Fic: Unexpected - Part Four
Title: Unexpected
Authors: aprilraven and ladydragon76
‘Verse: G1
Series: None
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Soundwave/Optimus Prime, Starscream/Ratchet
Summary: Relationships can have the strangest beginnings, and become something completely unexpected.
Notes: We both (ladydragon76 and I) wrote responses to different kinkmeme prompts. Both of us received requests to continue in those verses. We both really wanted to write something together. So. Here’s this. We tweaked, combined, and wrote more together, tweaked, adjusted, poked, forgot about, wrote some more… LOL. It’s more about the relationships than it is any grand plotline, but we are glad to FINALLY be able to post it. We hope you enjoy!
Warnings: Rape, Violence, Character Death, BDSM (Real bdsm, not abuse disguised as bdsm), and Sticky Smut.
Crossposted on ladydragon76’s LJ over here.
Unexpected
Part Four
Optimus paced his quarters, watching his internal chrono with some trepidation. In less than a breem his officers would be arriving, and he would need to tell them about the proposed treaty. He had stalled for a couple days to think it all over, but he could wait no longer. They all knew something was going on. It wasn’t often he had all four to his rooms for an off-the-record meeting.
Prowl was, of course, the first to arrive, and Prime waved him to a seat at the table. He sat as well, trying not to fidget. Prime had already decided that they really would need to know just about everything.
His thoughts were interrupted by Jazz and Ironhide arriving, and only moments later, Ratchet.
“A’right,” Ironhide said, “spill it.”
Prime grinned beneath his mask a moment before announcing with just as little preamble. “We’ve been offered a peace treaty with the Decepticons.”
“What?!”
“Yer slaggin’ kiddin’ me!”
“Really?”
And Prowl, calm and astute as ever, asked, “Which Decepticons?”
Facing each in turn, Prime answered, “We’ve been given a sincere offer of peace, Ratchet. No, 'Hide, I'm not kidding. Yes, really, Jazz. And Prowl,” he paused a moment and braced himself for a round of shouting, “Starscream and Soundwave.”
Instead of the expected shouting, there was complete and utter silence for a full minute. Prime remained quiet, waiting for the questions to start.
“The Screamer and Soundwave workin’ together?” Jazz asked. “It’s either real, or big time bad trap.”
“Or a bad joke,” Ironhide muttered, arms crossing over his chest. “Suppose ya got some sort of reason for buyin’ this slag?”
Prime nodded. “What I am about to tell you is strictly off the record. There’s a reason we’re in here and not in the conference room. What I have to say is too… delicate for the others to know yet, and we all know there are those in the ranks that would jump at the chance to use this information to harm Starscream and Soundwave.”
He paused a moment for their nods of assent, then continued. “There is no way to soften this, so just bear with me. Approximately eight months ago I found Soundwave during a battle. I attacked, but he didn’t counter. I realized he was hurt pretty badly, and did a few field repairs. Then left.” Prime ignored the incredulous stare Ironhide was giving him. “I began receiving coordinates and times anonymously. It was at random intervals, but the coordinates were near the cave I left Soundwave in for protection from the battle.”
“Can I ask why ya were protectin’ the enemy’s third in command instead of takin’ him prisoner?” Ironhide interrupted.
Prime dropped his gaze to the table. “I’m getting to that.” He sighed. “The communication came through, and I just by chance could go that time, so I did. Mostly out of curiosity.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t have to piece your aft back together,” Ratchet snapped.
Looking up, Prime shook his head. “I didn’t think it was a trap.”
“Ya didn’t think!”
Narrowing his optics at Ironhide, Prime said, “I make many decisions based off of my instincts, and this was one such. I’m also very glad I did. I may not have known what I was walking into then, but I have every time since, a few times per month when we can both manage to escape our respective bases.”
A low whistle left Jazz, and Prowl shook his head. “Please tell me that I have just come to the entirely wrong conclusion.”
“What?” Ironhide asked, looking back and forth between Prime and Prowl. Ratchet just stared with wide optics.
Sighing, Prime shook his head. “Soundwave and I have been… intimately involved since that first meeting.”
And now came the shouting he’d expected before. Although to be fair, Jazz was laughing instead of bellowing like Ironhide and Ratchet. Even Prowl’s voice was slightly raised above his normal range.
Prime let them go for a few moments, then held up a hand for silence. “I know this is a shock. I didn’t tell any of you before, because frankly, it was no one else’s business. We never discussed faction issues, there’s a distinct feeling when Soundwave is using his telepathy to scan, and, quite honestly, I wanted something I could be selfish about.”
“Well, I can see why ya wouldn’t wanna talk about this where other audials could hear,” Jazz snickered.
“If you never discussed issues pertaining to the war, then how did the peace treaty come up?” Prowl asked.
“Soundwave brought Starscream along to our meeting two days ago.”
“Kinky.” All four of them glowered at Jazz until he held up his hands in surrender.
"No," Prime said. “Starscream came along because of what happened after the last battle.” He sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose, rage pouring through him. “Megatron raped Soundwave in punishment because the Decepticons lost the battle.”
Gasps sounded from all around the table.
“Publicly,” Prime finished and looked up. “He’s been doing the same thing to Starscream since we woke up here on Earth, though that was always kept hidden according to Starscream.”
Ironhide shook his head. “Never really thought ya were naïve, Prime.”
“They aren’t making this up.”
Prowl leaned forward, and said, “You don’t know that for certain. We must consider the possibility that this is a very cruel, very clever attempt to gain your trust.”
“When’s the next meeting?” Ratchet asked.
“In three days.”
Ratchet nodded. “Then I’m coming along. I refuse to believe this is anything other than a hoax until I see them for myself.” He pinned Prime with a glare. “And I do mean see them. Internally. And beyond not believing, I do have a duty as a medic when a rape has been reported.”
“I’m comin’ too,” Ironhide said, and Prime shook his head.
“No. I have no truly safe way of contacting Soundwave, and I will not have them feeling threatened before we even have a chance to discuss conditions. I know Soundwave is telling the truth, and I trust him not to lie about Starscream.”
Ironhide snorted, and even Jazz was shaking his head. “I dunno, Optimus. Rape? We shoulda picked somethin’ up about that as many times as my team’s snuck into the ‘Con base.”
“Starscream said neither he nor Megatron ever spoke of it. Megatron blamed Soundwave for the battle’s loss, and… punished him publicly for whatever he thought Soundwave did to cause it.”
“I do not see rape equating punishment.”
“Nor do I, Prowl.”
Prowl’s chin dipped in a slight nod. “I think it best that we wait for the proof then. Nothing can be decided until we have all the facts.”
Prime frowned, but he could hardly blame his officers for not believing. They weren’t there. They did not see how Starscream’s dark face flushed with shame despite his haughty bravado. They did not feel Soundwave trembling in his arms. “Ratchet may accompany me in three days. He and I will arrange a future meeting for discussing the treaty with Starscream and Soundwave after he’s given them a check up.”
He met each of their optics, saw the varying degrees of doubt and disbelief. “Not a word of this to anyone. It is to be discussed nowhere, other than at this table.”
A murmured chorus of ‘yes, sir,’ answered Prime, and they filed out. Ironhide gave him one last questioning look, but said nothing.
Prime sighed, mask retracting so he could scrub his hands over his face. He had not expected this to be easy or fast, but something urged him to move quickly. Secure the peace. Lock Megatron up.
Protect Soundwave.
~ | ~
Starscream picked idly at the gravel of the cave entrance, and watched Soundwave from the corner of his optics. Soundwave stood still, staring off in the direction he expected Optimus to come from. He was rigid and tense, silent, his visor bright in the shade of the overhanging rock.
Then suddenly, Soundwave stiffened even more, visor flashing. Starscream rose to his feet and joined him.
“Inbound: Two Autobots,” Soundwave murmured.
“Two?” Starscream increased the gain on his audials and listened. It was another long minute before he could hear sounds of not one, but two mechs in vehicular mode. Null rays charged, and he reset his audials to normal.
Soundwave glanced back, and they both shifted into more defensible positions within the cave entrance. There wasn’t much cover, but it would do. “Attack unlikely.”
Starscream snorted. “I won’t fire unless they do first, but if you were so confident, you wouldn’t be feeding energy into your sonic cannon.” He was pretty sure Soundwave shot him a dirty look from beneath those masks, and smirked.
The Autobots drew closer and beyond the thick trees, Starscream heard two transformation sequences complete. Then Optimus Prime’s voice called out, “I brought Ratchet. Don’t shoot.”
“Who’s the telepath?” Starscream muttered, and stepped forward a little. Just enough so it wouldn’t look as if he were as wary as he felt. Soundwave moved to his side, cannon powering down. Starscream caught the slight head tilt, and let one null ray settle, but kept the other ready to fire.
Just in case.
The Autobots came into view, Prime first, Ratchet mostly blocked by the bulk of Prime’s body.
“Soundwave. Starscream,” Prime greeted with a nod to each of them. He held his hands palms out, and Ratchet stepped into view with the same gesture.
“There a reason you brought a guest along?” Starscream asked, narrowing his optics at Ratchet.
“We don’t believe you,” Ratchet said.
Soundwave seemed to still even more beside him, and Starscream crossed his arms over his chest. “Who is ‘we’, and what don’t you believe?”
“My officers remain unconvinced of your sincerity,” Prime told them.
“Or that you were raped,” Ratchet added. Prime’s head swung around, blue optics paling. Ratchet didn’t take his optics off Starscream and Soundwave, despite the deep angry rumble they could all hear from Prime. “However, as a medic, it is my duty to look over any reported damage. So who’s first?”
Starscream glared, too aware of the tremble Soundwave had picked up at the mention of rape. “You expect us to spread our legs and let you poke around at our valves? You’re insane.”
“You’re one to talk,” Ratchet shot back.
Prime held up a hand. “You are both no doubt damaged internally from what Megatron has done to you. This will take care of two issues at once. Ratchet can look you over, see to repairs, and also confirm you’re telling the truth to the other members of my command staff.”
::I cannot,:: Soundwave said through the private comm channel he had set up for their exclusive use.
Starscream lifted his chin a bit. “I really don’t like being called a liar.” To Soundwave he said, ::It would be good to be checked out by a true medic. Hook never had any idea, and he’s not a medic. No way would I let him near something as delicate as a valve. But the Autobot medic-::
“I don’t care what you like. Prime says that Soundwave being raped by Megatron is what brought the two of you into cahoots, and to him for a treaty.” Ratchet stepped forward, ignoring Prime’s hand on his arm. “If this one little fact is untrue, then we need to consider the possibly that Prime has been compromised and you’re just running a nasty little Decepticon game on us.”
