Persusion Part 3
This was written for whitewave3791 in thanks for her help in November. Her request was:
Animated Megatron/Optimus with a persuasive, silver-tongued Megatron
Rated: R to be safe
Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be, no matter how much I beg
Megatron smirked. He could see the young mech turning his words over. It was so easy. Despite the Little Prime’s stubborn nature, and his desire to cling to his ideals, he could not deny that Megatron’s words rang true. The helicopter supposed that in part he had Optimus’ ex-friend to thank for helping his case. Had Sentinel not gone out of his way to antagonize his so-called best friend then perhaps Optimus would not be so willing to give into him now. Not that it would have made any difference in the end. Megatron had had thousands of vorns of experience convincing wary mechs that he was right, after all. In the end he would have given in, either way. Now he was simply more susceptible.
“Join me. Together we can free your team from their constraints. The Decepticons can give you everything you’ll ever need; we will ensure that Cybertron is restored to his glorious golden era, free of Autoscum influence. You need not live in the shadows, Little Prime, but instead, live among those who understand.”
“Understand?” Optimus shook his head. “I doubt it. After all, you were perfectly willing to kill my team back when we first retrieved the Allspark. We were Autobots, yes, but even you could see that we were not warriors. At least, most of us weren’t. Yet instead of simply taking the cube from us and leaving you sought to obliterate us. We may not have been innocent, but we were close. And I know that not everyone who dies in a war is a soldier. Plenty of innocents are caught in the crossfire. You simply seem more willing to sacrifice them than the Autobots. No matter how noble you claim your cause to be, no matter how understanding, there is not one mech on my team who can kill so callously. Your Decepticons would tear us apart.”
Megatron pulled back, a dark smirk on his face. Razor sharp fangs were revealed by the quirked lips. He noticed how the smaller mech’s optics immediately watched his lips, and he grinned.
“That is a weak argument at best, Optimus. Yes, I tried to kill you. Had you not fled and forced us to chase you I likely still would have. Anyone and anything that bears that crude red symbol is an enemy and thus must be eliminated. And you cannot claim that you would have handed it over without a fight. We both know you would have fought to the death. And your team, especially the younglings, whom I suspect are who you wanted me to spare, would not have stood by and let you die. So thus your argument is invalid. And innocent people always die in the wars. Unlike the Autobots, we have taken our fighting into space, away from the civilian population. We do not attack Cybertron directly, even though with Omega Supreme under our control we could, because it is not worth the loss of life. Do you really think that I gained - and have kept - my position through needless death and slaughter as the Autobots claim? Do you think that no Decepticons have Autobot relatives? Many do, though it is not widely broadcasted. I would face a mutiny should I seek to eliminate Autobot civilians who do not know better. Most of what you know about us is a lie, Little Prime. It is little more than propaganda fed to the masses.” Optimus said nothing. He had never thought of it like that before. “Come. We shall free your friends. The only thing I ask of you is that you consider what I have said. I will not force you to take my mark.” A large, dark hand trailed softly over the red symbol that adorned the Prime’s shoulder. It took all of the younger mech’s will power to not lean into that soft, comforting touch. Megatron noticed his struggle, and his voice took on a more sensual purr. “I have no doubt that in time you will come to me, Optimus.” Optimus fought to ignore the little voice that was begging him to give into the tyrant then and there.
“Prove it. Show me what happened to my friends.” Instead of getting angry at the Prime’s impudence, Megatron chuckled darkly.
“Very well, little Prime. Come with me.”
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Optimus, still bound in chains, was led from his cell to the Command Center. Megatron said nothing as they walked; he merely pressed one hand into the small of the young mech’s back. The warm pressure distracted Optimus and kept his focus on that one small point. If they passed anyone as they walked Optimus didn’t notice; he was too busy trying to tell himself that the touch did not feel completely right. It was a relief to finally make it to the Command Room, even if it meant having to deal with other Decepticons. Anything that could distract him from Megatron’s imposing presence was welcome.
The tyrant guided the fire truck across the room to where several screens were monitoring everything from various rooms in the ship to districts around Detroit. A small part of him was concerned for the humans that he could see on the numerous screens - why would the Decepticons need to spy on “inferior” beings - but most of his attention was on the monitor that was focused on the Autobot base. He could tell that it had been completely abandoned. That put Optimus on edge. There was always, always some activity going on at home. Unless there was a conflict with the Decepticons, there was always at least one mech at the base, whether it was Ratchet working in his med bay or Bumblebee and Sari playing video games. Now however, it was completely shut down. There was no movement, no lights, and no signs of life. Optimus turned desperate optics on the Decepticon leader.
