head as he too caught on to the situation.

“I don’t know about that…” June said as she didn’t think grabbing the relic with Agent Fowler would be a good idea.

“Absolutely not!” Jack got up and walked over to the two humans, “Mom I don’t want you near anything Con adjacent…it’s-”

“Not safe? Is my teenage son going to tell me it isn’t safe to travel around the world and even go to Cybertron…but his mother cannot even go on uh…on uh…” June turned to Agent Fowler, “A milk run.” He repeated for her. “That!” June pointed out to her son with her hands on her hips.

“Well I just think that you’re lactose intolerant and uh…” Jack turned back to the bots who were clearly enjoying the drama they were watching. June rolled her eyes and turned to Agent Fowler, “Let’s go on that milk run, Agent Fowler.”

“Wait at least let one of us come in holoform to be extra security…we don’t need a kidnapping situation to happen.” Starscream suggested,

Skywarp’s wings perked up as he shot up to his full height. “The holoforms! I can use that to leave the base!”

“I would not suggest that. Just in case they can track the holoform programming. The Decepticons already know we have such advanced programming and probably can track you still.” Ratchet pointed out,

Skywarp’s wings drooped in disappointment. Starscream looked over at his brother and felt bad. “Hey, how about the two of us trying that video game Moonlight has been enjoying?” trying to cheer up his brother. Skywarp pouted, “Fine.”

The two seekers walked deeper into the base while June and Agent Fowler also left. Jack and Raf exchanged confused looks as Warlock looked back at the two seekers retreating into the base. “Well guess I’m going on a milk run…whatever that means…”
—---
With Dreadwing’s recent termination, there has been some tension amongst the Decepticon ranks. The Predacon seemed moppy at the loss of Hex. Megatron observed a grumpy Predacon and is now worried about the loyalty of Predacon. Thankfully, Shockwave has begun making new Predacons that could be a replacement for this one…

Megatron walked over to the Predacon and began petting the head of the creature's hit lowly grumbling happily getting petted by his master. At least the creature can be perked up by just some scratches and praise…

“Lord Megatron, we have located another Predacon bone signature…it’s faint but still steady and in place.” Knock Out reported,

“Excellent. Do not return empty-handed…” Megatron said in a warning tone,

“I do not know the meaning of the word, my lord.” Knock Out said confidently,

“Isn’t, empty-handed two words?” Slipstream said with a sly jab,

“At least I didn’t return empty-handed, how’s the Apex Armor doing by the way?” Knock Out jabbed back, Slipstream growled in frustration looking ready to smack some sense into Knock Out.

“Enough.” Megatron broke them up, “Slipstream, go back to monitoring for Predacon energy signatures.” Megatron pointed to the control console, Slipstream grumbled and was insulting Knock Out under her breath.

“I’m sure you’ll find the gig as invigorating as I did, Stream…” Knock Out taunted as she walked away. Megatron turned to the medic and began discussing more about the cloning project with him.

“You and Shockwave have begun working on the cloning processes already with the specimens thus far correct?” Megatron asked Knock Out,

The medic turned with a confident smile. “Yes, my liege we have begun the process of creating more Predacons.” Knock Out turned to look at the Predacon who was watching them carefully. “The big guy will be the first of a long list of Predacon super soldiers.”

Knock Out also procured a small section of the lab for his own…personal project… that Megatron and Shockwave don’t need to know about. Knock Out was very good at hiding his special project and the last people who needed to know about it were Shockwave and Megatron.

The Predacon watched the two disappear into the base. The Predacon tried to listen to Knock Out and Megatron’s conversion about his brethren. But Slipstream had other plans…

Slipstream took out her electro prod, Predaking already saw it coming from a mile away. “Get back into your pen you mopey reptile!” She shocked his tail and he let out a small roar of pain. He then thrashed his tail at her but instead of hitting Slipstream hit a satellite dish that was used for outgoing communications.

“You mindless beast! Look what you've done!” Slipstream yelled, Predaking lowly growled as he looked at her with squinted optics…
—----
June, Agent Fowler and a holoform Warlock left the museum with the relic in hand. Warlock was surprised at how easy it was for the museum to hand it over to someone like the fossil just by showing a badge. Warlock lifted up the crate with the bone inside and began to walk out of the museum with June and Agent Fowler in tow.

“That was surprisingly easy…” Warlock said to break the silence,

“Told you it was a milk run, easy peasy.” Agent Fowler said confidently,

“I still don’t know what milk has to do with this but…” Warlock looked down at the crate, “At least we got it before the Cons, carton of milk or not!”

June softly chuckled at the confused bot while Agent Fowler just shook his head subtly. “I mean we did have one cranky cow to deal with…” June jokes,

“The curator?” Agent Fowler wanted to confirm, “Man was acting like he was guarding the Mona Lisa. And not watching a prehistoric lug nut that was gathering dust since the Roosevelt administration.”

“I was impressed with how you handled it.” June said off-handedly, Warlock could see Agent Fowler smiling at the compliment. “Nurse Darby that puts you one step ahead of his ex.” Agent Fowler quipped,

“Ex huh? So divorced?” June asked,

“Uh yeah…” Agent Fowler’s confident smirk faded at her question. “What about you? What’s the story with Mr. Darby?”

“More like a saga…but one I am sure you’ve heard before…” June tries to explain vaguely,

Warlock chuckled, “I probably can relate…at least your Ex is an Insecticon…”

Agent Fowler and June chuckled, “No, our past partners aren’t Insecticons. Thankfully Moonlight only got her mother’s spider legs and not her personality…” June jokes, Warlock chuckled at the comment. “Yeah well at least now I have a partner I can be happy with and who knows…maybe Moonlight will have some siblings in the future.” Warlock shrugged, still carrying the crate.

“I am curious how that exactly works…I mean you and Starscream are both male how does-” June began to ask against Agent Fowler’s desire to not know about Cybertronian reproduction…but was cut off by the blinding headlights of some jerk in a sports car. Except that it was no ordinary jerk as Warlock’s eyes adjusted to the brightness. It was Knock Out.

“I got a bone to pick with the three of you…” As he in his car mode pulls out a blaster and aims it at the trio. A blinding light gets two of them in Knock Out’s trunk and Warlock in the back seat with the relic… The three of them woke up around the same time as Warlock looked around and felt himself being strangled by a seat belt and their objective a few inches away from him…

June and Agent Fowler were snuggly back to back in the trunk of Knock Out’s alt-mode. Knock Out began trying to comm to the Nemesis for a pickup. No doubt they will use Agent Fowler and June as hostages and hold them for ransom…Warlock can just return to his actual body but…then he would leave the two in danger.

“Lord Megatron, I have secured a Predacon talon. Plus three of the Autobot's human allies that you can use for hostages, test subjects ,or just target practice. So go on big M tell me you love me more than Slipstream?” Knock Out said with some bravado over the comms system. But received no response… “Too familiar, my liege…hello?” Knock Out was met with static…
—--
“The communication satellite has been down for how long?!” Megatron yelled at Slipstream, she flinched at Megatron's yelling. “It is not my fault, my liege! The blasted Predacon has no spatial awareness and smashed it with its tail!”

Slipstream turned to the Vehicons that were repairing the satellite. Slipstream walked over to the satellite to input her override code and get the communication satellite back online. Unfortunately, the satellite began to spark and small surges of lightning came out and the machine just started smoking and stopped working. “Scrap!”

“Slipstream…get this satellite online now!” Megatron ordered,
—----
Jack was pacing back and forth in the base while Raf was playing a video game. Skywarp came out after losing to Starscream and Moonlight too many times he rather spectate than deal with Starscream’s gloating. He was watching Raf mostly but his optics flickered over to the agitated human teen pacing.

“It’s taking them too long…” Jack said as he stopped pacing,

“I mean…they left only an hour ago? Maybe the humans at the museum gave them a hard time?” Skywarp pointed out,

Jack heard his cell phone ring, “Mom?”

“Guess again.” Miko said over the call, “Are Bulk and Wheeljack back?”

“No, they aren’t back from their mission. But I think Wheeljack is actually out with Arcee not Bulkhead.”

“Oh? The two lone wolves hooking up?” Miko jokes,

“Ha, ha. Look, Miko, I need to keep the line open.” Jack said, rolling his eyes. Skywarp, now interested in the conversation, began to listen in.

“Ah, well, call me when Bulk comes back.” Miko said as she hung up the phone.

Skywarp looked at Jack, “What was that about?”

“Miko asking where Bulkhead and Wheeljack are. Told him that Jackie is with Arcee right now.” Jack explained,

“Arcee and Wheeljack? That’s a combo…” Skywarp said as he rested his head on his servos.

“Interesting how?” Jack asked,

“I mean the two typical work solo. Let’s hope they can work well together.” Skywarp said as he continued to watch Raf play his game. Jack just continued to look stunned at Skywarp…now concerned by his mom’s lack of communication and now Arcee’s team up with Wheeljack.
—----
Knock Out was zooming down the road still trying to contact the Decepticons. June and Agent Fowler were in the trunk arguing…

“I told you we should have waited for Optimus!” June snapped,

“We have Warlock! We have a bot at least. Even if we waited for Warlock to get back to his body and get reinforcements the Con would have snatched up the talon and we’d lose the bone.” Agent Fowler argued back,

“Well is our current predicament does it matter if they get one talon? Rather than all of us getting kidnapped?!” June argued back,

“So how long have those two been dating?” Knock Out asked Warlock, Warlock was about to answer but he got cut off, “We are not dating!” The two said simultaneously.

“Really? Cause you bicker like an old bonded couple.” Knock Out jokes,

“What would a Con know about marriage?!” Agent Fowler snapped back, Warlock wished he could kick the federal agent right now for his rudeness. “I know plenty about marriage.” Knock Out said with a hint of disdain… “Probably more than you do.”

“Oh really?” Agent Fowler asked, “And how would-”

“Agent Fowler shut up please.” Warlock said from the back seat. Agent Fowler looked confused and surprised at Warlock’s interruption. Warlock turned back to Knock Out’s steering wheel, “I’m sorry, Knock Out.” June caught on to what was happening… “What was their name?” June asked, Agent Fowler then finally got on the page and realized he was being an ass. Sure the Decepticons aren’t good guys but…rubbing salt in the wound didn’t make him look any better.

“Breakdown.” Knock Out said somberly,

“Wait, you and Breakdown were married?” Agent Fowler asked,

“Yes.” Knock Out responded a little insulted, “Why is it hard for you to imagine us Cybertronians married?”

“I know your bots do…a lot of things similar to humans…but…I guess I just didn’t imagine bots actually tying the knot.” Agent Fowler answered,

“Well, we do.” Knock Out sassed, “This is Knock Out for the millionth time, requesting pick up…” A long string of silence…. “Ok… is anyone there?!”

Agent Fowler turned towards June, “Nurse Darby…June. If the Con manages to take us all back to Nemesis we are in trouble.”

“Yeah my holoform probably would fizzle out after a while and I can’t help…” Warlock whispered, joining the conversation.

“He disarmed me back at the museum. Do either of you have anything that could be used as a weapon?” Agent Fowler asked, June rooted around in her pockets for a second and pulled out a small tube. “Pepper spray?”

“On a bot?” Agent Fowler asked,

“What’s that?” Warlock asked, “Will it work?”

“Well we’ll have to find out.” Agent Fowler said, the trio continued to plan as Knock Out continued calling for help.

Chapter Text

Knock Out kidnapped Agent Fowler, June, and Warlock; he continued driving around and getting no answer from the Nemesis on a pickup as he had the relic and three hostages. One was the Quintesson scientist Megatron, who was eager to get his servos on.

“I can’t drive around all night….” he then saw in his rearview mirror Warlock talking… “What are you up to, Quintesson?”

Warlock turned and blinked at Knock Out… “Uh… nothing?”

“Nothing? You and the humans are planning something aren’t you…” Knock Out said with suspicion.

Warlock paused as something clicked in his mind. “Don’t you own me for the seance?”

Knock Out came to a screeching halt. The sports car stopped near a train yard where many coal and cargo trains littered the lot. The humans in the trunk jostled around as Knock Out stopped moving. “Really? After all this time you’re cashing it in now?”

“I mean…” Warlock shrugged, “Or we could work out a deal?”

“Warlock, what are you doing?” Agent Fowler angrily whispered, “What seance?!”

“Long story…but maybe we can get out of this without violence…” Warlock whispered back,

“That would apply only to you, not the two humans in the trunk.” Knock Out replied,

“What if I can get you and Breakdown to talk again?” Warlock asked, “We can set up another one…”

“No thanks. Plans are already in motion to fix that.” Knock Out answered,

“What are you talking about?” Warlock was confused what was Knock Out talking about? “So you aren’t going to let us go?”

“You can go.” Knock Out unlocked him and opened the back door. “As per our previous arrangement. But the humans… not so much…”

“Well that’s a problem…” Warlock said he got out of the car. Warlock sighed as he booked it to the trunk and opened it with enough force to break the lock. Knock Out yelped as he felt the lock break and the two humans running off. Knock Out transformed into bot-form and went to grab the closest human…which happened to be Agent Fowler.

“You are a rather rude lot aren’t you?” Knock Out brings Agent Fowler close to his face. Agent Fowler pulls out the pepper spray and aims it in Knock Out’s optics. Knock Out yelps out in pain “My optics!” and drops Agent Fowler on the ground and the human tries to run after the other two a distance away.

Knock Out grumbled and grunted as his optics were hurting from the weird spray the human used. He kept trying to focus and calibrate his optics so that he can see normally again. Everything at first was really fuzzy and out of focus but after a bit of recalibrating, he got it somewhat back to normal. He realized he had to find the humans who were probably hiding with the relic in the train yard.

“Oh…are we playing a human game now?” Knock Out asked playfully, he began his search for the escaped humans. “Because I would be happy to show you the Decepticon version. Hide and go shriek…” Knock Out chuckled as he walked past a train car. Little did he know June was hidden behind said train car holding the talon…Without the scrambler, Warlock makes a very subtle and quick call to the base.

“Mom?” Jack answered,

“No, Warlock. We need backup!” Warlock harshly whispered. Just as Warlock made his call Arcee and Wheeljack returned with a Predacon bone in servo. Wheeljack and Arcee looked over at Jack who looked worried. “Where are you right now?” Jack asked as Warlock sent the coordinates to his phone.

“What’s going on?” Arcee asked,

“We got trouble…” Jack said, giving Raf the coordinates.
—----
The humans were all scrambling around the train yard. June saw that a coal car was nearby and had an interesting idea…

Agent Fowler looked up and narrowly dodged Knock Out as he looked over the adjacent car. Warlock began looking around for the other and letting them know he called backup and to wait out a bit longer. “Ah Ha!” Knock Out exclaimed as he grabbed Warlock. “You sneaky little Quintesson…”

“Half- Quintesson…” Warlock choked out as Knock Out squeezed him and he tried to get out of his grasp.

“Whatever…” Knock Out said dismissively,

Knock Out walked around still carrying Warlock around like a children’s toy. “Come on out you two! You aren’t going to leave your alien buddy behind? He may not have his original body…but as a holoform, he can still feel pain…” Knock Out pulled out his buzzsaw and held it to Warlock’s throat.

The sound of one of the trains leaving caught Knock Out’s attention as it began to leave the train yard. From behind the train yard was Agent Fowler and June who was holding the crate with the Predacon talon in it.

“Put him down!” June yelled,

“Hand over the talon…” Knock Out demanded, June frowned and threw the crate on the ground causing it to break and it revealed that there was no talon in the crate. Knock Out walked over picked her up and asked “Where’s the talon?” Knock Out was getting annoyed with these human antics. June looked up at him, “I’ll tell you, if you put us down…after all, you only have two arms and there are three of us.”

Agent Fowler awkwardly chuckled as he looked up at Knock Out. Knock Out was in a bind, too many humans and not enough servos. What will he do? He watched the leaving train… and then it hit Knock Out. “Clever. But you cannot con a Con.”

Knock Out transformed and had Warlock in the front seat and June in the left back seat. Agent Fowler looked confused as Knock Out zoomed away. “Crap!” Agent Fowler yelled and clutched his head. He heard more engines as Arcee and Wheeljack zoomed past them. Wheeljack skidded backed up and opened his door. “Get in.”

Agent Fowler got into Wheeljack, and they resumed the pursuit. After a few minutes, Arcee and Wheeljack caught up to Knock Out. Knock Out adjusted his side mirror and rearview mirror so he could see the Autobots now pursuing him.

Then he heard the comm link communication sound go off and Megatron’s voice came through, “Knock Out do you have the Predacon bone?”

Knock Out felt a pang of annoyance at first. He had the bone but no one answered him at first, now he is on his way to get it as the humans were being rather sneaky. “Almost my liege…” Knock Out answered, he did have pursuers “But I do have some Autobots riding my tail…”

“Which ones?” Megatron asked,

“Arcee and Wheeljack.” Knock Out confirmed,

Megatron hissed it wasn’t Warlock or Starscream…the two Autobots he wanted to get his servos on. “Understood…just make sure you secure the specimen.” The communication ended before Knock Out could report that he had human hostages and the Quintesson but guess getting the bone is the main objective…

Then a ground bridge portal opened up and four Insecticons came flying and howling. Arcee pulled ahead and saw two of the four pursuing her while the other two were behind near Wheeljack. Agent Fowler looked up and side by side to see that the Insecticons were by his side. Wheeljack decided to stop abruptly and then let the two flying Insecticons fly ahead as he shot them down. He managed to get one but not the other as it turned back and began blasting at him. Wheeljack swerved over near the train the Insecticon must have lacked spatial awareness as it bashed itself into one of the train cars. Wheeljack saw the Insecticon stumble and began to shoot at its wings causing it to fall and crash. Wheeljack then zoomed past while Agent Fowler looked out through the passenger side window at the carnage.

Arcee was getting closer and closer to Knock Out but the Insecticons on her tail were an unnecessary nuisance that she couldn’t shake. The Insecticons began shooting at her as she dodged left and right to avoid their blasts. Arcee then sped up and used the momentum to leap into the air where she transformed and began shooting at one of the Insecticons. One of her blasts hit the Insecticon square in the chest and the blast caused a short circuit. The Insecticon wavered and ended up crashing into an electrified scaffolding above the train. The crash caused a massive explosion, launching Arcee a bit forward in the air. She transformed back to her motorcycle mode and continued trailing Knock Out.

Knock Out sped up more now that he had backup and didn’t have to worry about the trailing Autobots as much. Knock Out looked over at the nearby train cars, “Now which car would a human hide a bone in?” He then noticed a coal car with an open top, “Ah…the convertible… nice choice.”

June looked over at Warlock and was expecting him to do something. Warlock tried to grab for Knock Out’s steering wheel but a jolt of electricity shocked him and caused his holoform to fizzle for a second. “Ah, ah, ah. We look but we don’t touch!” Knock Out chided as he zoomed closer to the coal car.

Arcee was hot on Knock Out’s tail but a rogue blast from the remaining Insecticon sent her stumbling and ended up skidding across the ground. She transformed back to bot mode as she stopped moving and was able to get to her knees. She saw Wheeljack zoom past her, “Get June and Warlock!”

Arcee looked up and saw an approaching Insecticon and began doing battle with it. She saw the incoming Insecticon and pulled out her blades. She jumped over it as the Insecticon lunged at her and sliced at its wings, grounding it. She then pulled out her blaster and shot it in the back of the helm causing its head to explode. She jumped off the dead Insecticon, transformed, and resumed the pursuit.

Knock Out was right next to the coal car… “Time for you to get out, Nurse…” Knock Out said with a sinister glee. Warlock looked confused as Knock Out zoomed up a slope next to the train tracks, transformed, and released June from her seat belt mid-air. And tighten his seat belt on Warlock. Thankful Wheeljack was there to swoop up June and put her in the back seat with Agent Fowler. Knock Out in bot mode swiftly grabbed the talon and turned back into his alt mode all in the air and landed with a graceful thud.

He had the talon in the back seat of his alt mode. “Lord Megatron, if a ground bridge doesn’t open soon you’ll lose your prize and an added bonus.” As Knock Out adjusts his rearview mirror to focus on Warlock. A ground Bridge opened up a few feet away and Knock Out zoomed right in. Arcee and Wheeljack had to grind to a painful halt when they just missed the ground bridge as it closed.

Arcee skidded as Wheeljack slowly followed behind. Wheeljack opened his doors and the two exited. “Where’s Warlock?” Arcee asked nervously looking between June and Agent Fowler.

“Knock Out still had him in the front seat…” June told her,

“Scrap…we lost the bone and Warlock…” Arcee chided,

“Don’t be so sure. Our Quintesson friend can just fizzle out the holoform. He can leave when he wants.” Wheeljack explained,

“Then why didn’t he?” Agent Fowler asked Something that Arcee was also curious about…
—---
Knock Out walked to the bridge of the Nemesis proud of what he accomplished. He saw Megatron talking to Flamewar on the bridge. “One Predacon talon…and one Quintesson scientist.”

Megatron turned with a wicked grin on his face as he saw both the talon and Warlock in Knock Out’s servos. “Warlock…good to see you, again.”

“Megatron.” Warlock acknowledged with an annoyed tone.

“I’m surprised you let yourself get captured in your holoform of all things…” Megatron walked closer to Warlock and Knock Out, “From what I understand I figured the last thing you wanted to happen was getting captured by me…”

“Oh…I did this on purpose.” Warlock said bluntly, Megatron and Knock Out’s optics widened in surprise. “I’m only still here because of one thing.”

“Oh really? And what would that be?” Megatron asked, glaring at Warlock.

Warlock put on the widest, most mischievous grin on his face. He wiggled out an arm from Knock Out’s grasp, flipped off Megatron, and said “I’d tell you to get fragged. But nobody would want to frag you…” Then Warlock’s holoform fizzled out of Knock Out’s servo. Megatron just stood there in stunned silence. Knock Out and Flamewar exchanged looks as then Megatron let out a furious roar of anger from the sassy Quintesson.

Chapter Text

Episode: Thirst

It has been a few days since the last hunt for the Predacon bones. The team still does tons of scanning and scouting for them but alas the past few days have been rather quiet. Starscream was going out for a solo flight near the base. He loved having Warlock and his brothers around but sometimes you just need some time to yourself to recompose. Starscream landed with a flourish on top of a plateau as he looked on over at the rebuilding town of Jasper. A lot of progress has been made since Darkmount’s fall and thankfully the humans are none the wiser about the possible alien takeover.

Then Starscream got an incoming call on his comm link. He wasn’t sure who it could be, but he was annoyed they were messing with his me time. “This better be good.” Starscream answered his comm link annoyed.

“Well aren’t you a ray of sunshine?” the caller said with sass…

“Knock Out?! Why are you calling me?” Starscream asked confused,

“I need a favor.” Knock Out answers,

“And why would I do a favor for you?” Starscream asked, “Especially since you tried to kidnap my partner barely a week ago!”

“Come on Starscream! It’s really important. I would ask if I wasn’t desperate.” Knock Out pleaded,

“Oh?” Starscream was now interested, “And what exactly does this favor entail?”

“I need help resurrecting Breakdown.” Knock Out explained,

“If you want help with undead nonsense, I suggest going to Megatron. After all, he is the one with all the Dark Energon. But…isn’t CYLAS currently occupying Breakdown’s corpse?” Starscream asked, CYLAS was last seen using poor Breakdown’s body as basically a ‘mech suit’ as Miko puts it.

“This doesn’t have to do with Terrorcons. I mean a true resurrection! Bring him back for good! Not just talking to his ghost, or looking at his mangled corpse occupied by a human.” Knock Out sighed, “I used one of the tanks that we are growing Predacons in to clone Breakdown. I used some pieces of his chassis from CYLAS. The clone is all healthy but…nobody's home…he won’t wake up!” Knock Out’s voice was beginning to falter. “Starscream please…I need Moonlight’s help.”

“Moonlight?” Starscream didn’t like where this was going. Warlock would kill him if he put Moonlight in harm's way again. “Absolutely not.”

“Starscream please!” Knock Out begged, “If the roles were reversed wouldn’t you want Warlock back?”

Starscream sighed, Knock Out was correct if the roles were reversed. Starscream would be desperate to have Warlock back if he could…but still “And how would I guarantee Moonlight’s safety? With Airachnid running around the Nemesis again I can’t risk it.”

“I know, I know. A secret ground bridge into my lab. Moonlight does her weird magical nonsense then I bridge you out. Less than 30 minutes I promise! Please!” Knock Out pleaded, he sounded so desperate…Starscream hated being guilt tripped…in the past he wouldn’t give this a second thought and hung up but now…

“I’ll think about it. Give me some time to discuss this with Warlock.” Starscream said he knew Warlock would be absolutely against this…especially after the last time they gave Knock Out the grace to speak to Breakdown’s ghost and Starscream got kidnapped.

“Thank you. I’ll leave my comm frequency open as I await your answer…” Knock Out hung up and Starscream decided to zoom back to base. Starscream entered Warlock’s lab on his ship and saw Moonlight splayed out on the main table. “Comfortable, Moonlight?” Starscream asked amused at the sparkling's quirky antics.

“I’m bored.” Moonlight pouted, as she moved her arms and legs up and down like she was making a snow angel.

Starscream chuckled as he looked over at Warlock who was doing some more coding with the Onyx Triptych. “Still working on that I see.” Starscream said as he approached Warlock with a kiss on the cheek. Warlock smiles at Starscream’s warm welcome. “Well if I can take most of the powers of the Primes and put it into coding…maybe we can find a way to speed up our research on Synth-En or maybe find a weakness with the Predacons by using the masks.”

“That is a great idea. Onyx Prime was the king of the Beasts…it would make sense if he knew how to deal with Predacons.” Starscream said looking up at the monitor and line after line of code.

“Warlock…I’m about to ask you something…” Warlock looked up at Starscream, “And do not yell at me til I finish, ok?”

“Uh, oh…” Warlock said playfully, “On a scale of 1-10 how bad is this?”

“Uh…maybe a 6-7?” Starscream said, looking down at him with an awkward smile. Warlock’s playful demeanor changed to a more serious one, “Oh.”

Starscream then explains his comm call with Knock Out and his desperation to get Breakdown back and needs Moonlight’s help to do it. Warlock did not look happy about this. “No.” Warlock said sternly and crossed his arms.

Starscream sighed, “I understand…but it would just be for 30 minutes can’t you-”

“No.” Warlock repeated,

“Sire…come on…what’s the point of having cool powers if I can’t use them?” Moonlight begged, “I want to help people connect to their lost loved ones! It’s why the Triptych chose me! I’m good at it!”