Starscream stared, listening as Soundwave literally whimpered through the comm. He glanced at Prime, then back to Ratchet. It was the medic they needed to convince. He huffed, “Fine! But in the cave. I’m not in the habit of popping open my panel for everyone to get a good look, and I’m not about to start now!”
“Fine,” Ratchet said, and waved Starscream ahead of him, scanning the cave for any traps as he followed.
A glance back left Ratchet with raised optic ridges. Prime had moved in close to Soundwave, pulled the Decepticon into an embrace, and his voice carried just enough for Ratchet to hear, “I know you don’t want to, but I would feel much better if you let Ratchet just look. I trust him with every life in my command, and my own. He won’t hurt you.”
Ratchet turned away, mind reeling as Optimus’ battlemask retracted and he kissed the side of Soundwave’s helm.
“This vorn if you please,” Starscream snapped from deeper inside the cave.
“You’re going to have to come a little closer to the front so I can see.”
Starscream huffed and obeyed, stepping up close to Ratchet and staring down at him with an angry scowl. Then he just stood there, arms crossed, and oddly silent. “You have to lie down,” Ratchet said slowly, pointing at the floor.
“Do not think to mock me, Autobot. I could offline you before Prime managed to stop cuddling Soundwave and get in here.”
Ratchet smirked. “I don’t need Optimus to defend me. Now lie down, and stop stalling.”
With a heavy sigh, and the most put-out expression Ratchet had seen since the last time he had to order Prowl out of his office, Starscream settled himself on his back. Ratchet stared down at him, and shook his head. Starscream had his hands at his sides, legs pressed together, and was staring off to the side and into the gloom of the cave.
Slag. Ratchet was really going to find damage in there. Starscream wasn’t resisting. He wasn’t trying to talk his way out of the exam. He was, however, clenching his fists and trying to distance his mind from what was about to happen. Ratchet knelt, and placed his hand in the center of Starscream’s chest. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Starscream gave a short nod, but didn’t look at Ratchet.
“Starscream,” he said softly. “Look at me for a moment.” Ratchet was obeyed and he sighed. “Primus. Look, I need to do this. As a medic, it’s my sworn duty to heal. You’ve been hurt, now I need to see how bad it is. I’ll make this as quick as I can. Alright?”
Starscream cycled his respiration a couple times, visibly forcing himself to relax. He did it one more time, before drawing his knees up, then letting them fall out to the sides. The click of his panel retracting was as loud as a shot in the tense quiet of the cave.
Ratchet pulled a cloth from his subspace, and wiped his hands down good, then added a little lubrication oil to one finger. “I need to do a tactile examination of the sensor nodes and valve walls. I’m not trying to arouse you, and I know it feels odd, but try to relax as much as you can, and I’ll get done just as fast as possible.”
“Oh, stop coddling me, you idiot! This has been going on for years! It’s the indignity of lying on a fragging dirty cave floor, with an Autobot in my valve that’s bothering me. I’m not afraid of you or any pain!”
Ratchet pasted on a saccharine smile. “Oh, my apologies, wondrous, mighty Decepticon. I’m afraid poor little me is just too used to those soft sparks I usually piece back together.” He eased his finger gently into Starscream, feeling around carefully for all the sensor nodes.
Starscream smirked. “I don’t doubt it. Tell me. What’s it like having all those sparklings to mother to? Don’t you get tired of helping them wash their afts, and tucking them in for recharge?”
Ratchet did not miss the glow of energon rising in Starscream’s cheeks, or the way his valve clamped down and his joints stiffened. He could feel rough lines of poorly healed scarring along the flexible walls of Starscream’s valve. So far nearly half of the sensor nodes Ratchet had touched did not respond properly.
Or at all.
“Oh, I make them wash their own afts now, and Prime takes turns tucking them in. I just handle the nights he’s out cuddling with Decepticons.”
A snicker escaped Starscream despite his embarrassment, and he stared up at the ceiling. “Like not all Autobots can be pathetic, I suppose not all Decepticons can be the epitome of power, grace, and wisdom.”
Chuckling, Ratchet withdrew his hand from between Starscream’s legs, and wiped it off again. “Epitome, my aft!” Starscream’s panel closed and he sat up. Ratchet sighed. “Look, you are severely injured in there.”
“Really? I’d never have guessed that.”
“I’ll check Soundwave, then dash back to the Ark for some supplies and tools. It shouldn’t take too long, then I can repair some of the dam-“
“Wait a klik,” Starscream said, holding up his hand and cutting Ratchet off. “You want to repair me?”
“Half your sensor nodes are offline, there is scarring all over your valve! I may never be able to get you back to one hundred percent, but I can at least get enough online that you can feel things right again. It’s also affecting your lubricant production, and without sufficient lubrication, you’re just causing more damage each time you interface.”
Starscream stared at Ratchet with an incredulous expression. “What makes you think I let anyone at my valve voluntarily? And repairs are completely pointless. Megatron’s still alive. You think I want to feel anything with my valve better than I already do? No thank you, you idiot! Do you have any idea at all how fragging much it hurts to be raped?! Now? And you want me to feel more?!”
Ratchet stared in shock, mind spinning faster and faster. “Do you really think he’ll rape you again?” he asked in a horrified whisper.
Starscream shrugged. “So long as he’s alive, there’s a good chance. And better me than Soundwave right now. He’s still in pain.”
Processing that for a moment, Ratchet finally asked, “What can you tell me about Soundwave?” He waved away the glare Starscream shot him. “I ask because I want to help him, and he may not tell me everything.”
Starscream sighed. “Megatron was brutal, and Soundwave has always been loyal.”
“Until he started seeing Optimus?” Ratchet asked.
Frowning, Starscream shook his head. “Soundwave is loyal to the Decepticon Cause and Megatron as a leader. He always has been.” He paused, optics staring unseeing at the floor. “No, whatever is going on between those two, I am rather confident that nothing more would have ever come of it while we still fight a war. Megatron changed all that by publicly raping Soundwave though.” Scarlet optics shifted up and pinned Ratchet with their intensity. “The younglings were there. Megatron wanted them to watch. He wanted us all to watch, and he will do it again. When and who are the questions. You Autobots can say whatever you like about Decepticons, but Megatron crossed a line six days ago. There are more than just me and Soundwave that want him gone now.”
“And your solution is a treaty with the Autobots?” Ratchet asked, taking the opportunity to dig out some more information.
Of course Starscream was far from stupid, no matter what the Autobots liked to say on that topic. He gave Ratchet a calculating look and answered, “Yes. And you can tell your fellow officers that I have no intention of reneging on this deal. It would be detrimental to my goals to betray Prime and my own Second in Command. Do not underestimate the value of Soundwave’s loyalty. Nor the threat of his retaliation when he’s betrayed. He and I will not suffer the same dysfunction Megatron and I do.” Starscream smirked. “That was Megatron’s mistake. He managed to crush everything he’d built in Soundwave for the price of one power-hungry overload.” The smirked dropped away as soon as the words left his mouth, and Starscream’s gaze dropped back to the floor. “He betrayed me, before I ever betrayed him.”
Ratchet nodded, a little surprised to find that he really did believe Starscream. “I can see you’ve managed to find a way to deal with the trauma.” Starscream looked up again. “Obviously. You wouldn’t have survived years of it if you hadn’t. But as soon as this is over, I will be repairing you. I’ll help any way I can. But right now, I think Soundwave is our more critical patient. He’s got your strength and prior experience as a model, but if he was as loyal as you say, then I’m probably dealing with emotional damage more than physical.”
Starscream nodded. “I would say that is accurate. And, model that I may be, he and I can’t talk much or be seen together too often around base. As far as most anyone knows, we don’t like each other. And even if they would forgive that, and figure our shared experiences at Megatron’s hands had brought us closer, we can’t risk Megatron finding out.”
Ratchet nodded. “That makes sense.” He paused again to think. “Are you all right? From the exam I mean.”
Starscream flapped a hand at Ratchet in dismissal and stood. “It was nothing,” he said. “As you said, I’m practically numb.” Ratchet frowned. That wasn’t a good thing, nor was Starscream’s casual attitude about it. “I’ll let him know your little check up is nothing to fear.” Starscream cast a cocky grin back over one shoulder as he moved toward the cave entrance. “That you’re nothing to fear.”
Ratchet rolled his optics, and waited a few minutes until Soundwave entered the cave. Ratchet remained sitting, and gestured for Soundwave to come closer. “As I told Starscream, I’ll make this as fast as possible without causing more damage.”
Soundwave nodded and lay down, knees out, panel retracting. He turned his face away, visor dim, and proceeded to ignore Ratchet.
Ratchet re-oiled his fingers and with a soft warning, began the exam. Unlike Starscream, who seemed willing to interact, push through it all, Soundwave lay silent and trembling. The sensor damage was not severe at all compared to Starscream, but new damage was obvious.
Soundwave flinched hard, respiration hitching when Ratchet found a particularly bad tear in his valve lining.
“I’m sorry,” Ratchet murmured, his spark quailing to realize just how bad that injury must have been when new. He moved through the rest of the exam as quickly as possible, while still being thorough. “There. Done,” he said, and cleaned his hand off.
Soundwave’s panel clicked shut and he sat up, knees coming together with a clank, and then drawn up to his chest. “Status?”
Effecting his most business-like tone, hoping it would help set Soundwave at ease, Ratchet said, “You only have a couple sensor nodes that aren’t responding fully yet. Besides that one large tear, there are a few smaller, mostly healed ones as well. You should make a full recovery, but it’s going to take some time yet.” He paused and really looked at Soundwave. With the mask and visor in place, it was impossible to tell if Soundwave was actually looking at him or just pretending to.
“There’s honestly little by way of repairs I can offer you,” Ratchet continued. “There are, however, some supplements we add to our energon that aid recovering systems. I can bring them to the next meeting.”
Soundwave’s chin dipped in a nod. “Appreciated.”
Ratchet stood, and held a hand down to Soundwave. They were both silent for a moment, but Soundwave finally accepted the assistance to his feet, and rose.
“I’d like you to avoid interfacing for a good two decacycles. Should I inform Prime or do you wish to talk to him?”
