Domestic Disturbance

Chapter 19 : Explained



Prime sat on the med table, still and lost in thought, as Ratchet patched his injuries. The medic chatted away at him casually about what repairs he was making but Optimus was only half listening, nodding his head or uttering a noise of acknowledgement when he felt it was necessary.

He replayed what memories he could manage to salvage from the battle at the solar plant. Adrenaline kicked in the moment Megatron had crashed into him, sending him sprawling along the dirt. After that, most of it was a blur. He vaguely remembered his processor being jarred by a kick to his head, the sudden impression of weightlessness as he was lifted off the dirt, clinging to some part of his enemy's being. Then he saw his weapon laying in the dirt just out of reach. He needed it. It was his only chance, but his leg wouldn't work. It wouldn't respond to his frantic movements. Then he was on the ground again. Something had knocked him over. Something was holding his limbs down. He thrashed and kicked until he head the sound of a familiar voice.

It wasn't Megatron. Nor was it any of his Autobots. Somehow, Prime knew, through the haze, the dust and the pain, that he wasn't going to be hurt.

It was like waking up from a nightmare. Suddenly everything was clear and real again, yet surreal at the same time. He looked up through his dust filled optics to see Starscream. The seeker was straddling his hips, arms raised high over his head as if he were about to bring them crashing down. The look of concern in those bright crimson optic, the relief written all over the pretty mech's face, Optimus knew he would not strike him.

Then just as that feeling of elation washed over him, it was gone. Starscream fell backwards with a shriek of pain. That comforting weight slipped away and left the Autobot feeling cold and empty. Sitting up, he searched all around him for the jet, but he was already gone. Then there was Prowl. Sturdy, reliable Prowl. And that was it.

He awoke on this very med table a few clicks after the Autobots had returned to the Ark. Body sore and mind still foggy, Prime was shoved back to the table by several pairs of concerned servos when he attempted to sit up. He tried to tell them he was ok, but none would listen. So he had to endure their concern, laying still until the energon drip he was hooked up to replenished his tanks enough so that Ratchet felt comfortable in allowing him to sit up.

It seemed the others hadn't seen what had passed between their leader and the Decepticon. He was informed by Huffer that Prowl had reached him just in time to save him from Starscream. The strategist wouldn't have shot at the seeker unless he felt Prime was being threatened. From his point of view the Con was about to smash Prime's head in.

He was in the clear with the Autobots. But what about the Decepticons? Where had Megatron gone, and had he seen the hesitation of his second in command? If he had, then how would the tyrant react? There was a strong possibility that at this very moment the silver mech was punishing his commander for his treason. Seeing as how Megatron wouldn't kill the jet, there was only one thing he could be doing to hurt Starscream.

Biting back his rage, Optimus had to remind himself that there was nothing he could do at the moment. Even if he was in top shape he could not justify ordering his Autobots to mobilize against the Decepticons in order to rescue the seeker. They didn't know the situation, and Prime was not about to spill the Con's secrets.

"There ya go. The last seem is done." Ratchet smiled up at him from his crouched position on the floor. "Your leg is as good as new. But just for caution's sake, take it easy for a few days."

"Thank you." Prime flexed his limb as the white medic stood up. "Exemplary work as always."

Optimus stood from the table as Ratchet fussed about cleaning up his station. Huffer entered the med bay just as the General was testing his leg's weight capacity. The smaller truck's optic were wide as he approached his leader with a quick pace.

"Optimus Prime. You're needed at Teletraan 1. We have a Decepticon on the radar and he's closing in fast!"

Ratchet made a noise of protest, muttering how he had just finished patching the semi. Prime ignored him and followed his comrade to the ship's bridge.

"Has Teletraan identified him yet?"

"Not yet, sir. He's still too far out, but we are expecting a visual any second now."

Prime entered the control room with Huffer hot on his heels. Every head present turned to see their leader approach the monitor, curiosity written all over their faces. Jazz and Prowl hovered around Windcharger's station as Hound, Ironhide, Mirage and Sideswipe stood next to Sunstreaker's.

"Prime." Prowl strode up to the red and blue mech with a quick salute. "There's one Decepticon approaching from the West. He will be within radio contact any moment now. We're still trying to identify. Judging from his approaching speed it's one of the seekers.

"And there's no sign of any other Decepticons?" Prime watched the monitors, impatiently waiting for the mech's identity.

"None so far." The black and white mech reported with a precise clipped off tone. "It seems like we have a stray."

"Got him!" Sideswipe clicked away on the keyboard for a few more strokes before the monitors displayed who their visitor was. "It's Starscream."

Prime's spark nearly scaled the length of his throat. "Contact him. Now!"

The other bot's paused for a moment, glancing at one another before looking back to their leader with confusion in their expressions.

"Contact him!" Optimus repeated firmly. "That's an order!"