“Moonlight…” Warlock said calmly, “I love you so, so much. I cannot risk you being in danger again. Your carrier is on the Nemesis! I don’t want her to hurt you.”

Moonlight’s wings drooped and she pouted. She has learned slowly how dangerous the Decepticons can be and especially her carrier after their last encounter. Starscream knew this is how Warlock would react…he is just being a responsible creator…he can’t fault him for this. But telling Knock Out no after him borderline crying over the comm call caused an ache in Starscream’s spark he wasn’t used to.

Starscream looked over at Moonlight who looked at her…the two were practically having a telepathic conversation as they read each other's movements and facial expressions. The two looked at each other in the optics.

‘We, gonna save Breakdown?’ Starscream’s optics read.

‘Frag ya! Let’s save Breakdown.’ Moonlight’s optics read as her wings fluttered,

‘No swearing, Moonlight. But we are going to sneak out, ok?’ Starscream nodded and gestured to the door.

‘I’ll wait outside.’ Moonlight held a thumbs up.

Starscream turned back to a distracted Warlock and scooped up Moonlight and commed Knock Out telling him the plan.
—-----
Slipstream, Flamewar, and Shadow Striker were in Knock Out’s lab. “Shouldn’t we wait for Knock Out?” Flamewar asked, looking over at Slipstream.

“Why? The abomination is fair game.” Slipstream said filling up an injector with Knock Out’s incomplete Synth-En formula. CYLAS was strapped to a lab table and struggling against his restraints.

“Who…who are you three?” CYLAS asked,

Slipstream chuckled, “Ah right…you haven’t met us. Doesn’t matter. You’re just a lab rat to us, our names mean nothing to you…CYLAS.”

CYLAS groaned as Slipstream pulled out the syringe and injected it into CYLAS’s arm. CYLAS felt the rush of the Synth-En in his systems. CYLAS thrashed against his restraints. His optics turning a eerie green color of the Synth-En… He was gasping crying out in pain… “Do you not show any regard for CYLAS’s being? Despite him being an atrocity?” Shadow Striker asks, looking down at CYLAS as he quickly passes out.

“What just happened? He went into recharge way too quickly…” Flamewar said, tilting CYLAS’s head side to side. Shadow Striker picked up a datapad with the notes Knock Out wrote down on it. “According to the doctor’s notes…The Synth-En causes him to run through his natural energon reserves very quickly and have a rapid burn-out.”

But then out of nowhere CYLAS comes back online and begins to scream. “You fowl harpies! I will rip out your spines and use them as jewelry!” CYLAS shouted at them causing Flamewar and Slipstream to flinch. Shadow Striker rolled her optic, “It also causes an increase in aggression as well.”

“How fun…” Slipstream said sarcastically, “But if he runs through his reserves so quickly…he will offline in a rather rapid amount of time…”

“I don’t think Megatron will want another unruly beast. The Predacon is bad and moody enough…” Flamewar said as she continued to watch CYLAS scream.

“Unruly…” Slipstream heard Flamewar’s words and had an idea. “What if it wasn’t so unruly?”

“I don’t like the sound of that, Slipstream…” Shadow Striker stated, a few moments later Slipstream and Flamewar returned with a crate of Dark Energon. “You cannot be serious?!”

“What? We are giving our lord a way to control a powerful new tool.” Slipstream defended herself, “Flamewar!” Flamewar nodded and filled the syringe with Dark Energon.

“Absolutely not!” Shadow Striker got in the way of Flamewar, “Have you blown a neural cluster?! Just cause Lord Megatron has a link to anything tainted by Dark Energon and can control it but…” Shadow Striker looked back at CYLAS. Shadow Striker clenched her servos, “There were records that Nemesis gained sentience and hindered the Decepticons! How do we know that won’t happen again?”

“That was the result of a massive infusion…I only suggest a drop or two…” Slipstream said gesturing to Flamewar… Shadow Striker frowned as she saw a MASSIVE syringe of Dark Energon in her servos.

“Should we not report this to Shockwave? He is the mad scientist of the Decepticons?” Shadow Striker asks,

“As the new second in command, now that Dreadwing is no longer with us… This is about a super soldier objective so…it is under my jurisdiction…” Slipstream said confidently,

“So…” Flamewar looked down at the syringe then back at CYLAS then back at the syringe, “Do I stab him or not?”

“Yes!” Slipstream ordered Flamewar nodded as she stabbed the syringe full of Dark Energon into CYLAS’s Synth-En-riddled body… the trio waited to see the results.
—---
Knock Out sent a ground bridge to his private quarters first as anyone could easily walk into his lab when he was not there. He saw Starscream and Moonlight walk into his quarters and was eager to get this process started. Knock Out led the way to his lab, not that Starscream didn’t know the way but…better Knock Out run into the guards than he or Moonlight.

Knock Out was checking side by side of the halls as they walked through. “You have no idea how excited I was that you agreed to this.” Knock Out said as he gestured for Starscream to follow him.

“I assumed you would be excited.” Starscream whispered,

“I can’t wait to have Breakdown back in my arms.” Knock Out sounded very excited at seeing Breakdown alive and well.

“What’s your plan once the big brute is back?” Starscream asked,

“Sparklings.” Knock Out said rather casually,

“Excuse me?” Starscream was perplexed by his answer.

“Sparklings. I am not risking losing Breakdown again without at least one.” Knock Out led them down the hall.

“Really?” Starscream was surprised, “You know carrying isn’t going to be easy during a war…”

“Don’t care. Primus, I might just defect. I don’t get treated with respect as the chief medical officer. I get my paint scuffed constantly! Between Slipstream and Megatron’s yelling racking my audio receptors. I might go insane! The idea of me and Breakdown in the countryside…racing, drive-in movies, and a little sparkling or two at our heels…” Knock Out sounded so dreamy describing his plans…

“Have you thought about joining the Autobots?” Starscream asked, maybe he could recruit the good doctor and his bruiser of a companion.

“I doubt it. After literally threatening their human allies last week and all the terrible things I did…” Knock Out sounded hesitant. Starscream placed a servo on Knock Out’s shoulder, “If they can give me a chance…I doubt they will turn you and Breakdown away…”

Knock Out smiled at the seeker. Moonlight ran ahead a little once she saw the lab door. “Is this it?” She pointed at the door.

“Yes, yes, little one. Let me open it.” Knock Out said with a smile. Moonlight was bouncing in excitement to contact the dead again. But Knock Out paused as he heard screams and banging in his lab. “What in the name of Solus Prime?”

Knock Out opened the door and was met with a horrifying sight. On the ground was Flamewar fighting off CYLAS. His optics with the glow of purple of Dark Energon. A disturbing new development that Knock Out noticed was some kind of tongue coming out of CYLAS’s mouth. The tongue had sharp prongs that looked like a claw at its tip and it was trying to grasp at Flamewar’s neck cables. Slipstream and Shadow Striker were trying to pull the brute off Flamewar.

Starscream and Moonlight peaked in and saw the grizzly sight. “What the frag?” Starscream said softly as he wasn’t sure what he was watching. He put a defensive arm around Moonlight covering her as he walked into the doorway.

“What the frag did you three do?!” Knock Out shouted,

Then CYLAS was shoved off Flamewar and stood up. “Energon…” CYLAS hissed as he looked at Knock Out. He began to charge at them Knock Out stepped to the side as did Starscream as he blocked CYLAS from seeing Moonlight. CYLAS wandered down the hall. The three femmes came out and watched CYLAS disappear around the corner. All of the bots exchanged concerned and confused looks. The femmes didn’t have time to question what they had just done, only that they royally screwed up.

Chapter Text

“What the frag was that?!” Knock Out yelled at the group of femmes. The femmes were more focused on the fact that some Energon-drinking Terrorcon is now roaming the Nemesis. Starscream grabbed Moonlight and hid behind the corner of the hall only peering over to hear what the hell just happened.

Slipstream was the last to exit the room as Knock Out ran in. Knock Out was panicking hoping that the CYLAS monster didn’t harm his Breakdown clone. Knock Out noticed the door to the side room where he had Breakdown’s new body hooked up to was still closed and a wave of relief washed over Knock Out.

Slipstream and the other femmes were all harshly whispering. “I told you the Synth-En and Dark Energon was a terrible idea!” Shadow Striker jabbed a digit into Slipstream’s chest. Starscream was in disbelief that these three were stupid enough to mix Dark Energon and Synth-En together. What kind of moron would do that?

Moonlight looked up at Starscream, and he looked worried. “Starscream.” Moonlight whispered, Starscream looked down at the sparkling, “What do we do?”

Starscream blinked and looked back at the three femmes arguing. Knock Out came out of the room and began yelling at them. “Why are there vials of my experimental Synth-En missing and a crate of DARK ENERGON doing in my lab?!”

“We did a thing…” Flamewar said awkwardly,

“It was Slipstream’s stupid idea.” Shadow Striker said, throwing Slipstream under the bus.

Slipstream looked offended and upset that Shadow Striker ratted her out. Slipstream took in a deep inhale and looked at Knock Out and began to explain her thought process. Knock Out was flabbergasted by this now they had some kind of new monster running around the base. Knock Out was worried…it’s bad enough that he snuck Moonlight and Starscream on the Nemesis…but now there is a chance that Slipstream will blame him for her stupid idea.

“Well, are you three going to stand here? Go stop the damn thing?!” Knock Out yelled,

“You don’t order me around, medic.” Slipstream sassed back, Knock Out gripped his pointed audio receptors in frustration…this femme is like a more irritating Starscream…

Slipstream ordered Flamewar and Shadow Striker to go out and find CYLAS. The two rushed around the corner and began to try and hunt down the Terrorcon. Slipstream was still standing with Knock Out and talking with her, making it harder for Starscream to slip out of the hallway and into the lab…

“Aren’t you going to go clean up your mess?” Knock Out pointed toward the end of the hall where Shadow Striker and Flamewar disappeared around. Slipstream hissed at Knock Out, “Why are you so eager to get rid of me?” Slipstream asked, arms now crossed…she could sense something was up.

“Oh…I don’t know, maybe because you entered my lab, UNINVITED! And then released my test subject by infusing it in an unsupervised experiment?!” Knock Out gestured to the mess in his lab that the trio left. Slipstream grumbled as she then saw in the corner of her optic a tiny grey wing peeking out over the corner. She looked over, drew her blaster, and ran past Knock Out.

Slipstream turned the corner and was immediately sucker-punched by Starscream. The seeker went flying back…out cold. “Nice punch.” Knock Out said as he walked over. The two dragged Slipstream’s unconscious body into the lab and put her on the table where CYLAS once was.

“So now what?” Starscream said to Knock Out,

“What do you mean? We do what we planned to do.” Knock Out answered, confused by Starscream's question.

“You can’t be serious…there’s a mutated Terrorcon on the Nemesis…you aren’t going to deal with it? We could be in serious danger.” Starscream pointed out,

“Not my circus. Not my monkeys.” Knock Out said cleaning up his lab.

“Circus? Monkeys? What are you on about?” Starscream was lost, Knock Out grunted out a ‘never mind’ as he made sure to give Moonlight enough space for her glyph and summoning circle. Knock Out handed Moonlight a little bucket of paint to draw the glyphs and summon Breakdown’s spirit.

Starscream watched Slipstream carefully and even latched the cuffs to her to keep her from attacking them if she woke up. Moonlight began drawing her glyphs and the summoning circle. It was a few minutes when Knock Out rolled out the Breakdown clone. And unfortunately, Slipstream began to wake up.

Slipstream groaned as she looked down and saw the sparkling drawing on the floor and then noticed a familiar seeker in the corner. “Starscream?! Knock Out, what is the meaning of this?!” She struggled against her restraints. She looked over at the medic who was ignoring her. Moonlight was about to finish the last glyph when the door to the lab opened and a Vehicon staggered in very strangely.

“Soldier, help me capture the traitor and the Autobot!” Slipstream ordered,

“Energon…” The Vehicon hissed as it revealed a similar tongue thing that CYLAS had. Everyone panicked as they realized what CYLAS was…is somehow able to spread.

Slipstream began to panic as she was stuck to the table. She was wrestling against the restraints trying to escape as the Vehicon approached her slowly. Starscream aimed his blaster at the infected Vehicon. “Aim for the head!” Knock Out cried out as he shuffled the gurney with Breakdown on it back into the other room.

“How do you know?!” Starscream yelled back,

“I have seen it in human horror films!” Knock Out yelled as he closed the door and grabbed Moonlight. Starscream blasted the head of the Vehicon…but it didn’t stop it and now it looked more terrifying as its head was gone but the long siphon tongue was snaking out of its neck hole and still craving energon. The Vehicon climbed onto the table where Slipstream was as its tongue was right next to her neck cables. Starscream grabbed a nearby electro prod and zapped the headless Terrorcon causing it to fall off the table. He aimed his blaster at the monster shooting it in its spark chamber. Thankfully that seemed to do the trick as it didn’t get back up.

Slipstream’s fans were on and could be heard as she was freaking out. She was hyperventilating and relieved that the monster was dealt with. Starscream looked at the dead Vehicon and back at Knock Out. “Not my circus huh?”

Knock Out held onto Moonlight, “Well…clearly this is a problem…”

“No Slag! Now what?! We can’t risk doing this ritual if there are energon-drinking Terrorcons running around!” Starscream gestured to the dead Vehicon.

“What ritual? What are you two planning?” Slipstream asked as her head volleyed between the two.

“Shut up, Slipstream, this is all your fault!” Starscream pointed at her.

“I mean you made a vampire bot…that’s pretty scary.” Moonlight said out of nowhere.

“Vampire? The heck is that?” Starscream asked,

“Oh! It’s something Miko showed me! They are undead monsters that drink blood, and don't like sunlight or garlic.” Moonlight explained, all three bots all exchanged glances at the sparkling’s explanation.

“Ok…so I don’t think the power of the sun or whatever garlic is, will stop these Terrorcons.” Knock Out jokes,

“This is not the time for jokes, Knock Out.” Starscream chided,

“Well, so far the sparkling is the only one coming up with solutions!” Knock Out argued back.

“We need to sound the alarms…If the infection continues to spread the whole warship could be contaminated.” Slipstream added,

“Out of the question. If Moonlight and I are discovered during the lockdown we will be imprisoned!” Starscream yelled at her,

“Well kind of the idea, scrap for brains!” Slipstream smirked,

Starscream growled at his cousin. “Where is Dreadwing? Maybe he can help us?”

Knock Out looked sheepishly down at the ground and Slipstream began laughing, “Dreadwing is dead.”

“What?” Starscream turned back to Slipstream. “Megatron did it himself after we found out he was an Autobot spy.” Slipstream revealed, Starscream felt a pang of guilt in his spark. Dreadwing was a good, honorable mech…it’s a shame he’s gone.

“We need to track down CYLAS and stop the source of the infection.” Starscream stated the plan, Knock Out sighed Starscream was right if we don’t start taking out these vampire Cons this could turn very ugly. “You cannot leave me here!” Slipstream protested as she struggled against her restraints.

Starscream pursed his lips and looked at the electro prod by the berth…Starscream zapped Slipstream and knocked her out. Starscream then looked over at Moonlight, he crouched down and placed a servo on her shoulder. “Moonlight…I need you to stay here for safety. We need you to guard Breakdown’s unconscious body.”

Moonlight gave a determined and affirming nod. Knock Out looked confused for a second but then heard Starscream continue, “Now if a vampire comes in you need to hide. Ok? No fighting.”

Moonlight nodded understanding as she found a little corner to hide in. “We will be back soon ok?” Starscream reaffirmed Moonlight. “Ok…come back soon…” She whispered as she wedged herself in the corner.

Knock Out and Starscream had their weapons out as they quietly and slowly began to track down CYLAS. “We have to be careful. The last thing we need is to get infected with whatever virus Slipstream created.” Knock Out stated as he looked around another corner.

“Yes. maybe we can override the system and quarantine areas to prevent spread…”Starscream suggested,

“That would activate an alarm…Soundwave would notice something is locked off and Megatron would go to investigate.” Knock Out pointed out, Starscream shuddered at the thought of a vampire Megatron. Or worse a vampire Predacon…

The duo ended up rounding a corner and seeing a cluster of Vehicons standing in the hall. Starscream backed off around the corner blaster still out as Knock Out approached, “have any of you seen-”

One turned and opened its mouth to have a tongue thing like CYLAS. “Scrap! Starscream!” Knock Out turned back as Starscream launched a missile at the group of Vehicons. Blowing them up but that only created a loud noise as the sound of an explosion attracted more infected Vehicons.

The two were surrounded rather quickly as they had to retreat. They ran through the halls and dived into an empty room. The two crouched down behind a console as they both were venting heavily. “Knock Out…I think the situation is more dire than either of us had anticipated.”

“I doubt either of us anticipated this.” Knock Out responded as he scoffed and smirked, “After all these years I thought the Autobots would do me in…not undead monsters.”

“I don’t think either of us could have predicted vampires…” Starscream said as he tapped the back of his helm against the console, “Drained of our precious life fluids…”

“At least you can’t die.” Knock Out scoffed,

“Excuse me?” Starscream looked at him confused,

“We know you’re an outlier like your brothers. “Knock Out revealed, “Megatron and Slipstream saw you come back to life after Megatron offed you at Darkmount.”

“Ah…so you do know about that.” Starscream awkwardly chuckled, “Well then Megatron really can’t get his servos on me. Or Shockwave…”

“That’s a pretty useful outlier ability.” Knock Out noted, “Perfect for this situation…”

“I’m not immortal, Knock Out…it’s just my spark.” Starscream gestured to his chest, “It’s…I guess my spark is inextinguishable in a sense. I can’t be put down by normal means…and this is far from normal so maybe this could snuff me out…” Starscream was worried about the unnaturalness of this whole ordeal; the Synth-En and the Dark Energon together could be the formula that could snuff his semi-immortal spark…or worse transform him into something vile.

“You’re no Breakdown…” Knock Out looked at Starscream getting his attention, “But I always did admire your lustrous finish. “

Starscream smiled at the compliment but then realized what the compliment entailed, “Did…did you just call me hot?”

“Look if we die here I want no regrets.” Knock Out admitted,

Starscream just looked bewildered at Knock Out. The two crouched there awkwardly for a moment. The two then recomposed and left the room. They could hear yelling as they both looked over the corner and saw Flamewar, Shadow Striker and Megatron.

“You three did what?!” Megatron yelled,

“It’s Slipstream’s fault.” Flamewar pouted,

“Well, where is she? Since this blunder was her doing?!” Megatron swiped his arm in the air as he yelled.

“We don’t know…”Shadow Striker admitted, “But CYLAS is a major threat lurking on the ship. We need to sound the alarm.”

“The Dark Energon within me should allow me to control him…should it not?” Megatron argued, and then they heard hissing and growling. Megatron turned to see a staggering Vehicon. “Energon…” it hissed as its tongue came out and it charged at Megatron.

“Halt!” Megatron ordered but the Vehicon continued to run towards them. Megatron blasted it with his fusion cannon and the creature went down. “We tried to tell ya.” Flamewar said with a shrug.

Megatron commed Soundwave to put all the guards and soldiers on high alert. That they need to terminate any infected on sight and stay a good distance away from them. “Find CYLAS now!” Megatron ordered as the two femmes ran the opposite direction of Megatron.

Megatron turned and saw a flash of red. “Knock Out.”

Knock Out stiffened up and looked back at Starscream with a nervous look. “I know you are there Knock Out. What are you doing?” Megatron asking the medic to come over.

Knock Out walked around the corner to see his master. “Uh, I am doing nothing my liege. I’ll just join Shadow Striker and Flamewar on the hunt for CYLAS.” Knock Out awkwardly laughed as he tried to back away towards Starscream around the corner.

“Why were you not in your lab?” Megatron asked,

“I mean…I can’t spend all my time in my lab…I went to stretch my legs next thing I knew there was a monster trying to eat Flamewar on the ground…” Knock Out explained,

“Take me to the lab. I want to see what Slipstream did…” Megatron demanded. Scrap. If Megatron sees the Breakdown clone or the ritual circle, Knock Out will be made. And worse, Moonlight is in there… The two began walking in the direction towards Starscream. Starscream was more worried for Moonlight than himself right now. So he took a deep inhale and ran around the corner. “Hey, Megatron!”

Megatron and Knock Out looked shocked. “Starscream?!” Megatron yelled in surprise. Knock Out was confused, what the frag was he doing? Starscream wings hiked up and he looked at Megatron. “CYLAS will be the least of your problems if you can’t catch me!” Starscream transformed and zoomed down the hall. Megatron ran around the corner and watched Starscream disappear.

Megatron growled and ran after Starscream. Knock Out just stood there confused…great more problems.

Chapter Text

Starscream zoomed down the hall and saw the Vehicons and Insecticons fighting off the infected in the adjacent hallway. Megatron was trying to shoot down Starscream and nicked his wing. Starscream staggered but still remained airborne. He had Megatron’s attention for now and hopefully, this will buy Knock Out more time to find and terminate CYLAS.

Starscream zoomed around the corner and over the infected vampire Terrorcons and one scraped the underside of Starscream's alt mode. It hurt really bad and Starscream had to transform and land. He was bleeding from his back and side from the slash marks. Then about three infected Vehicons surrounded him. Then three precise blasts took out the three of them. Megatron then sauntered toward an injured Starscream. Starscream tried to crawl away but Megatron grabbed him by the wing and lifted him up. “You’re the last bot I expected to see here, Starscream.”

Megatron turned Starscream to face him. “Now…what are you doing on my warship?”

Starscream looked at him but didn’t answer. Megatron growled, “Not like you to be quiet, Starscream.”

“Now let's make it like your name’s sake and make you scream…” Megatron said with a smirk,
—----
Warlock was still coding and was confused as to why Moonlight was being so quiet. He got up to go check up when he got an incoming message…from Knock Out. Warlock rolled his optics, hopefully the medic wasn’t going to beg him to let his daughter summon Breakdown’s spirit.

He answered, “What is it, Knock Out?”

“Uh…I need your help.” Knock Out said bluntly,

“I told Starscream, no. So the same goes for you. You are not using my daughter to resurrect Breakdown.” Warlock said firmly,

Knock Out was quiet for a moment. “What are you talking about? Starscream and Moonlight came aboard the Nemesis an hour ago.”

“What?” Warlock said in shock,

“Yes! I need backup! Things have gone south real fast.” Knock Out elaborated, “Moonlight is safe but we have a bigger problem…”

“Bigger problem?” Warlock repeated, “What kind of bigger problem?”

Then Knock Out began to explain what had been happening aboard the Nemesis, Warlock listened and was scowling…he could not believe Starscream pulled another stunt like this. “Send me the coordinates…I’ll fix this.”
—------
Airachnid was walking through the Nemesis when she got the warning message from Soundwave about the infected vampire bots. “Can we just have a normal day on this fragging ship?”

Airachnid walked down the hall and saw a bunch of Vehicons thrashing at the door…it was to Knock Out’s lab. Airachnid quickly dispatched the strange Vehicons and tried to open the door but she didn’t know Knock Out’s code. “Now what could these monsters want in here?”

Airachnid used her spider legs to open the door and saw an unconscious Slipstream and her own daughter with some kind of paint stick drawing on her face. Moonlight and Airachnid shared uncomfortable optic contact. “Carrier.” Moonlight said as she drew a crude image on Slipstream’s face with Knock Out’s red paint stick…

“Moonlight.” Airachnid said with a surprising softness, “How did you get on the ship, sweetspark?”

“None ya.” She said back and resumed drawing.

“None ya?” Airachnid repeated confused,

“None ya business!” Moonlight shouted as she finished her drawing on Slipstream’s cheek.

“That’s….rather crude.” Airachnid said, pointing at her drawing. Moonlight looked and shrugged, “She’s a big meanie!”

“Why is Slipstream a big meanie, Moonlight?” Airachnid asked as she slowly walked closer to the sparkling. Moonlight wasn’t dumb she also moved back too. “Because she ruined the ritual with her evilness…”

“Ritual?” Airachnid looked down and saw the glyphs. “Ah…you planned to summon a spirit, Moonlight?”

“I was gonna make Knock Out happy and bring back Breakdown…” Moonlight told her,

Airachnid paused ... if the bot she killed came back things could get tense…also how would Knock Out know to contact Moonlight for such a service? Airachnid then puts two and two together…either Starscream or Warlock is aboard the ship. Maybe she can use her child to her advantage…

“Moonlight, darling…” Airachnid walked over and tried to touch Moonlight. She flinched and hopped up onto the wall with her spider legs. “No! You’re bad too!”

“Moonlight…” Airachnid said calmly, “I’m your carrier! I care about you. Let me hold you, little one…”

Moonlight was now on an adjacent table. “No! You tried to hurt sire! And me! You’re a bad carrier.”

Airachnid slowly growled at Moonlight’s stubbornness. Airachnid was fed up. She went to grab her small sparkling but Moonlight hopped into the ritual circle. Airachnid climbed with her spider legs onto the table and glared down at her child. “Listen you little brat! You are my child! You listen to me! Got it!”

Moonlight frowned, she looked down and then smirked at her carrier. Her optics went blank and green as she began to summon a spirit. Airachnid covered her optics as after the light began to fade she saw it. Breakdown…

Breakdown looked over to the side room and his spirit drifted over to the room. Airachnid watched in confusion as the ghost disappeared behind the door. Then a loud bang as a fully reanimated Breakdown busted through the door.

“Scrap…” Airachnid said as she looked at her all too pleased sparkling.
—----
Knock Out was pacing back and forth as then the ground bridge opened and Warlock walked through. “Warlock!” Knock Out exclaimed, Knock Out rushed over to him as Warlock was worried. “Where is my daughter?”

Knock Out nodded as he led Warlock to his lab. Knock Out immediately got nervous the moment he saw the door open. “Oh no…” Knock Out rushed to the lab with Warlock following close behind.

Knock Out saw Slipstream covered in graffiti and an unconscious Airachnid…but no Moonlight. Knock Out rushed to the side room. And no sign of Breakdown… Knock Out looked back at Warlock with a concerned look…things got even more complicated.
—----
Breakdown and Moonlight walked servo in servo down the hall. Moonlight told Breakdown about the vampire Cons but Breakdown reassured her that he could take them down for her. Breakdown and Moonlight walked for a bit to try and find Starscream and Knock Out but still failed to find them.