Soundwave seemed to go very still. “I will.”
Ratchet nodded and led the way out of the cave to see Optimus and Starscream talking.
And if that wasn’t the surreal glaze to the already weird grease cake this whole situation was.
Prime looked up, optics locking instantly on Soundwave.
“We need to get going,” Starscream said. “Prime and I agreed to meet back here with his officers in a week.”
Ratchet nodded, watching as Soundwave and Prime moved off to the side, their faces close together. “I told Soundwave I’d bring some energon supplements next time that will help your self-repair systems.”
Starscream nodded absently, optics shading a deeper red as he watched Prime’s hand gently cup the back of Soundwave’s helm. “Our energon stores are low and processing capabilities pathetic. Anything you can give us will help.” Starscream looked back at Ratchet as Soundwave stepped back, and Prime’s hands let him go. He smirked. “Until next week then.”
Starscream stepped out from under the overhang and engaged his thrusters. Ratchet watched as both Decepticons flew off.
“Ratchet?”
“You couldn’t get them back here any sooner than a week?”
“Starscream says it can take time to organize a solid diversion for Megatron.”
Ratchet hissed, and angrily stomped his way out to the road. “If one of those fraggers argues with me, I’m going to turn them into table lamps.”
“With your physical evidence, and personal support of a treaty, I think the others will believe,” Prime said, transforming as they reached the pavement. “I want this treaty and so does Starscream. And it’s gnawing at me, Ratchet. We need to get them out of there. Soon.”
~ | ~
“I’m guessing a table would be hoping for too much?” Thundercracker asked from his position on Starscream’s left.
Starscream rolled his optics. “As serious as we all are about this treaty, it is a secret still. The little luxuries shall have to wait.”
Thundercracker chuckled and kicked at the gravel. “Maybe Prime will bring one in that trailer of his?”
Grinning, Starscream shook his head. “But then we would miss the great Optimus Prime sitting in the dirt with us lowly Decepticons.”
A deep rumble came from Starscream’s right, and both he and Thundercracker looked at Soundwave.
“Whatever, lover-bot,” Thundercracker snickered. “Don’t expect the rest of us to fall for Prime like you have.”
“Oh, I don’t know, TC. Maybe some competition would do Soundwave some good.”
“Competition welcome. Looking foolish: Seekers excel.”
Thundercracker’s optics shot wide, and Starscream laughed.
“Did he make a joke?” Thundercracker gasped. “Did you make a joke? Was that a joke? Holy slag, I wish Warp were here to have heard that. He’ll never believe me.” Shaking his head, Thundercracker grinned. “Still say your laugh is slaggin’ creepy though.”
“I am not laughing.”
“On the outside,” Thundercracker muttered, still smiling.
Starscream smiled too. He was well aware of how nervous Thundercracker was, and also knew that he was trying to distract himself. Not that distraction would work much longer.
The sounds of transformation reached them from the road beyond the trees.
“Four Autobots,” Soundwave said in a quiet voice.
“Wish we coulda brought Warp.”
“There won’t be a fight. We won’t need him,” Starscream said.
He watched as Prime ducked a branch and walked forward without hesitation. “Starscream,” he said, reaching out with his left hand.
Starscream brought his chin up a notch and smirked, reaching out as well and clasping Prime’s forearm in greeting. “Prime.”
“I’m sure your time is limited, so let’s spare ourselves most of the formalities.” Prime stepped back and motioned behind him. “You met Ratchet, and know my Second in Command, Prowl, and of course Ironhide. My Third, Jazz, is at the base keeping everyone… uninterested in my outing.”
Starscream nodded to the other Autobots. “Soundwave you know is my Second, and Thundercracker will serve as Joint Air Command and my Third with Skywarp.”
“Joint Air Command?” Ironhide asked.
Starscream grinned. “They’re a package deal.”
Prime motioned toward the cave entrance. “Let’s get out of sight and begin.”
As they entered the cave, Ratchet handed Starscream a small case. “There are fifty vials of supplements in there,” he explained in a low voice. “They will help anyone, but be sure you and Soundwave consume two per day.”
“I told you, repairing me is pointless.”
Ratchet shook his head. “This is just groundwork for afterwards. Now put those away and make sure no one that isn’t on your side finds out about them.”
Starscream tucked the box into his subspace, and sat opposite Prime on the cave floor. “Where do we start?”
“Prime mentioned to us that you want equal rank as co-leader,” Prowl said. Starscream raised an optic ridge, but nodded. “We found a position that is nearly equal to the Prime.”
“Nearly?” Thundercracker repeated.
“It dates back to the last Golden Age. Lord High Protector. Second only to the Prime.”
Beside Starscream, Soundwave stiffened.
“The Prime and his Lord High Protector were most often partners in every sense of the term.” Prowl’s gaze shifted to Soundwave. “However, there are a few very old cases of the Prime or Lord High Protector choosing a consort other than one another.”
“Essentially, as Prime, I would be a civilian leader. And you, Starscream, would be the military leader, and answerable to me.”
“It can’t be that simple,” Starscream said, optics narrowing. “That’s entirely too easy.”
Ironhide chuckled. “Oh, it ain’t gonna be that easy. I’m military, and I’ll be on Prime’s council.”
“Oh goody.” Starscream rolled his optics.
“There will be a council, but it will be those both you and Optimus Prime trust,” Prowl said. “Proposed for that council are myself, Ratchet, Ironhide, Jazz, Soundwave, Thundercracker and Skywarp as your Thirds, and of course you and Prime. There are other Autobots I would suggest, and possibly even a few Decepticons. That would depend upon your recommendations.”
Starscream glanced back and forth to Thundercracker on his left and Soundwave on his right. “Right now we have very few we are certain of.” He looked Prime in the optics. “Soundwave’s team is the only group I can count on. We have hinted to the Constructicons, the other flyer trine, and I’ve tried to feel out Motormaster, but that is it.”
“And ya want Autobot help ta storm an underwater base, containing who the frag knows how many enemies, and take down Megatron?” Ironhide snorted. “Don’t ask much, do ya?”
Starscream smirked. “Oh, taking the Nemesis will be easy. It’s retaking Cybertron that will be the challenge. Shockwave is unfailingly loyal, and besides his drone army, he also has the majority of the seekers there. If he even gets a hint of us taking down Megatron, he’ll storm Earth.”
“Then we must avoid that,” Prowl said. “What information can you give me?”
“Wait,” Ratchet said, holding a hand up. “That’s it? That easy? We’re doing this?” He pointed at Starscream. “You’re ok with the whole Lord High Protector thing, and a ruling council, and all that? Even the fact that Autobots are going to outnumber Decepticons on that council?”
Chuckling, Starscream said, “Yes. That easy.” He looked at Prime. “And the council will be small compared to all the senators of the last one, and Prime and I will not allow bureaucracy to come between our people and their wellbeing ever again.”
Prime nodded. “And the sooner we have Megatron locked up, the better.”
They talked tactics after that, Soundwave, Prowl, and surprisingly, Ironhide, pulled together a plan faster than Starscream had thought possible. He couldn’t help smiling as his input was considered with nothing more than a nod, and felt himself relaxing and even enjoying himself a little.
“All that remains is timing,” Prowl said.
“And informing the troops,” Ratchet sighed.
“Timing is critical. Shockwave is due to report in one decacycle.”
“How long after that until his next communication?” Prowl asked.
“Four decacycles,” Soundwave replied.
“Not much time to get the troops integrated,” Thundercracker commented.
Starscream shook his head. “No, it won’t be.” He looked at Prime. “How much spare room does the Ark have?”
“Ya ain’t movin’ in with us!”
“Enough,” Prowl answered, ignoring Ironhide. “If everyone shares quarters, there are enough berths for everyone.”
“Immersion, best option given the short timetable.”
“Agreed,” Prime said. “And from what I know of the Decepticons’ supplies, our energon stores will go a long way toward encouraging friendly behavior.”
Ratchet cursed. “I’m going to be buried in maintenance checkups from the moment they arrive, until the moment we rally for the assault on Shockwave.”
“Assuming the Constructicons side with us,” Starscream said, “they should be able to assist in the medbay. I wouldn’t trust delicate repairs to them, but maintenance should be no problem.”
“Assuming,” Ratchet snorted.
Starscream checked his chrono. “We’re running short of time.”
“I know,” Prime said. “All that really remains is to decide when.”
“Shockwave isn’t exact with his communications. When he can reach us depends on stellar conditions.”
“I will send coordinates and time once known,” Soundwave suggested.
“We’re gonna keep all Autobots on stand-by?” Ironhide asked.
“For the end of the war, I believe they will be willing,” Prowl said.
“Agreed.” Prime looked between Soundwave and Starscream. “I’d like Ratchet to look you both over. Have there been any problems since our last meeting?”
“Has he raped us again?” Starscream asked. Prowl and Ratchet winced. Ironhide, Thundercracker, and Soundwave all visibly flinched. Prime’s optics narrowed. “Call it what it is, Prime. And no, he hasn’t.”
Prime sighed. “My apologies. And I’m glad. A decacycle seems too long to wait.”
“That or we rush off after Shockwave without giving either of our troops time to adjust to one another. Besides, you’ll need the time to convince your Autobots that this is real.” Starscream stood. “I’m fine. Scars don’t change in a week.” He looked down at Soundwave. “The choice is yours.”
Soundwave was silent for a moment before dropping his chin in a short nod.
“We’ll wait outside for you,” Starscream told him, and reached out a hand to pull Thundercracker to his feet.
The Autobots followed them out, and they stood just under the rock overhang, their backs to the cave.
“So we’re really doing this,” Thundercracker said.
“Seems like it,” Ironhide said with a grin.
Only a few minutes later, Ratchet and Soundwave emerged. “Be sure he gets those supplements,” Ratchet said to Starscream.
“Yes, master,” Starscream smirked.
Ratchet snorted, muttered something about mag-cuffs and an electrowhip, then left for the road. Prowl followed, then Ironhide after casting Prime a glare.
Prime hesitated, his optics on Soundwave.
“Oh, just give him a kiss so we can leave already.” Starscream stepped out and engaged his thrusters; Thundercracker followed, chuckling. They rose up above the treetops and hovered for a moment.
“Ain’t new love cute?”
Starscream rolled his optics. “Love might be overstating it.”
Thundercracker snorted. “Yeah right.”
