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Finished another chapter of Half Breed! ^.^
Prologue can be found in this entry: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/22882.html#cutid2
Chapter One: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/23391.html#cutid1
Chapter Two: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/25558.html#cutid1
Chapter Three and notes can be found under the cut. ^o^
Title: Survivalism
Chapter Three: Of High Councils and Dark Planets
Author: Mini-Bot
Series: Movieverse/AU
Rating/Warnings: M (angst, fluff, implied slash)
“Commander Starscream, this is Barricade. I have infiltrated the local’s settlement and have found myself a disguise. What exactly am I looking for here?” Barricade asked pulling himself between two rather large structures to get out of the open.
“Anything. Resources, intelligence, Autobots, Decepticon survivors... Anything, Barricade. Report back to me, after you’ve concluded your general search of the area. Starscream out.”
“As you command,” Barricade said to himself, as the commander was already long gone by the time Barricade had responded.
Barricade took a moment to take in his new design. He had found himself a sports car for speed, and modified it to look like local law enforcement.
Though almost out of practice, Barricade was highly skilled in the art of spying and gathering valuable intelligence. Megatron, himself, hand picked Barricade for the most important of missions during the Great Wars. However, much time had passed since the last time the Decepticon shock trooper had a field mission, such as this. The only missions that presented themselves aboard the Nemesis, where the three “R”s; repair, refuel, and report. Barricade was sick of those things. He had longed for this time, that they would run across a planet where he could get out and stretch his legs, so to speak.
“Anything,” he repeated to himself.
He scanned the area.
It was dark outside, and a storm was fast approaching. Hearing the loud booms of the thunder made him think of the nights he’d spend with his father in his home town of Kaon.
Koan was long gone, last he saw. His father, too...
Barricade was one of the few lucky mechs who made it to the Nemesis. But, “at what cost?”, he often asked himself. The death of his parental units... his friends... his home... had made a monster out of him. Was a monster really worth keeping around? Starscream, Megatron’s forever faithful second in command, thought so. Starscream believed most of the Decepticons on board where monsters, including himself. All of them had lost something... someone. The important thing was not giving up. That is what it meant to be a true Decepticon.
Hidden there in that alley way, he observed the organics of the planet. He pondered how they would react in such a situation. Everything ripped out from under them, with no warning, and no way to stop it. Would they become monsters, too? Would they become monsters that could no longer control themselves?
Barricade pulled out of the alley way and joined the couple of cars on the road.
Sprinkles of water began to drip on his exterior. That cool liquid felt good to his age old wounds. Even in his new form, the marks of a warrior still showed, proudly. He wished he could transform and fully take in the water droplets. Lay out under the cloudy night sky with all those tiny droplets of water falling onto him. He and his father used do just that, when a storm came through Kaon. Racing down the slick Kaon Speed Way, they’d get off on exit 4400. Still racing away, they’d find the most deserted area on the outskirts of the territory. Barricade would always win the race, and his father would tease him about being such a speed demon. At the location, they’d plop down onto the ground and stare up at the night sky, rain pouring down onto them. There, they’d share stories with each other. Just be father and son. Nothing on Cybertron interrupting their time together, except Barricade’s mother on the comm-links yelling at them to get home....
Barricade, though concealed within his vehicle mode, had a small smile planted on his lips. Reminiscing the time with his father made him feel at ease.
A signal blaring at him, brought him out of those peaceful thoughts.
Multiple Autobot signatures detected...
Frag. He thought to himself, pulling over to the side of the road and coming to an abrupt halt.
He quickly double checked his energy signature, making sure it was completely and totally masked. The last he, or any of the remaining Decepticons, needed was to be caught by Autobots. They had come so far...
“Commander, Barricade here. I have detected multiple Autobot energy signatures in this sector. What would you like me to do?” he transmitted, hoping that the commander didn’t ask him to get a closer look.
“How many?” Starscream transmitted back, his voice showing heavy signs of concern.
“By indication of these signals, quite a few.” Barricade paused before asking, “Shall I get a closer look, sir?”
He didn’t want to. Primus, he didn’t want to. Yet, every spy instinct inside of him was screaming at him to do what he was best at, for the other Decepticon’s sake.
“We need information about them...” Starscream started.
Barricade knew Starscream was right. “Where these Autobots threatening?” was the main concern. A small transport vessel with a crew of ten was hardly a threat to Decepticons, but what if this was a war ship? What if it was the Elite Guard standing by to bring down Pit upon their helms? No one would know, if they didn’t send anyone in to investigate.