Breakdown turned the corner and was met with his doppelganger…CYLAS. He was hunched over a Vehicon and was draining him of his energon. Breakdown pulled out his hammer and told Moonlight to get behind him. “Silas!” Breakdown cried as the Terrorcon turned to face him. his spyhon-like tongue still out as the Terrorcon quickly retracted it. Looking to see Breakdown looking at him... No... that couldn't be possible, he was in Breakdown's body...was this a Decepticon trick?

“What…what is this?” CYLAS hissed,

“Revenge, Motherfucker!” Breakdown charged over at CYLAS and tackled the Terrorcon and with his hammer began to wail on him. Then Breakdown was so lost in the carnage he ripped open CYLAS’s chassis and saw the human puppeting his body. Breakdown’s vents were whirling and he was venting hard. He was enraged…enraged that this bastard ripped him apart for his own agenda, took his corpse as a prize, and then bastardized his body by using it as a puppet…Breakdown was pissed.

“Moonlight cover your optics and audio receptors! This is going to get ugly!” Breakdown yelled,

Moonlight closed her optics hard and covered her audio receptors. Breakdown then turned back to CYLAS. He ripped out the CYLAS’s human body from his old body. He then held it up as Silas was wheezing various cables and lifelines dangled off the human body. The human part of CYLAS looking weakly at Breakdown. "Kill...Me..."

Breakdown then squished Silas in his servos; a sickening crunch and squishing sound could be heard as red blood and other human bodily fluids began to drip down his servo. Breakdown then tossed the crushed human body of Silas to the side of the hall with as disgusting squish sound as the blood oozed out of the corpse. Breakdown began bashing and crushing his old body in a frenzy of rage. It wasn’t until a few minutes later did Breakdown calmed down.

Breakdown was caked in energon, dark energon, Synth-En, and human blood the ex-wrecker stood up and walked back over to the sparkling. “Hey.” Breakdown moved her servos off her audio receptors. “Things got a little messy ok? So keep your optics close while I go and find Knock Out…ok?”

“Ok…” Moonlight answered meekly, Breakdown scooped up Moonlight, and the sweet little sparkling did as she was told as Breakdown went looking for Knock Out.
—------
Knock Out and Warlock walked down the Nemesis as they saw dead Vehicons and Insecticons litter the hallways… Then Knock Out and Warlock saw it… Megatron and a badly wounded Starscream… his wings were bent all the wrong ways, energon oozing out of so many open wounds on his body, and the poor seeker crawling on the floor trying to get away. Starscream was scrapping at the ground trying to crawl away from the Warlord... his plan to distract Megatron had gone wrong...

Knock Out looked over at Warlock who went quiet. Then he started screaming in rage. This caught Megatron’s attention as Warlock’s Quintesson heritage came out in full force. A vibrant green energy came out from the enraged Warlock as he began to charge at Megatron. Megatron braced himself as Warlock attacked the warlord. Warlock began to wail on Megatron and Knock Out watched the violence get worse and worse. Warlock summoned his Quintesson tentacles as they wrapped around Megatron, pinning him down and burning him with the heat of the energy.

Knock Out rushed over to an injured Starscream and helped him to his pedes. “You’re gonna be ok, Scream.” Knock Out reassured the seeker.

“Knock Out!” A voice from the end of the hall rang out. Knock Out’s spark practically dropped as he saw not CYLAS but Breakdown…the proper Breakdown holding Moonlight in his arm rushing towards him. Knock Out felt tears welling up in his optics as he saw his Breakdown rush towards him.

“What the frag is going on?!” Breakdown asked,

“We need to get Starscream out of here…CYLAS became a vampire and is trying to drain others of their energon!” Knock Out explained, Breakdown looked very confused as he had no idea what a vampire was.“Uh…I took care of CYLAS…” Breakdown said awkwardly, looking over at Moonlight who was too preoccupied watching her sire beat up Megatron.

“Great!” Knock Out said happily, “Breakdown, a ground bridge console is nearby… activate it!”

Breakdown nodded as he rushed over, sparkling in servo. Breakdown began typing a random location and activated a ground bridge. The swirling green portal opened up and Breakdown rushed through with Moonlight. Knock Out was helping Starscream limp through the portal and turned back briefly to call Warlock.

Warlock snarling and venting heavily turned to see the ground bridge. He rushed through before Knock Out as he left Megatron injured and on the floor. Knock Out helped Starscream through as they left the Nemesis in total disarray.

Chapter Text

Once all of them exited the ground bridge Warlock was having a hard time calming down. The group landed in some desert area and Warlock began to shoot and throw things. Knock Out got closer to Breakdown and Moonlight as the small sparkling watched their sire freak out.

Knock Out gently placed Starscream on the ground and began giving him first aid. But during the time walking through the ground bridge and leaving the Nemesis and arriving in the desert…the injuries were so bad that Starscream went offline. After a few minutes, Starscream began glowing gold and his wounds closed as he bolted upright and was venting heavily. His fans were kicked into high gear as he was coming back to reality.

Warlock finally calmed down and plopped down on the ground clutching his helm. He hated losing control like that. Moonlight wiggled her way out of Breakdown’s arms and ran over to her sire and gave him a big hug.

Warlock hugged her back tightly, “You’re ok…you’re ok…” He kept repeating over and over as he hugged his daughter. Starscream finally calmed down and looked over at Warlock freaking out. Starscream looked over and saw a sobbing Knock Out hugging Breakdown. “You’re back…you’re really back...”

The two reunited and looked so happy together. Starscream smiled at the happy reunited couple. Then Starscream noticed Warlock glaring at him. Warlock let go of Moonlight and said something to her Starscream couldn’t hear. Then he got up and walked over to Starscream; Warlock looked very unhappy…in fact, it reminded Starscream of the glare Megatron would give him before a beating…

Warlock stopped in front of Starscream who was in a defensive stance. “What in the actual fuck were you thinking?” Warlock said coldly, glaring at his partner.

Starscream looked at him, “Warlock I-”

“No. This is not the first time this has happened, Starscream.” Warlock clenched his servos, “I…I don’t like going to that place, Starscream…I don’t like losing myself and turning into that…”

Starscream saw glimpses of Warlock’s onslaught but… he already knew when he lets his Quintesson side take over things can get rather dicey and uncomfortable. Warlock began crying, “Do you not respect me, Starscream?”

“What?!” Starscream felt insulted, “Of course I respect you!”

“Then why did you take my daughter aboard the Nemesis when I told you no?!” Warlock dried out, Breakdown and Knock Out broke their hugging to watch…this was going to be bad.

“Look I understand you are upset, Warlock but…” Starscream gestured to Knock Out and Breakdown. “Look! Breakdown is back! And Moonlight did a great thing by reuniting the couple.”

“But she could have gotten hurt! Terrorcons were littering the Nemesis! Or Megatron could have grabbed her!” Warlock clenched his servos, “And you got hurt…you died again!”

Starscream’s wings drooped, yes he dies yet again. “I understand you are concerned, Warlock…”

“Concerned?!” Warlock interrupted, “I’m angry, Starscream! Since finding out you are an outlier with immortality you’ve become reckless! Others cannot resurrect themselves like you can! You cannot go running into danger all the time and expect things to work out!”

“Ok, I am not reckless!” Starscream objected, “I made sure Moonlight was safe first by putting myself in harm's way that is very heroic and a responsible thing to do. If I didn’t Megatron would have gotten her!”

“That wouldn’t have been an issue if you listened to me!” Warlock sighs in frustration.

“Well…She wanted to help Breakdown and Knock Out! She has great abilities and wants to use them like myself!” Starscream argued,

Warlock’s shoulders slumped, “She is a sparkling, Starscream! She’s doing what you're doing because you are the adult! You're the parent in the situation, do not give her the idea that she has to put herself in danger for others all the time!”

“We are at war, Warlock! The child needs to help her comrades!” Starscream argued,

“She. Is. A. Child!” Warlock reiterated, “Stop treating her like a soldier!”

“I know she isn’t a soldier…” Starscream said as his wings hiked up, “But she-”

“No buts! Besides this isn’t just about your questionable creator skills…” Warlock got in his face,

“Questionable?!” Starscream said, offended, “Moonlight loves me! I am not a questionable parent!”

“I am her sire. Her real sire, Starscream.” Warlock’s fans were on at this point as he was getting worked up, “She doesn’t understand things and I hate that you are using her like a tool! She is not something you can use to get over your guilt for being selfish for all these years. Yes you did good but you endangered people you care about because you are still being selfish by being selfless!”

Starscream’s wings were hiked up so high Knock Out thought they might snap. “EXCUSE ME?!”

“You’re the pacifist who missed most of the war because you were selfish! You abandoned Hex for Airachnid. You practically were a Decepticon too as you did so many dealings with them. You’re using Moonlight too as a way to deflect your past and hide behind her to make yourself look good too!” Starscream snapped,

Poor Moonlight wasn’t understanding why the two were yelling at each other. Didn’t they do good? They got Breakdown back and even recruited Knock Out. Why are they mad?

Moonlight walked over to Breakdown and Knock Out who were watching the whole thing. It was like a trainwreck. They couldn’t look away. Moonlight tapped Breakdown’s leg, “Mr. Breakdown…why are sire and Starscream yelling at each other? Didn’t we do good?”

Breakdown looked awkwardly at Knock Out and then back at Moonlight. “Well…um…yes you did a great job!” Breakdown rubbed her helm affectionately. “But uh…” He turned back to the two screaming at each other, “They’re having a grown up argument! Don’t worry about it.”

Knock Out decided the two had made enough of a scene. Knock Out began to walk over and was about to open his mouth when Warlock yelled, “I’m not going to entertain this! I need a break!”

“A break from what?” Starscream sneered,

“YOU!” Warlock yelled back, “You clearly have no respect for me and are giving me scrap for being a creator! You can stay in Skywarp’s room because I cannot handle you right now!”

Warlock stormed away, picked up Moonlight, and called for a ground bridge. Starscream was standing there stunned…did… he just get dumped…?

Starscream’s wings drooped low as Knock Out offered a reassuring back rub. “Hey…” Knock Out said, testing the waters…he knows how volatile Starscream can get when he is upset… But Starscream was so stunned he was just…quiet.

“Hey look, it's just a break. Not a break-up! Listen…” Starscream looked down at Knock Out, “Give him some time to cool off. Today has been rather…eventful. We have enough things to deal with right now. I bet he’ll have you back in less than a week…”

“A week?!” Starscream buried his head in his servos. Knock Out winced…maybe that wasn’t the right words… Breakdown and Knock Out look at each other as Starscream begins to sob…it has really been one hell of a day.

Chapter Text

Knock Out was still consoling Starscream while Warlock was calling a ground bridge and updating the Autobots on what just happened. The ground bridge opened up and out came some of the Autobots to assess the situation. Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Bulkhead, and Ratchet all exited the portal and began talking with Warlock.

Ratchet looked over and saw Knock Out and Breakdown consoling Starscream. Ratchet walked over towards the three of them and looked concerned at seeing Starscream so upset. “Did something bad happen?” Ratchet asked, looking at Starscream who looked like he just stopped crying.

Knock Out looked between the two… “Uh…well…long story.”

“Warlock wants a break!” Starscream buried his head in his servos as Breakdown rubbed his back. Ratchet just looked confused and over at Knock Out who leaned over and whispered, “Relationship drama…”

Ratchet realized that’s why Warlock was so far away from Starscream…”Ah... well are you injured, Starscream?”

“Only feelings of dread and sadness!” Starscream cried,

Ratchet turned to Knock Out, “He did get injured and also died again too…”

“Again?! Starscream, this is important information. Your relationship drama can wait. I want to do a full work up.” Ratchet pinched the space between his optics… the seeker was a mess…

Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Warlock and Bulkhead joined Ratchet with the others. “Breakdown, Knock Out.” Optimus addressed the two of them. Breakdown looked at Optimus with much surprise since he looks very different from the last time he saw the Prime. And he was surprised to see Ultra Magnus of all bots here too. Bulkhead of course didn’t look happy to see Breakdown again as now his rival was alive and well.

“Starscream.” Optimus addressed, Starscream sniffled and stopped his sobbing once Optimus came over, he looked at his leader. “Yes, Optimus?”

“What you did while good intentioned was extremely reckless. And endangering a sparkling… I cannot condone that.” Optimus said, sounding very disappointed in Starscream. Somehow the Prime’s disappointed tone is worse than a beatdown from Megatron…Starscream hated knowing Optimus was disappointed in him.

“For the time being you will be confined to Warlock’s ship until further notice…” Optimus ordered,

Moonlight perked up, “So you’re grounding Starscream?”

“Yes, Moonlight. I am grounding Starscream.” Optimus answered, Starscream was almost offended by Optimus for such a juvenile punishment…but it's better than getting a beating within an inch of his life…Starscream sighed but accepted his fate for now… at least he had Skywarp also stuck at base with him.

Optimus then turned his attention to Knock Out and Breakdown. “I have been informed you wish to join the Autobots.”

Knock Out and Breakdown looked at each other and then over at Optimus, “Yes. We wish to join.” Knock Out said as Breakdown nodded in agreement. Optimus looked over at Ultra Magnus, who walked over to join the Autobot leader “Are you sure we can trust them?”

“Look…” Breakdown stepped forward, “I’ve been dead for a while now…I have missed a lot. But Megatron probably would even give a scrap that I am alive again…”Breakdown sighed in frustration, “Plus he re-recruited the glitch that killed me! I died because of her and he brought her back like it was nothing! I don’t want to serve with that!”

“Can we really trust you, Breakdown? You’ve betrayed and left the Autobots before…” Bulkhead pointed out as he turned to look at Breakdown. Breakdown didn’t look happy at Bulkhead’s point…he wasn’t wrong…but scrap Breakdown wanted to deck him. Breakdown began walking towards Bulkhead looking to fight.

“Look, I understand the hesitation to have us join you.” Knock Out walked between the two as a way to defuse some tension. “But this is no trick! This is sincere.”

Optimus looked down at Knock Out at Breakdown. Knock Out sighed, “Look at least give us a chance! It’s not like Megatron is gonna let us back in after what just happened.”

“Yes…Warlock informed us of the Terrorcon incident.” Optimus nodded, “But recently you endangered some of our human allies…”

“That was then!” Knock Out argued, “Things have changed!”

“It was a week ago.” Ultra Magnus reminded,

“Yes, yes chronological…it was a week ago. But…” Knock Out looked at Breakdown and who gave him a meek smile. “But clearly things have changed!” Gesturing to Breakdown.

“I understand that…but we cannot be so quick to just accept you into our ranks.” Optimus argued,

“Why not?! Where are we going to go?! We don’t exactly have many options… Pulling from Starscream’s playbook, I cannot go to the Harbinger because Airachnid knows its location! Can we not plead asylum at least…” Knock Out begged clasping his servos together.

Optimus looked at the desperate Cons and how they pleaded their case…Optimus sighed and turned to Warlock. “Warlock, may Breakdown and Knock Out reside in your ship? Until we can come to a consensus? We’ll ground bridge them in so they cannot learn of its location.”

Warlock looked past the Prime and at the pleading medic and his partner. Warlock sighed he already had Skywarp basically haunting the damn ship and now Starscream’s actions confined him to the ship as well until Optimus deems it ok. Why not add two Decepticons defectors to the mix?

“Ok, fine.” Warlock said, sounding rather exacerbated from today’s events. Knock Out and Breakdown both smiled at the seeker. They resummoned the ground bridge to Warlock’s ship. Knock Out and Breakdown began looking around the bridge of the ship. “Not bad…a lot less gloomy than the Nemesis.” Knock Out said admiring the brightness of the ship.

Warlock saw Starscream, Breakdown, and Knock Out looking around his bridge. Starscream turned to look at Warlock, who frowned at him and walked out of the bridge carrying Moonlight. Starscream’s wings drooped as Warlock clearly was going to need time to forgive the seeker.

Knock Out noticed Starscream staring at the doorway and how sad he looked. Knock Out walked over and placed a servo on the seeker’s shoulder. “Don’t worry Starscream. You two will work it out…just give him a bit of time.”

Starscream sighed, he knew Knock Out was right and that Warlock just needed to cool off a bit. But the dread Starscream felt not being able to go and recharge with him, snuggle up with him and just talk to Warlock…the poor seeker felt dejected.

Skywarp and Thundercracker walked into the bridge and saw a sad Starscream, Knock Out, and Breakdown standing there in the bridge of the ship. “Uh…what?” Thundercracker asked, looking very confused.

“Is that any way to welcome your newest teammates?” Knock Out asked, placing his hands on his cocked hip.

Skywarp looked at each other, then over at Starscream who was moping in the corner. “Scream is this true?” Skywarp asked as the mopey seeker looked at his brother. “Uh Scream…you good?”

“Mhmm.” Starscream grunted in frustration,

“Uh…maybe give him some space for a bit.” Knock Out butted in, “He and Warlock got into a pretty nasty fight…”

Starscream signed loudly at Knock Out’s explanation and slumped over more. Thundercracker went over to his mopey brother. “Alright…Skywarp.” Skywarp looked at his brother who looked back at him. “You know the drill.”

Skywarp nodded and helped Thundercracker get Starscream up and the two guided their brother to Skywarp’s quarters. Knock Out and Breakdown follow, but Skywarp turns to them, “we need some trine time. We’ll show you around after…alright?” Knock Out and Breakdown understood and went exploring on their own.

Thundercracker put Starscream in the middle of their berth and grabbed a bunch of blankets. Skywarp was running around getting tons of pillows and grabbing some energon cubes. Once maximum coziness was achieved, the two brothers climbed in with Starscream. The two seekers wrapped their arms and legs around the mopey Starscream in an effort to cheer him up. Starscream remembers when they were sparklings and would do the same thing for one another. No matter who was upset, the best course of action is a seeker nesting cuddle session. Starscream smiled and got comfortable with his brothers by his side. Warlock may be mad at him right now, but at least he has his brothers to help with the loneliness.

Chapter Text

With Starscream and his trine preoccupied, Knock Out and Breakdown explored the ship. The two heard talking and peeked in and saw Moonlight and Warlock doing a school lesson. They went looking at things like the spare rooms, the armory, the energon supply, Warlock’s lab… obviously not touching anything but observing.

“This place looks more like a flying hotel than a spaceship…” Knock Out noted,

Breakdown shrugged at his partner, “At least it beats hiding in the desert.”

“How does it feel? You know… to be back and all?” Knock Out asked Breakdown, Breakdown paused for a second “Weird. Being dead you were weightless and had no limbs just in a weird dreamlike state in the Allspark…”

“Was it bad?” Knock Out asked,

“No…just different.” Breakdown clearly was being vague about it… Knock Out decided to stop prying. Knock Out then noticed a strange door. Knock Out got curious as he went down the small staircase to the room. He saw a large green glowing crystal with tons of security around it. Breakdown followed and saw the same thing.

“What’s that?” Breakdown asked,

“Don’t know but there's tons of security around it.” Knock Out noted as he looked around. The medic, being nosey, walked towards it. “Knock Out…don’t.” Breakdown pleaded as the medic got closer and closer to the crystal. Knock out was right in front of the crystal as he went to touch it the security system went off. The door shut Breakdown went tumbling down the last few steps and the lighting in the room turned red.

“I told you!” Breakdown yelled,

The guns all had laser pointers pointing at Knock Out when Breakdown rushed over and tackled the medic as an attempt to shield him from the lasers…sadly Breakdown miscalculated and did shield Knock Out but also knocked the crystal off the pedestal it was resting on. The crystal was now in Knock Out’s lap and Knock Out in Breakdown’s lap. The guns recalibrated and aimed at the two when the eerie green light emitting from the crystal grew brighter and brighter and began to blind the two bots and scramble the security system.

Knock Out and Breakdown felt a weird energy surge through them and after a few minutes the tingling from the energy faded and the system was offline. Breakdown and Knock Out were adjusting their optics to the still red room when they heard a strange sound…almost like whining.

Knock Out looked down in his lap the crystal on his left…and a sparkling on his right. Knock Out gasped in surprise and Breakdown looked down at his partner and saw the sparkling in his arms. They couldn’t make out its coloring from the saturated red lighting, but the features were unmistakably a fusion of Knock Out and Breakdown’s.

The helm was a mix of angular and squared off shapes, looking like a mix of Breakdown and Knock Out’s. The little one had pointed audio receptors like Knock Out, yellowish optics like Breakdown. Its chassis had the angular sleekness of Knock Out but had also the squared of touch look of Breakdown…this sparkling was clearly theirs but…how?

Suddenly, the lights went back to normal, and the door opened, and Warlock rushed in. “What the frag? Why are you two down here?!”

Then Warlock saw the sparkling in Knock Out’s lap… “Oh no…you two used the Heartstone?!” Warlock walked closer as the two bots got to their pedes. Breakdown putting the pedestal back up, and Knock Out placed the crystal back onto it. He didn’t put the sparkling down as the little one was cooing and looking around.

Now that the red lighting was gone it was apparent that his coloring was also a mix of the two—it was Breakdown's blue armor color but tinted with a bit of red, giving it a purplish hue. The little one had accents of red, and grey with some yellow accents like Knock Out and Breakdown. Knock Out was bewildered by their little sparkling and how it was a perfect fusion of the two of them.

Breakdown was profusely apologizing to Warlock about everything while Knock Out couldn’t stop staring at the little one in his arms. “Knock Out!” Breakdown called, Knock Out snapped out of his daze and was grinning audio receptor to audio receptor. “Breakdown, look!” He held up the sparkling who looked confused, “Our child!”

Breakdown finally scanned the sparkling and it was hard to deny the similarities. Warlock face palmed and was shaking his head, “Because you two activated the Heartstone, it made you two a sparkling!”

“What?” The two said in confusion,

Warlock sighed, “The Heartstone can combine your CNA together and just make a baby. It’s how I made Moonlight with Airachnid despite being different species… in a way.”

Knock Out was still grinning like an idiot. “Breakdown! It’s Wildbreak! Our little Wildbreak!” Knock Out was nuzzling the sparkling as it giggled a little. Breakdown sighed he couldn’t help but smile at the wholesomeness of the scene before him. Breakdown walked over and wrapped his arms around the very happy Knock Out. Warlock couldn’t help but smile at the two new creators and their little one.

“Well as the only person here with true sparkling experience… you can ask me anything.” Warlock let his anger fade… Wildbreak was too cute to be mad at. After all it wasn’t his fault his creators were clumsy.

Warlock rearmed the system and made a note mentally to upgrade it to prevent something like this from happening again. After a bit of walking, Wildbreak wanted to be put down. The sparkling had sea legs and wobbled as he tried to figure out how to walk. Breakdown and Knock Out were being very careful with their sparkling as he walked, and after a few minutes, Wildbreak was walking a bit oddly but he was getting the hang of it.

Wildbreak was determined and had that look on his little faceplate as he followed the grown-ups. “Aren’t you a big bot?” Knock Out said proudly, “Not even an hour old and walking…”

Wildbreak huffed as he tried to rush to catch up to the bigger bots. Thundercracker came out to address the alarm and saw Wildbreak walk past him. The sparkling stopped and turned to look at the seeker. Thundercracker then looked up at the other, “Heartstone?”

“Heartstone.” The trio answer in unison,

Starscream and Skywarp peeked out as the baby bot looked up at them and smiled. “Aw he’s adorable…” Skywarp said, waving at the sparkling. Wildbreak repeated the gesture and smiled at Skywarp. Knock Out walked over, “Of course he’s adorable! He’s my son!”

Starscream looked over at Warlock, who’s optics were locked on the curious little sparkling. Warlock was smiling at Wildbreak who was all giggly and enjoying waving at Skywarp. Moonlight came out of the room and saw another sparkling. Moonlight gasped and grinned widely as she rushed over to the new sparkling. Moonlight hugged Wildbreak, “Another sparkling!” Moonlight lifted the smaller sparkling up off the ground and Wildbreak looked confused and began to cry.

Knock Out and Breakdown went over and took him from Moonlight. Moonlight was confused, and Warlock went over to his daughter. “He’s still getting used to things so don’t pick him up so suddenly, ok?” Warlock rubbed Moonlight’s back. She looked at the other two, coddling and trying to soothe the sobbing, sparkling. After a bit, Knock Out got them to calm down.

“This is going to make things more interesting…” Thundercracker said, turning to his brothers. Starscream looked at how happy Knock Out and Breakdown looked. Starscream looked over at Warlock and just felt…even sadder. He went back into the trine’s little nest and wrapped himself up, now feeling conflicted about everything.
-----
The next couple of days Knock Out and Breakdown were busy with Wildbreak. The little sparkling was rather timid and was always clinging to Breakdown or Knock Out. He was being friendly to the seekers as he saw them around the ship so he was less scared of them. Wildbreak tried to play with Moonlight, the two sparklings played with simple toys, as Wildbreak didn’t have the motor skills yet to play video games.

Optimus and the rest of the team came to a consensus so they summoned Knock Out and Breakdown. The two went to leave and let the seekers watch Wildbreak. As they were going through the ground bridge, they failed to notice the tiny sparkling clinging to Breakdown’s leg. Wildbreak practically weighed nothing to a bot like Breakdown so he didn’t feel the extra weight in his leg.

The two ex-Decepticons walked into the base to face the tribunal of Autobots. The two looked nervous as they waited for Optimus to speak. The rest of the Autobots, excluding the seekers, were in the room, hell even the humans were there. June and Agent Fowler definitely didn’t look happy to see Knock Out of all bots after what happened.

“Do the humans have to be here?” Knock Out asked as he looked over at their disapproving stares.

“They are just as much a member of the team as any Cybertronian.” Optimus informs them, “Their opinions are also important on whether to let you two join our ranks.”

“Oh come on! You let Starscream and his trine in! Why are you all giving us such a hard time?!” Knock Out argued,

“Because barely a week ago you kidnapped us!” June exclaimed and Agent Fowler nodded. Knock Out rolled his optics, “Again with the kidnapping! I’m sorry, ok?”

June crossed her arms, not buying the doctor’s apology. Optimus looked back at Knock Out, “We have already come to a decision to let you join us…but we will require a probationary period to make sure we can truly trust the both of you.”

Breakdown and Knock Out vented out a sigh of relief. Then the sound of a coo came from Breakdown’s leg. The two optics went wide as Knock Out leaned back and saw Wildbreak behind Breakdown. The Autobots looked confused as they looked at the two Cons. Warlock’s optics also widened when he realized what the two were looking at. Wildbreak then peeked out from behind Breakdown's leg.

“Another sparkling!” Miko pointed out as the other human kids rushed over to the railing to peek at the new sparkling.