Shaking his head, Starscream didn’t comment. His wingmate was a hopeless romantic, and debating would be pointless. Instead he focused on what needed done. “We have a lot of work to do.”
“And only a decacycle to get it done.”
~ | ~
It had taken the entire decacycle for Prime’s science team and Ratchet to design, build, and install the upgrades nearly all the Autobots would need to work so deep under the ocean. When the time and date finally came from Soundwave two days later, Optimus had sent out a base-wide alert.
Now here they stood, every Autobot on Earth, just below the hatch that Soundwave would open to let them in.
Prime stood silent and still, fighting to display the confident patience his troops expected of him, when really his internals were kinking into knots, and his spark was hammering in its casing.
The designated time had passed three breems ago.
Where was Soundwave?
~
Starscream forced himself not to fidget as the meeting continued. Rather, as Megatron continued to rant and rave. He felt Soundwave’s foot slide against his, and took comfort in the fact he wasn’t the only one nervous. They had had to be even more careful with their interactions. Megatron was watching them both closely.
Paranoid slagger.
Of course, this time Megatron’s paranoia would be justified.
The attack would begin as soon as they were dismissed. Soundwave merely had to trigger the security system failure, and the Autobots would swarm the ship. They had been setting up cascade failures for the last decacycle just so no one not firmly in Starscream and Soundwave’s corner would suspect anything unusual.
“Soundwave!” Megatron barked. Starscream flinched despite his best efforts. “Have you corrected the glitch in the security system yet?”
“Cause unknown, Lord Megatron.”
Megatron leaned forward on the table, optics glinting in an all too familiar way. “That means no, doesn’t it?” Across the table from Starscream, Soundwave visibly began to tremble. “Your failure is lamentable.”
“This pathetic excuse of a base is lamentable,” Starscream sneered, and Megatron turned his head, a scowl drawing his optic ridges together and down. “If I were leader of the Decepticons, we wouldn’t still be stuck here on the bottom of this slagging ocean in this rusting tomb!”
::Do not antagonize him,:: Soundwave sent across the their private channel.
::You need to get the Autobots in here. I’ll keep him distracted,:: Starscream replied, optics never leaving Megatron’s.
“You will never be leader of the Decepticons,” Megatron growled.
“We shall see, oh mighty Megatron,” Starscream said, casting Megatron a haughty smirk, and lifting his chin. He was obviously picking a fight, but the fool only seemed to relish the chance.
::Star-::
::Get everyone out of here, and do your part! You’ll know where to find us. Once he jumps me-::
Starscream’s words were cut off as Megatron’s hand shot out and caught him by the throat. “I see it’s time to remind you of your place.”
“Couldn’t find a willing lover again, I see,” Starscream said. “Not that I blame them. You’re as pathetic in the berth as-” He put up a slight struggle, mostly for show, as Megatron squeezed and dragged him out of his seat.
The punch to the side of Starscream’s helm hurt, leaving him dazed and crumpled on the floor. But behind Megatron, Soundwave was motioning the others up and out. Starscream focused on Megatron as the door closed.
“See how loyal they are to you?” Megatron sneered down at Starscream. “They know what is going to happen to you, and leave you to your fate. Fool! You will never lead the Decepticons, for they will never follow one so pathetic as you!”
Starscream scuttled backward as Megatron stalked him, the begging and pleading fell from his lips with the ease of long habit. Meanwhile, within his mind, he was focusing on every erotic encounter he could remember.
Skywarp panting his name. Thundercracker purring into his neck. Skyfire’s large gentle hands spreading his thighs, his tongue licking gently at Starscream’s valve.
Megatron’s fists fell hard and fast, intermittent kicks punctuating the painful blows. Starscream cried out, pulling his wings in, but knowing that would not save them. He forced his mind and body to ignore the pain, shunt it aside.
Skywarp’s mouth hot on the upper edge of his wing. Thundercracker’s nimble fingers sliding between armor plating, ghosting over his interface array. Sinking his own spike into a wet willing valve.
Starscream groaned in pain as his back was slammed down on to the conference table. Primus, where were they? He looked past Megatron’s shoulder and toward the door. He knew this beating had been going on for nearly a breem. Megatron was enjoying causing pain, but not much damage this time. Not yet. He was pulling the blows. Oh they hurt. A lot. But he wanted Starscream conscious.
“Brute,” Starscream hissed as Megatron’s hand clamped around his throat, the other digging into the protective plating between Starscream’s legs.
“Whore,” Megatron shot back as Starscream retracted the panel before it could be mangled or torn free. “You’re already wet. You actually enjoy this, don’t you? Is that why you insist on baiting me?”
Starscream arched, mouth open in a silent scream as Megatron shoved into him. He had tried to prepare himself, but Ratchet had warned him lubricant production had been affected by the damage.
“You’ve even overloaded for me,” Megatron said, setting a hard pace, giving Starscream no time to adjust. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you stiffen. How your valve clamps down on me. You like this.”
“I imagine it’s someone else,” Starscream said, opening his optics and staring right into Megatron’s, letting the tyrant read the truth in them. Could he overload this time? It was usually just an accident. A reaction to stimulus when Megatron took longer than usual. Or maybe he could just fake it? “Someone good at interfacing. Someone that doesn’t have to beat and rape his own officers just to get-“
Starscream’s head snapped to the side under the heavy backhanded strike. He reeled for a moment, Megatron thrusting hard, what minimal lubricant Starscream had managed to fantasize into existence, doing little good for his valve walls under the driving assault. He turned his face back as Megatron leaned closer, and braced his hands against the wide silver shoulders. Pushing did no good.
“Optimus’ spike is bigger,” Starscream taunted. “And he uses it better.” He grinned.
Megatron snarled, spike slamming hard into Starscream, once, twice, a third punishing thrust. Starscream shrieked, arched, fingers digging into Megatron’s shoulders, clamping his thighs to black hips, and clenching his valve despite the agonizing pain. “Optimus! Yes! Primus, more! Optimus! Optim-aahhhh!“
This time he was punched in the head hard enough to lose motor control. Starscream laughed despite it all as Megatron’s pace faltered.
~
Soundwave overrode the final code, Thundercracker, Skywarp, and the Constructicons guarding him as he did so. The blast doors slid open and Soundwave almost slumped in relief to see Prime. Behind Prime the last of the Autobots were climbing through the floor hatch. Weapons were prepped with a surprising efficiency.
“Hurry. Starscream is distracting Megatron,” Soundwave said. Without another word he spun and led the way to the conference room.
Prowl rattled off a series of quick orders and teams of Autobots split off with the Constructicons to go subdue any Decepticons that would side with Megatron. Thundercracker and Skywarp stayed on Soundwave’s heels.
“Wait,” Skywarp said. “Wait! What the frag do you mean ‘distracting’? Screamer doesn’t-“ he cut himself off as they all heard a faint, shrill scream from behind the conference room door.
“No!” Soundwave shouted, but Skywarp had already teleported away. Soundwave broke into a run, Prime and Thundercracker beside him.
~
Starscream gasped in pain as Megatron’s pace picked up. In a way, this was good. He would be done any moment now.
One hard, pain-flaring thrust. Another. Then Megatron buried himself to the hilt and held there, a low groan rumbling forth, and Starscream felt the hot rush of transfluid within him, burning the raw and delicate lining of his valve. He whimpered, then gasped again as a purple flash appeared behind Megatron.
“Sky!”
“I hope you melt to slag in the Pits!” Skywarp growled. Megatron was slow to react, still caught in his overload, as Skywarp jammed the barrel of his blaster up under Megatron’s chest armor and fired.
And kept firing.
Starscream yelped as Megatron’s spike was jerked from him. He saw the mass of mechs crowding the door, but could do nothing as he slid from the edge of the table and onto the floor. Starscream knelt, head bowed, staring blankly at the growing puddle of transfluid and energon blood that dripped from within him.
Movement in his periphery drew Starscream’s optics. Thundercracker was trying to drag a still cursing, sobbing Skywarp off Megatron’s already fading corpse. Soundwave and Prime were right behind him, trying to help. Others too. Starscream’s processors just couldn’t focus to name them.
Then large gentle hands scooped him up, Starscream hung limp in arms that could crush him by merely tightening around him.
“Oh, Star,” Skyfire said, voice hitching. “Oh, Primus, Star. I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
Starscream snuggled into the embrace for a moment, tucking his face in against Skyfire’s neck. “Fire,” he mumbled, trying to focus. Skywarp’s enraged scream cut through the haze, and Starscream tried to twist to see him. “Put me down.”
“No, you can’t-“
“He’s my wingmate. Put me down,” Starscream said, and forced himself to speak with a stronger voice.
“Smelt him! I want that fragger scrap! Did you see what he was doing to Starscream?!” Skywarp was caught in Prime’s powerful arms, but was still only barely contained. “Did you see him?” Skywarp screamed.
Starscream fought for his balance, grateful for Skyfire’s steady hold on his waist as he limped the few steps over to Skywarp. “Warp,” he said softly, catching one purple hand and tugging. Prime took the hint and let go. With a wild sob, Skywarp wrapped himself around Starscream.
“Sorry. So sorry. Primus, Star!” Skywarp continued to babble apologies, but they were no longer intelligible.
Starscream met Thundercracker’s optics, saw the haunted look in them. “You didn’t know,” Starscream murmured to both of them. “I never told, I never even hinted.”
“Shoulda known!” Skywarp wailed, arms banding tight around Starscream’s waist, and making him wince in pain as battered sensors spasmed. “Betrayed you. Shoulda protected you better. Trine. Be true. Shoulda...”
Thundercracker leaned against Skywarp’s back, and pulled both his trine mates close in a gentle embrace.
Starscream laid his head on Skywarp’s shoulder, optics closing as Thundercracker’s cheek pressed to his. “It’s over. You saved me this time.” Skywarp’s vents stuttered and he shook his head in denial, but Starscream hushed him. “He’s dead. It’s over. You’ve saved me and Soundwave. It’ll never happen again.”
“Starscream,” a new voice spoke. Starscream shifted to see Ratchet standing there, one hand out toward him. “Come with me. We need to get you fixed up.”
Starscream nodded. He stumbled, but was once again lifted into Skyfire’s arms. “Where do you want him, Ratchet?” Skyfire asked.
Starscream sighed and relaxed, succumbing to recharge. He was safe. It was over.