Windcharger sighed and looked to Jazz. The blue and white mech nodding for him to continue. With no choice but to trust his companions he took hold of the station's mic.

"What should I say?"

"Tell him that we see him coming." Prime answered, core twisting nervously. "What ever it is he's looking for, he'll be sure to tell us."

"Decepticon Bogey." The smaller Autobot hailed. "This is the Autobot base of command. You are approaching our airspace. Please respond."

Static was the initial response. Ironhide huffed from his place next to Mirage. "Yeah, he's bein' really helpful."

"Decepticon Bogey." Windcharger tried again. "This is the Autobot base of command. You are entering our airspace. Please respond or we will take defensive action."

The other end of the line suddenly jumped to life as the seeker caught the frequency.

"This is Starscream responding." The jet's strained voice sounded throughout the control room. "Autobot base, I'm requesting permission to land."

"No." Prowl spoke up. "Tell him that is impossible."

"You do not give the orders here, Prowl." Optimus growled as he snatched the mic from Windcharger's stunned grasp. "Starscream, this is Optimus Prime. State your business."

"Prime?" The Deception sounded relieved. "I....I need your help."

Optimus put up his hand in an order for silence as several Autobot's started jabbering and offering their opinions. "You have permission to land one mile from our base. Stay on your heading until you reach the allowed distance. We will meet you there to determine if you are indeed in search of aid."

"......Thank you."

With that, Prime handed the mic over to Windcharger once more. "You and Sideswipe stay here and monitor Teletraan. Prowl, Jazz, the rest of you, you're coming with me."

"Prime!" Prowl had to jog to catch up to his leader as the semi made his way for the hatch. "You cannot be serious!"

"I am and I don't appreciate my order's being questioned." Optimus didn't bother to look at his second in command as he transformed and drove out into the desert night.

"With all due respect, Optimus." The black and white mech followed suite. "Starscream never clarified what it is he needs help with. We could be walking into a trap!"

"Prowl." The blue and white Porsche suddenly pulled up to the pair, riding along side the strategist. "Prime knows what he's doing."

"Oh right!" The police car huffed. "Prime told you all about his conversations with Starscream, didn't he? You know what's going on, so you don't have to be concerned. Why don't you start sharing this information with the rest of your comrades and then I won't have to worry either!"

"Jazz..." Prime growled but continued driving at a break neck speed.

"It's not like that." Jazz spoke calmly. "I only informed Prowl that you were concerned for Starscream. Ya know, so he'd lighten up on you."

"But he still told you." Prowl interrupted, still very annoyed.

"He didn't tell me anything." The sub commander responded defensively.

"Enough you two!" Prime snapped, nearly skidding as his driving ability suffered from his loss of concentration. "I've had all I can take! You want to know what's wrong, Prowl?"

"Prime..." Jazz spoke up. "You don't have to. We trust you."

"No, apparently I do, Jazz!" The semi's vocals raised in his frustration. "It's about time I clear the air with you two. After all, you constantly hound me about it!"

"Prime."

"Silence! You're going to listen to what I have to say! All of it! Because when we reach Starscream I don't want to be discussing it any further!"

The two cars along side him went very quiet. Prime took this as an indication that he would not be interrupted. Drawing a vent of cool desert air he proceeded to tell them.

"Starscream confessed something to me. He told me the reasons that he and Megatron parted so long ago. I'm not going to tell you, however, how he was wronged. That is not my story to tell. However, Starscream was mistreated and to this day Megatron continues to mistreat him. I pried at him for a long time before he finally caved in and told me this. In my guilt and concern, I promised him that I would help him. He also promised to swear allegiance to the Autobots. And now he's coming back to us, I cannot ignore him and turn him away. Do you understand?"

Prowl and Jazz remained silent for a moment, letting it sink in.

"And you trust him?" Prowl asked carefully.

"Yes. I do trust him." Prime answered. "Because he trusted me."

His tone made it very clear that the conversation was over. Prowl and Jazz remained silent for the rest of the drive, slowing their pace slightly to allow the other Autobot's catch up. Seeing Prowl back down from his questioning made the rest of the small group relax. They hadn't heard the explanation Prime had given his two officers, but they knew if Prowl was consoled then everything was ok. It didn't take long to reach the rendezvous point. The outline of the red and white jet took shape as the semi's headlights reached out to illuminate him. He was crouched on the ground, clutching at the shoulder Prowl had shot earlier that day. Prime drove up to him, transforming and running over to his side. The rest transformed and reached for their weapons, watching the skies for any sign of a trap.

"Starscream." Prime knelt by the seeker, optics immediately taking in every dent and mar on the once perfect armor.

The jet was exhausted, his sloppily patched injuries bleed slightly through only half welded seems. The strain of flight so soon after repair had almost undone all the interior work.

"I...I didn't know where else to go." The Decepticon winced as Optimus took him by his good shoulder, trying to help him to his pedes.