“How?” Ratchet said, looking at the sparkling and realizing it looks just like the two of them. Breakdown leaned down and picked up Wildbreak who immediately got overwhelmed by all the optics and eyes on him and buried his head into Breakdown’s arm. Warlock walked forward, “They…used the Heartstone.”

Optimus walked over to Breakdown and smiled down at Wildbreak. “Hello little one.” He said in a calm, soothing tone. Wilbreak unburied his head from Breakdown and looked at Optimus. Wildbreak meekly waved his tiny servo at Optimus. Optimus mirrored the sparkling and waved back, making Wildbreak got more comfortable and began to sit up and look around. The rest of the team looked at the adorable sparkling with soft smiles.

Wildbreak’s little optics locked onto the humans and looked confused. Wildbreak pointed at the humans and Breakdown slowly walked towards them. Wildbreak got close to the friendly humans and was giggling and smiling at them.

“Aw he is so cute!” Miko said getting a better look at Wildbreak. June and Fowler walked closer to see the sparkling. They all smiled at him and Wildbreak smiled back. Ratchet shook his head, “Didn’t expect our base to become a daycare.”

“Come on Ratchet! Don’t be a grouch.” Smokescreen said to the medic, “I think it’s kind of sweet.”

Thundercracker commed Warlock in a panic as he couldn’t find Wildbreak. Thankfully Warlock informed the seekers that Wildbreak snuck through the ground bridge with his creators. Thundercracker sighed in relief and informed his brothers where Wildbreak was. Warlock could practically hear the relieved sighs from the other two through the comms, giving Warlock a chuckle.

Warlock looked at most of the team gathering around Wildbreak as he began exploring the base a bit. Warlock smiled then frowned as he wished Starscream was here to see the cuteness. But Starscream is still punished and the fact that Warlock was still a bit upset at the seeker for the stunt with Moonlight.

Warlock walked over to Ratchet who seemed indifferent to the whole ordeal with Wildbreak. “Ratchet…” Ratchet turned towards Warlock, “Can I ask a favor?”

“What kind of favor, Warlock?” Ratchet asked,

“Starscream and I-” Warlock began and Ratchet raised a servo. “Ap, ap, ap, no. I am not playing therapist to you and Starscream.”

“Ratchet…the only other option is Knock Out…and he’s well…busy…” Warlock gestured to Wildbreak, Ratchet rubbed his temple at the infuriating scientist. “No…I’m not Rung! I will not be a therapist to you two…”

“Who’s Rung? Is he someone I can contact to help?” Warlock asked,

Ratchet groaned, the last thing he wants is Rung being in the mix…. “He is a therapist…but…are things with Starscream so bad?”

“I…I want things to work but I don’t think Starscream respects me!” Warlock told the medic, “I didn’t want to be presumptuous but…you are a medical professional…”

“Look, Warlock… I heard you and Starscream were struggling and…I want you two to work…” Ratchet placed a servo on Warlock's shoulder, “But I can only help so much.”

“Any help would be appreciated…Ratchet…” Warlock looked over at Wildbreak playing with the humans… “I want a future with Starscream. I just need to get it across to him.”

Ratchet sighed, “Fine. I’ll talk to Optimus to allow him to do therapy and let him in the base for therapy.”

Warlock smiled and thanked Ratchet. The medic didn’t look too pleased but…considering Warlock’s disposition and Starscream’s history… the two were in for a major wake up call.

Chapter Text

Starscream was allowed to enter the base for therapy. Skywarp and Thundercracker offered any extra support after. Especially since Warlock was the one to encourage this. Starscream wasn’t happy about it, but at least it gave him some time outside Warlock’s ship and an antsy Skywarp who is driving him crazy.

Starscream walked over and saw Warlock and Ratchet waiting for him. Starscream never did couples counseling. But maybe he should…but still, it’s weird to do it with Ratchet of all bots.

The two sat down in a separate location where no one could hear, for the purpose of them having privacy. Starscream sat down as did Warlock, with Ratchet looking at the two of them. Ratchet sighed as he had a data pad cleared for this express purpose.

Warlock looked at Starscream, and Starscream looked at Warlock. The two felt a sense of tension but also joy at seeing each other again. Ratchet notices the two’s reaction and hopes that this won’t be a constant thing and just some minor mediation will help the couple out.

“So, where shall we begin? I’m going to be honest: this is new territory for me as well. So…” Ratchet said, getting his data pad ready.

Starscream and Warlock looked at each other. “I guess the main incident was sneaking Moonlight onto the Nemesis to resurrect Breakdown. And how Starscream ignored my choice to not do that.” Warlock looked at Starscream who huffed.

“Well, we managed to resurrect Breakdown and add him and Knock Out to the Autobot ranks, so I think it was a successful mission.” Starscream defended,

“Ye,s but you endangered Warlock’s child against his wishes.” Ratchet pointed at Warloc,k who smiled triumphantly at the seeker.

Starscream looked between the two with a scowl, “Wel,l we practically co-parent at this point. But… Moonlight herself also wanted to help! She’s more talented than Warlock gives her credit for.”

“I have seen Moonlight using her outlier or Quintesson abilities to her advantage…” Ratchet said, writing this down, “And she is rather skilled with these abilities, so I understand why you would rely on her…but she is still a child, Starscream.” Ratchet looked up at the seeker, “And you need to take your partner’s consideration into your decision. Like you said, it's a co-parenting situation. Moonlight cares about you both a lot. She shouldn’t have to listen to one more over the other.”

The two exchanged a look. “But I still feel like I don’t get respect, and Starscream does what he wants without my consideration.” Warlock sighed,

Starscream looked down, “I respect you! I just…wanted to help Knock Out…” Starscream’s shoulders slumped. “I…I know what it's like to lose people I care about and then be so happy to have them back. When my brothers came back, I was so happy. I was alone for so long, Warlock. I know Knock Out’s wasn’t as long, but…you saw how I was when Skywarp was in his coma… Knock Out was on the cusp of having his partner back… and I wanted to do the heroic thing of helping him reunite with his love.”

Warlock’s gaze softened from Starscream’s explanation. “I understand that, Starscream.” Warlock took Starscream’s servos into his. “But you have to see it from my point of view. I saw you endangering my daughter. There were vampire Cons on the ship. Yes, it was successful, thankful but…you also got killed by Megatron again! What if your outlier power just decided not to work? What if Moonlight got attacked by the vampires? You need to consider all this.”

Starscream paused…he hadn’t considered this. He is so used to his old standing as second in command and having disposable minions…and that most of the people he deals with are able to handle themselves… Moonlight would be the first exception. As exceptional as she is, she is still a child, so he wasn’t used to it.

“I’m…I’m sorry, Warlock.” Starscream said, looking up at him, “I…I didn’t think it through.”

Warlock sighed and looked at Starscream. “I know.” Warlock said, a little annoyed, “But…It did wor,k and we do have Wildbreak now.” Warlock smiled, “He is really cute.”

“Yes, another sparkling. We need running around the base.” Ratchet rolled his optics, “But this is still about you two and not a sparkling.”

“Right back on topic.” Warlock nervously chuckles,

“There is still the matter of respect and the two of you not respecting the others' opinions.” Ratchet pointed out,

“Yes. That’s one of my main issues.” Warlock agreed,

Starscream frowned and exaggeratedly turned to look at Warlock. “One of?”

Warlock looked at the clearly offended Starscream. Ratchet awkwardly cleared his throat. “One issue at a time. This is mostly designed so that you two will be able to work together and help assuage some relationship issues.”

“I thought this was couple’s counseling?” Starscream said, confused.

“It is…Look, I told you this the first time I have done this! I just need you two to not have awkward tension when in the field that could cause problems…and it helps your relationship…well that’s an added bonus.” Ratchet elaborates,

“Ahh…now I get why Optimus was for this.” Starscream realized, and Warlock frowned; he didn't like Ratchet’s ulterior motive. Starscream placed a servo on Warlock’s thigh, “Warlock and I wouldn’t let our relationship harm others in the field. We are too grown up for that.”

Ratchet looked between the two of us. “Uh huh…” He didn’t seem convinced. Ratchet pursed his lips and looked at the two bots. “Not to pry but when was the last time you two had some…fun together?”

“Uh…” Warlock said, looking at Starscream, who was blushing. “What do you mean by that?”

Ratchet realized his wording, “Primus no! Not that! I mean you two having some quality time together? Like a date or just some casual caring time together.”

“Oh! Uh, I mean we did some preening recently…” Warlock said, trying to calm Starscream down a bit. Starscream looked at him with a confused look, “Warlock that was 3 weeks ago…”

“Oh…oh…wow uh…” Warlock awkwardly looked away. “I didn’t realize that was so long ago…”

“I think you two need to spend some more quality time together.” Ratchet suggested,

“You think so?” Starscream asks,

“Yes. You two are focusing your problems on Moonlight. I know you two love her so much. But you two need to focus on making you two feel…happy again.” Ratchet pointed out,

“We had plenty of fun and loving moments together.” Warlock defended,

Starscream looked at him with a bit of worry. Ratchet saw this, “Is it enough?”

Starscream was curious about Warlock's reaction. Warlock noticed this and blushed. “I mean, we haven’t really been together otherwise… But I am working on the Onyx Triptych and working on helping you with the Synth-En!”

Ratchet then felt a bit bad from this as the research is affecting Warlock’s relationship. “I didn’t expect your research to affect your relationships…”

“I work hard!” Warlock defended himself,

Starscream hummed as he looked at Ratchet. “I mean….”

“I want some love…” Starscream said rudely,

“Starscream! I love you! More than you probably can realize!” Warlock said angrily, “I love you!”

Starscream’s spark softened a bit. “You…love me?”

“Oh my Primus, yes!” Warlock said, almost annoyed, “I love you so much Starscream! Moonlight loves you! We both see you as family! I want you to just recognize that you are the parent and not put her in dangerous situations.”

Starscream paused. He loved Moonlight and obviously Warlock…”I…I didn’t realize that. I love you too…”

Warlock’s spark fluttered hearing that. “I love you too.”

Starscream smiled and took Warlock’s servos in his. “I want to mend this…Maybe we need another fun little date I would love to put together…But I want you happy.”

Warlock practically melted hearing this. He sweetly gazed into Starscream’s optics, and Starscream did the same. Ratchet sighed a bit of relief that the two would work things out and finally leave him out of it.

Chapter Text

Starscream shrugged, “I think it’s a lot of work for something to just eat. But I mean, humans are a different species, so I guess it’s a necessity.”

“I mean, if anything, humans can come to restaurants and eat, so they don’t have to cook. Someone else can.” Warlock smiled as Starscream laughed at his point. “You do have a good point.” Starscream looked around, “Clearly other humans have that idea; hence, why there are so many restaurants.”

Warlock looked around and saw couples, families, and friends all enjoying meals. Starscream saw Warlock looking around and leaned forward on the table with his head in his hands. Warlock turned and jumped a little at Starscream’s position and smirked on his face. “Even on a date, you can’t help but be observing everything like a scientist.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just fascinating seeing humans in a natural habit. Like them…” Warlock points to a teenage couple just on their phone and not talking. “Why aren’t they talking? Or them?” Warlock pointed at a family of four with a baby in a high chair. “Why are they sparkling in such a strange contraption?”

Starscream lowered Warlock’s pointing, “Darling, they're staring at you…”

Warlock looked and laughed awkwardly. “Whoops. Sorry.”

“It’s alright. I know you can’t help it.” Starscream chuckled. The waiter came around with their appetizers as they placed down a thing of calamari. Starscream looked at the fried squid and the marinara dipping sauce next to it. Starscream tilted his head and took a bite of it first. “What is this again?”

“Uh…it had a funky name. Cal-mati? Callicari? Uh…it’s fried squid.” Warlock said, taking a bite and dipping it in the sauce. “Squid, huh? It’s not bad.” Starscream shrugged and ate more of the calamari.

They ate their fill of the calamari as the two’s main dishes arrived. Starscream got some kind of salad, and Warlock got a pasta dish. Warlock smiled as though the noodles were fun looking. But he struggled to scoop them up and was getting frustrated by the fact the noodles kept falling off the fork. Starscream noticed this as Warlock was now crouched over his pasta dish, trying to figure out how to consume his pasta.

“Warlock…sweetspark…” Starscream felt bad for him,

“I will figure out how to consume this…” Warlock insisted as he dropped another noodle.

Starscream rolled his eyes. He took Warlock’s fork and then spun it around, and the noodles wrapped around the fork. Then he hands the fork to Warlock and the scientist just looks at the fork for a moment too long. “You’re brilliant.”

“I know.” Starscream said smugly, Starscream then took a bite of his salad. Warlock using the technique Starscream showed him, allowing him to eat his dinner.

The two continued to converse about things. Such as the shenanigans that Skywarp and Smokescreen have been getting into around the base driving Ratchet nuts. Starscream mentioned that Thundercracker is writing a new screenplay but again he hid it from him and Skywarp as he did not want to deal with his brother’s ridicule. Warlock rolled his eyes, as he knew that Starscream and Skywarp would tease Thundercracker. Warlock mentioned Moonlight and Wildbreak having a good time playing and how Moonlight has been since the Terrorcon incident.

They chatted away until they finished their dinner. They paid on the military’s dime…and hopefully Agent Fowler will not question the food charge…

The two left the restaurant and left happy. “This was nice…a simple dinner and a walk through the park.” Warlock said, taking Starscream’s hand in his. Starscream smiled back at Warlock. “You still mad at me?”

“Well…I’ll say it is hard to stay mad at you.” Warlock said, looking down at Starscream. Starscream pulled himself closer to Warlock and grabbed his arm, “I knew you couldn’t resist my charms.”

“Yes, Starscream, you are too charming to be mad at.” Warlock said in a sarcastic tone. Starscream laughed, “Ok, ok. I do feel bad about how things went down…and that we both need to spend some time together. Having a relationship during a war is…complicated.”

“You’re right. Look at Knock Out and Breakdown…but…let’s not talk about that right now…” Warlock wrapped his arm around Starscream and pulled him close to him. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our day. Say…a late night stroll before going back to the ship?”

Starscream smiled, “I think I would like that.”

Chapter Text

After losing Knock Out and Dreadwing and a whole lot of Vehicons due to the outbreak recently, Megatron was in a foul mood in regards to his army's size and structure. Slipstream’s blunder and Dreadwing's betrayal were obviously not planned by any means. So, hopefully, Project Predacon can hurry up and replenish Megatron’s ranks.

Shockwave called Megatron to his offsite lab to see the status of Project Predacon. Megatron walked past tons of specimen tubes containing still-growing Predacons. Megatron saw Shockwave at a far-off computer typing on the console and updating the status of Project of Predacon.

Shockwave heard the approaching pedes of Megatron. His little antennae twitched as he turned to see Megatron. “Lord Megatron.”

“Shockwave. I am in need of some good news.” Megatron said as he stopped approaching. Shockwave turns back to the computer then back at Megatron, “I do indeed.”

“Excellent. And that would be?” Megatron asked. The sounds of large clawed pedes hitting the ground got Megatron’s attention. Then he saw them, two more Predacons walking towards him.

“I see the project is already bearing fruit…” Megatron said with a smirk,

“Indeed. I gave them designations so that it would be easier to differentiate between all the Predacons.” Shockwave walked down next to his two new Predacons. “Meet Darksteel and Skylynx.”

“Pleasure.” Megatron said, looking at the two smaller Predacons. “They are smaller than the other Predacon you grew.”

“Yes. But they are equally ferocious.” Shockwave reassured,

“Excellent.” Megatron smiled, and a louder roar echoed in the chamber as Predaking walked in. The other two roared at Predacon as the trio of Predacons had their wings flaring and them all roaring and sniping at each other. Megatron observed as the two smaller Predacons ganged up on the larger one…

Megatron was not going to risk his new army on a few Predacons’ squabbles. “Enough!” Megatron roared, “Take this outside, you mongrels!”

The three reeled back and all exited the chamber. Megatron walked over to Shockwave, “They better listen to orders…”

“I assure you, Lord Megatron…they are under control.” Shockwave reassured the warlord.

“I hope so…because what is the point of having an army of unruly beasts!” Megatron sneered as he heard the Predacons fighting outside.

“I also want to discuss Knock Out’s involvement with the project.” Megatron said with his back towards Shockwave. Shockwave’s antennae twitched, “I understand. I found the tube he used to clone Breakdown in using CYLAS’s chassis.”

“I see…So it was an oversight…” Megatron asked,

“It would seem so. I am in charge of numerous test subjects, and I left some to Knock Out…he took advantage of it.” Shockwave stated,

“I see…so Knock Out flew under the radar with his testing and his own experiments.” Megatron observed as he looked at one of the Predacons in the tube. Megatron tapped on the glass causing the Predacon inside to squirm…

“Well, we now have three…So let’s see what they can do…” Megatron said with a smirk,

Megatron walked out of the lab and saw the three Predacons battling. Though Darksteel and Skylynx were working together. Preadking’s size and strength was overtaking them. The exterior of the lab was covered in soot and scorch marks from the three as they continued to battle.

“I can’t wait to see them in battle…”

Chapter Text

The base was rather quiet as Hex was playing with Moonlight and Wildbreak in the base. It annoyed Ratchet and Ultra Magnus, but the display was rather cute. Then Moonlight and Wildbreak ran over and began climbing on Breakdown, who unfortunately became the sparklings’ next target. Hex sat up and watched the two and was laughing the whole time.

Then Hex gets a garbled message. She activates her comms and tries to listen to the message over the childlike laughter and Ratchet’s yelling.

“Meet…me…at…” The voice was unfamiliar to Hex. But they provided coordinates for the location. But something about the voice seemed familiar… Hex looked back at the team and then looked over at Starscream, who was filing his claws in the corner. Hex got up and walked over to the seeker. “Hey, can I ask you a favor?”

“Yes?” Starscream answered, still focusing on his digits. Hex frowned at the seeker’s lack of interest. “I got some weird coordinates…I’m gonna check them out.”

Starscream pauses and looks at Hex. “So you received mysterious coordinates…and want to go solo? When there is a base full of allies who can come with you?” Starscream stated in a condescending tone, Hex’s frown deepened, “Look, I don’t want more people getting in trouble…”

“Says the one who got kept as a pet by a Predacon.” Starscream sassed,

“Bold of you to say, as you’ve done a variety of stupid things solo.” Hex sassed back,

“I did it for the collective! Not for my own curiosity.” Starscream pointed at her with the nail filer. Hex lowered it and rolled her optics, “Please. If I ask my brother, he will want to come with me. And so would the others. You’re the only one who would get it…”

“Fine. But if you get kidnapped again, I will say it was your own fault.” Starscream pouted and resumed his nail filing. “Thanks, Scream!” Hex hugged him, causing him to freeze. She runs off and transforms. Thundercracker comes over to Starscream, “What was that about?”

“I’m still not sure…” Starscream said as he walked away.
—----
Predaking paces back and forth on the cliff face, waiting for Hex. Hex spots the rather large Predacon on the cliff. “Ha…knew it.”

She transforms and lands near him with a flourish and a big smile. “Predaking!”

The Predacon turned with a large grin and a purr of joy as it rushed over to Hex. She grabbed his head and hugged it tightly. “You got better at speaking! I heard the growl in it and figured it was you!”

Predacon then took a few steps back, and Hex watched in awe as he transformed! She watched all the plating shift and move on the large beast, turning into a rather large bot. “Whoa…” Hex said as she craned her neck up to look at the large bot.

“Hex! Ha, ha!” Predaking said clearly as he hugged her tightly in his arms. “It is nice to truly speak to you!”

“Same…here…” She choked out while being squeezed by the Predacon. Predaking let her go as she landed on her pedes. “You can transform?”

“Yes! I realized recently I have that ability!” He said cheerfully, he was clearly so excited to show her of all the bots. His big yellow optics shone bright as his fanged denta filled mouth smiled back at her. She smiled at his excitement as she squealed in excitement for him. “That’s amazing, Predaking!”

“I know!” He responded. He clenched his servos up near his face with a big smile. “I can talk and we can do stuff together!”

Hex smiled, but her spark fell. The two were technically enemies…unless she can convince Predaking to join the Autobots…

“Predaking, you have to understand…you are with the Decepticons…” Hex began to try and let the fiery-tempered Predacon down easily…

“I understand that. I serve Megatron and you serve his enemy…but…” Predaking paused as he could now see this as a problem. “Ah…I get it now.”

“Yeah…” Hex said awkwardly, “I do want to see you more, Predaking! I think you and I bonded a lot, and you are such a cool mech!”

Predaking smiled at Hex’s compliment, “ Well…I see you as someone close to me…”

Hex blushes a bit, “Oh?”

“Yes. I see you as a possible mate, Hex.” Predaking admitted,

Hex really blushed as her face flushed blue. “OH?!” She said in shock, still trying to process what Predaking was admitting. Predaking twiddled his thumbs and tapped his digits nervously. “Yes, I want you to be my mate…”

Hex looked up at Predaking. She had to admit he was a very handsome mech. He was imposing, strong, and charming in his own simple way, which Hex usually likes in a bot. Hex takes his larger clawed servos in her own smaller ones and smiles up at him. “I…I would like that but-”

Predaking pressed a digit to her lips. “Let us not talk of factions. I want to spend time with the person. Not the Autobot.”

Hex smiled at Predaking. “Alright, Predaking, what do you want to do then?”

Predaking happily growled as he pounced on Hex and pulled her face up to his and kissed her passionately. Hex could feel Predaking’s surprisingly forked glossa dive down her throat as the Predacons kissed her with passion. Hex kissed back as the Predacon moaned as he felt her glossa in his mouth. Predaking’s clawed servos slowly move over Hex’s smaller frame as Predaking’s body overtakes his as he is lost in the passionate make-out session.

Hex broke the kiss as the two looked dazed and flustered from the passionate moment. Predaking’s optics were half lidded as he looked down at her with a loving, tender embrace. He clung to him, trying to keep her grip as Predaking was so big, but thankfully, he had enough spiked elements to grab onto to keep her grip.

Predaking noticed Hex clinging to her like a squirrel on a tree and laughed, “Good thing I have plenty of spikes on my chassis for you to grab.”

“Predaking… there is only one spike I am interested in right now…” Hex flirted,

Predaking blushed at her boldness. “My, you are a bold one, aren’t you?”

Hex giggled and wrapped her arms around Predaking’s neck and pulled herself up to kiss him again. Predaking broke the kiss rather quickly and put Hex back on the ground. The Predacon stood over her with lidded optics and a devious smirk on his face.

Hex watched as he knelt down and then hovered over her, each of his arms on either side of her. He began to lean down, hovering just above her face. She could feel his breath on her face as he looked down at her. “I will be honest, Hex… I need guidance for…what we are about to do… I have never…” Predaking blushed as he embarrassingly admitted to never interfacing.

“I figured as much… I doubt the Decepticons taught interfacing 101 to a Predacon…” Hex jokes,

Predaking laughs, “The Decepticons are unaware of my transformation capabilities…so I doubt they would waste time teaching a beast to not…well…”

“They don’t know?” Hex was curious now…the Cons don’t know their Predacon attack dog is a bot. “Are you going to tell them?” Hex asks, now wondering why the Predacon is being so secretive.

“Well…yes. But they are preoccupied with Darksteel and Skylynx, so that is why I can sneak away.” Predaking explained,

“Darksteel and Skylynx?” Hex asked,

“Enough talking… can we just…” Predaking cupped Hex’s face plate. “Can we enjoy the mood over discussing things?”

Hex realized she was killing the rather romantic mood the two were in… “Alright, big guy… I can be more than enough of a guiding force for you.”

Predaking’s optics light up as he leans down to her audio processors. “Then tell me Hex…tell me how I can please my mate…”

A shiver of anticipation went down Hex’s spinal strut… “Ok…let's do this…”

Preadking looked down with lust in his optics as he was so pleased to claim his mate. Predaking began by lowering himself and kissing Hex passionately. Hex could hear the paneling from Predaking shifting away. Hex looked down quickly but couldn’t see as she just heard the loud ‘shink’ sound.

Predaking lifted up and revealed his pressured spike. Unlike most standard Cybertronian spikes, it was much larger, like Predaking’s frame, with large ridging that goes down the shaft of the spike. The tip is rounded and leaking trans fluid and is a vibrant orange with a dark brown shaft. Hex herself was shocked by the size and shape of Predaking’s spike, but…more thoughts came to her as…this could be a fun experience.

“Wow…you’re a really big bot, huh…” Hex chuckled, her optics still locked on the ridged spike. The spike began to leak a bit of transfluid. “I am a rather large bot, yes.” Predaking chuckled as he looked down at Hex.

“Are you worried, Hex?” He asked,

“Pfft. No.” Hex chuckled, “I am up for a challenge.”

Preadking chuckled, “You are a mighty warrior, Hex. Truly worthy of a Predacon’s mate…”

Hex looked into Predaking’s golden optics and smiled. Preadking looked down and began lining up his spike with Hex’s valve… “My dear, open up for me…”

Hex looked half lidded at Predaking… “Ok…”

Hex opened her valve up for Predaking. It was dripping at this point… Predaking was smirking… “Oh Hex…”

“Shut up…” Hex argued,

Predaking laughed, “Oh, we are well passed shutting up.”

“Shut up…” Hex said again, blushing horribly. Predaking laughed, “Oh, let’s have fun.”

Predaking lines up his spike and looks Hex dead in the optics as he shoves it gently inside…. He knows he’s larger than most and wants Hex to enjoy her time with her versus pain…

Predaking, despite his size, tried to be gentle at first…Hex immediately arched her back as the first ridge went in. “Oh…”

“Are you ok?” Predaking asked worried,

“Very ok…keep going…” Hex said breathlessly,

Predaking nodded as he went further in. He enjoyed the moans and gasps coming from Hex as he pushed further and further into her. He was impressed that she took him in fully. “My, you are a true warrior taking on a king…”

Hex smiled as she began rolling her hips, causing his optics to shoot open. “Oh…Primus…”

She laughed, “Getting in is the first step…now the fun can begin…”

Hex took the lead and sat up as she rolled her hips and began moving up and down his large, ribbed spike. Predaking moaned and purred lowly as she rode hip. Predaking himself felt his body both loosen and stiffen at the same time. He could feel his wings twitch despite being furled. This felt so good to the Predacon and was so new and exciting.

Predaking held her back to get her further up his spike. He wanted her to take all of him in. She moaned and continued to ride him. Predaking was worried he didn’t know what to do, then let her roll on his spike.

Then he began to thrust a little, and Hex got louder. The sound was so sweet to him as he gently moved his own hips back and forth. The rhythm the two bots figured out to make the most of their time was quick, passionate, and powerful.