~ | ~
( Unexpected - Part Five )
( AprilRaven’s Table of Contents )
( LadyDragon76’s Table of Contents )
Authors: aprilraven and ladydragon76
‘Verse: G1
Series: None
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Soundwave/Optimus Prime, Starscream/Ratchet
Summary: Relationships can have the strangest beginnings, and become something completely unexpected.
Notes: We both (ladydragon76 and I) wrote responses to different kinkmeme prompts. Both of us received requests to continue in those verses. We both really wanted to write something together. So. Here’s this. We tweaked, combined, and wrote more together, tweaked, adjusted, poked, forgot about, wrote some more… LOL. It’s more about the relationships than it is any grand plotline, but we are glad to FINALLY be able to post it. We hope you enjoy!
Warnings: Rape, Violence, Character Death, BDSM (Real bdsm, not abuse disguised as bdsm), and Sticky Smut.
Crossposted on ladydragon76’s LJ over here.
Unexpected
Part Four
Optimus paced his quarters, watching his internal chrono with some trepidation. In less than a breem his officers would be arriving, and he would need to tell them about the proposed treaty. He had stalled for a couple days to think it all over, but he could wait no longer. They all knew something was going on. It wasn’t often he had all four to his rooms for an off-the-record meeting.
Prowl was, of course, the first to arrive, and Prime waved him to a seat at the table. He sat as well, trying not to fidget. Prime had already decided that they really would need to know just about everything.
His thoughts were interrupted by Jazz and Ironhide arriving, and only moments later, Ratchet.
“A’right,” Ironhide said, “spill it.”
Prime grinned beneath his mask a moment before announcing with just as little preamble. “We’ve been offered a peace treaty with the Decepticons.”
“What?!”
“Yer slaggin’ kiddin’ me!”
“Really?”
And Prowl, calm and astute as ever, asked, “Which Decepticons?”
Facing each in turn, Prime answered, “We’ve been given a sincere offer of peace, Ratchet. No, 'Hide, I'm not kidding. Yes, really, Jazz. And Prowl,” he paused a moment and braced himself for a round of shouting, “Starscream and Soundwave.”
Instead of the expected shouting, there was complete and utter silence for a full minute. Prime remained quiet, waiting for the questions to start.
“The Screamer and Soundwave workin’ together?” Jazz asked. “It’s either real, or big time bad trap.”
“Or a bad joke,” Ironhide muttered, arms crossing over his chest. “Suppose ya got some sort of reason for buyin’ this slag?”
Prime nodded. “What I am about to tell you is strictly off the record. There’s a reason we’re in here and not in the conference room. What I have to say is too… delicate for the others to know yet, and we all know there are those in the ranks that would jump at the chance to use this information to harm Starscream and Soundwave.”
He paused a moment for their nods of assent, then continued. “There is no way to soften this, so just bear with me. Approximately eight months ago I found Soundwave during a battle. I attacked, but he didn’t counter. I realized he was hurt pretty badly, and did a few field repairs. Then left.” Prime ignored the incredulous stare Ironhide was giving him. “I began receiving coordinates and times anonymously. It was at random intervals, but the coordinates were near the cave I left Soundwave in for protection from the battle.”
“Can I ask why ya were protectin’ the enemy’s third in command instead of takin’ him prisoner?” Ironhide interrupted.
Prime dropped his gaze to the table. “I’m getting to that.” He sighed. “The communication came through, and I just by chance could go that time, so I did. Mostly out of curiosity.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t have to piece your aft back together,” Ratchet snapped.
Looking up, Prime shook his head. “I didn’t think it was a trap.”
“Ya didn’t think!”
Narrowing his optics at Ironhide, Prime said, “I make many decisions based off of my instincts, and this was one such. I’m also very glad I did. I may not have known what I was walking into then, but I have every time since, a few times per month when we can both manage to escape our respective bases.”
A low whistle left Jazz, and Prowl shook his head. “Please tell me that I have just come to the entirely wrong conclusion.”
“What?” Ironhide asked, looking back and forth between Prime and Prowl. Ratchet just stared with wide optics.
Sighing, Prime shook his head. “Soundwave and I have been… intimately involved since that first meeting.”
And now came the shouting he’d expected before. Although to be fair, Jazz was laughing instead of bellowing like Ironhide and Ratchet. Even Prowl’s voice was slightly raised above his normal range.
Prime let them go for a few moments, then held up a hand for silence. “I know this is a shock. I didn’t tell any of you before, because frankly, it was no one else’s business. We never discussed faction issues, there’s a distinct feeling when Soundwave is using his telepathy to scan, and, quite honestly, I wanted something I could be selfish about.”
“Well, I can see why ya wouldn’t wanna talk about this where other audials could hear,” Jazz snickered.
“If you never discussed issues pertaining to the war, then how did the peace treaty come up?” Prowl asked.
“Soundwave brought Starscream along to our meeting two days ago.”
“Kinky.” All four of them glowered at Jazz until he held up his hands in surrender.
"No," Prime said. “Starscream came along because of what happened after the last battle.” He sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose, rage pouring through him. “Megatron raped Soundwave in punishment because the Decepticons lost the battle.”
Gasps sounded from all around the table.
“Publicly,” Prime finished and looked up. “He’s been doing the same thing to Starscream since we woke up here on Earth, though that was always kept hidden according to Starscream.”
Ironhide shook his head. “Never really thought ya were naïve, Prime.”
“They aren’t making this up.”
Prowl leaned forward, and said, “You don’t know that for certain. We must consider the possibility that this is a very cruel, very clever attempt to gain your trust.”
“When’s the next meeting?” Ratchet asked.
“In three days.”
Ratchet nodded. “Then I’m coming along. I refuse to believe this is anything other than a hoax until I see them for myself.” He pinned Prime with a glare. “And I do mean see them. Internally. And beyond not believing, I do have a duty as a medic when a rape has been reported.”
“I’m comin’ too,” Ironhide said, and Prime shook his head.
“No. I have no truly safe way of contacting Soundwave, and I will not have them feeling threatened before we even have a chance to discuss conditions. I know Soundwave is telling the truth, and I trust him not to lie about Starscream.”
Ironhide snorted, and even Jazz was shaking his head. “I dunno, Optimus. Rape? We shoulda picked somethin’ up about that as many times as my team’s snuck into the ‘Con base.”
“Starscream said neither he nor Megatron ever spoke of it. Megatron blamed Soundwave for the battle’s loss, and… punished him publicly for whatever he thought Soundwave did to cause it.”
“I do not see rape equating punishment.”
“Nor do I, Prowl.”
Prowl’s chin dipped in a slight nod. “I think it best that we wait for the proof then. Nothing can be decided until we have all the facts.”
Prime frowned, but he could hardly blame his officers for not believing. They weren’t there. They did not see how Starscream’s dark face flushed with shame despite his haughty bravado. They did not feel Soundwave trembling in his arms. “Ratchet may accompany me in three days. He and I will arrange a future meeting for discussing the treaty with Starscream and Soundwave after he’s given them a check up.”
He met each of their optics, saw the varying degrees of doubt and disbelief. “Not a word of this to anyone. It is to be discussed nowhere, other than at this table.”
A murmured chorus of ‘yes, sir,’ answered Prime, and they filed out. Ironhide gave him one last questioning look, but said nothing.
Prime sighed, mask retracting so he could scrub his hands over his face. He had not expected this to be easy or fast, but something urged him to move quickly. Secure the peace. Lock Megatron up.
Protect Soundwave.
~ | ~
Starscream picked idly at the gravel of the cave entrance, and watched Soundwave from the corner of his optics. Soundwave stood still, staring off in the direction he expected Optimus to come from. He was rigid and tense, silent, his visor bright in the shade of the overhanging rock.
Then suddenly, Soundwave stiffened even more, visor flashing. Starscream rose to his feet and joined him.
“Inbound: Two Autobots,” Soundwave murmured.
“Two?” Starscream increased the gain on his audials and listened. It was another long minute before he could hear sounds of not one, but two mechs in vehicular mode. Null rays charged, and he reset his audials to normal.
Soundwave glanced back, and they both shifted into more defensible positions within the cave entrance. There wasn’t much cover, but it would do. “Attack unlikely.”
Starscream snorted. “I won’t fire unless they do first, but if you were so confident, you wouldn’t be feeding energy into your sonic cannon.” He was pretty sure Soundwave shot him a dirty look from beneath those masks, and smirked.
The Autobots drew closer and beyond the thick trees, Starscream heard two transformation sequences complete. Then Optimus Prime’s voice called out, “I brought Ratchet. Don’t shoot.”
“Who’s the telepath?” Starscream muttered, and stepped forward a little. Just enough so it wouldn’t look as if he were as wary as he felt. Soundwave moved to his side, cannon powering down. Starscream caught the slight head tilt, and let one null ray settle, but kept the other ready to fire.
Just in case.
The Autobots came into view, Prime first, Ratchet mostly blocked by the bulk of Prime’s body.
“Soundwave. Starscream,” Prime greeted with a nod to each of them. He held his hands palms out, and Ratchet stepped into view with the same gesture.
“There a reason you brought a guest along?” Starscream asked, narrowing his optics at Ratchet.
“We don’t believe you,” Ratchet said.
Soundwave seemed to still even more beside him, and Starscream crossed his arms over his chest. “Who is ‘we’, and what don’t you believe?”
“My officers remain unconvinced of your sincerity,” Prime told them.
“Or that you were raped,” Ratchet added. Prime’s head swung around, blue optics paling. Ratchet didn’t take his optics off Starscream and Soundwave, despite the deep angry rumble they could all hear from Prime. “However, as a medic, it is my duty to look over any reported damage. So who’s first?”
Starscream glared, too aware of the tremble Soundwave had picked up at the mention of rape. “You expect us to spread our legs and let you poke around at our valves? You’re insane.”
“You’re one to talk,” Ratchet shot back.
Prime held up a hand. “You are both no doubt damaged internally from what Megatron has done to you. This will take care of two issues at once. Ratchet can look you over, see to repairs, and also confirm you’re telling the truth to the other members of my command staff.”
::I cannot,:: Soundwave said through the private comm channel he had set up for their exclusive use.
Starscream lifted his chin a bit. “I really don’t like being called a liar.” To Soundwave he said, ::It would be good to be checked out by a true medic. Hook never had any idea, and he’s not a medic. No way would I let him near something as delicate as a valve. But the Autobot medic-::
“I don’t care what you like. Prime says that Soundwave being raped by Megatron is what brought the two of you into cahoots, and to him for a treaty.” Ratchet stepped forward, ignoring Prime’s hand on his arm. “If this one little fact is untrue, then we need to consider the possibly that Prime has been compromised and you’re just running a nasty little Decepticon game on us.”