"What happened?" He asked in a hushed tone.

Biting his lip to hold back a hiss of pain Starscream's tired optics found Prime's bright blue ones. A wave of something just short of euphoria washed over his spark before he collapsed against the semi, unable to keep his footing.

"Hold on, Starscream." Optimus rearranged his hold on the jet, tossing the Con's good arm over his shoulders to burden his weight. "We're going to get you proper help."

The seeker managed a weak noise of thanks before he off lined. Prime called Jazz over to help him and with the aid of the rest of the Autobots they managed to get the injured mech back to base. Ratchet mumbled his discontent with having yet another patient that had to be fixed before he could go to recharge, but he did the job anyway. Optimus stayed throughout the entire procedure. Once he had convinced the other's that he didn't need anyone to stand guard the rest of the Autobot's left the med bay, all whispering and chatting amongst themselves at how odd it was that Starscream was back.

"Ok Optimus." Ratchet sighed as he finished. "He's all good to go again. He'll be off line for the rest of the night, but he should be back to normal again after a good recharge."

"Thank you again, my friend." Prime took the medic's servo in his and gave it a firm shake. "I'll see to it you have extra rations of energon for your help."

"It's nothing, Prime. Really." The ambulance shook his head, smile fading as he glanced back to the seeker with a worried expression. "But, I think there's something you should know."

"Yes?"

"Well," Ratchet gnawed his bottom lip for a second as he thought of the proper way to inform the General of his findings. "It's just, I ran a scan of Starscream before I set to work repairing him. A quick routine scan to see the extent of the damage. It picked up a strange signal from his cockpit. Under the pilot's chair, I found a small tracking device."

"He was being spied on?" Prime stiffened.

"Yes. I have no doubts that Starscream was unaware of the device. It's harmless to us. The only reason for planting it would be to keep tabs on him."

"We haven't been attacked by Megatron yet." The semi rubbed at his chin nervously. "If he was following Starscream than he would already be here."

"I think I know why Megatron wants to keep an eye on him." Ratchet's optics moved from the seeker to his leader. "The scan also revealed a large amount of residual core energy within Starscream's circuits. I assume you understand what that means."

"Core energy..." Prime repeated slowly, his chassis suddenly tightening uncomfortably as he realized what it was that the medic was telling him. "You mean...he had recently....interfaced."

"Uh...yes." The white mech glanced away awkwardly and cleared his vocals. "But this is what has me concerned. His head injury would have surely knocked him senseless and the energon residue along his helmet is older than that of the core energy accumulated in his system. This means that he was most likely unconscious throughout the interfacing encounter. And then there's the bug planted on him, as if it was expected of him to run away. The only reason I bring this up is, because, judging from the variety of injuries he has sustained, not to mention all the silver scuffing along his chassis and the obvious mistrust that follows, it is in my professional opinion that Starscream did not give his consent. He was...well...he was raped."

The medic heaved a sigh and looked back up at his leader, caught off guard by the utterly blank look that the semi possessed. Prime stared at him, but didn't. His optics distant as if gazing straight through the ambulance. No surprise traceable on the other's features. Just a quiet understanding and an obviously burdened spark.

"Prime?"

Ratchet reached out to put his servo on the red and blue mech's shoulder, but withdrew quickly when Prime moved to the table where Starscream was lying. He looked down upon the seeker, sturdy frame slumping as he rested his servos next to the immobile Deception's arm. Saddened, but in no way alarmed by the news.

"You...you knew?" The white plated mech suddenly realized. "Is that why he came to us for help? Because you knew?"

"Ratchet, please." Prime's fingers curled into fists as he drew a shaky breath of air. "Don't say a word of this to anyone. I want you all to trust me, but I cannot allow the other's to know what is happening."

"But, Optimus." Ratchet gasped, fumbling for words as he tried to wrap his processor around it all. "I don't understand what's going on!"

"It's alright." He responded, brushing his navy blue digits against the Decepticon's still servo, fully aware that the medic was watching this tender display. "I'll take care of it."

"Take care of what?" The other mech pleaded. "Please, Optimus, tell me what's happening! I can't continue to treat Starscream if I don't understand why! It's not fair to him as a patient to have a doctor who only knows half the story. It would make him feel that I'm making assumptions and judging him when I treat injuries that were caused by an obviously violent interface."

Optimus allowed himself to absorb this information. As loath as he was to admit it, he knew that Ratchet was right. It wouldn't be fair to Starscream or the Autobot medic either. The ultimate goal here was to assimilate the seeker into their faction as smoothly as possible. It would make the transition so much easier if Starscream had more than one bot to trust and one more bot who understood him.

"I understand that, Ratchet."

The semi turned from the jet towards his comrade, blue optics dim and miserable.

"Starscream came to us of his own free will. I'm sure he knew that you would discover what had happened to him anyway. So, I'll tell you all that I know."