“Where are they?” Blitzwing, who seemed to be on monitor duty, looked at his leader. Optimus saw the look and said, “Please, I… I need to see. I need to know what happened to them.” He was trying to be strong, but both mechs could see him tremble. Megatron stepped up behind his counterpart, and wrapped a strong arm around him waist, steadying him against his chassis. Optimus did not fight him, instead he sagged against the warm support, ignoring the righteous little voice that raged against it.
“Blitzwing.” Understanding his Lord’s command, the triple changer silently rewound the footage. Five hours previously, Sentinel, Jazz, the Twins, and Ultra Magnus had entered the base. Jazz and the twins had worn looks of guilt and disgust, while Sentinel looked eager. Magnus, as always, showed no emotion. The five Elite Guards entered the building, reappearing moments later with his team. Sentinel had Bulkhead, and looked disappointed, while the Twins escorted Bumblebee and Sari out. Jazz seemed to be guiding Prowl, but when the others’ attention was focused elsewhere, he let the black ninjabot go, gesturing at him to run. Prowl tapped the other ninja’s neck, and Jazz dropped like a stone. Prowl caught him and lowered him to the ground before shooting one last look at his friends. Then he was gone, out of sight of the camera. Ratchet seemed to be yelling at the Magnus, who had one of the old medic’s arms in a firm grip.
“Do you see, Optimus? This is how your precious commander cares for you, for your team. He cares the same way he did when your friend Blurr went missing. That is to say, not at all. He has an empire to run; anyone not doing their jobs is dismissed. You are suspected to have defected to me, and since they cannot punish you they will punish your friends. They will make examples of all of them so that others will not follow in your footsteps. They have not even taken the time to search for you; there is no time when you want to keep the masses ignorant. Looking for you would raise suspicions. The public would wonder how a model student such as yourself ended up in your position and questions would be asked. Punishing your team will scare the masses and no one will doubt the council’s word. That is how the Autobots operate.”
“And you expect me to believe that you care?” Optimus asked weakly. He hadn’t wanted to believe it, but the proof was right in front of him. It was real. Even if the Decepticons could have faked it, they never would have known that Jazz would let Prowl go. No one outside the team knew that the ninjabots were more than friends. Jazz would never let anything happen to Prowl, but Megatron couldn’t know that. So everything he had said was true. Horror turned to anger at that thought. How could he have been so blind? Was everything a lie? Would he have ended up as cruel and uncaring as the Guard seemed to be if he hadn’t flunked out of the Academy? It was a chilling thought.
“Unlike Autobots, I never leave my soldiers behind if it can be helped.” Optimus noticed that the silver helicopter had neatly side stepped his question, but he didn’t comment. The answer he had been given told him that his former enemy did have a spark after all, callous though he may be.
“And what price would I have to pay, in exchange for your assistance in freeing my team?”
“I think you know the answer to that Optimus.”
“Join the Decepticons.” The truckformer’s voice was flat.
“Yes. Eventually, when you have come to fully understand our ideals, I will require you to join us. For now though, you simply need to swear allegiance to us. You will not bear my mark until you are one of us, but I will not allow you to turn on us once your team is safe. I know you Optimus, and I know that once you give me your word you will not turn your back on us. Swear to fight with my mechs, to never turn your axe or gun on myself any mech under my command.” Optimus translated that as Megatron asking for every tenant in a soldier’s oath except loyalty. And he was right; once Optimus swore to it, he would never break his oath, even after his team was safe. It was a leash, one that bound him more tightly than chains ever could. Optimus didn’t even think about it. Megatron had been more honest with him than his own faction ever had. He knew that this was the right choice, just as he knew his biases and hatred weren’t going to go away over night. Megatron was giving him time to get over it, before he asked for the ultimate oath. And even if Megatron had been wrong, Optimus would do anything to save his team.
“I, Optimus Prime, do give my solemn oath to fight with the Decepticons, and to never turn any weapon I possess on any Decepticon or their leader in battle. Furthermore I swear to maintain my silence about any and all information I may possess in regards to the Decepticons, their affiliates, and any plans they have, or will have, that I am aware. This I so swear.” Megatron was slightly impressed. There were not many who remembered the old oaths. They had been common during the first war but had since died out. Optimus had also sworn to more than the Decepticon Lord had asked of him. Determined blue optics met his own. He smirked, almost tasting the victory. Optimus, and by extension, his crew, would soon be his.
“Excellent.”