Starscream stared, listening as Soundwave literally whimpered through the comm. He glanced at Prime, then back to Ratchet. It was the medic they needed to convince. He huffed, “Fine! But in the cave. I’m not in the habit of popping open my panel for everyone to get a good look, and I’m not about to start now!”
“Fine,” Ratchet said, and waved Starscream ahead of him, scanning the cave for any traps as he followed.
A glance back left Ratchet with raised optic ridges. Prime had moved in close to Soundwave, pulled the Decepticon into an embrace, and his voice carried just enough for Ratchet to hear, “I know you don’t want to, but I would feel much better if you let Ratchet just look. I trust him with every life in my command, and my own. He won’t hurt you.”
Ratchet turned away, mind reeling as Optimus’ battlemask retracted and he kissed the side of Soundwave’s helm.
“This vorn if you please,” Starscream snapped from deeper inside the cave.
“You’re going to have to come a little closer to the front so I can see.”
Starscream huffed and obeyed, stepping up close to Ratchet and staring down at him with an angry scowl. Then he just stood there, arms crossed, and oddly silent. “You have to lie down,” Ratchet said slowly, pointing at the floor.
“Do not think to mock me, Autobot. I could offline you before Prime managed to stop cuddling Soundwave and get in here.”
Ratchet smirked. “I don’t need Optimus to defend me. Now lie down, and stop stalling.”
With a heavy sigh, and the most put-out expression Ratchet had seen since the last time he had to order Prowl out of his office, Starscream settled himself on his back. Ratchet stared down at him, and shook his head. Starscream had his hands at his sides, legs pressed together, and was staring off to the side and into the gloom of the cave.
Slag. Ratchet was really going to find damage in there. Starscream wasn’t resisting. He wasn’t trying to talk his way out of the exam. He was, however, clenching his fists and trying to distance his mind from what was about to happen. Ratchet knelt, and placed his hand in the center of Starscream’s chest. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Starscream gave a short nod, but didn’t look at Ratchet.
“Starscream,” he said softly. “Look at me for a moment.” Ratchet was obeyed and he sighed. “Primus. Look, I need to do this. As a medic, it’s my sworn duty to heal. You’ve been hurt, now I need to see how bad it is. I’ll make this as quick as I can. Alright?”
Starscream cycled his respiration a couple times, visibly forcing himself to relax. He did it one more time, before drawing his knees up, then letting them fall out to the sides. The click of his panel retracting was as loud as a shot in the tense quiet of the cave.
Ratchet pulled a cloth from his subspace, and wiped his hands down good, then added a little lubrication oil to one finger. “I need to do a tactile examination of the sensor nodes and valve walls. I’m not trying to arouse you, and I know it feels odd, but try to relax as much as you can, and I’ll get done just as fast as possible.”
“Oh, stop coddling me, you idiot! This has been going on for years! It’s the indignity of lying on a fragging dirty cave floor, with an Autobot in my valve that’s bothering me. I’m not afraid of you or any pain!”
Ratchet pasted on a saccharine smile. “Oh, my apologies, wondrous, mighty Decepticon. I’m afraid poor little me is just too used to those soft sparks I usually piece back together.” He eased his finger gently into Starscream, feeling around carefully for all the sensor nodes.
Starscream smirked. “I don’t doubt it. Tell me. What’s it like having all those sparklings to mother to? Don’t you get tired of helping them wash their afts, and tucking them in for recharge?”
Ratchet did not miss the glow of energon rising in Starscream’s cheeks, or the way his valve clamped down and his joints stiffened. He could feel rough lines of poorly healed scarring along the flexible walls of Starscream’s valve. So far nearly half of the sensor nodes Ratchet had touched did not respond properly.
Or at all.
“Oh, I make them wash their own afts now, and Prime takes turns tucking them in. I just handle the nights he’s out cuddling with Decepticons.”
A snicker escaped Starscream despite his embarrassment, and he stared up at the ceiling. “Like not all Autobots can be pathetic, I suppose not all Decepticons can be the epitome of power, grace, and wisdom.”
Chuckling, Ratchet withdrew his hand from between Starscream’s legs, and wiped it off again. “Epitome, my aft!” Starscream’s panel closed and he sat up. Ratchet sighed. “Look, you are severely injured in there.”
“Really? I’d never have guessed that.”
“I’ll check Soundwave, then dash back to the Ark for some supplies and tools. It shouldn’t take too long, then I can repair some of the dam-“
“Wait a klik,” Starscream said, holding up his hand and cutting Ratchet off. “You want to repair me?”
“Half your sensor nodes are offline, there is scarring all over your valve! I may never be able to get you back to one hundred percent, but I can at least get enough online that you can feel things right again. It’s also affecting your lubricant production, and without sufficient lubrication, you’re just causing more damage each time you interface.”
Starscream stared at Ratchet with an incredulous expression. “What makes you think I let anyone at my valve voluntarily? And repairs are completely pointless. Megatron’s still alive. You think I want to feel anything with my valve better than I already do? No thank you, you idiot! Do you have any idea at all how fragging much it hurts to be raped?! Now? And you want me to feel more?!”
Ratchet stared in shock, mind spinning faster and faster. “Do you really think he’ll rape you again?” he asked in a horrified whisper.
Starscream shrugged. “So long as he’s alive, there’s a good chance. And better me than Soundwave right now. He’s still in pain.”
Processing that for a moment, Ratchet finally asked, “What can you tell me about Soundwave?” He waved away the glare Starscream shot him. “I ask because I want to help him, and he may not tell me everything.”
Starscream sighed. “Megatron was brutal, and Soundwave has always been loyal.”
“Until he started seeing Optimus?” Ratchet asked.
Frowning, Starscream shook his head. “Soundwave is loyal to the Decepticon Cause and Megatron as a leader. He always has been.” He paused, optics staring unseeing at the floor. “No, whatever is going on between those two, I am rather confident that nothing more would have ever come of it while we still fight a war. Megatron changed all that by publicly raping Soundwave though.” Scarlet optics shifted up and pinned Ratchet with their intensity. “The younglings were there. Megatron wanted them to watch. He wanted us all to watch, and he will do it again. When and who are the questions. You Autobots can say whatever you like about Decepticons, but Megatron crossed a line six days ago. There are more than just me and Soundwave that want him gone now.”
“And your solution is a treaty with the Autobots?” Ratchet asked, taking the opportunity to dig out some more information.
Of course Starscream was far from stupid, no matter what the Autobots liked to say on that topic. He gave Ratchet a calculating look and answered, “Yes. And you can tell your fellow officers that I have no intention of reneging on this deal. It would be detrimental to my goals to betray Prime and my own Second in Command. Do not underestimate the value of Soundwave’s loyalty. Nor the threat of his retaliation when he’s betrayed. He and I will not suffer the same dysfunction Megatron and I do.” Starscream smirked. “That was Megatron’s mistake. He managed to crush everything he’d built in Soundwave for the price of one power-hungry overload.” The smirked dropped away as soon as the words left his mouth, and Starscream’s gaze dropped back to the floor. “He betrayed me, before I ever betrayed him.”
Ratchet nodded, a little surprised to find that he really did believe Starscream. “I can see you’ve managed to find a way to deal with the trauma.” Starscream looked up again. “Obviously. You wouldn’t have survived years of it if you hadn’t. But as soon as this is over, I will be repairing you. I’ll help any way I can. But right now, I think Soundwave is our more critical patient. He’s got your strength and prior experience as a model, but if he was as loyal as you say, then I’m probably dealing with emotional damage more than physical.”
Starscream nodded. “I would say that is accurate. And, model that I may be, he and I can’t talk much or be seen together too often around base. As far as most anyone knows, we don’t like each other. And even if they would forgive that, and figure our shared experiences at Megatron’s hands had brought us closer, we can’t risk Megatron finding out.”
Ratchet nodded. “That makes sense.” He paused again to think. “Are you all right? From the exam I mean.”
Starscream flapped a hand at Ratchet in dismissal and stood. “It was nothing,” he said. “As you said, I’m practically numb.” Ratchet frowned. That wasn’t a good thing, nor was Starscream’s casual attitude about it. “I’ll let him know your little check up is nothing to fear.” Starscream cast a cocky grin back over one shoulder as he moved toward the cave entrance. “That you’re nothing to fear.”
Ratchet rolled his optics, and waited a few minutes until Soundwave entered the cave. Ratchet remained sitting, and gestured for Soundwave to come closer. “As I told Starscream, I’ll make this as fast as possible without causing more damage.”
Soundwave nodded and lay down, knees out, panel retracting. He turned his face away, visor dim, and proceeded to ignore Ratchet.
Ratchet re-oiled his fingers and with a soft warning, began the exam. Unlike Starscream, who seemed willing to interact, push through it all, Soundwave lay silent and trembling. The sensor damage was not severe at all compared to Starscream, but new damage was obvious.
Soundwave flinched hard, respiration hitching when Ratchet found a particularly bad tear in his valve lining.
“I’m sorry,” Ratchet murmured, his spark quailing to realize just how bad that injury must have been when new. He moved through the rest of the exam as quickly as possible, while still being thorough. “There. Done,” he said, and cleaned his hand off.
Soundwave’s panel clicked shut and he sat up, knees coming together with a clank, and then drawn up to his chest. “Status?”
Effecting his most business-like tone, hoping it would help set Soundwave at ease, Ratchet said, “You only have a couple sensor nodes that aren’t responding fully yet. Besides that one large tear, there are a few smaller, mostly healed ones as well. You should make a full recovery, but it’s going to take some time yet.” He paused and really looked at Soundwave. With the mask and visor in place, it was impossible to tell if Soundwave was actually looking at him or just pretending to.
“There’s honestly little by way of repairs I can offer you,” Ratchet continued. “There are, however, some supplements we add to our energon that aid recovering systems. I can bring them to the next meeting.”
Soundwave’s chin dipped in a nod. “Appreciated.”
Ratchet stood, and held a hand down to Soundwave. They were both silent for a moment, but Soundwave finally accepted the assistance to his feet, and rose.
“I’d like you to avoid interfacing for a good two decacycles. Should I inform Prime or do you wish to talk to him?”