Starscream and Barricade, both, knew the possible outcome to this situation, and already feared the worst.
“I’ll find out what I can...” was all Barricade said.
In turn, all Starscream said was this, “Be careful, Barricade.”
The transmission ended there, and Barricade was well on his way toward what might be his final mission....
***
“Multiple Decepticon energy signatures detected. Recommendation, complete termination,” a computer chanted to the Ark Voyage Commander, who was sitting in the monitor room, as the other Autobots had their recharges.
“Quiet!” he said slamming his fist down on the speaker where the voice was originating from.
Optimus fumbled around with some controls to erase the sighting. He hoped the Decepticons would find a way to better cloak themselves, so the other Autobots onboard the ship he was commanding would not know of their presence on the Earth planet.
He was not sure what the young ones were taught to believe about Decepticons.
Most would call these actions “traitorous behavior”, but in Optimus’ optics, he was simply “doing the right thing”.
Optimus listened carefully for any activity on the ship. He hoped the computer’s annoying voice had not reached any of the recharging mech’s audio receptors. He didn’t want to have to explain the “false alarm” to anyone.
Nothing.
He listened for a couple cycles more, before concluding that everything was all clear. No one heard the commotion.
Thank Primus. He thought.
“Optimus?”
The voice at the door almost made him jump out of his metal.
He spun around in the chair to see Ratchet standing in the door way.
“Ratchet?” he asked, trying to conceal the panic in his voice.
“Is everything alright, Optimus? Thought I heard the computer say something about a Decepticon signature detection.”
“No, no. Everything’s fine. It was just a false alarm. I’m real sorry if it disturbed your recharge,” Optimus responded, setting his hands in his lap neatly.
Ratchet eyed Optimus curiously. He seemed... on edge. Too cautious of what slipped out of his vocalizer. Hiding something. Ratchet was good at reading people, and these are the things he picked up from Optimus’ presentation.
Ratchet stepped into the room, and closed the door behind him. He came over and sat down in a free chair next to Optimus.
“Perhaps you and I should talk about something?” Ratchet suggested.
“Like what?” Optimus replied looking over at Ratchet, who was now at his side.
“Anything you want to. Everyone needs someone to talk to about the things on their processor, and I swear to you this conversation will be completely confidential. Just between you and me,” Ratchet said casually laying an assuring hand over Optimus’.
“I’m not sure you would think the same of me, if I told you what was really on my processor. I just can’t risk your faith in me as a commander,” Optimus said, letting his gaze fall down onto the hand rested on his set of hands in his lap.
“Nothing would make me think ill of you, Optimus. Unless, of course, you’re going to tell me you murdered a protoform, or something,” Ratchet said followed by a small chuckle.
Optimus spared Ratchet a half smile before saying, “It’s nothing on the typical crime list, I assure you, but it is a crime in the optic of the High Council, nonetheless.”
“Lucky for you, I’m not a mech who thinks too highly of our High Councilors.”
It was a bold move for Ratchet, yes, but he figured if Optimus might share something that deep with him, then he should share something of the sort with Optimus.
“Ratch.. you need to be careful who you say things like that around,” Optimus said.
“You’re right, I do. You aren’t the mech I need to be careful around, though. I trust that you won’t turn me over to the Council for the words I speak, because you know them to be as true as I do.”
Optimus met Ratchet’s gaze.
“Indeed,” Optimus spoke softly. “I still don’t think I should share what I’m thinking about, though.”
“I never said you had to. I did say you could talk to me about anything, y’know? Nothing specific.”
“I know, but you are hinting heavily that you wish for me to share a secret,” Optimus commented.
Ratchet pulled his hand away from Optimus’ and turned his face away. “No, I just want you to know that you have someone to talk to,” he murmured.
“Decepticons,” Optimus said suddenly.
“Decepticons?” Ratchet repeated, turning his face back toward Optimus.
“What is your opinion on Decepticons, Ratch?” Optimus asked.
“Umm....” Ratchet couldn’t figure out how to respond to such a question. Was this a test of loyalty of some sort? Was he suppose to lie? Tell him the truth? What would be the consequences of saying what he really felt?
“Completely confidential,” Optimus reminded Ratchet, as Ratchet was thinking about his answer.