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It had not taken long to organize a rescue mission. Only a small group had been assembled. Optimus - sans Autobot symbol - was there of course, along with Lugnut, Blitzwing, a mech that he had never seen before called Oilslick (apparently two more Decepticon teams had rendezvoused on earth), and Megatron himself was leading the squad. They had one more mech to pick up along the way, and Optimus was pretty sure he knew who it was. As he had been given back the use of his comm. for this mission, it hadn’t taken much to contact Prowl and brief him on the situation. Prowl had been rather upset that they were going to work with Decepticons, but has accepted his leader’s decision. And, as he had said, he no longer trusted the Autobots, so if Optimus could trust Megatron it was enough for him. For the moment, that is. The ninja wanted an in depth explanation later.
It had surprised the Decepticons when Prowl pulled up next to Oil Slick as they travelled through Detroit. Megatron, flying above them with Lugnut and Blitzwing sent a query ping to Optimus, only to receive an image of an angelic smile back. Cocky little Autobot.
Prowl, it turned out, had been in contact with Jazz. He relayed all of the information that his lover had given him, everything from when they planned to ship out (in less than an hour), to those who were disconcerted - or disgusted - by the Elite’s actions (Jazz and the Twins) to where the repair team was being held (in the brig, level E, each in their own containment cells). Jazz had also sent Prowl specs of the ship, highlighting the best route to get in and out of the brig, and information detailing how to disable the cells, alarms and lighting.
The drive was short, but in that space of time they had managed to devise a plan that was much more subtle than their original head on attack. They had also managed to communicate with Jazz, who had decided he would remain on earth, and the ninjabot was willing to aid them by making sure that he was the guard on duty in the brig when they broke in. He would keep the others away from the cells, giving them time to get in and out.
The Elite Guard ship was parked near the Autobot team’s base, under a hologram, but their sensors picked it up. Luckily for the small squad, the base was not being watched, giving them the opportunity to get close without being seen. The shelter also provided a relatively secure area to iron out the plan and send the details to Jazz. Lugnut and Blitzwing would remain outside. They would attack the old factory building, calling for the Autobots to come fight, as though they did not realize the ship was there. A “stray” shot would hit the ship, while at the same time Megatron would blow a hole in its side with his fusion cannon. The two blasts would be enough to tear through the hull. Once inside, Megatron, Optimus, Prowl, and Oil Slick would use Prowl’s holographic projectors to move unseen through the ship. Oil Slick’s chemical weapons would be enough to shut down the containment cells in the brig. The tricky part would be escaping with all five extra mechs. Optimus and Megatron would cover their retreat.
Once everyone fully understood the plan, Lugnut and Blitzwing headed out.
“Zis will be zoooo much fun!” Random cackled. Lugnut grunted at him, saying that Lord Megatron’s glorious plan must not fail!
“Yah, yah, Luggy. Let’s do zis!”
“AUTOBOTS! COME OUT AND FIGHT! THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS MEGATRON DEMANDS YOUR PRESENCE. COME OUT AND FIGHT, YOU COWARDS!”
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In hindsight, it was far too easy. Lugnut’s “wild” shot had hit its target precisely. Sentinel and Magnus had never thought to check for intruders, and had only activated the ship’s repair mechanisms before turning their attention to other matters. Thanks to Prowl, the cameras never picked them up, and Jazz changing places with Jetfire as a guard explained why the brig doors had opened. Of course, something was bound to go wrong. Bumblebee’s screech when he saw the Decepticons enter the brig was loud enough to echo through the ship. He would have continued to scream, likely, if Optimus hadn’t stepped forward.
“Boss-bot? What’s goin’ on?” Optimus smiled, but it was tight.
“We’re getting you out of here. The Autobots have betrayed us, and I will not see you punished for it. Megatron has agreed to help us.” Bumblebee still looked nervous, but when he opened his mouth to complain, Ratchet cut him off.
“Shut up Bumblebee! You heard what they have planned for us! We have to get out of here now!”
“We wouldn’t be here if Boss-bot hadn’t gone traitor!” Optimus winced.
“You are a fool Bumblebee, if you truly believe that. You are letting their lies corrupt you,” Prowl hissed from where he was working on freeing Sari.
“Kid, the Guard has been like this since the end of the War. I know, I was there. They have become a shadow of what they once were. And if you can believe their lies so easily, perhaps your place is with them.” Ratchet looked disappointed. Bumblebee wanted to cry.
“I’m sorry,” he said, miserably. “I didn’t mean it. I was just angry,” he said, trying not to sob. Optimus understood. It was hard when your beliefs were ripped away from you; Bumblebee couldn’t understand how their former comrades could treat them like dirt. He had talked himself into believing that what had happened at boot camp had been a fluke; there was no way that the Autobots were really so callous. Now to have the truth shoved in his face so brutally was hard on the youngling.