Soundwave seemed to go very still. “I will.”
Ratchet nodded and led the way out of the cave to see Optimus and Starscream talking.
And if that wasn’t the surreal glaze to the already weird grease cake this whole situation was.
Prime looked up, optics locking instantly on Soundwave.
“We need to get going,” Starscream said. “Prime and I agreed to meet back here with his officers in a week.”
Ratchet nodded, watching as Soundwave and Prime moved off to the side, their faces close together. “I told Soundwave I’d bring some energon supplements next time that will help your self-repair systems.”
Starscream nodded absently, optics shading a deeper red as he watched Prime’s hand gently cup the back of Soundwave’s helm. “Our energon stores are low and processing capabilities pathetic. Anything you can give us will help.” Starscream looked back at Ratchet as Soundwave stepped back, and Prime’s hands let him go. He smirked. “Until next week then.”
Starscream stepped out from under the overhang and engaged his thrusters. Ratchet watched as both Decepticons flew off.
“Ratchet?”
“You couldn’t get them back here any sooner than a week?”
“Starscream says it can take time to organize a solid diversion for Megatron.”
Ratchet hissed, and angrily stomped his way out to the road. “If one of those fraggers argues with me, I’m going to turn them into table lamps.”
“With your physical evidence, and personal support of a treaty, I think the others will believe,” Prime said, transforming as they reached the pavement. “I want this treaty and so does Starscream. And it’s gnawing at me, Ratchet. We need to get them out of there. Soon.”
~ | ~
“I’m guessing a table would be hoping for too much?” Thundercracker asked from his position on Starscream’s left.
Starscream rolled his optics. “As serious as we all are about this treaty, it is a secret still. The little luxuries shall have to wait.”
Thundercracker chuckled and kicked at the gravel. “Maybe Prime will bring one in that trailer of his?”
Grinning, Starscream shook his head. “But then we would miss the great Optimus Prime sitting in the dirt with us lowly Decepticons.”
A deep rumble came from Starscream’s right, and both he and Thundercracker looked at Soundwave.
“Whatever, lover-bot,” Thundercracker snickered. “Don’t expect the rest of us to fall for Prime like you have.”
“Oh, I don’t know, TC. Maybe some competition would do Soundwave some good.”
“Competition welcome. Looking foolish: Seekers excel.”
Thundercracker’s optics shot wide, and Starscream laughed.
“Did he make a joke?” Thundercracker gasped. “Did you make a joke? Was that a joke? Holy slag, I wish Warp were here to have heard that. He’ll never believe me.” Shaking his head, Thundercracker grinned. “Still say your laugh is slaggin’ creepy though.”
“I am not laughing.”
“On the outside,” Thundercracker muttered, still smiling.
Starscream smiled too. He was well aware of how nervous Thundercracker was, and also knew that he was trying to distract himself. Not that distraction would work much longer.
The sounds of transformation reached them from the road beyond the trees.
“Four Autobots,” Soundwave said in a quiet voice.
“Wish we coulda brought Warp.”
“There won’t be a fight. We won’t need him,” Starscream said.
He watched as Prime ducked a branch and walked forward without hesitation. “Starscream,” he said, reaching out with his left hand.
Starscream brought his chin up a notch and smirked, reaching out as well and clasping Prime’s forearm in greeting. “Prime.”
“I’m sure your time is limited, so let’s spare ourselves most of the formalities.” Prime stepped back and motioned behind him. “You met Ratchet, and know my Second in Command, Prowl, and of course Ironhide. My Third, Jazz, is at the base keeping everyone… uninterested in my outing.”
Starscream nodded to the other Autobots. “Soundwave you know is my Second, and Thundercracker will serve as Joint Air Command and my Third with Skywarp.”
“Joint Air Command?” Ironhide asked.
Starscream grinned. “They’re a package deal.”
Prime motioned toward the cave entrance. “Let’s get out of sight and begin.”
As they entered the cave, Ratchet handed Starscream a small case. “There are fifty vials of supplements in there,” he explained in a low voice. “They will help anyone, but be sure you and Soundwave consume two per day.”
“I told you, repairing me is pointless.”
Ratchet shook his head. “This is just groundwork for afterwards. Now put those away and make sure no one that isn’t on your side finds out about them.”
Starscream tucked the box into his subspace, and sat opposite Prime on the cave floor. “Where do we start?”
“Prime mentioned to us that you want equal rank as co-leader,” Prowl said. Starscream raised an optic ridge, but nodded. “We found a position that is nearly equal to the Prime.”
“Nearly?” Thundercracker repeated.
“It dates back to the last Golden Age. Lord High Protector. Second only to the Prime.”
Beside Starscream, Soundwave stiffened.
“The Prime and his Lord High Protector were most often partners in every sense of the term.” Prowl’s gaze shifted to Soundwave. “However, there are a few very old cases of the Prime or Lord High Protector choosing a consort other than one another.”
“Essentially, as Prime, I would be a civilian leader. And you, Starscream, would be the military leader, and answerable to me.”
“It can’t be that simple,” Starscream said, optics narrowing. “That’s entirely too easy.”
Ironhide chuckled. “Oh, it ain’t gonna be that easy. I’m military, and I’ll be on Prime’s council.”
“Oh goody.” Starscream rolled his optics.
“There will be a council, but it will be those both you and Optimus Prime trust,” Prowl said. “Proposed for that council are myself, Ratchet, Ironhide, Jazz, Soundwave, Thundercracker and Skywarp as your Thirds, and of course you and Prime. There are other Autobots I would suggest, and possibly even a few Decepticons. That would depend upon your recommendations.”
Starscream glanced back and forth to Thundercracker on his left and Soundwave on his right. “Right now we have very few we are certain of.” He looked Prime in the optics. “Soundwave’s team is the only group I can count on. We have hinted to the Constructicons, the other flyer trine, and I’ve tried to feel out Motormaster, but that is it.”
“And ya want Autobot help ta storm an underwater base, containing who the frag knows how many enemies, and take down Megatron?” Ironhide snorted. “Don’t ask much, do ya?”
Starscream smirked. “Oh, taking the Nemesis will be easy. It’s retaking Cybertron that will be the challenge. Shockwave is unfailingly loyal, and besides his drone army, he also has the majority of the seekers there. If he even gets a hint of us taking down Megatron, he’ll storm Earth.”
“Then we must avoid that,” Prowl said. “What information can you give me?”
“Wait,” Ratchet said, holding a hand up. “That’s it? That easy? We’re doing this?” He pointed at Starscream. “You’re ok with the whole Lord High Protector thing, and a ruling council, and all that? Even the fact that Autobots are going to outnumber Decepticons on that council?”
Chuckling, Starscream said, “Yes. That easy.” He looked at Prime. “And the council will be small compared to all the senators of the last one, and Prime and I will not allow bureaucracy to come between our people and their wellbeing ever again.”
Prime nodded. “And the sooner we have Megatron locked up, the better.”
They talked tactics after that, Soundwave, Prowl, and surprisingly, Ironhide, pulled together a plan faster than Starscream had thought possible. He couldn’t help smiling as his input was considered with nothing more than a nod, and felt himself relaxing and even enjoying himself a little.
“All that remains is timing,” Prowl said.
“And informing the troops,” Ratchet sighed.
“Timing is critical. Shockwave is due to report in one decacycle.”
“How long after that until his next communication?” Prowl asked.
“Four decacycles,” Soundwave replied.
“Not much time to get the troops integrated,” Thundercracker commented.
Starscream shook his head. “No, it won’t be.” He looked at Prime. “How much spare room does the Ark have?”
“Ya ain’t movin’ in with us!”
“Enough,” Prowl answered, ignoring Ironhide. “If everyone shares quarters, there are enough berths for everyone.”
“Immersion, best option given the short timetable.”
“Agreed,” Prime said. “And from what I know of the Decepticons’ supplies, our energon stores will go a long way toward encouraging friendly behavior.”
Ratchet cursed. “I’m going to be buried in maintenance checkups from the moment they arrive, until the moment we rally for the assault on Shockwave.”
“Assuming the Constructicons side with us,” Starscream said, “they should be able to assist in the medbay. I wouldn’t trust delicate repairs to them, but maintenance should be no problem.”
“Assuming,” Ratchet snorted.
Starscream checked his chrono. “We’re running short of time.”
“I know,” Prime said. “All that really remains is to decide when.”
“Shockwave isn’t exact with his communications. When he can reach us depends on stellar conditions.”
“I will send coordinates and time once known,” Soundwave suggested.
“We’re gonna keep all Autobots on stand-by?” Ironhide asked.
“For the end of the war, I believe they will be willing,” Prowl said.
“Agreed.” Prime looked between Soundwave and Starscream. “I’d like Ratchet to look you both over. Have there been any problems since our last meeting?”
“Has he raped us again?” Starscream asked. Prowl and Ratchet winced. Ironhide, Thundercracker, and Soundwave all visibly flinched. Prime’s optics narrowed. “Call it what it is, Prime. And no, he hasn’t.”
Prime sighed. “My apologies. And I’m glad. A decacycle seems too long to wait.”
“That or we rush off after Shockwave without giving either of our troops time to adjust to one another. Besides, you’ll need the time to convince your Autobots that this is real.” Starscream stood. “I’m fine. Scars don’t change in a week.” He looked down at Soundwave. “The choice is yours.”
Soundwave was silent for a moment before dropping his chin in a short nod.
“We’ll wait outside for you,” Starscream told him, and reached out a hand to pull Thundercracker to his feet.
The Autobots followed them out, and they stood just under the rock overhang, their backs to the cave.
“So we’re really doing this,” Thundercracker said.
“Seems like it,” Ironhide said with a grin.
Only a few minutes later, Ratchet and Soundwave emerged. “Be sure he gets those supplements,” Ratchet said to Starscream.
“Yes, master,” Starscream smirked.
Ratchet snorted, muttered something about mag-cuffs and an electrowhip, then left for the road. Prowl followed, then Ironhide after casting Prime a glare.
Prime hesitated, his optics on Soundwave.
“Oh, just give him a kiss so we can leave already.” Starscream stepped out and engaged his thrusters; Thundercracker followed, chuckling. They rose up above the treetops and hovered for a moment.
“Ain’t new love cute?”
Starscream rolled his optics. “Love might be overstating it.”
Thundercracker snorted. “Yeah right.”