Predaking went faster as the passion grew, and the momentum felt so good to the Predacon. Hex was practically on top of him as he was now on his back with Hex on top of him, thrusting her hips forward as he thrusted up, causing her to bounce on his spike. Her valve went up and down on the ridged spike as it hit her wall nodes just right with great speed and power.

Hex and Predaking’s minds were clouded with fog from the moment they shared. The two were lost in a wave of passion as they continued to interface… Hex then changed gears and grabbed onto some of his armor spikes and began to thrust even harder, making the Predacon roar in pleasure.

“You are testing me, aren't you?” Predaking managed to grumble out,

“No…I’m teaching the king to please his queen…” Hex responded with another hardy thrust. Predaking’s head went back… queen…he liked that.

“My queen…mine…” Predaking said as drool dripped down his fanged mouth onto the ground. Hex could hear his dreamlike, stated voice. “You like that, huh? Me being your queen? Taking charge of the mighty king of Predacons?”

Predaking chuckled, “I will not lose.”

“Lose?” Hex was confused as then Predaking flipped her over onto the ground. He was hovering over her, now smirking down at her. Like a predator that caught its prey. He then was getting faster and rougher with his thrusts. He was grunting, growling, and not going to let her do all the work.

Hex’s fans engaged at a ridiculously high volume as Predaking took control. Pain mixed with pleasure as his massive spike rammed into her passionately and without mercy. She was impressed that he was lasting this long, being his first time, but guess that’s what makes him the king.

Predaking, though, was very close…so close his grunts became more erratic, his breath ragged, he wanted more, but he felt the pressure build and craved a release. Hex overloaded first, surprisingly, as Predaking felt a gush of transfluid come out of her onto his spike.

Predaking was pleased with himself as he got her to overload first as he roared loudly a hit of his beastly voice echoing as he too overloaded. His was more, a lot more than Hex as she felt her insides fill with the Predacon’s trans fluids. It took a moment for both of them to catch their breath.

Predaking had to wait for his spike to slightly depressurize before removing it from Hex, as a gush of transfluid came out after. Predaking sat back up as Hex got onto her elbows to lean up. “You really are a beast.” Hex said as her fans slowly slowed down.

“Damn right.” Predaking chuckled,

“So…I’m guessing you're not up for another round?” Hex teased,

Predaking blinked, then an evil grin came over his face. “Give me 5 and I will ravage my queen further.”

“I can’t wait…” Hex said, already crawling towards him.

Chapter Text

Hex and Predaking over the next week snuck out. Predaking managed to go for ‘flights’ and then would disappear and come back with energon to prove that his ‘flights’ were productive. But his ‘flights’ were a romantic rendezvous with Hex. Not all of them ended with interfacing, but a large amount did…

But Hex began to feel guilty about disappearing and constantly hooking up with the enemy. Hex felt the guilt take over as she saw Warlock playing with Moonlight and Wildbreak. She walked over… “Hey Lock…can I talk to you for a second?”

Warlock looked up at his sister. He could tell by the look on her face plate that there must be something that cannot be discussed around sparklings. Warlock turned back to Moonlight, “Hey, sweespark, can you take Wildbreak into the other room to play? Me and your Auntie have some grown-up stuff to talk about.”

Moonlight nodded and, as curious as she was, took Wildbreak’s servo and led him into the other room. Wildbreak looked confused and waved bye-bye to the two adult bots. Once the place was clear, he turned back to Hex. “So…what do you want to tell me?”

“Uh, well…I don’t know how to say this without you getting mad…” Hex began, and Warlock quirked his head to the side. “Uh…this isn’t a good thing, is it?”

“Maybe?” Hex shrugged, “So I’ve been leaving the base a lot…”

“We’ve noticed. But Starscream says you have your reasons and to not pry.” Warlock informed her, Hex never thought that Starscream would accidentally become her wingman in all of this so…that was a surprise.

“Huh…well um…I’m seeing someone…” Hex looked down and was blushing. Warlock definitely looked surprised. “OH?!”

“Yes, OH?!” Hex repeated with sass, “Why is it hard to see your little sister with someone?”

“No!” Warlock looked down and rubbed the back of his neck, “I just was surprised, is all…”

“So…who is it? Smoke? Bee? It isn’t Skywarp, is it…?” Warlock began guessing, Hex sighed, “None of them…someone…not here.”

“Someone not here?” Warlock furrowed his brow, “Wait…they aren’t human, are they?!”

“No!” Hex face palmed, “A Con, Warlock!”

“A Decepticon?! Hex, who?!” Warlock was definitely surprised and very confused. There weren't that many Cons that Warlock could think of who is compatible with Hex…

“It’s…Predaking.” Hex finally admitted,

Warlock froze for a second as his brain tried to process what his sister was telling him. “Predaking? The PREDACON!?!”

“You don’t have to yell!” Hex yelled back, This managed to get the attention from the seeker siblings. The trio of seekers popped their heads into the room as they heard a shrieking Warlock. The two siblings looked at the 3 seekers. Warlock felt embarrassed and Hex looked pissed off which means something is going down.

“What are you two yelling about?” Starscream asked the two. Warlock looked at Starscream, then back at Hex, “Uh…it’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” Starscream cocked his hip and crossed his arms. Skywarp and Thundercracker behind him, “Complicated how?”

“This doesn’t involve you, Starscream.” Hex backed up her brother,

“Well, as your brother’s sparkmate, I think it does.” Starscream objected, Hex sighed and slumped back, and turned to Starscream. The others will find out eventually, might as well ‘rip the band-aid off’ as humans say. “I am in a relationship with the Predacon.”

The trio’s optics all went wide as they all clearly were thinking different things. Skywarp had his servos out and was measuring, Thundercracker was clearly trying to do the math on how that would work, while Starscream…he didn’t think he just judged.

“The beast? How….how do you even?” Starscream pinched the space between his brows.

“He can transform, aft-holes. I’m not hooking up with the beast form…” Hex clarified, and all four of them turned to look at her. The Predacon can transform? This is bad…

“So he can transform like us and is intelligent…like us?” Thundercracker asked,

“Yes. He can learn and speak.” Hex said proudly, “He’s smarter than he looks.”

“Clearly, because he looks like a dragon 99% of the time.” Starscream said with snark,

“A dragon that can rip you limb from limb.” Hex pointed out, “Megatron doesn’t know he can transform yet. We’ve been…sneaking around.”

“We noticed.” Thundercracker said bluntly,

“How? How…he’s so big…” Skywarp is still clearly trying to determine the size difference and figuring out logistics beyond his comprehension.

“Skywarp…” Thundercracker placed a servo on his shoulder plating, “Let it go.”

“Look I began to feel guilty about sneaking around, so I needed to tell someone. Please don’t tell Optimus or Magnus yet…I don’t want to get a lecture…” Hex begged,

“I can’t really say anything…” Warlock looks over at Starscream. Starscream looked back with a scowl, “Ha, ha.” He said unamused, “Because you dated two Decepticons, got it…”

“Look, Hex…” Warlock placed a servo on her shoulder, “If you really like him, then go for it. Maybe he’ll want to join us and stop the Decepticons.”

“Doubt it since apparently the Cons have 2 more Predacons and are planning more.” Hex informed them,

“Oh fantastic….” Starscream said sarcastically, “You couldn’t have told us earlier?”

“You would judge me!” Hex argued,

“I mean, Starscream judges people regardless.” Skywarp noted, and Starscream frowned at his brother’s comment.

“That is more tactical and doesn’t require you to divulge your relationship with the Predacon. You could just say you saw another Predacon or two with him during a reconnaissance mission.” Starscream suggested,

“I guess you are right…” Hex didn’t think of lying but…she hated the idea of doing that. “I’m just not a good liar.”

“Thankfully, I am.” Starscream said proudly, “I can help you come up with a way to tell Ultra Magnus and Optimus without implicating how you gain this info.”

Warlock frowned; he hated that Starscream liked lying but in the current moment this was a valuable skill. Starscream and Hex began to discuss ways to tell the Autobot leaders of the new information that Hex had discovered that there are two new Predacons.

Chapter Text

Episode: Evolution

The Nemesis hovered around the location of Shockwave’s other lab. The outside of the lab is dealing with a raging thunderstorm. As lightning crackled and thunder boomed. A ground bridge opens, and Megatron, Slipstream, Shadowstriker, and Flamewar all walk into the abandoned mine where Shockwave has been conducting the experiments. Megatron had not brought up to Slipstream about her…blunder with the vampire Terrorcon yet. But Megatron’s mind was more annoyed with Knock Out and his betrayal of the Decepticons in exchange for Breakdown’s resurrection.

“Come, you three…Shockwave wants to show us progress on his experiments…” Megatron said suspiciously nicely. The trio all exchanged looks and followed their leader.

The three follow Megatron into the cavern as they see an ominous yellow glow coming from deep within the mine. As the four of them continue, they see massive tubes containing growing Predacons…all in different levels of gestation. The three all looked at Megatron’s growing army of Predacons. Flamewar looked the most childlike as she ran up to the various tubes and the Predacons inside. Shadow Striker and Slipstream remained the most stoic as they were waiting for the other shoe to drop with Megatron in regards to the Terrorcon incident…

But Megatron walked up to Shockwave with his two newer Predacons standing by his side. The two femmes stiffened as they were uninformed of two fully grown Predacons besides the original that Shockwave brought from Cybertron.

“The Predacons are almost complete. The first wave should be complete within 3 days.” Shockwave informs Megatron. Shadow Striker and Slipstream looked past the scientist and at the two Predacons staring back at them. Shadow Striker was more stoic and able to control her emotions. Slipstream…on the other hand, was basically cowering behind her.

Megatron commed Airachnid, who was to deliver the synthetic energon. Knock Out was working on prior to his departure. She came from the Nemesis with a hefty supply of Synth-En for Shockwave to determine how useful it is after the whole…CYLAS incident. “Nice of Knock Out to leave his Synth-En behind before he turned traitor.”

Airachnid put down the crate of Syth-En she was carrying and saw the two Predacons watching her. “More attack dogs…great.”

“Careful, Airachnid. The beasts aren’t as dumb as they look.” Shadow Striker warned her,

“Thank you, Airachnid.” Shockwave interrupted, “I will determine its value after the first wave of Predacons are complete.”

They heard the two Predacons growl as the group of Decepticons turned to see Predaking beginning to approach. “Looks like the big guy wanted to come and join the party.” Airachnid said with a sly smirk.

Slipstream grumbled, “You dumb beast! You are supposed to guard the ship! Not be in here! We have two already on standby!” Slipstream walked over as she grabbed the electro-prod from her subspace and began to walk towards Predaking. She smacks him with the prod, and Predaking yelps. The other two Predacons almost chuckle at Predaking’s suffering.

Predaking had had enough of her probing and prodding…Predaking growled as he reared up and began to transform. The Decepticons watched as the plating on him shifted and changed to that of a bot.

“Stab me with that prod again and it will be the last thing you ever do…” Predaking threatens,

All the Decepticons’ optics widen in shock as they just witness the Predacon transform. Slipstream fell back onto her backside when she looked up at Predaking. “I…I was not aware that the beast was capable of transformation…”

“Neither was I…” Megatron practically growled as he turned to Shockwave. The two Predacons near Shockwave looked confused…how did he do that? Can we do that?

Predaking stomped forward, “I am no beast!” He then looked over at a nearby tube and looked at the Predacon growing inside of it. Shockwave turned to Megatron, “Transformation is an innate part of Cybertronian biology…we just never had the information as to whether or not Predacons possessed that capability. Since they became extinct in the Great Cataclysm.”

“Well, now we know!” Flamewar said, surprisingly cheerful. This elicited a snarl from Megatron, and Flamewar's smile faded rather quickly.

“So you are growing more of my kind…more than those two…” Predaking gestures to the two other Predacons watching him closely.

“And I’ve noticed you’ve been keeping secrets…” Megatron stated as he walked towards Predaking. Megatron looked to be sizing up the Predacon and questioning many things internally.

“It was not my intention to deceive you, Lord Megatron…” Predaking said rather sincerely, “I only became aware of my transformation capabilities…recently.” Predaking lied, the last thing he wanted to admit to the leaders of the Decepticons, about how he had been seeing an Autobot secretly.

“I…became curious about my origins…I used the warship’s data banks to educate myself on my people. But even with the knowledge from the ship, I don’t remember anything, who I was, just that I awoke in a tube just like these.” He points around towards the other Predacons incubating. “And that I was to fight and hunt. But then I observed and wondered to myself…Can I be like the others? Can I transform? And I attempted, and it was successful. So…now I know.”

“You are unique…your origins are that you were cloned by Shockwave. Using Cyber Nucleic Acids left over from Predacon’s past.” Megatron enlightens the Predacon, and Predaking looks around at the others.

“Come,” Megatron orders, “We will return to the Nemesis…we have much to discuss…”
—----
Warlock and Ratchet were typing away as the two were working on the Synth-En formula. Warlock was taking a break from messing with the Onyx Triptych to help Ratchet. Ultra Magnus came up as the two were working, as to get a status update on the project.

“We’re doing what we can.” Warlock told the commander,

“We have limited equipment here. Even with Warlock’s ship and lab, we can only make so much progress on the formula.” Ratchet added,

“You both are aware that an alternative energy source is key to our survival.” Ultra Magnus stated, trying to emphasize the direness of the situation.

Ratchet grumbled a little, “Ultra Magnus…we are very well aware of the situation. And how important this project is…” Ultra Magnus shared a serious look with Ratchet and realized that the doctor was doing his best. “Understood.”

Ultra Magnus then walked over to the others, who were on another console. “Beast Hunters…is there a reason the lot of you aren’t scouting Sector 504 for Predacon bones?”

“Because we just returned from sectors 490-503.” Arcee answered,

“Uh…Ultra Magnus, sir, we only came back to log our progress as per your protocol.” Bulkhead chimed in to back up Arcee. Wheeljack and Thundercracker came walking in, covered in strange green goo that looked like coolant. “And where were you two?”

“Uh me and TC were recalibrating your engine and Warlock’s. You both can expect a 10% increase in vertical thrust.” Wheeljack explained, and Thundercracker nodded in response.

“We uh..wanted to do something productive while the others were out searching for bones.” Thundercracker added,

The sound of a jet engine caught everyone’s attention as Optimus returned from a scouting mission. The team began to rush over to Optimus and greet him upon his return. Optimus reported that Decepticon activity is in a lull. And that he suspects that Megatron collected enough specimens for his Predacon army.

Starscream and Skywarp entered the room and noticed that Ultra Magnus was standing off to the side, away from everyone…odd. Starscream looked over and saw that Optimus also noticed this…was something up? Or was this just a random occurrence?
—----
Predaking and Megatron walked down the halls of the Nemesis together. It was strange for a bot like Megatron to have to look up…Predaking was a full head taller than him, and he found it annoying. As superficial as it was… Megatron was liking the Predacon less and less.

“I appreciate Shockwave for giving me life…But I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Megatron.” Predaking states, “But as my one true master, I beg of you to let me lead my fellow Predacons upon their awakening.”

“You have quite a vision, Predaking.” Megatron states, trying to hold back his disbelief…He doesn’t trust the Predacon.

Megatron and the rest of his high command all give an excuse to leave the Predacon as Predaking walks through the halls to familiarize himself with the inside of the ship. As in his prior form, he couldn’t do that.

They all gather in the energon reserves to discuss their next steps, as the Predacon’s intelligence and ability to transform surprised all of them.

“A former beast thinks himself a loyal servant today. But once he has an army of monsters under his command…things could easily shift. Our mighty king of Predacons will soon realize that his army of beasts are far more powerful than the remaining forces of the Decepticons.” Megatron says to his high command,

“Evolution will give way to revolution…” Slipstream interrupted, but she was correct in summarizing Megatron’s thoughts.

Airachnid tried to hide her disappointment. She had the Insecticon hive under her full control and lost it because of the damned collar around her neck. If she didn’t, she would show Megatron a true revolution. But alas, she is stuck with a bomb around her neck and her outlier abilities dampened.

“I really hate to do this…but the current circumstances leave us with no choice…We must eradicate Project Predacon before the beasts can eradicate us.” Megatron suggests,

“You’re seriously going to pull the plug on the project?!” Flamewar objected, “I think Shockwave here will be really sad if you do.”

“It’s the most logical solution. Even with our limited forces and the Insecticon hive, taking down an army of Predacons will be difficult.” Shockwave sides with his master. Flamewar looked befuddled. All this work to just terminate everything? Such a waste.

“Wouldn’t that fire-breathing brute and the other two react poorly to finding out that we pulled the plug?” Shadow Striker brought up,

“Oh, please…that’s the easy part.” Slipstream chuckled, “Because we aren’t going to pull the plug.”

“Huh?” Flamewar and Shadow Striker were confused. Megatron and Shockwave turned to her as well, “We have the Autobots do it.”

“And how pray-tell, do you plan on getting the Autobots to do our dirty work?” Airachnid asked,

“Simple…we leave a trail. Let the Autobots find the lab, and they will destroy it for us. The beast will think the enemy did it, Project Predacon is gone, and who knows, maybe the Predacon will scrap an Autobot or two?” Slipstream smirks, “Or…they terminate the beast for us…”

Megatron smirks…this plan…this will work…

Chapter Text

Hex walked through Warlock’s lab and quickly downloaded the holoform software off his computer. She was waiting for the download to finish when Moonlight caught Hex in her sire’s lab.

“Auntie Hex, what are you doing?” Moonlight asked,

Hex turned to see the sparkling looking at her curiously, “Oh, Moonlight! Hi! I was just doing some downloading…”

“Downloading…what?” Moonlight asked,

“Uh, the holoform program.” Hex admitted,

“Why?” Moonlight asked,

“I got an idea and need the program for it.” Hex tells her,

“Oh…what is it?” Moonlight asks more,

“Uh…a surprise! You cannot tell your sire…ok?” Hex leaned down to talk to Moonlight. Moonlight looks up at her kneeling aunt with a suspicious look. “Uh huh…”

“What do you want for your silence…” Hex could tell that bribery was the only way to go.

“Energon candies…” Moonlight crossed her arms and stated her demands. Hex looked down, they were low on energon already…but she knew that Skywarp had a hidden supply…

Hex walked over to Skywarp’s room and saw him upside down on his berth. “You good?” She asked the seeker, Skywarp looked at her “Bored.”

“Can I have some energon candies? I need it for a bribe.” Hex asked, Skywarp flipped over with a mischievous smirk, “Bribe? What does Moonlight have on you?”

“A bribe, not blackmail…” She looked back down the hall then back at Skywarp. “I want to give the holoform program to Predaking and we can go out amongst the humans. I need Moonlight to keep quiet before Warlock finds out.”

“So…you want to bribe your niece with energon candies so your brother doesn’t find out you want to go on a human date?” Skywarp tried to summarize Hex’s plan. Hex nods, Skywarp goes under his berth and grabs a box. He pulls out the energon candies, “Frag it, this sounds hilarious. You have to tell me everything when you come back!”

“Sure, Sky, I’ll tell you all about it when I come back.” Hex smiled at the seeker as she left to bribe her niece with energon candies. She handed the candies over to Moonlight who rushed out of the room after making a ‘my lips are sealed’ gesture. Hex laughed as the download finished. Hex took out the hard drive and sent a message to Predaking to meet her at a specific set of coordinates. Hex flew to the location far away from the Autobot base. She made sure it was near Jasper as the two could walk there but far enough away from the base so that Predaking couldn't follow her back. Hex landed and was waiting patiently until she heard the sound of flapping wings and saw Predaking approach. Predaking landed with a loud thud as he transformed and smiled down at Hex. “Hex! I was pleased to get your message!” He said happily and rather loudly, Hex tried to shush him. “We’re close to a human settlement…we got to be a bit quiet.”

“Why did you pick these coordinates then? Humans finding us could be problematic.” Predaking pointed out,

“I picked them…because…we are going to explore the human town in holoform!” Hex threw her arms up in excitement. Predaking was just…confused? What is a holoform? Why are we going into the human’s domain? What? “Hold out your arm.” Hex instructed, and Predaking did as she said as she plugged in the hard drive. Predaking felt the program downloading into him…so strange for a Predaking who has never had this done before. After a few moments the download was complete, and Hex removed the hard drive.

Hex sat down near a boulder and instructed Predaking to do the same. “Ok you need to activate the holoform program I just installed. Just sit down and concentrate.” Predaking did as instructed as he sat down he watched Hex first to see what he was supposed to do. After a few moments a small human-like figure appeared and stood in front of Hex. Predaking’s optics shot open as he saw the tiny human appear out of thin air.

“See, isn't it cool!” Hex’s holoform said happily,

Predaking was perplexed as to why Hex’s voice was coming out of the human standing before him. “Hex?” Predaking asked as he got down to the ground and looked at the human. “Yup!” Hex said cheerfully as she raised her arms up. “Just activate the program I installed, and you can be human too!”

“Uh…” Predaking wasn’t sure he was going to like being human. But Hex seemed fine and he does want to spend time with her…

Predaking then closed his optics and tried to activate the program. He felt a weird feeling, then opened his eyes and realized he was closer in size to Hex. He looked down and was human. A tall, deeply tanned male human. He was still towering over Hex and was heavily muscled, wearing a white tank top with a dark brown vest with orange and yellow accents. Dark grey torn-up jeans with black biker-style boots. His hair was long and reached his shoulders, as it was wild and resembled his horns in a way.

“This…is strange.” Predaking said, looking over himself,

Hex chuckled at the confused Predaking. “I know it’s weird at first. But now we can go into the town unnoticed!”

Hex grabbed Predaking’s hand and led him into the town of Jasper. Predaking looked around the human town he was amazed as most of his life up to that point was battling in deserted areas or his pen on the Nemesis. So the human town, especially the downtown area, was very lively in comparison. The lights, the cars, the sounds, the people are all so new to the Predacon.

“Hex…where are we going?” Predaking asked as Hex held his hand and walked down the street. Hex paused, “Uh…I didn’t think that far ahead…I haven’t exactly been in the town that much…”

Hex looked around and saw a dive bar where a lot of people were gathering. “How about there!” Hex pointed to the bar. Predaking not familiar with human establishments so he let Hex take the lead. Hex and Predaking walked into the bar and saw all the rowdy humans yelling as a sports event was on the main television, and a bunch of men were gathered by the bar. They sat in a booth at the bar as some waitress came by and dropped off a menu. Predaking not literate in human language was confused. “What is this?”

“Oh! It’s a menu for food and drink. Humans don’t consume energon like us. They make consumables out of other stuff.” Hex explained,

Predaking lifted his head in understanding. “Can we consume these things?”

“My brother made it so it does convert to energy for our normal bodies…so yes! But whether it is delicious ... no idea.” Hex answered, She knew a bit about human food and drinks from watching television with Thundercracker, and the humans helped give some insight into food and drink. “I think…beer is good? I mean most of the humans here are drinking it… It can’t be bad? Right?”

“I will follow your lead.” Predaking smiled and placed a hand on Hex’s. The waitress came back and Hex ordered what she saw other humans were ordering. So some basic fried food, beer, and some waters in case either of them hated what they ordered.

Predaking looked over at the cheering and yelling humans. “Hex, why are they yelling at the screens?” Predaking asked pointed at the bikers all crowding at the bar.

“Oh it’s a human sporting event that is televised for other humans to watch and enjoy. People have specific teams they root for and want to win.” Hex explains that the football game on the screen was well into the second half. Predaking was still confused, “It’s like a battle but no one dies.”

“Oh! That makes more sense. I understand more now. They are all armored and chasing the one with the ball. I assume that is a rule of the battle.” Predaking pointed to the screen as the ‘team uniforms’ he took as armor and is now interested in the rules of football.

“I’m not sure of the rules. But it's fun to watch.” Hex said as the two now watched the sporting event without knowing the rules at all. But they cheered with the others as they really had no idea what was happening.

The waitress brought the beer first. Hex and Predaking looked at the drink with interest and trepidation. Predaking sniffed it and made a face, “It smells funny.”

Hex shrugged and took a sip. She didn’t mind the taste, but definitely could imagine Predaking not liking it. “I mean it’s not awful…and it’s cheap.”

“Cheap?” Predaking took a sip and also didn’t mind the taste.

“We have to pay for food and drink.” Hex told him,

“Pay?” Predaking tilted his head,

Hex said, 'Never mind,' as the waitress brought over the onion rings and wings that the two ordered. Predaking also sniffed and bit into an onion ring and rather enjoyed the taste. “These are better than the drink. But yet…goes well with it…” Preadking said as he stated his observations on the human cuisine. Hex ate one of the buffalo sauce wings and commented on it being spicy. Predaking…not understanding what spicy was, bit into a wing and immediately dropped it. “Gah! It’s like when I breathe fire!”

Hex laughed a little and pushed over the water towards him. He chugged the water down and sighed, then he went to eat another one. He was no quitter. Predaking began asking Hex more about Earth, he was curious what she knew about the life forms of this world. The two ended up chatting and enjoying their little date. They ordered more beers and different dishes to try as Hex enjoyed telling Predaking of her adventures over the cosmos. As well as what she learned about Earth through the Autobots.

“I am loyal to Lord Megatron…but hearing what the Autobots have learned about the inhabitants of this world is fascinating.” Predaking said as he ate another fry. “I only just revealed to Lord Megatron of my abilities to transform.”

“You finally told him? How’d he take it?” She said, finishing another beer.

“He was fascinated. And was eager to see me in battle as a bot.” Predaking told her proudly,

“Well, knowing that the battles will be against my friends…doesn’t bode well for us Autobots.” Hex sassed a bit, Predaking chuckled, “I can understand that. But rest assured, if the Autobots are capable warriors, they can put up a good fight.”

Hex shook her head as there was clearly no talking the Predacon out of this. Hex didn’t see the waitress and walked over to the bar to get the bill. She wasn’t aware of her surroundings until a hand landed on her backside. She froze as she turned to see a very intoxicated biker grabbing her. “Where has a sweet thing like you been hidin’?”

Predaking saw this and immediately got pissed. He snarled and got up, but Hex began to handle the situation. “Hey pal, I’m taken. Back off.”

“Playing hard to get, eh?” The drunk biker laughed as he leaned closer and put his hands on her again. Predaking then resumed his walk over and grabbed the arm of the biker that was touching Hex, and lifted the guy off the ground. The other bikers all looked over at the towering man lifting their friend off the ground. He then threw him onto the ground away from Hex. He then went over with a sense of possessiveness and protectiveness for Hex. Predaking wrapped his arm around her and huffed at the drunk man on the floor.