“Enough.” Optimus had to admire how everyone when silent at Megatron’s command. He had, on occasion, wished that his team would obey him like that. “We are leaving now. Come or stay, that is your choice. It would, however be in your best interest to come with us.” Oil Slick finally got the containment field around Bulkhead’s cell down, and the giant joined Ratchet and Sari. Seeing that they had wasted time arguing, and knowing that Sentinel would be coming down any klik to check on (and gloat to) the prisoners, he said,
“Yo cats, we’re almost outta time. At this rate, I’m gunna have to input the code to let Bumblebee out. It’ll register in the Command Center, but if we move quick we can get out before Sentinel gets here.” Optimus looked at Megatron, before saying,
“Do it Jazz.” A moment later, the field disappeared. The alarms had been disabled, but that wouldn’t mean anything to anyone watching the consoles on the brig.
“Let’s go.” Prowl didn’t bother with his holograms, not when the Autobots knew about the escape. Instead, they took off at a dead run. They passed the twin flyers in the corridors, but neither one tried to stop them. They could here Sentinel chasing after them, shrieking about traitors and Decepticons, but the twins intercepted him, asking a bunch of mundae questions about the protocols for prisoner escape. It bought them precious few seconds, and they made it back to the hole in the hull. Bulkhead’s mace impacted against the repairing creator, tearing it open once again. Prowl, Jazz, Sari and Bumblebee slipped through, followed by Ratchet and Oil Slick, and then Bulkhead. Optimus was about to leave, when a large hand grabbed his shoulder. He was met by the furious optics of his former friend.
“I always knew you were a traitor Optimus, but I never thought that you’d end up as a Decepticon’s pet.” Optimus snarled and punched his old friend in the face. He drew his battle axe, but Megatron interfered, and shoved him through the hole in the ship. And astroklik later, the young mech heard the sound of a fusion cannon firing, before Megatron leisurely climbed through the hole.
“I had expected more trouble from these Autobots. I hardly see why we even bothered with stealth; they were woefully unprepared for an attack.”
“You caught them by surprise, but the others will be mobilizing now. If we don’t get out of here now, were going to have one Pit of a firefight on our servos,” Jazz warned them. He knew that most of the Autobots on the ship had thought that no one would dare attack them, and had let their guards down, but they were all trained warriors, and it would get messy if they hung around.
“Very well. Lugnut, Blitzwing, retreat!”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Aww! Ok.”
“Transform and roll out!” The former Autobots did as their leader commanded, and at a nod from Megatron, so did the Decepticons.
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Optimus did his best to stand firmly on his pedes. He didn’t want to collapse in front of so many Decepticons. He did not want to show weakness. The hot iron pressed against his shoulder, pressing the Decepticon brand into the metal where the Autobot symbol used to be. The pain was excruciating, but it was worth it. Every moment of suffering up until this point was worth it.
When they had returned to the Decepticon base, Optimus had had a long talk with his team. Most of them had been unwilling to join the Decepticons, Optimus included. The betrayal of the Autobots was a fresh wound on all of their processors. Surprisingly, Ratchet had been the only one for it. The Great War had come close to breaking him. He had seen what the Autobots were capable of. Ironically, he had figured out at the end of the war that the Decepticons were actually not as terrible as they were made out to be, and some were actually better than most Autobots.
Optimus had dwelled on everything Megatron had said to him, but at times he had trouble concentrating. He remembered the way Megatron had held him when he had watched the footage of his team’ kidnapping, remembered how the much larger mech would press against him and whisper into his finials. But he couldn’t deny that Megatron had been there for him, that he had been honest and had come to his aid when his team was in trouble. That was more than anyone had ever done for him before. It was that, above all, that convinced him. Prowl and Jazz believed in Optimus, and when he had decided to complete his Oath and swear loyalty as well, so too did the ninja pair.
Sari and Bulkhead had worked to convince Bumblebee, but it was the sudden and strange appearance of Blurr, who had been spared by Shockwave, that convinced the little mech. He had missed his friend, who had taken on the Decepticon symbol. If Blurr could handle it, then he could too.
So here he was now, finally being indicted into the Decepticon fold. Optimus could see the approval on Megatron’s face as he stood stoically, refusing to flinch. The burning metal was held to his shoulder plating a moment longer, before Megatron finally granted mercy and pulled the red hot marker away. Optimus gracefully sank to his knees, and accepted Megatron’s hand, kissing the back of it.
“My loyalty is forever bound to you, my lord. This I solemnly swear, on my honor, my name, and my life.” Megatron’s slow, curling smile made the young mech’s knees go weak, and he thought it was lucky that he was already kneeling.
“Welcome, Optimus Prime, to the Decepticons.”