Shaking his head, Starscream didn’t comment. His wingmate was a hopeless romantic, and debating would be pointless. Instead he focused on what needed done. “We have a lot of work to do.”
“And only a decacycle to get it done.”
~ | ~
It had taken the entire decacycle for Prime’s science team and Ratchet to design, build, and install the upgrades nearly all the Autobots would need to work so deep under the ocean. When the time and date finally came from Soundwave two days later, Optimus had sent out a base-wide alert.
Now here they stood, every Autobot on Earth, just below the hatch that Soundwave would open to let them in.
Prime stood silent and still, fighting to display the confident patience his troops expected of him, when really his internals were kinking into knots, and his spark was hammering in its casing.
The designated time had passed three breems ago.
Where was Soundwave?
~
Starscream forced himself not to fidget as the meeting continued. Rather, as Megatron continued to rant and rave. He felt Soundwave’s foot slide against his, and took comfort in the fact he wasn’t the only one nervous. They had had to be even more careful with their interactions. Megatron was watching them both closely.
Paranoid slagger.
Of course, this time Megatron’s paranoia would be justified.
The attack would begin as soon as they were dismissed. Soundwave merely had to trigger the security system failure, and the Autobots would swarm the ship. They had been setting up cascade failures for the last decacycle just so no one not firmly in Starscream and Soundwave’s corner would suspect anything unusual.
“Soundwave!” Megatron barked. Starscream flinched despite his best efforts. “Have you corrected the glitch in the security system yet?”
“Cause unknown, Lord Megatron.”
Megatron leaned forward on the table, optics glinting in an all too familiar way. “That means no, doesn’t it?” Across the table from Starscream, Soundwave visibly began to tremble. “Your failure is lamentable.”
“This pathetic excuse of a base is lamentable,” Starscream sneered, and Megatron turned his head, a scowl drawing his optic ridges together and down. “If I were leader of the Decepticons, we wouldn’t still be stuck here on the bottom of this slagging ocean in this rusting tomb!”
::Do not antagonize him,:: Soundwave sent across the their private channel.
::You need to get the Autobots in here. I’ll keep him distracted,:: Starscream replied, optics never leaving Megatron’s.
“You will never be leader of the Decepticons,” Megatron growled.
“We shall see, oh mighty Megatron,” Starscream said, casting Megatron a haughty smirk, and lifting his chin. He was obviously picking a fight, but the fool only seemed to relish the chance.
::Star-::
::Get everyone out of here, and do your part! You’ll know where to find us. Once he jumps me-::
Starscream’s words were cut off as Megatron’s hand shot out and caught him by the throat. “I see it’s time to remind you of your place.”
“Couldn’t find a willing lover again, I see,” Starscream said. “Not that I blame them. You’re as pathetic in the berth as-” He put up a slight struggle, mostly for show, as Megatron squeezed and dragged him out of his seat.
The punch to the side of Starscream’s helm hurt, leaving him dazed and crumpled on the floor. But behind Megatron, Soundwave was motioning the others up and out. Starscream focused on Megatron as the door closed.
“See how loyal they are to you?” Megatron sneered down at Starscream. “They know what is going to happen to you, and leave you to your fate. Fool! You will never lead the Decepticons, for they will never follow one so pathetic as you!”
Starscream scuttled backward as Megatron stalked him, the begging and pleading fell from his lips with the ease of long habit. Meanwhile, within his mind, he was focusing on every erotic encounter he could remember.
Skywarp panting his name. Thundercracker purring into his neck. Skyfire’s large gentle hands spreading his thighs, his tongue licking gently at Starscream’s valve.
Megatron’s fists fell hard and fast, intermittent kicks punctuating the painful blows. Starscream cried out, pulling his wings in, but knowing that would not save them. He forced his mind and body to ignore the pain, shunt it aside.
Skywarp’s mouth hot on the upper edge of his wing. Thundercracker’s nimble fingers sliding between armor plating, ghosting over his interface array. Sinking his own spike into a wet willing valve.
Starscream groaned in pain as his back was slammed down on to the conference table. Primus, where were they? He looked past Megatron’s shoulder and toward the door. He knew this beating had been going on for nearly a breem. Megatron was enjoying causing pain, but not much damage this time. Not yet. He was pulling the blows. Oh they hurt. A lot. But he wanted Starscream conscious.
“Brute,” Starscream hissed as Megatron’s hand clamped around his throat, the other digging into the protective plating between Starscream’s legs.
“Whore,” Megatron shot back as Starscream retracted the panel before it could be mangled or torn free. “You’re already wet. You actually enjoy this, don’t you? Is that why you insist on baiting me?”
Starscream arched, mouth open in a silent scream as Megatron shoved into him. He had tried to prepare himself, but Ratchet had warned him lubricant production had been affected by the damage.
“You’ve even overloaded for me,” Megatron said, setting a hard pace, giving Starscream no time to adjust. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you stiffen. How your valve clamps down on me. You like this.”
“I imagine it’s someone else,” Starscream said, opening his optics and staring right into Megatron’s, letting the tyrant read the truth in them. Could he overload this time? It was usually just an accident. A reaction to stimulus when Megatron took longer than usual. Or maybe he could just fake it? “Someone good at interfacing. Someone that doesn’t have to beat and rape his own officers just to get-“
Starscream’s head snapped to the side under the heavy backhanded strike. He reeled for a moment, Megatron thrusting hard, what minimal lubricant Starscream had managed to fantasize into existence, doing little good for his valve walls under the driving assault. He turned his face back as Megatron leaned closer, and braced his hands against the wide silver shoulders. Pushing did no good.
“Optimus’ spike is bigger,” Starscream taunted. “And he uses it better.” He grinned.
Megatron snarled, spike slamming hard into Starscream, once, twice, a third punishing thrust. Starscream shrieked, arched, fingers digging into Megatron’s shoulders, clamping his thighs to black hips, and clenching his valve despite the agonizing pain. “Optimus! Yes! Primus, more! Optimus! Optim-aahhhh!“
This time he was punched in the head hard enough to lose motor control. Starscream laughed despite it all as Megatron’s pace faltered.
~
Soundwave overrode the final code, Thundercracker, Skywarp, and the Constructicons guarding him as he did so. The blast doors slid open and Soundwave almost slumped in relief to see Prime. Behind Prime the last of the Autobots were climbing through the floor hatch. Weapons were prepped with a surprising efficiency.
“Hurry. Starscream is distracting Megatron,” Soundwave said. Without another word he spun and led the way to the conference room.
Prowl rattled off a series of quick orders and teams of Autobots split off with the Constructicons to go subdue any Decepticons that would side with Megatron. Thundercracker and Skywarp stayed on Soundwave’s heels.
“Wait,” Skywarp said. “Wait! What the frag do you mean ‘distracting’? Screamer doesn’t-“ he cut himself off as they all heard a faint, shrill scream from behind the conference room door.
“No!” Soundwave shouted, but Skywarp had already teleported away. Soundwave broke into a run, Prime and Thundercracker beside him.
~
Starscream gasped in pain as Megatron’s pace picked up. In a way, this was good. He would be done any moment now.
One hard, pain-flaring thrust. Another. Then Megatron buried himself to the hilt and held there, a low groan rumbling forth, and Starscream felt the hot rush of transfluid within him, burning the raw and delicate lining of his valve. He whimpered, then gasped again as a purple flash appeared behind Megatron.
“Sky!”
“I hope you melt to slag in the Pits!” Skywarp growled. Megatron was slow to react, still caught in his overload, as Skywarp jammed the barrel of his blaster up under Megatron’s chest armor and fired.
And kept firing.
Starscream yelped as Megatron’s spike was jerked from him. He saw the mass of mechs crowding the door, but could do nothing as he slid from the edge of the table and onto the floor. Starscream knelt, head bowed, staring blankly at the growing puddle of transfluid and energon blood that dripped from within him.
Movement in his periphery drew Starscream’s optics. Thundercracker was trying to drag a still cursing, sobbing Skywarp off Megatron’s already fading corpse. Soundwave and Prime were right behind him, trying to help. Others too. Starscream’s processors just couldn’t focus to name them.
Then large gentle hands scooped him up, Starscream hung limp in arms that could crush him by merely tightening around him.
“Oh, Star,” Skyfire said, voice hitching. “Oh, Primus, Star. I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
Starscream snuggled into the embrace for a moment, tucking his face in against Skyfire’s neck. “Fire,” he mumbled, trying to focus. Skywarp’s enraged scream cut through the haze, and Starscream tried to twist to see him. “Put me down.”
“No, you can’t-“
“He’s my wingmate. Put me down,” Starscream said, and forced himself to speak with a stronger voice.
“Smelt him! I want that fragger scrap! Did you see what he was doing to Starscream?!” Skywarp was caught in Prime’s powerful arms, but was still only barely contained. “Did you see him?” Skywarp screamed.
Starscream fought for his balance, grateful for Skyfire’s steady hold on his waist as he limped the few steps over to Skywarp. “Warp,” he said softly, catching one purple hand and tugging. Prime took the hint and let go. With a wild sob, Skywarp wrapped himself around Starscream.
“Sorry. So sorry. Primus, Star!” Skywarp continued to babble apologies, but they were no longer intelligible.
Starscream met Thundercracker’s optics, saw the haunted look in them. “You didn’t know,” Starscream murmured to both of them. “I never told, I never even hinted.”
“Shoulda known!” Skywarp wailed, arms banding tight around Starscream’s waist, and making him wince in pain as battered sensors spasmed. “Betrayed you. Shoulda protected you better. Trine. Be true. Shoulda...”
Thundercracker leaned against Skywarp’s back, and pulled both his trine mates close in a gentle embrace.
Starscream laid his head on Skywarp’s shoulder, optics closing as Thundercracker’s cheek pressed to his. “It’s over. You saved me this time.” Skywarp’s vents stuttered and he shook his head in denial, but Starscream hushed him. “He’s dead. It’s over. You’ve saved me and Soundwave. It’ll never happen again.”
“Starscream,” a new voice spoke. Starscream shifted to see Ratchet standing there, one hand out toward him. “Come with me. We need to get you fixed up.”
Starscream nodded. He stumbled, but was once again lifted into Skyfire’s arms. “Where do you want him, Ratchet?” Skyfire asked.
Starscream sighed and relaxed, succumbing to recharge. He was safe. It was over.
~ | ~
( Unexpected - Part Five )
( AprilRaven’s Table of Contents )
( LadyDragon76’s Table of Contents )