The rest of the drunk biker’s friends all ignored the sporting event on TV and turned their attention towards Predaking. “Who the fuck do you think you are, stretch?” One of the bikers yelled at Predaking. He ignored them and was more focused on keeping them away from Hex.

“Don’t ignore me!” He yelled drunkenly,

Predaking huffed, this man was clearly not able to see he was out classed. But Predaking looked over at him, “You may not touch her. So back off, human.”

“Oh, a tough guy, huh? Well you messed with the wrong gang!” The biker yelled as him and his buddies surrounded the two. Hex looked around and did not like where this was heading, “Hey can we get the bill or what?!”

Predaking let go of Hex and faced the group of bikers. “You are making a dumb mistake. Do you wish for death?”

They all laughed at Predaking’s threat. “We outnumber you, halfwit. And you made a massive mistake.”

The bikers all pulled out weapons and other things they could use to attack Predaking. Predaking now realized they were not getting out of the dive bar unscathed. “Hex, these men want to fight us…”

“Do not kill any of them! They're just drunk and stupid.” Hex quickly snapped. The last thing she needed was Optimus finding out she was not only out with the Predacon but also causing any human casualties.

Predaking smirked, oh he was gonna have fun. The first biker rushed towards him with a knife and Predaking back handed him into their old booth…the fight was on.

As a swarm of bikers came at Predaking, Hex jumped over the bar to avoid their attacks. Predaking was laughing as he beat the crap out of the biker gang. He was feeling some pain from the weapons and knives that the biker gang members brought with them. A knife dug into his side, and Predaking yelled out in pain.

“Hey back off!” Hex yelled as she cracked a beer bottle over his head. The now shattered bottle had sharp glass edges and Hex began to swipe at some of the bikers attacking Predaking. The bar now has turned into a full drunken brawl as the bikers crashed into other patrons and they began to fight back.

Predaking threw a smaller member of the biker gang into his friends and managed to clear an exit to the entrance of the bar. Predaking picked up Hex during the chaos and ran out of the building. Predaking was laughing as he sprinted out of the bar and down the alley behind the bar. Some of the bikers saw him escape and were approaching their location. But when they turned into the alley they were confused as no one was there…

Hex and Predaking return to their Cybertronian bodies immediately after going into the alley. Predaking woke up laughing and Hex shook her head, “You are a force of chaos aren’t you?”

“Why not? That human disrespected you. And I will not stand someone disrespecting my queen.” Predaking snarled, Hex smiled, and walked over and sat down next to Predaking. “I’m happy you wanted to stand up for me.”

Hex and Predaking looked up and watched the stars to round out their rather interesting time being human.

Chapter Text

“Knock Out, are you sure you remember the schematic for the damping collars?” Ratchet asked,

“I remember enough!” Knock Out argued back,

Skywarp’s optics flickered between the two arguing medics. “Uh…so can you…or can’t you get this fraggin’ thing off me?”

“We can…obviously.” Knock Out answered, “It’s just going to take a surgeon’s touch.”

“Wait, then…how did Shockwave do it with one servo?” Skywarp asked, Knock Out paused…he never thought about it til now, and now he doesn’t want to imagine the one-opticed scientist making this with one servo…

“Regardless of how…we are the ones to remove it from your neck, Skywarp.” Ratchet interrupted, and Skywarp gulped as he saw Knock Out lean down and begin fidgeting with the collar.

Knock Out began to fiddle with the wiring, essentially relegating Ratchet to the assistant station. Then, Knock Out snapped a small wire, which caused Ratchet and Skywarp to wince. But nothing happened. Ratchet looked and saw that the inner workings of the collar began to shift. And then a pop sound could be heard as the collar opened.

“It was only one wire?” Ratchet asked,

“No. You need to disable the bomb and tracking features first before you snip the wire, otherwise the system just goes ka-blewy.” Knock Out explained, “But there you go, my teleporting friend. Free to use your outlier abilities yet again.”

Skywarp rubbed his neck as it was now collar-free. Skywarp got up and tested that his powers would still work. Skywarp teleported a few feet away, and then a massive smile grew on the seeker’s face.

“I’m free!” Skywarp cheered,

Knock Out and Ratchet smiled at the excited seeker. “Well, one problem down.”

“For now, yes. We have one of our team members back in the field now. Now…we have Predacons to possibly deal with.”
—---
Ultra Magnus and Optimus were watching the humans on the military base go by. Men are doing drills, and other military vehicles are driving by. Optimus turned to look at Ultra Magnus, “Ultra Magnus…something has been troubling you.”

Ultra Magnus turned to look at his leader, “I fear that my command style might have a negative effect on unit morale.”

Optimus raises a brow, “I can understand that. This is not the elite guard.” Optimus places a servo on Ultra Magnus’s shoulder.

“Things have really changed since the war for Cybertron.” Ultra Magnus said, looking away from the Prime.

“Yes. And we must adapt to that change.” Optimus said, trying to get the commander’s attention again.

Ultra Magnus turns back to Optimus, “How do you do it? Still be their friend but also their leader?”

“Because Team Prime are not cogs in a machine. They have grown into something more unique, more powerful. They have become-” Optimus’s point was cut short as an alarm began to ring out.

“Optimus. We are getting unusual readings from this abandoned energon mine.” Ratchet informed the two.

Knock Out looked up, “That’s where they’re growing the Predacon…don’t tell me they're ready…”

“And you failed to mention this until now because?” Ultra Magnus asked, annoyed,

“I have been busy helping! I’m a sire now! Sorry if I failed to mention everything. Besides, Megatron and Shockwave had it on lockdown. Getting to the Predacons would be difficult.” Knock Out defended himself,

Ultra Magnus shook his helm. “Optimus. This could be a perfect moment to strike at the Decepticons before their Predacon army can come to fruition.”

“Oh please, can I come on this mission?!” Skywarp begged, “Knock Out, got the collar off me so I can be helpful this time.”

Optimus looked down at the rather excitable seeker. “Yes, you can join us, Skywarp.”

Skywarp smiled, and his wings flapped happily. “Since this mission is more on the destructive side. I believe Bulkhead, Wheeljack, myself, and Ultra Magnus should also go to make sure that the incubating Predacons do not awaken.”

Hex’s gaze shifts over to Warlock’s. The two share a look of concern. Hex felt conflicted about telling the Autobots about Predaking, then things could be more awkward and put her in a tough spot. On the other hand, letting them go in blind would be cruel and a form of betrayal.

Warlock spoke up, “We should still be on guard. Who knows, maybe some Predacons finished incubating, and that’s why we are picking up the signal.”

Hex, with her optics, practically said thank you to her brother. “That is a good point, Warlock. There could be others…”

“Optimus, should we consider adding more to this mission?” Ultra Magnus asked,

Optimus looked over at Warlock and thought about his suggestion.“I did not consider more Predacons germinating early. Knock Out.” The medic perked up, “Would it be possible for there to be more Predacons already?”

“I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. But… as far as I am aware, er, well was aware, there was only the big guy. No other Predacons.” Knock Out answered,

“Smokescreen.” Optimus addressed, Smokescreen looked up, “Please join us on this mission.”

“You got it, Optimus!” Smokescreen said excitedly,
—----
The team arrived at the location. They could see Vehicons going in and out of the mine wheeling carts of energon. The Autobot team was on the cliffside above the mine and was looking down at the Vehicons below, who still seemed oblivious. “Decepticons. Cease your activity!” Optimus ordered, as all the Vehicons looked up, and the team jumped down from the higher ground and began to fight off the Vehicons. The Vehicons began firing at the Autobots above them as the team began bashing and fighting off the sentries.

The team was able to clear the outside of the mine rather quickly and then looked at the rather large amount of energon that the Vehicons were transporting.

“Look at all this sweet, sweet energon.” Smokescreen pointed out,

“Smokescreen and Skywarp…you two should take the energon back to base.” Optimus ordered,

Skywarp blinked at Optimus. “What? First time out of base and you want me basically doing inventory?!”

“Soldier, this is an important task. The four of us can handle what can possibly lurk inside.” Ultra Magnus reinforced,

“I gotta agree with Skywarp on this…we don’t know what could possibly be in this lab site.” Smokescreen argued,

“This isn’t up for debate.” Ultra Magnus said sternly,

“Hex, Thundercracker.” Optimus commed, “Please come to our coordinates to take the energon spoils back to base.”

“Optimus…” Ultra Magnus argued, Optimus turned to his commander. “We have the extra manpower if both Autobots wish to join us in scouting…I will not argue.”

Ultra Magnus nodded, but clearly wasn’t happy as they all waited for Hex and Thundercracker to show up. The two began ushering the energon into base, leaving the other team time and reassurance to scout ahead.

Hex looked back at the team entering the cavern. “I feel so guilty…”

Thundercracker looked over at Hex, “You can still tell them.”

“I…I don’t know what they plan to do.” Hex said, pushing the energon cart.

“Hex…” Thundercracker looked up at her, “Don’t be naive. They brought Wheeljack…you know what’s going to happen.”

Hex looked down and gripped the cart tightly. “I…I’m sorry, Predaking.” as she pushed the cart into the ground bridge.
—-----
“If Knock Out is correct… then the lack of security here is…alarming.” Wheeljack said, “Something ain’t right.”

They continued scouting as they saw a fork in the cavern. “Pair off.” Ultra Magnus ordered Optimus, Wheeljack, and Ultra Magnus went right. And Skywarp, Smokescreen, and Bulkhead went left.

As they went right, the trio of Ultra Magnus, Optimus, and Wheeljack arrived at what could only be described as Shockwave’s Predacon lab. The large glowing tubes full of unfinished Predacons lined the cavern as the team slowly walked further into the room.

“Megatron’s cloning operation is much further along than we thought…” Ultra Magnus noted as he looked around the room. Then their optics locked onto the main console of the room, and Shockwave, who was typing away. Shockwave looked surprised to see them and began firing.

“Slipstream…the Autobots have arrived. You did not inform me that the operation was already in motion.” Shockwave said through comms,

Slipstream and Flamewar were on the computer, listening to Shockwave over comms. “Apologies, Shockwave. But we had to make the encounter look legitimate.” Slipstream answered,

“I have yet to purge my lab of sensitive documentation.” Shockwave seemed a bit annoyed at the seeker’s plan. “Then do not let me keep you waiting…over and out.” She hung up the call.

“You scraped him on purpose, didn’t you?” Flamewar asked,

Slipstream smirked, “I would never…”

Flamewar rolled her optics, “Uh huh, and I’m an Autobot.” Flamewar walked away,
—--
Back in the cavern, Skywarp, Smokescreen, and Bulkhead were going down the cavern. So far, they saw nothing out of the ordinary. “Seems too quiet.” Smokescreen said, looking around. Then they heard something that sounded like…growling? The trio then turned to see two Predacons staring back at them.

“Scrap! There are more of them!” Smokescreen yelped.

The two Predacons shared a glance and then rushed towards the Autobots. The Autobots began shooting at the charging Predacons, but the blasts bounced off their plating. One rushed into Bulkhead, and the other turned at the last second and rammed its tail into Smokescreen and Skywarp. Smokescreen landed on Skywarp, and the two crashed into the wall.

Bulkhead grabbed the horns of the Darksteel and flipped him over and smashed him on the ground. “Guess, buckethead grew some already.”

Smokescreen activated the Phase Shifter and tried to rush Skylynx and Skywarp, now able to use his powers, teleported around to confuse the Predacon. Skylynx’s attention was focused on Skywarp popping in and out of locations. Smokescreen phased through Skylynx and blasted at his back. Causing the Predacon to reel and roar in pain.

Bulkhead pulled out his wrecking ball and began bashing into Darksteel. Darksteel tried to fight back, but Bulkhead was insistent with his attacks, giving the young Predacon not enough time to react. One good bash sent Darksteel flying into Skylynx, and the two bounced off the ground and skidded into the wall of the cavern.

“Skywarp!” Bulkhead yelled, “Teleport us to Ultra Magnus! We need to regroup.”

Skywarp nodded and got between the two and used his outlier ability to teleport to the rest of the team.
—----
Ultra Magnus, Optimus, and Wheeljack were shooting at Shockwave. Shockwave activated his comm, “Soundwave, I require a ground bridge.”

Wheeljack heard this, “Looks like ole Shocky is trying to retreat.”

“Whether Shockwave leaves or not is inconsequential. Our mission is to halt the Predacon project.” Optimus said as he looked out from behind a gestation tube. Shockwave hit a button on the console, and electricity began to surge from the above fixture. The electricity began to spread out and was reaching through the wiring that led into the tubes. The tube bottoms began to open, and the fluid rushed out and gushed over the Autobots’ pedes.

During this distracting maneuver, Shockwave managed to sneak through a ground bridge and disappear out of the cavern. The Autobots looked around and saw that most of these Predacons might be coming to…

“We need to destroy them before they wake.” Ultra Magnus stated, Wheeljack was already on it and planting bombs.
—---
To make the plan look convincing, Slipstream ran out in the hall and spotted Predaking and Megatron walking down the hall….as planned. “Lord Megatron!” She shouted and ran over, “We have a problem!”

“What is it, Slipstream?” Megatron asked,

“The Autobots have infiltrated Project Predacon!” Slipstream shouted,

“What?! How can this be?!” Predaking said in disbelief,

“Slipstream, scramble your seekers!” Megatron ordered, and Slipstream began to run down the hall.

“No…” Predaking stopped her, Slipstream paused as she tried to suppress a smirk. “Let me handle them.”

“Predaking…are you sure?” Megatron asked, and he was playing his part well.

“If my brethren are in danger, let me save them…”
—----
Wheeljack finished planting bombs and activated them. He threw his last grenade towards a large pile of what looked like Synthetic Energon…. How the Decepticons figured it out is a problem for another day…Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack, and Optimus transformed and zoomed out of the room. Skywarp and the others teleported right in front of them, but then saw what they had set up. “Scrap…” They all transformed and tried to escape the cavern. Then, a ground bridge opened at the exit, and the group of them all transformed and came to a screeching halt. Predaking stepped forward from the ground bridge. Skywarp froze…the Predacon in bot form was a lot more intimidating than Hex let on.

“Who’s this guy?” Wheeljack asked,

“The person who’s going to stop you…” Predaking sneered,

Ultra Magnus and the others saw the insignia on his chest, “He’s the Predacon!”

The group all looked surprised, except for Skywarp… then the sound of explosions got the team’s attention. They all turned to see an inferno coming towards them. There were some boulders that they could hide behind to avoid the flames. The team all ducked behind the, as Predaking felt the flames brush past him.

Predaking stood there in horror…they didn’t…no… Predaking wanted to weep…but it was overcome by the unyielding rage he was now feeling. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” He turned to Optimus and his team. Then the sound of low growls behind Predaking was heard. Predaking turned to see Skylynx and Darksteel.

“At least you two survived…” Predaking felt some relief,

The two looked and saw the burning cavern towards the lab they were ordered to protect… The two roared somberly as they quickly joined Predaking in the battle. The team began shooting at the Predacons as Predaking and the other two Predacons charged forward at them.

Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack focused on Predaking as he leapt in the air and slammed down at the duo, causing them to jump out of the way. Smokescreen and Skywarp were shooting at Skylynx while Optimus and Bulkhead focused on Darksteel. Predaking charged at Ultra Magnus as he pulled out the Forge and attempted to bash into the angry Predaking.

Predaking stopped the Forge and then backhanded Ultra Magnus into the ceiling with ease. Optimus saw this wide-eyed and was now worried for his team. They had the numbers, but the Predacons…were something else.

Then Optimus saw something that hit him in the gut. The other two transformed. Now it was three Predacon bots against his team. Predaking smirked as he saw his brethren transform. “Fight us, Autobots!” Darksteel hissed at the Autobot team. Skylynx just chuckled as the two charged forth.

Wheeljack and Smokescreen met the two charging bots head-on. They were shooting, but the two didn’t slow down and crashed into them. Smokescreen and Darksteel ended up bouncing and tumbling to the side. Wheeljack managed to hold his position as Skylynx crashed into him. Wheeljack, using his blades, was holding back the Predacon.

Predaking and Ultra Magnus were facing off as Skywarp was still struggling internally with what to do. Bulkhead ran up to join Wheeljack and take down Skylynx. Bulkhead attempted to bash the Predacon in the side, but he jumped out of the way at the last minute, and Bulkhead ended up hitting Wheeljack. Wheeljack reeled back and fell to the ground. “Sorry, Jackie…”

Smokescreen and Optimus were on Darksteel as the young Predacon was a bit overwhelmed. Optimus was larger than him and able to match him in strength, as the Prime managed to land a few blows on him. Smokescreen was shooting at him with suppressing fire, and Darksteel roared out in pain. Skylynx saw this and ran over to help.

Ultra Magnus and Predaking were exchanging blow after blow… Predaking was infuriated. How dare the Autobots kill his kind. How dare they cowardly run away after their crimes…how…how can Hex let her comrades do this to him?

Predaking was much stronger than Ultra Magnus, as the Predacon ended up backing him up into a wall and just started wailing on him. Punch after punch, hit after hit, the Predacon was taking his rage out on the Autobot. Ultra Magnus was pinned and tried to fight back, but his punches barely registered against the enraged Predaking.

Ultra Magnus made a weak attempt to swing the Forge at Predaking to get him to back off. It hit, sending Predaking over to the side a bit, giving Ultra Magnus room to get out of the wall. Predaking recomposed himself and snarled. “Enough games!”

Predaking rushed and decked Ultra Magnus in the face, causing him to drop the Forge. Predaking picked it up and, with his brute strength, destroyed the Iacon relic. Optimus and the others watched in horror as a legendary relic of the Primes was turned into scrap. Predaking threw it aside and walked over to Ultra Magnus, who was still stunned. His vision was blurry from all the head blows as Predaking stood over him. He lifted his clawed pede and brought all of his weight down on Ultra Magnus’s servo. Ultra Magnus screamed in pain…his servo was crushed and unusable…

Optimus saw this, “Ultra Magnus!” He rushed over and knocked Predaking to the side. This knocked Skywarp out of his daze as Ultra Magnus lifted up his mangled servo, his digits barely hanging together, and his palm flattened. “Primus…” Skywarp said in horror, he rushed over and grabbed Ultra Magnus. “We are getting you to Ratchet NOW!” And Skywarp teleported the two outside the cave to call for a ground bridge and emergency surgery.

Two of the team were gone, and the other three were on the ropes…Optimus didn’t like these odds. He took out his Gatling gun and began firing at Predaking, trying to get him to back off.

“Wheeljack! We need an out!” Optimus cried out,

Wheeljack nodded as Bulkhead and Smokescreen distracted the other two. He threw his grenade near where the three Predacons were and heard the beeping begin. The Autobots transformed and began to book it out before the explosion. Predaking recomposed himself as the other two turned to look at him. Then the grenade went off, causing a small cave-in. By the time the team got out, the ground bridge was called, and Skywarp was helping the injured Ultra Magnus through. The team rushed behind them as they tried to escape the angry Predacons.

Chapter Text

Ultra Magnus was rushed into surgery with Ratchet and Knock Out. The team looked exhausted and damaged after trying to fight off three Predacons. Breakdown was administering first aid to the rest of the team while the two doctors tried to repair Ultra Magnus.

Arcee drove back from patrol. She saw the team looking disheveled and tired. “What happened?”

“We found where the Cons were making their clones…” Wheeljack coughed,

Arcee’s optics went wide. If she can get one of the cloning machines like Knock Out had, she can have Cliffjumper back. “Where is it?” Arcee asked Wheeljack, and the rest of the team looked at the two, not understanding why Arcee was so interested.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s rubble.” Wheeljack told her,

“What?!” Arcee said in shock, “You blew it up?!”

“We didn’t have a choice. Shockwave was about to let a small army of them wake up! And that’s not including the three we had to fight!” Wheeljack yelled back.

Arcee clenched her servos. “No…this…it’s…”

Optimus was concerned for Arcee. “Arcee, what is the matter?”

“Why did you have to destroy it?!” Arcee cried out, and the whole base turned to look at her.

“Arcee…” Optimus tried to comfort her,

“No! Knock Out managed to clone Breakdown and get him back! Why couldn’t you tell me, and we could have gotten Cliff back!” Arcee cried out,

The whole base realized and felt bad for her. But they had no choice; a small army of Predacons would be too much for them to handle. Smokescreen walked over, “We couldn’t Cee…Shockwave-”

“It’s not fair!” Arcee cried as she swiped her arm, “I didn’t even know about this! I didn’t get a chance!”

“Arcee!” Optimus interrupted sternly, and Arcee turned to look at the Prime. “We had to act in the moment. I am sorry you found out too late. But we did what we had to for the good of all, not just one.”

Arcee looked down in anger… She stormed off. Smokescreen began walking after her, but Optimus stopped him. “Let her be.”
—---
Starscream was watching the two sparkling when Skywarp came in and collapsed on the berth. “Had fun back in the field?” Starscream asked, putting Wildbreak down for a nap.

“No.” Skywarp grumbled. Skywarp turned his head to look at Starscream. “There are three Predacons now. We blew up the lab where Shockwave was growing more. They all transform apparently and Arcee is pissed.”

“Arcee? Why? I figure Hex would be more enraged.” Starscream looked at his brother curiously.

“She wanted to clone Cliffjumper.” Skywarp explained,

“Ah…and now the lab is gone…” Starscream felt a pang of guilt. He is the one who terminated Cliffjumper. He did make amends with Arcee and Cliffjumper’s spirit. But after finding out about the corruption of Dark Energon… Cliffjumper can’t be in the Allspark.

“Where is she now?” Starscream asked, and Skywarp shrugged. “Don’t know she stormed off, and Optimus said leave her alone.”

Starscream rolled his optics. “I have an idea…”
—---
Starscream flew overhead and spotted Arcee near the ruins of the old Autobot base. Arcee was sitting in the center as she was sifting through the rubble. Starscream landed and made his approach. “Go away…” Arcee said sternly as she flipped over a rock.

“Looking for something?” Starscream asked, and Arcee turned to look at the seeker. “Starscream, why are you here?”

“You’re looking for this?” Starscream held out a rusted horn of Cliffjumper. Arcee’s optics lit up. “When did you-”

“Don’t ask questions. Just take it.” Starscream held out his servo with the horn. Arcee walked over and took it. “I miss him.”

“I know.” Starscream said with a sigh. “You know, since we have the horn, we can summon him again.”

“I know, but it’s…not the same.” Arcee looked down at the horn. “He can’t join the Allspark because of Megatron.”

“We know Moonlight can purify spirits. Maybe…maybe we can hold a small seance. Get him purified to assuage your mind.” Starscream suggested,

“It takes a lot out of Moonlight to do so. I don’t know if Warlock will be keen on doing it again.” Arcee sighed,

“I can handle Warlock. I wasn’t there for the battle. But from what Skywarp told me, it was brutal. Ultra Magnus is still in critical condition.” Starscream said, looking out towards the horizon. "Predacons are beasts. Even if they can transform like us, they possess that bestial strength. They had no choice, Arcee.”

“If the roles were reversed, wouldn’t you be angry?” Arcee asked him,

“Of course. But as a rational person, I would understand. And like I said, we can still save him, Arcee. Give him peace. Not drag him back into war.” Starscream placed a servo on Arcee’s shoulder.

“I just…I miss him so much.” Arcee practically sobbed,

“I know. I took him from you. But I also reunited him with you. You've got to say your goodbyes. Now we can get him back to the Allspark. Letting go is hard. But once you see him happy again, you’ll realize that…he deserves peace.” Starscream tried to convince her. Arcee looked down at the horn.

“Ok. One last seance. Save Cliff and let his soul rest.” Arcee smiled at Starscream.

Starscream chuckled, “That’s the spirit! Literally.”

Arcee chuckled at Starscream’s bad pun. The two made their way back to base, ready for another go at contacting the dead.
—----
Meanwhile…. Predaking, Darksteel, and Skylynx walked towards Megatron. The three Predacons bowed before him. “I am sorry about what happened, Predaking…” Megatron faked an apology.

Predaking snarled as the other two Predacons looked at him. “I vow to you that the Autobots will pay for their transgressions,” Megatron said with zeal. Megatron was trying to make it as convincing as possible. Slipstream’s plan seemed to have worked.

To add the metaphorical sprinkles on top, he contacted Shockwave, who is at the site to report the damage. “It is true, my liege. Project Predacon is no more. I have been unable to recover any bodies…”

Predaking was baring his fangs and trying to hold himself back…how can Hex let her teammates kill his kind? Darksteel and Skylynx can practically feel the rage radiating off his body. “However…” Shockwave continues… “There is something you must behold yourself, my lord.”

This piqued Megatron’s curiosity. What was Shockwave talking about? Megatron ordered Soundwave to call a ground bridge and teleport them to Shockwave’s location. He and Slipstream walked through the ground bridge and saw it… Cyber material… the matter formed on Cybertron…in this cavern?!

Shockwave walked towards the two… “Pure Cybertronian Cyber matter. Just like the material that grew on our homeworld.”

“A result from the explosion?” Megatron asked,

“Indeed. But the Cyber Nucleic Acid could not account for these cyberforms. Logically, there is one unaccounted-for variable.” Shockwave looked over to a sickly green spot where much of the cyber matter seemed to germinate from.

“The Synth-En?” Slipstream questioned,

“Exactly.” Shockwave, Megatron, and Slipstream walked deeper into the cavern. “With this combination of materials, it could allow us to Cyberform worlds.”

“Why do I feel a Shockwave scheme coming on…” Slipstream sassed, Shockwave’s antennae twitched as he grabbed the seeker. “Do not forget Slipstream. You left me at the mercy of the Autobots!”

“My liege, you wouldn’t allow one lieutenant to harm another?!” Slipstream looked back at Megatron, who was surprisingly quiet. “MASTER?!”

“I’m thinking…” Megatron said with some sass…

Shockwave dragged Slipstream over to a very pointy part of the growths. “Maybe you should share my perspective…” As Shockwave began to push her down closer to the pointy bit. Her optic is dangerously close to it.

“If it weren’t for my methods…we would have this happy accident!” Slipstream yelled,

“Explain.” Shockwave paused,

“If I allowed you to clear your lab, you wouldn’t have found out about…all this!” Slipstream gestured to the cyber matter. Shockwave released Slipstream: “Your point is…logical.”

“Tell me, Shockwave…why are the growths so…chaotic?” Megatron asked,

“My theory is that the Synth-En is unstable and incomplete…I will begin working on correcting that.” Shockwave told Megatron.

