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Starscream had stared at Perceptor with wide optics as the other mech told them what he knew about Skyfire’s survival. The medic, Ratchet, had filled in a few more medically relevant details as he patched the hole in Starscream’s wing.
And then, Skyfire himself had hesitantly told his partner what had happened when he went down in the storm. He didn’t like to think about it, the memory of being buried in the snow and then slowly going offline as his fuel ran out was traumatic, but Star deserved to know how it had happened.
“I still don’t know how you survived,” Starscream finally said, “Especially if the wind was throwing rocks at you, but I am glad you did. Even if we can’t rub it in those fraggers faces anymore.”
Skyfire nodded, since he felt similarly. If he thought about it too hard, he was furious on Starscream’s behalf at how he had been treated, but that anger had no target remaining that he could direct it toward.
“Prime.” Optimus straightened from where he had been leaning against the wall while listening to Skyfire’s story again. “What are the conditions of Skyfire living among you?”
“He is a civilian living in sanctuary among us. He assists our scientists in non-war research and development in exchange for fuel and shelter.” Optimus’ optics narrowed. “Why?”
Starscream cycled his vents. “I will surrender to you, in exchange for the same conditions.”
Shock and fury blasted across the trine bond, but he ignored Skywarp and Thundercracker. He had known, from the moment Megatron had tried to shoot Skyfire, that he wouldn’t be going back to the Victory.
The look Optimus gave him was considering, and calculating. “Are you certain?”
“I won’t disarm. I won’t let Skyfire be completely unprotected out there again.” Star cycled his vents again. “But yes.”
“And your trine?”
“WIll have to make their own decision.” Starscream glanced toward Thundercracker and Skywarp, and knew they were going to have the argument to end all arguments as soon as they were away from the prying optics of the Autobots.
“I see. I must consult with my staff before I can accept.”
Starscream nodded, and the Prime left the room a moment later.
“Star, are you sure?” Skyfire drew his attention back to his softly frowning face, and it was all Starcream could do not to throw his arms around and mech and hold on until the end of the universe.
“No, but I know you won’t ever come back to the Victory with us, so I won’t put you in a position to have to say no by even asking.” Starscream sighed. “I didn’t consult with my trine, though, so I will need to talk with them before we start catching up.”
“Of course.” Skyfire leaned forward and hugged him for a moment. “I’ll be in the lab, when we can talk.”