“Whether we use this matter to restore Cybertron or claim the Earth…we would require a launch mechanism, would we not?” Megatron asked,

Shockwave and Slipstream shared a look. Megatron continued, “Then we will use our remaining resources to restore…the Omega Lock…”

Chapter Text

Episode: Minus One

Starscream and Arcee returned to base as Starscream rushed over to Warlock, who was sitting with Moonlight. “Warlock…sweet spark…”

“Uh oh…what is it?” Warlock asked,

Starscream flapped his wings. “So here’s the thing…”
—---
Arcee, Warlock, Starscream, and Moonlight found an empty area away from the base where they could perform the ritual. The sun began to set as the cool desert air began to take over. Moonlight began to draw in the dirt the sigils and glyphs she needed. Warlock holding a piece of the Onyx Triptych, Mournsong in a box, waiting for Moonlight to be ready to help cleanse Cliffjumper.

After a bit, Moonlight finished and began doing her thing to summon Cliffjumper. The sigils and glyphs began to glow green, and after a bit of blinding light, Cliffjumper’s spirit was standing in the circle.

The living bots all blinked and looked at Cliffjumper’s spirit. Cliffjumper then looked at the group of them. “Well, uh…good to see you all again. Starscream? Uh…I don’t know you…” points at Warlock.

“Oh uh… I’m Warlock. Moonlight’s sire.” points at the glowing sparkling.

“Oh…uh hi?” Cliffjumper was confused but tried to be cordial. Warlock felt awkward after that but hopefully this will be over soon.

“Cliff, focus.” Arcee got Cliffjumper’s attention. Cliffjumper looked over at Arcee. “We are here to cleanse you.”

“Cleanse?” Cliffjumper said, confused,

Warlock held up Mournsong. “Moonlight is going to help cleanse the Dark Energon from your soul and let you rejoin the Allspark.”

“Wait, you can do that?!” Cliffjumper smiled, “I can’t wait to actually join the Allspark! Floating in space has been…well…boring and bleak…”

“One can imagine.” Starscream said, looking at Cliffjumper,

Warlock walked over and placed the mask in front of his daughter. She looked down at the mask and then grabbed it and placed it on her face. That mournful song began to come out of the mask as Moonlight focused. Cliffjumper watched and listened to the music coming from the small sparkling. The others knew this would happen since they saw it with Skyquake.

Cliffjumper immediately felt the song affecting him. His spirit slumped to the ground as Arcee stepped forward, concerned. Starscream placed a servo on her shoulder, “It’s part of the process. Do not fret.”

Arcee looked at hi,m then back at Cliffjumper. She knew this was for his own good, but still…Cliffjumper writhed in pain for a bit as the purple tint of his soul slowly faded. The sound grew louder and the melody harsher…

The living bots covered their audio receptors. Moonlight’s song hit a high note that was excruciating. Then the purple tint seemed to seep out of Cliffjumper. And a normal bluish hue seemed to take over Cliffjumper’s spirit.

Arcee felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw the purple leaving Cliff’s spirit. The song began to peter out as Moonlight felt the wave of exhaustion over this. She slumped forward, causing Warlock to panic. He rushed over to his daughter and helped her to sit back up. Cliffjumper looked over himself and was amazed and felt no trace of Dark Energon.

“I’m…free…I can join the Allspark.” Cliffjumper said in amazement, and Arcee smiled at her former partner. “I’m glad you can, Cliff.”

Cliffjumper looked at her. “Well…I guess this means I won’t see you again til you finally join…” Cliffjumper sounded a bit sad when saying this.

Arcee gave him a bitter smile, “Yeah. You’re going to have to wait a while, though, Cliff. I don’t plan on going out so easily.”

Cliffjumper laughed, “I don’t expect you to.” Cliffjumper looked over at Starscream, who seemed a bit uncomfortable. “Thank you, Starscream. For…doing this again.”

Starscream’s wings stiffened and rose. “Oh, uh…you’re welcome.”

“Still mad about you, you know…killing me.” Cliffjumper told him, “But we already established you're not a total piece of slag and helped me through all this.”

Starscream frowned at the rather backhanded apology. But he couldn’t black Cliffjumper. Starscream just chuckled, “Well, this piece of slag will see you in the afterlife…possibly. That’s…still up for a whole other debate…”

Cliffjumper looked confused and then at Arcee. “Starscream can’t die.”

“No fair. Dang Scream, you are a lucky slagger.” Cliffjumper chuckled,

“You say that, but I’ve died several times already since our last chit-chat.” Starscream rolled his optics, remembering all the times he died…

“Well, I can’t say I’m not feeling so bad for you.” Cliffjumper teased, Starscream rolled his optics again, and Arcee held back a chuckle.

“When are you going back to the Allspark?” Starscream asked sassily, and Arcee elbowed him in the stomach.

Cliffjumper laughed, “You would ask that, wouldn't you?”

Starscream chuckled, “Sometimes my…attitude can slip up.”

Cliffjumper smiled and turned his attention back to Arcee. “I’ll tell Tailgate…hi.”

Arcee’s spark fluttered a little. Tailgate…her first partner. “That…that’ll be nice of you.”

Cliffjumper smiled widely and held a thumbs-up. Then Moonlight began to get drowsy and was losing focus. Cliffjumper began to fade away. Cliffjumper looked happily at Arcee before he faded back. His spark flew into the air and then disappeared.

Arcee sighed, a bit relieved to see Cliffjumper leaving peacefully. Starscream placed a reassuring servo on her shoulder. “He’s all good now, Arcee.”

“I know. I’m glad. Thank you and Warlock for…indulging me.” Arcee said as Warlock picked up Moonlight.

Warlock smudged all the sigils and glyphs in the dirt. “Well, I think someone needs a nap.” Warlock held up Moonlight.

The other two chuckled, “Yes, it is time to return to base.” Starscream said as he and the others began making their way back.
—----
Warlock and Starscream walked back onto Warlock’s ship and placed Moonlight in her room. It was getting late in the evening. Starscream looked over at the sunset and back at Warlock, “Earth has some beautiful views.”

“I know.” Warlock pulled Starscream close to him. “I hope Cliffjumper gets to the Allspark, ok.”

“I bet he will. He has no body, it can't be that hard now.” Starscream shrugged,

Warlock chuckled, “Still, he couldn’t before. So…let’s hope he gets there ok.”

“Let’s stop focusing on him. He’s good now.” Starscream said, playfully wrapping his arm around Warlock’s waist.

“Oh? Is someone feeling something?” Warlock teased,

Starscream chuckled, “I do. It’s been a while…Plus, I do have an idea.”

“Idea?” Warlock asked curiously,

“Ok…so hear me out.” Starscream said Warlock listened and was taken aback by Starscream’s suggestion. “Uh…ok, are you sure?”

“Yes. I am sure.”

Chapter Text

“So you want this?” Warlock asked,

“Yes. I saw some…Earth videos on it…it’s something I…was curious about.” Starscream blushed,

“Earth videos?!” Warlock asked confused, “What kind of weird porn are you watching?!”

“Shut up, Skywarp showed me.” Starscream pointed at Warlock,

“That doesn’t make it better.” Warlock sassed,

“Oh, come on, aren’t you curious?” Starscream asked,

“No! No, I am not. And the fact that you are is a bit weird.” Warlock argued,

“Warlock…” Starscream whined as he hugged him tightly. “Please? I just want to try it.”

“You know I’m not…comfortable with my Quintesson half…” Warlock blushed,

“But this could help you get in touch with it! And um…let me see how this feels…” Starscream insisted,

“Starscream…” Warlock was hesitant,

“Only a little?” Warlock asked,

“Yes! A little!” Starscream’s wings flapped, “Only as much as you are comfortable with.”

“You know I can get…aggressive when I use my Quintesson abilities…I don’t want to hurt you accidentally.” Warlock added,

Starscream paused, and he could see the worry in Warlock’s optics. “I trust you. If it gets bad, I’ll tell you to stop. And I know even with your Quintesson half, I can trust you to stop.”

Warlock softly smiled; he liked that Starscream trusted him. “Ok. But if either of us feels uncomfortable, we are stopping.”

“Of course.” Starscream cupped Warlock's face, “We both should enjoy it.”

Warlock and Starscream make their way to their shared quarters. Starscream beelines for the berth. Warlock still shakes his head subtly at Starscream’s eagerness. Starscream crawls onto the berth and turns to face Warlock who was standing on the foot of the berth. Warlock crawled over and kneeled over Starscream, who was below him on the berth. “Last chance, Star. You sure?”

Starscream nodded. Warlock took in a deep inhale. He placed his servos together and began to focus. Then, Warlock began to glow green as the tendrils from his back slowly began to appear.

Starscream shook with excitement. Warlock’s tentacles began to snake closer to Starscream’s legs. Unlike how Warlock’s tentacles are in combat, they didn’t hurt or melt Starscream’s plating. No, it was surprisingly warm and gentle. Starscream looked up at Warlock’s face and could see him focusing. “Are you alright?”

“I just don’t want to hurt you accidentally.” Warlock informed him,

“I’ve been through a lot, Warlock. I know you would hurt me intentionally.” Starscream leaned down and touched one of the tentacles around his leg. He began to touch and stroke it. Warlock felt a shiver go up his spinal strut. Starscream saw the little shiver and smirked. “Hmm…”

“What’s hmmm?” Warlock asked,

Starscream began teasing the tentacle more. Warlock involuntarily arched his back a little. “You like it.”

Warlock’s face flushed blue as his fans subtly kicked on. “I uh…this is, I don’t…”

“Shush. Just enjoy.” Starscream leaned forward and took the two that weren’t on his legs into his servos. He rubbed them with his thumb and made slow, deliberate circles on them. Warlock let out a groan as the tentacles around Starscream’s legs tightened. Starscream smirked as he continued to tease his partner.

Warlock felt the nerves beginning to melt away as Starscream gently teased his appendages. Warlock twitched and groaned as Starscream got more intense with his teasing. Starscream then felt those tentacles lift him off the berth. Starscream was hovering over the berth a few feet away. Then the two by his servos then wrapped around a bit more aggressively. Starscream stopped teasing it as it snaked up his arms. Then he was roughly placed against the berth.

Starscream looked up at Warlock, his optics glowing a slightly tinted green over his usually yellow optics. Warlock crawled onto the berth as his tentacles got up Starscream’s limbs. Starscream chuckled, “Now you’re getting into it.”

Warlock’s tentacles unfurled from Starscream’s arms as Warlock uses his own servos to pin his arms. The other two tentacles, one wrapped around his waist and the other around his neck. The neck one was loose…Warlock was in full control right now and refused to tighten it. But his waist snapped it tight, lifting his hips up in the air.

Starscream chuckled, “Oh?”

Warlock chuckled, “I don’t want to strangle you. But that tiny waist…”

Starscream laughed, “Such a caring partner.”

“Do you want me to?” Warlock asked,

“No…I mean you can be more forward…but no strangling…please.” Starscream asked,

“Of course.” Warlock’s tentacle slipped around Starscream’s neck and into his mouth. Starscream was surprised but also not surprised. Starscream began to suck on the tip of the tentacle and Warlock moaned. Starscream’s glossa licked and sucked around Warlock’s tentacle tip.

Warlock saw Starscream make optic contact with him, and he licked up the side of the tentacle. Warlock shivered and looked at him with lidded optics. “You’re such a tease.”

“I know…come on, be a bit…rougher.” Starscream requested,

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to panic.” Warlock asked,

“If I panic, I will let you know.” Starscream stoked the tentacle, Warlock nodded as he wrapped the tentacle around a tad tighter and into Starscream’s mouth. Starscream felt the tentacle go into his mouth and tease him. Starscream smiled and began to treat it like a glossa and would kiss and tongue back.

Warlock moaned and groaned. “Starscream….”

“Yes?” Starscream knows full well what he is doing. Warlock took his servos and interlocked them with Starscream’s. Warlock removed the tentacle near Starscream’s face and replaced it with his lips as he kissed Starscream. Starscream kissed back hungrily as both seemed to fight for dominance in the kiss.

One of the tentacles sneakily made its way down to Starscream’s panel. Starscream broke the kiss and felt the tentacle, and looked down. “Sneaky little tease.”

“Oh? Am I?” Warlock teased back, Starscream shifted his leg with one of the tentacles, and rubbed the tentacle against Warlock’s own panel.

Warlock laughed, “And I’m the tease?”

Starscream faked an innocent look. “Well, it’s your tentacle…”

Warlock’s tentacle tapped Starscream’s panel, eager for it to open up. Starscream wrapped his arms around Warlock and pulled himself up to Warlock’s lips again and resumed kissing him. The tentacle around Starscream’s waist held Starscream in place as Starscream’s legs stroked Warlock’s legs. The two continued their heated exchange as the two furiously made out.

Warlock can feel his spike beginning to pressurize a little and begin leaking a little through his panel. The same goes for Starscream, as he was already leaking. Starscream opened his panel as the clock and Shink sound echoed in Warlock’s audio processors.

Warlock smirked as he didn’t break the kiss, but the tentacle teasing his panel went right for the kill. As the tip of the tentacle began hitting Starscream’s outer nodes on his valve. Starscream moaned into the kiss as Warlock’s one tentacle teased the outer nodes and another snaked in and went into Starscream’s valve. Starscream’s optics shot open, and he didn’t expect this of Warlock.

Warlock’s tentacles began to really relentlessly tease and pump into Starscream’s valve. Starscream was drooling as some saliva spilled out from the kiss. Warlock smirked mischievously as he broke the kiss, as he thrusted the tentacle further into his valve. Starscream moaned loudly, and Warlock released his own panel as he was enjoying Starscream’s reaction.

“You like that?” Warlock whispered in Starscream’s audio receptor. Starscream, lost in the feeling of the tentacles, nodded weakly. Warlock chuckled as he took another tentacle and began stroking Starscream’s spike while thrusting in and out of his valve. Starscream arched his back as he felt the tentacle stroking his pressurized spike.

Warlock was surprisingly getting into it… Warlock took his servo and was servicing himself while his tentacles satisfied Starscream. The two of them were finding a rhythm as the tentacles took care of Starscream, and Warlock was getting off on Starscream’s moans and whimpers as the tentacles pumped, teased, and stroked Starscream all at once.

Starscream was close, the onslaught of pleasure was overwhelming as the tentacles were just…doing such a good job. Starscream was eagerly receiving the pleasure from Warlock’s tentacles. Warlock leaned closer to Starscream’s audio receptors, “Just remember you asked for all of this.”

Warlock picked up the pace of all three tentacles. Starscream’s moans and groans got louder as he arched his back more and more as he was reaching his peak. Warlock was enjoying it so much, the satisfaction that Warlock was feeling from watching his partner enjoying something he was ashamed of.

Starscream couldn’t take anymore from the tentacles and climaxed as the transfluid went all over Warlock’s torso and tentacles. Warlock not too far after Starscream as seeing Starscream all worn out and venting heavily. The faint blush on his face plate and the sound of his fans.

Warlock removed the tentacles from Starscream’s lower body and finished himself. He was venting heavily and looked at the spent Starscream under him. Warlock took one of his tentacles to his face and licked off the transfluid from Starscream. Starscream looked over at Warlock, “And I thought you never used these in the berthroom before.”

Warlock finished licking it off. “I haven’t. I guess I learned a new skill.”

Starscream felt the tentacle around his waist disappear, and the other tentacles fade out from existence. Warlock wiped his lips and smiled down at Starscream. “Was that what you expected?”

Starscream was still catching his breath. “N-No…it wasn’t. I-It was better.”

Warlock chuckled as he climbed over to the side of Starscream. He rested his elbow on the berth and held his head in his servo, looking at Starscream. Starscream turned to face Warlock, “Cuddles?”

Warlock smiled, “Cuddles, it is.”

Chapter Text

Warlock and Starscream walked servo in servo into the base. Everyone was looking somber as the happy couple realized the air was tense. Warlock looked confused, “What happened?”

The team we all crowded in the med bay. On the med berth was Ultra Magnus…his servo…was unrecoverable. Even with Knock Out and Ratchet’s expertise and skill, they couldn’t recover the smashed servo of the Autobot commander.

Starscream and Warlock walked up and saw what Knock Out and Ratchet managed to scrounge together to make a replacement servo for Ultra Magnus. With the limited resources the Autobots had, they managed to craft a claw-like servo replacement. Warlock looked down and frowned; he wished he had something on his ship that could help, but he would have to double-check.

“We did what we could. With the limited resources we possess and the limited tools at our disposal.” Ratchet said to the team, even the humans were looking at Ultra Magnus with pity.

“Ultra Magnus will need physical therapy with his new servo before entering the battlefield.” Knock Out explained to Optimus and the rest of the team.

“That is all we can hope for. You two did your best.” Optimus thanked the doctors.

The team that faced off against the Predacons felt guilty for not protecting Ultra Magnus or the Forge. Smokescreen wanted to cheer up the team. “You guys will see. The claw will become his signature.” Smokescreen turned to Bumblebee, “Just like how you own the voice box that Ratchet slapped together.”

Bumblebee was immediately offended, ‘Seriously, Smokescreen…I hate that most people can’t understand me! You think I don’t want my voice back?!’

Smokescreen immediately realized his mistake. “Uh…sorry, Bee…”

Bumblebee walked away from him, annoyed and muttering about the nerve of him. Miko turned to Raf, as he is the only human who can properly translate Bumblebee. “Bumblebee…is still attached to his original voice…he misses it.”

“Look on the bright side…” Bulkhead interrupted the awkward moment. “We managed to stop Project Predacon!”

“But unfortunately…there are three Predacons that remain.” Optimus interjected, “And all three of them possess the capability to transform.”

Starscream and Warlock exchange an awkward look. “Well, we walked into a wasp’s nest.” Starscream said and looked at the team dispersing. Ratchet sat down on a bench as he looked dejected and sad. Warlock walked over and went to check on Ratchet. “Hey Ratchet, you did a good job. You and Knock Out at least saved Ultra Magnus’s arm.”

“His arm wasn’t what was damaged.” Ratchet snapped,

“Ratchet. You and Knock Out are fantastic physicians.” Warlock insisted,

Starscream walked over to Knock Out, “How are you doing?”

“Fine. Ratchet is taking it harder than I am. We did what we could.” Knock Out shrugged. Breakdown was rubbing Knock Out’s back. Clearly, Knock Out was putting on a brave face. But Breakdown’s concern was a dead giveaway.

Starscream decided not to press. He respected Knock Out too much. “So…are you going to facilitate the physical therapy?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.” Knock Out looked over Starscream.

Starscream chuckled, “Was that a dig?”

Knock Out laughed, “Of course.”

Starscream rolled his optics. “Is it because of me?”

“Yes, you're losing your damn arm. Plus, all the other damage you had, I had to help you.” Knock Out sassed,

“Primus, I almost forgot about losing my damn arm in the Shadow Zone with Skyquake’s zombie…” Starscream felt like a core memory returning.

“I’m sorry…Shadow Zone?!” Knock Out asked,

Starscream paused. “Oh yeah…I’ll fill you in later…when you’re less busy.”

“Less busy?! Explain now!” Knock Out demanded,

Starscream awkwardly explained what he knew of the Shadow Zone. Knock Out blinked, “That’s the Shadow Zone?! I saw that in the whole…” Knock Out rolled his wrist, “Patch thing…”

“Right, you were there for that…” Starscream remembered and then remembered the whole messing with Megatron thing with him and Warlock. “How much did you see?”

Knock Out smirked, “You’re bendy.”

Starscream instantly walked away, blushing. Knock Out was practically hollering as Breakdown looked over, confused at his partner. Starscream walked over to Warlock and clinged to his arm.

Warlock looked down at Starscream, “You ok?”

“Don’t ask.” Starscream pouted,

Warlock looked over at Ratchet as he walked by. “Hey Ratchet, can I ask a favor?”

Ratchet looks up, “Yes?”

“Umm…remember that whole therapy session we had?” Warlock asked,

“Oh Primus…yes?” Ratchet pinched the bridge between his optics.

“Um…can I ask for an update session?” Warlock asked,

“Why? I thought you two worked things out?” Ratchet asked,

“Yes, but I still want things to be…ok.” Warlock said hesitantly,

Ratchet squinted, “Uh huh. So things aren’t ok?”

Warlock pressed his lips into a line. “No, things are good. I just want a check-in.”

“Check in? That’s not the sign of an ok relationship.” Ratchet stated,

Warlock looked back at Starscream. “We’re fine, just some…other minor stuff to discuss.”

“Ask Knock Out.” Ratchet said gruffly,

‘But we did it with you last time…” Warlock almost pouted.

“Ask Knock Out…” Ratchet walked away,

Warlock blinked and then was like…ok, I will ask Knock Out. As Warlock walked towards Knock Out, “Hey, Knock Out…”

Knock Out looked up at Warlock. “What?”

“Ok…don’t judge me…” Warlock looked nervously at Starscream, which piqued Knock Out’s interest. “Oh?”

“Ok so…uh, can you do therapy?” Warlock asks,

Knock Out looks confused, “What?”

“I uh…had Ratchet for therapy….” Warlock admitted,

“Oh?” Knock Out leaned in, “So you need a therapist?”

“Yes…” Warlock answered,

Knock Out was more than interested. Knock Out leaned closer to Warlock…. “I am more than capable of being a therapist for you.”

“Are you sure?” Warlock asked,

“Yes.” Knock Out got up, grabbed a data pad, and began walking towards Starscream. Starscream looked confused. Knock Out grabbed Starscream’s arm and dragged him to a corner. Warlock followed and was now concerned. Knock Out found a quiet corner and sat down and gesturing for Starscream to do the same. Warlock sat down next to his partner and looked at the giddy medic.

“SO….what is troubling the happy couple?” Knock Out, asked data pad ready,

Starscream looked at Warlock, confused, “Knock Out is taking over therapy for Ratchet…” Warlock explained to Starscream.

“Oh?” Starscream then turned to look at Knock Out. “I would have thought Ultra Magnus takes priority over our…romantic relationship.”

“Ratchet will handle it for today. Besides…we want Ultra Magnus to get used to his new servo. We…don’t want him to rush things and be out of commission.” Knock Out said, looking down at the data pad. “Regardless…tell me about you two…how are things?”

Starscream and Warlock exchange a look. “Fine.” Starscream said, “We are doing much better than prior.”

“Oh? Mind just filling me in…on the previous problems?” Knock Out asked, trying to get an understanding.

“Well, it was a listening and doing whatever he wanted problem.” Warlock said, looking at Starscream, who crossed his arms and pouted a little.

“I was helping Knock Out.” Starscream gestured to their therapist.

Knock Out nodded; he understood now. After all, they did get into that nasty fight when Knock Out and Breakdown joined. “Glad to see things have improved.”

Knock Out looked between the two. “So what shall we discuss today?”

Starscream himself was curious as to why Warlock wanted to talk to a therapist. “Honestly, I just wanted to check in with Ratchet. And wanted to let him know everything is much better.”

Knock Out pursed his lips. “And here I was expecting something juicy.”

Starscream chuckled, “You are such a drama queen.”

“So are you.” Knock Out sassed back,

“Guilty.” Starscream smirked back, “But there are still things we can discuss.” Starscream looked at Warlock. “I mean, I understand if it’s too personal.”

Warlock looked confused, “Like what?”

“Your fear of embracing your Quintesson side.” Starscream said,

Warlock rolled his optics. “You know why.”

Knock Out leaned in, “I don’t.”

Warlock sighed, “As much as Starscream insists. I have a hard time…controlling it.”

“You were fine yesterday.” Starscream huffed,

Warlock glared at him. “I have another, less kind and angry side when I use my Quintesson powers. I restrained myself a lot yesterday.”

“What happened yesterday?” Knock Out asked clearly, not knowing the context.

Warlock blushed, and Starscream smirked. “We got creative.”

Knock Out realized rather quickly and laughed. “You two are freaks.”

“But in battle, that is so different. Neither of you saw what I did to Overlord…all that was left were scraps…” Warlock said, looking down, twiddling his thumbs.

Starscream felt bad about pushing it. “I just want you to embrace your full potential.”

“I understand where you are coming from, Starscream. But that’s like saying you should basically die every battle because you recover better after dying.” Knock Out explained, “I understand Warlock’s powers are powerful and you're a power-hungry glitch.” pointing at Starscream.

Starscream looked upset because Knock Out is right. Starscream was ambitious and loved power. Having a powerful partner like Warlock is a blessing. But maybe pushing him too much could be a bad thing….

“How come Hex doesn’t have these problems?” Starscream asked,

“She…just doesn’t get it as bad. Plus, she doesn’t use it unless it’s a last resort, like me.” Warlock answered,

Knock Out wrote this down. Learning about the Quintesson siblings is rather fascinating. He guessed that the conflicting CNA and DNA can cause advanced aggression and a lack of control. The scientist part of Knock Out would love to study these effects. But risking his finish in case those tentacles melt his chassis is way too much of a risk.

Starscream realized he was touching a nerve with Warlock. “I apologize for pushing. I just…want you to be comfortable with all of you.”

“I appreciate that…” Warlock rested a servo on Starscream’s shoulder plating. “But I am not ready to really…to explore this avenue right now.”

Knock Out was curious to hear more… “If you want to discuss things in private, Warlock. I can offer another scientific perspective and just help you explore your feelings privately.”

Warlock was curious about personal therapy…Warlock looked over at Starscream. “I bet both of us could use it. Honestly, half the people here could use it.”

Knock Out chuckled, “Fair statement. War does cause trauma. But I guess if I offer the services to you, I offer them to everyone.”

“You just want to hear gossip on everyone.” Starscream pointed out,

Knock Out held out a servo and shook his head. “Not this time. I am still a medical professional. I can be discreet.”

Starscream has a bit more respect for Knock Out… “Alright then. The base therapist.”

Knock Out scoffed, “Only if they want it. I doubt Arcee or Wheeljack would even entertain the idea.”

“Most definitely not.” Knock Out laughed, “But I am here to listen if you want.”

Warlock and Starscream nodded. “Thank you, Knock Out.”

The trio got up and then got up and returned to the main room…to a massive surprise. A knocked-out Soundwave is being attached to a berth with energy cuffs by the team.

“What the frag did we miss?!” The trio said in unison.

Chapter Text

The team explained they kidnapped Soundwave to learn about the Decepticons' current plans now that Project Predacon is kaput. Unfortunately, during the struggle, Laserbeak escaped. No doubt telling the Decepticons that Soundwave has been captured. Soundwave quickly worked up and began to struggle against the cuffs. Soundwave looked around the room at the Autobots, all staring at him, including the traitors who had defected.

Starscream, Knock Out, and Warlock rushed over and asked how and why Soundwave, of all bots, was locked up in the base. “He’s not going to talk. Literally, he took a vow of silence. He isn’t going to break.” Starscream told Optimus.

Optimus turned to Starscream and Knock Out. “How did you communicate with him prior?”

“Voice recordings, his visor, and physical gestures.” Knock Out said, looking at Soundwave. Soundwave’s face might be covered, but Starscream and Knock Out could feel the glare at them.

“Our base having jammers is a good thing. He cannot transmit his location to the Nemesis. Nor let the Decepticons find him.” Ratchet said, looking at Optimus.

“So we got all the time in the world to make Soundwave talk…” Wheeljack smirked,

“Again, he won’t speak.” Starscream reiterated,

Warlock turned to see that even Agent Fowler was present to learn what Soundwave knew. The human kids are far away but still able to see Soundwave. “So the Cons’ chief communications officer should know a lot right?” Jack asked the group of humans.

“Yeah, probably…but Soundwave doesn’t speak. Does he?” Miko pointed out,

“Starscream just said he took a vow of silence. So…he can, I guess? Heck, I don’t even know if he has a face under that visor.” Raf said, looking out,

Optimus decided to start the interrogation. “Why is Megatron stealing human technology? What is he trying to build?”

‘Wh-Why-I-Is, Meg-Mega-Megatron st-st-stealing hu-huyman, technnnoollgogoy…” Soundwave mixed Optimus’s words into an annoying playback.

“Told you he won’t cooperate.” Starscream shook his head,

He then flashed a condescending little smiley face on his visor to taunt the Autobots. Optimus stepped back as Starscream was right; it will take a while to get Soundwave to talk.

Bulkhead pulled out his wrecking ball, “Well, why don’t we wipe that smile off his face.”

“I believe beating the scrap out of a mute, stubborn Decepticon will probably not yield the results you expect.” Thundercracker lowered Bulkhead’s wrecking ball.

“TC has a point. Can’t talk if his face is smashed in.” Hex shrugged,

“Whatever weapon or device Megatron is trying to build must be very sophisticated. Considering where you picked up Soundwave.” Warlock was there when they attacked and captured Soundwave but… from what the others filled him in on… Soundwave was raiding a science outpost near a military base.

The team spent some time trying to get the silent mech to talk. But it was all in vain. Soundwave wouldn’t speak or just haphazardly throw their words back at it. Miko even made a comment about the remixing of the voices of the autobots. Hell, even Soundwave made a song out of it.

“Optimus Prime…the remix…” Miko said after hearing Soundwave’s song.

“I’m getting tired of waiting for Soundwave to comply!” Bulkhead yelled,

“I have to agree with Bulkhead.” Ratchet agreed, “Soundwave is no ordinary Cybertronian inside or out. We should just open him up and see the information on his drives!”

Warlock felt his fuel tank drop….He, too, was not a normal Cybertronian. But hearing Ratchet saying it so casually…made him sick inside.

Starscream looked around; he never imagined Ratchet would suggest something so…extreme. His brothers saw the concern on Starscream’s face. “You good, Star?” Thundercracker asked, placing a servo on his shoulder.

“I just…the idea of cracking open Soundwave…” Starscream looked down, “I served with him for centuries. Even though we are enemies…the extreme methods are something the Decepticons would do…not the Autobots.”

Optimus heard this and turned, “We have an obligation to protect humanity. And if Soundwave and Megatron plan to continue raiding human military bases, we must protect them. And be concerned about what they are building.”

“So harming him is justified because he is harming the humans?” Starscream argued,

Optimus didn’t like that Starscream was pushing back like this. “Starscream, why are you arguing against gathering information?”

“I think opening him up is a tad too far. Yes, he will not speak. But to rip him open to view his drives. It’s on par with the Cortical Psychic Patch.” Starscream crossed his arms,

“Soundwave is not cooperating. We must use extreme methods. I understand you are not for this but we must understand what Megatron is planning. I hope you can understand that.” Optimus is trying to settle the matter.

Starscream really couldn’t argue more. He hated Megatron more than he worried about Soundwave. Starscream pursed his lips. “You do have a point…fine. Crack him open.”

Soundwave’s visor lights up, and information begins to run down the visor. Almost looking like a download….Bulkhead cheered as Soundwave began to cooperate. Ratchet and Warlock panicked because no way Soundwave would give up so easily. Warlock and Ratchet realized quickly that he was crashing his drives.

“He’s crashing his drives and deleting information!” Ratchet exclaimed. Warlock and Ratchet tried to stop him; they ran over to the computer to find some kind of adaptor to stop him or at least download something before the system was too damaged or unrecoverable.

Soundwave quickly changed his visor screen, lifted his head up, and looked around the room. “Soundwave, Superior. Autobots. Inferior.”

Sounwave spoke…He actually talked?!

Then Soundwave fell limp. His head cast to the side as his body relaxed. “Is he…” Skywarp asked, worried that Soundwave literally killed himself…

“No, unconscious.” Ratchet corrected, “He crashed his own drives so that we wouldn’t get the information…”

The group of Autobots all looked around the room. Their only source of information…unconscious and useless.
—----
“I have located the item powerful enough to help rebuild the Omega Lock, Lord Megatron.” Shockwave informed Megatron. He pulled up the location of the item on a computer for Megatron to see. “Excellent, Shockwave.” Megatron was pleased.

“Though…there is one small problem I am facing.” Shockwave admitted,

Slipstream looked over at the one-opticed scientist with intrigue. Shockwave struggling? That’s interesting. “The Synthetic Energon formula has been more difficult to decipher than I initially thought.”

“Before his betrayal, Knock Out was working on the formula. He procured it from the Autobot medic, Ratchet.” Megatron stated,

“That is my understanding of the situation.” Shockwave replied,

“Then, as a means to an end, we should acquire said medic.” Megatron suggested,

“So, just casually kidnap the one Autobot who rarely leaves the base? A base we have failed to locate. So kidnapping the medic might be a tad more difficult than just snatching him off the battlefield.” Slipstream added, Megatron turned to her “You forget we currently have an operative within the confines of the Autobot base.”

“We can have Laserbeak reconnect with Soundwave and upload his directive to him.” Shockwave suggested,

“Which would still require knowing where their base is.” Slipstream argued, “What about the Quintesson? Airachnid spoke of his scientific capabilities. He comes to the battlefield more often. Why not take him?”

“Logic would dictate that he and Ratchet would both work on the formula.” Shockwave agreed,

“The Quintesson is too unpredictable. He has power he rarely uses, but when he does, he is a force to be reckoned with.” Megatron recalled his battle with Warlock in the past.

“Do you think the Quintesson can beat the beasts? We have three of them.” Slipstream asked, Megatron paused…Warlock vs the Predacons. What an interesting scenario…

“His knowledge could be most insightful in rebuilding of the Omega Lock if he proves useless with the Synthetic formula. With Knock Out now gone, I have no assistance in that endeavor.” Shockwave suggested,

“Fine. If it is within Soundwave’s capabilities…bring the Quintesson aboard.” Megatron conceded. He found Warlock almost as hard to kill as Optimus…but with more unpredictability.

Shockwave got the group’s attention, “It is my understanding that Soundwave kept more than just surveillance information on the human children…” Slipstream grumbled…damn, that was a good idea.

Once Laserbeak was sent out and began to trail Agent Fowler. Megatron dismissed Shockwave back to his lab and Slipstream to be on standby. But one other piece needed to come into play.

“You summoned me, Lord Megatron.” Predaking said as he entered the bridge.

“I require your services. As soon as we will be welcoming Autobots aboard our ship.” Megatron openly stated, Predaking’s curiosity was piqued, but…he didn’t ask.

“I look forward to facing the Prime again. Warrior to warrior.” Predaking said honestly and with zeal.

Megatron’s optic twitched as he shook with anger. “You pride yourself on your evolution! Yet you have learned nothing! I may have lost my surveillance chief today…The Autobots grow in numbers, while our ranks slowly dwindle!”

“Then I will battle twice as ferociously. To combat that loss.” Predaking said proudly, clenching his servo.

“Then face them as the beast you are!” Megatron hyped him up,
—----
Agent Fowler was driving towards the base as he received information that the Decepticons were hitting the Solaris Particle Collider in the South Pole. Optimus turned to his team, Ultra Magnus was eager to join the battle.

“Ep! Ep! You are not ready!” Ratchet insisted,

Wheeljack walked forward as he defended the commander by saying he was indeed ready to fight whatever Decepticon forces would be at the base.

“Smokescreen, Hex, and Bulkhead, guard our prisoner.” Optimus ordered,

“Optimus, don’t you think that’s a lot of us to go to the collider?” Starscream asked,

“You have a point, Starscream. But Knock Out, Warlock, and Ratchet are currently working on the Synth-En formula.” Optimus realized how large his ranks had gotten in recent months. Breakdown walked forward, “Don’t worry, Prime. I’ll stay back to keep an optic on the trio of eggheads.”

“I too will stay back…Even with crashed drives…Soundwave could be a threat.” Starscream looked over at the unconscious

“Fine then. Everyone else…transform and roll out!” Optimus said as the team got ready to head to the collider.

Chapter Text

The team made their way to the South Pole in order to stop the Decepticons from stealing…Primus knows what from the base. Back at base, the rest of the Autobots were working on their science projects or guarding Soundwave.

“It’s like he is always watching…” Smokescreen moved around as if Soundwave was watching him. But he wasn’t no, Soundwave was unconscious on the berth.

“Can’t we throw a tarp over him? He’s creeping me out.” Bulkhead said, looking at the unconscious Soundwave.

“You think him lying there is creepy, imagine turning around and he is just standing there…watching you.” Starscream said, remembering some of his encounters with Soundwave.

Hex laughed, “Primus, I can imagine you just screeching as Soundwave just watches.”

“Ha, ha.” Starscream said humorlessly,

“Can you lot stop focusing on how creepy he is and help me figure out what information he is hiding?” Ratchet yelled at them,

“I thought you, Warlock, and Knock Out were going to work on the Synth-En formula?” Hex asked,

Ratchet sighed, “Those two can handle it for now. I’m more focused on our prisoner…”

“For example…why would Megatron be interested in a particle collider? Does he intend to create black holes?!” Ratchet speculated,

“So Megatron wants to make blackholes?” Smokescreen asked,

“No, no. Megatron wouldn’t be that reckless…” Starscream dismissed,

“I agree with Starscream. The most logical thing is that he wants to harness the power of something that can produce black holes and swallow worlds. In order…to…” Ratchet’s optics widened as it clicked for him. “To create one…oh no…”

“Care to share with the rest of us your epiphany?” Starscream asks snarkily,

“He’s going to repair the Omega Lock.” Ratchet said sternly,
—----
The team arrived at the South Pole. The snow was whooshing past them. The wind was roaring loudly, deafening the area around them. The team arrived at the site where the particle collider is supposed to be. The building that contained the collider had a massive hole in the side of the building, a Cybertronian-sized hole.

Ratchet commed immediately to Optimus and the team at the South Pole. “Optimus…I know this seems like a bad time. But I hope this information will assist you in your mission.”

Optimus held out his servo and clenched it to signal to the team to stop. Everyone paused and waited for Optimus’s signal to move again. Optimus resumed listening to Ratchet, “Go ahead, Ratchet.”

“I believe that Megatron intends to rebuild the Omega Lock.” Ratchet tells Optimus. Optimus’s optics widened, and the realization hit him. “Do we let him?” Ratchet asked sorrowfully and awkwardly.

“No…” Optimus said softly, “Because we both know that Megatron will use the Omega Lock to cyberform both Earth and restore Cybertron. And that is one abuse of power we cannot allow.”

“Understood.” Ratchet said, feeling a shard piercing his spark. Megatron is trying to restore their world…Ratchet wanted nothing more than for Cybertron to be restored. But Megatron is a warlord, a conqueror, and greedy. He wouldn’t stop at just one world. He admitted it himself back at the Omega Lock. ‘Why have one world when I could have two?’ Optimus knew the Omega Lock was the only true way that could possibly restore Cybertron…but Optimus wasn’t going to risk losing Earth to the Decepticons.

Then, over the whooshing wind, they heard something. Then they heard the screeching from behind. The team turned and saw the Predacons heading towards them. Predaking was leading the charge as the other two were behind him. Predaking charged up a fireblast as he then shrieked and shot out a fireball at the team of the Autobots.

The team all scattered in an attempt to dodge the fireball. Optimus got to his pedes and began firing at the flying beasts. Their maneuverability in the sky was impressive as they dodged blast after blast. Optimus turned to his team, "The Decepticons must not be able to secure their target!”

The other two Predacons, Darksteel and Skylynx, charged forth as one tackled Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus, and the other was cornering Skywarp, Arcee, and Thundercracker. Bulkhead and Bumblebee rushed over to Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack as the two were knocked down. The two began firing at the Predacon to get it off, and it worked, but now the Predacon was facing them.

Optimus focused his attention on Predaking, who was still in the air. The Predacon was looping back for a second flyby. Optimus pulled out his Gatling gun and began firing at Predaking. The Predacon was smoothly and gracefully dodging the blasts in the air as if the shots weren’t there at all. And as he barrel rolled towards Optimus. He let out a torrent of flames. But Optimus at the last second engaged his thrusters and flew straight upward to avoid the flame and take the battle to Predaking in the air.

Skywarp, Thundercracker, and Arcee all surrounded the Predacon and were firing and moving in a circle to confuse the creature. Darksteel roared in anger and frustration at this tactic. Skywarp would even teleport, creating more confusion for him as Skywarp would hop from spot to spot in an instant. Thundercracker took advantage of the confusion and rushed towards Darksteel and using his outlier ability to create a sonic boom punch that sent the Predacon flying back.

Bulkhead was holding back Skylynx with his servos in an attempt to prevent it from doing damage to the others. It decided to roll over and throw Bulkhead farther back into the snow. Ultra Magnus ordered Wheeljack and Bumblebee to stop any Decepticons in the building as he believed that the Predacons were just a distraction. The two nodded and rushed towards the center housing the particle collider.

Optimus managed to get around Predaking as he got higher in the sky, shooting straight up. Predaking was getting annoyed that the Prime wasn’t fighting him properly and just dodging him. Predaking made a heel turn on the ground and began flying up towards Optimus as he was still firing at him with his Gatling gun.

Ultra Magnus was shooting at Skylynx as Bulkhead was still getting his bearings to rejoin him in the fight. Next thing he knows, Arcee comes speeding over and swiftly kicks the beast in the face and sends it flying, and lands a few feet away.

Optimus was flying in the air, and he looped backwards and then put pressure on his thrusters to shoot forward and tackled the Predacon mid-air. And then threw him towards the closest cliff face. Then began firing at Predaking and forcing him back into the icy cliff face, and pinned the Predacon until snow and ice began to fall down like a mini-avalanche, pinning him under the snow.

Optimus flew back to the center as the Autobots regrouped. Wheeljack and Bumblebee emerged from the base. Informing them, the Decepticons grabbed the collider…they were too late.
—----
“Ratchet…it might be with the Forge or the Omega Lock…but we will restore Cybertron one way or another.” Smokescreen tried to cheer up the medic.

Knock Out, Breakdown, and Warlock joined the group after doing some research. Seeing how their prisoner was doing and the rest of the team. Starscream turned to see them entering.

The trio immediately noticed the mood shift as everything was tense and somber. “What the frag happened in here?”Knock Out asked, carrying a sleepy Wildbreak. Moonlight was trailing behind Warlock as she spotted Soundwave. “Is he in recharge?” she asks her sire.

“Uh…sure.” Warlock answers quickly and awkwardly as he, too, looks at Soundwave.

Ratchet turns to the others. “We figured out what Megatron is planning.”

“Care to share with us what the Big M’s plan is?” Knock Out asked,

“Megatron plans to restore the Omega Lock.” Starscream interrupted,

Knock Out and Warlock looked shocked. “But…how?”

“I have a sneaking suspicion I know how.” Knock Out stated, the group turned to the medic. “And now I get to ask….care to enlighten us?” Ratchet asked, crossing his arms.

But before Knock Out could answer…they all turned as they heard the door open and Agent Fowler walked in. Then a whirling could be heard as Laserbeak crashed through the window!

Breakdown and Knock Out went into defensive creator mode and grabbed the two sparklings and dragged them out of the room. Hex was firing at Laserbeak but was quickly hit in the optics and blinded for a second before Laserbeak shot her in the chassis. She felt a surge of pain as she then felt liquid dripping down her chassis as energon began to leak through. She felt weak and coughed up energon and fell to her knees, then collapsed.

Warlock looked back in horror. “HEX!”

He rushed over and tried to stabilize her.

Laserbeak began firing and destroyed the cuffs on Soundwave as he circled the room before landing and reconnecting with Soundwave. Soundwave’s visor lit up as data filtered through him and restored him back to full consciousness. And informing him of his new directive.

Bulkhead and Smokescreen charged at Soundwave. Soundwave easily blocked Bulkhead and knocked him back into Starscream, causing the two to fly into the wall. Smokescreen tried to drop kick Soundwave before he could get up, but Soundwave launched out one of his tendrils and grabbed Smokescreen by the chassis and zapped him full of electricity, and knocked out the rookie.

Agent Fowler charged at him, holding a fire extinguisher, but was quickly and effortlessly knocked unconscious by Soundwave’s tendril. Warlock rushed over from Hex and tried to block Ratchet as Warlock charged at Soundwave and tried to punch him. Soundwave caught his servo and zapped him. Warlock groaned in pain as it took more to take him down than Smokescreen.

Knock Out and Breakdown return after securing the sparklings and see a mess. Half the team was injured or unconscious…and Warlock and Ratchet…Missing.

Chapter Text

Episode: Persuasion

The Arctic base was already cleared out. The Predacon were beginning to regain their composure as they transformed into bot mode. The team turns to see three large Predacons with blasters of their own aimed at the team. “These chumps won’t quit.” Wheeljack sassed as he pulled up his battle mask.

“It took a cataclysm to eradicate Cybertron’s original Predacon inhabitants… None of you stand a chance against us…” Predaking boasted as the other two agreed and chuckled menacingly.

Optimus stepped forward. “Predacon…” He said, addressing Predaking, “My name is PredaKING, Prime.”

“Apologies.” Optimus corrected himself, “You have what you wanted…why are you still here?”

“To destroy you. For what you did to our brethren!” Predaking roared, “You destroyed them without mercy! When they were still incubating?! Murderers!”

“I understand your pain, Predaking.” Optimus sympathized,

“No, you, DON’T!” Predaking shrieked as he stomped his pede. “You don’t understand the torment and pain I have gone through in my very short life! Treated like an animal, betrayed by someone I care about! And now…being pitied by my people’s murderers?! You’re better off spitting in my face than giving me this scrap!”

The betrayal line caught Optimus’s attention. “Betrayal?”

“None of your concern. As I am about to rip out your spark!” Predaking snarled. Darksteel and Skylynx got into position, ready to attack.

Predaking charged forth as the rest of the team prepared to fight off the other two behind Predaking. Ultra Magnus stood next to Optimus to help as best he could but Predaking was focused on his sole target, Optimus Prime.

Predaking bashed Ultra Magnus aside into the other Autobots, only focusing on Optimus. The two began exchanging physical blows.

Predaking kicked Optimus in the stomach and then brought up both his servos into a fist and brought them down on Optimus’s neck. Leaving him in a small crater of ice and snow on the ground. Predaking was huffing as Optimus groaned in pain from the impact and struggling to get back to his pedes. Predaking walked over confidently as he stood over Optimus. He aimed his own blaster at Optimus, who was down on the ground. “It would seem that you now will be the one who is extinct…”

Predaking’s blaster began glowing and warming up as he planned to do a headshot on a downed Optimus. Optimus managed to get enough energy to look up his optics snapped open as he realized what the Predacon planned to do. He was able to swipe away the blaster before it went off, causing the blast to fire into the ether.

Optimus clamored to his pedes and shoulder checked Predaking. This caused the metal between them to spark, and scratch marks formed all over the Predacon’s chest chassis. Predaking stumbled back as Optimus released an onslaught of attacks, punch after punch against him. Pushing him back further and further from the base and his comrades.

Predaking tried punching back, but Optimus had the upper hand. Optimus had way more combat experience than Predaking, and it showed. Predaking may have brute strength, but he is still struggling to properly use his anger and power.

Predaking went to punch Optimus, but Optimus caught his clawed servo. Optimus did the same, and Predaking caught his…the two were in a locked struggle for who was stronger and pushing against each other. Predaking, baring his fangs, and Optimus wanting to distract him from the rest of the team.

The two were pushing against each other using their superior upper body strength, but Optimus decided to do a cheap shot and headbutt Predaking, sending the Predacon flying back.

“Stand down, Predaking! We can solve this peacefully.” Optimus cried out,

“I will not stand down! I will not listen to the honeyed words of an Autobot again!” Predacon snapped back,

Optimus looked confused, “What are you talking about?!”

“You should know Prime! Your ranks are full of your own monsters!” Predaking roared back as he charged and decided to pull something he saw Hex do when they would spend time together. She was much more dexterous than he was, but she was a skilled fighter and taught him…a few tricks.

Predaking did a backflip kick that hit Optimus square in the jaw! Optimus didn’t see this coming from the Predacon as he had mostly been using his fists and not his pedes… This powerful kick sent Optimus sliding against the ground, back far and through the snow, leaving a trail.

Predacon, as he landed, transformed back into his beast mode and snarled, satisfied with his maneuver. He began charging up a fire blast to finish off the Prime when a comm came in. “Predaking our package is secured…call the others and return to base.” Megatron orders through his comms.

Predaking was befuddled….Now?! Now of all times?! He was so close to vengeance! Predaking stomped his beastial pedes like an angry sparkling, roared in the direction of the other two Predacons.

Darksteel and Skylynx were holding the other horde of Autobots back, but were getting tired as they were at a number disadvantage. Predaking’s roar got their attention as their leader told them to follow him. The two exchanged looks, and all three flew up into the air.

Skywarp and Thundercracker were ready to transform and pursue. Ultra Magnus held out his bad servo, “Don’t…we have already lost…”

The two seekers’ wings slumped as they watched the Predacon vanish into the distance. Optimus staggered out of the small crater he had formed yet again…he got to his pedes and looked over at his team. Wonder what Predaking was talking about…

Optimus walked over. “I have a question for you all…who has been talking to the Predacons?”

Everyone looked confused and surprised…everyone but Skywarp and Thundercracker …Optimus noticed this but didn’t point it out.

Arcee looked up at Optimus, “I assure you none of us is stupid enough to just…contact the enemy like that!” Optimus looks at Arcee, and then his eyes snap to the seeker brothers…was it Starscream? Warlock? Those two were hiding something.

“I apologize…something Predaking mentioned..made me question some things…but they clearly were meant to throw me off.” Optimus saved and lied to the rest of the team…he will deal with this once they return to base…

“Ratchet, we require immediate transport back to base.” Arcee requested,

“Um…about that…” Breakdown commed back,

“Breakdown? Where’s Ratchet?” Arcee asked,

“Yeah uh…doc’s busy…I’ll send that transport…” Breakdown said as the comms cut out.

Arcee looked confused and worried at her teammates, “Something is wrong.”

The ground bridge opened up, and the team walked through. The first thing they noticed was that Soundwave was gone. “Where is the prisoner, soldier?” Ultra Magnus asked Breakdown. Bulkhead, Starscream, and Smokescreen walked over.

“Gone. Along with Warlock and Ratchet…” Bulkhead said somberly,

“What?!” Skywarp exclaimed, “How? Why? When?”

“Calm down Sky…you aren’t the only one…upset…” Thundercracker looked over at Starscream, whose arms were crossed and looked pissed off as all hell.

“We can argue later…we have bigger things to worry about.” Optimus tried to calm everyone down,

“Where is Hex? I put her on guard duty.” Ultra Magnus asked,

“Knock Out is working on her…she got injured badly.” Breakdown informed them.

“Tell me everything…right now…” Ultra Magnus said seriously, and the rest of the team began explaining that Laserbeak broke in and reactivated Soundwave, who knocked everyone out and took the two.

Optimus looked over at the seekers as they were all whispering to one another. “Can I speak to you three?” Optimus said as he walked over to them. They all looked surprised as Optimus ushered them to a corner.

“Which one of you has been talking with Predaking?” Optimus asked,

They all look at each other. Starscream glares at his brothers…they looked confused. Starscream looked at Optimus. “No secrets were exchanged.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Optimus practically snapped, “I am not excited to be interrogating anyone on this subject. But judging from recent information…a member of my team has been in contact with the Predacon.”

The three seekers all exchanged looks. “Hex.” Thundercracker said solemnly,

Optimus looked surprised, “Hex?”

“Yes. She bonded with the beast when she was held captive on the Nemesis, and…they have been in contact.” Starscream looked away, ashamed as Optimus’s disappointing stare was driving him nuts.

“I know you are upset about Ratchet… I’m upset about Warlock getting taken again! We can point digits at one another all day, but it doesn’t change the situation.” Starscream tried to get out of this…it wasn’t helping, and Warlock was still missing.

“I still don’t get it, why take Ratchet and Warlock?” Smokescreen asked,

Knock Out walked out of the med bay. “Because Shockwave needs help.”

Everyone turned to look at the medic. “The sparklings are locked away in Warlock’s ship. And Hex is recovering fine.”

“What are you talking about, Knock Out?” Arcee asked,

“Because…If Megatron wants to rebuild the Omega Lock…he will need a lot of resources. Even though most energon mines here on Earth are occupied by Decepticons…that might not be enough. I procured the incomplete Synth-En formula from Ratchet. Er go… Ratchet would be needed to finish the formula. As for Warlock…I’m not entirely sure. Maybe an extra scientific servo since I wasn’t in the room to be grabbed…” Knock Out explained his theory.

The team all looked around, and that made a lot of sense. “Ratchet did discover that Megatron wants to rebuild the Omega Lock…but the Omega Lock is damaged. How are they going to repair it?” Bulkhead asked,

‘Maybe that’s why they need Warlock…Can he maybe repair it?’ Bumblebee speculated,

“I wouldn’t put it past Airachnid telling Megatron of his scientific accomplishments…Hence why Soundwave grabbed him…” Starscream sneered,

“Who knows, all that matters…is we gotta go save them.” Wheeljack said as the rest of the room agreed.