Ratchet gulped. “Uhhh... I believe that Decepticons are just Cybertronians like you or me. Not diseased or corrupted, as the leader of the Autobots suggests...,” he confessed, awaiting Optimus’ disapproval.
“You believe that this is all wrong?” Optimus asked.
“Yes,” Ratchet replied, still waiting for a punishment.
“Do you know why we were really sent on this voyage, Ratchet?”
“Why?” Ratchet inquired, starting to become less fearful and more curious at Optimus’ words.
“This isn’t a science and exploratory mission, as you were probably led to believe. This is a seek and destroy mission, disguised by the aforementioned, so the crews are unaware. Decepticons remain, and the truth is, we are suppose to be hunting and destroying them. Every last one of them. The High Council has sent skilled spies and infiltrators ahead of us to track remaining Decepticons, so we would happen to stumble upon them, where ever we went. We didn’t get stranded on this planet for no reason. A spy probably found out that Decepticons would have to stop in this sector sooner or later. This is the only planet in this solar system with resources. The only planet remaining Decepticons could flock to for help.” he finished.
Ratchet was stunned at the information Optimus was giving him. Not only were his suspicions correct, but Optimus felt the very same he did on the subject.
“They are on this planet, aren’t they? That’s why the computer was detecting signatures. And... you are.. trying to protect them?” Ratchet half questioned, half stated.
“Yes. I have been firmly against the entire war against the Decepticons, since the very beginning, but I have never met a single Autobot who shares my belief. None....” the last part was almost choked out.
Ratchet could sense the pain he felt, and he swore he saw coolant starting to pool in his optics. Ratchet was deeply touched by the fact that Optimus was sharing this with him, and he wanted to show him that he wasn’t alone. Not anymore.
“I share the belief. You heard me say that, so don’t say that you are alone in this.” Ratchet said.
Optimus let a sigh escape from his intakes.
They both sat in silence for cycles. Pondering what the other was thinking about this situation, that they shared the same views on.
“Do you think two Autobots can make a difference?” Ratchet asked finally.
“It’s far too late to be making any large scale differences, but we can make a difference for these Decepticons on this planet. I’m willing to fight for them, no matter the outcome,” Optimus said.
“I will stand with you, Optimus,” Ratchet assured.
Optimus looked into Ratchet’s azure optics, shining brightly with determination and absolute loyalty to their new found cause.
They would keep those Decepticons safe.... no matter the cost.
***
The Metallic Meadows was a beautiful spot for young lovers. Especially young lovers, who only had one normal night left together.
As Megatron said, we were warriors after that night. We would rarely get moments like these, so we had to cherish and savor every last cycle together.
Blackout and I were prepared to be separated. We were in completely different squadrons, after all. He was a flier, I was a grounder, so to speak. Our training exercises often called for us to be apart, but this was different. This was for real. The other could die. We both could die. We weren’t prepared for THAT kind of separation. We hadn’t even had the chance to bond our sparks for eternity, yet. We both felt ready, but we knew it was too risky in a time of war. Bond mates suffered more, than most in times of sorrow. However, it was also risky to our relationship if we did not bond before one or both of us died. We may never be together in the Well of All Sparks. Still, we were going to wait. Wait for the right moment. Rushing into something as important as that was not what we wanted. We both knew the right moment might never happen, if things go awry for the Decepticon empire, but the decision stood.
“If we lose the war, what’s going to happen to us?” I asked, snuggling myself deeper into the mech’s side. My mech.
“Megatron has a plan. He’s had a plan since the very first signs of trouble,” Blackout responded, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me even closer to him.
“What if Megatron isn’t here to guide us, Blackout?” I questioned.
“We can’t think like that. Megatron will guide us even after he is long gone,” Blackout said running his fingers up and down my back.
“What about this Dark Planet that he speaks of?” Pausing, I looked to the stars, then added, “You really think it’s out there?”
“I have never doubted Megatron’s words, but he has said he has never seen it with his own two optics, and until the day he does, he will not expect any of us to believe it exists. Me, personally, I’ve just stuck with the “it might exist, it might not” theory.”
“Yes, but if we lose this war, and we are forced from our planet, how are expected to set a course for a planet that may or may not exist?” I inquired, turning my gaze from the sky to my mech’s face.
Blackout met my gaze before answering, “We put our faith in Megatron the moment we put that symbol on our chassis’ and took the name “Decepticon”,” he said, pointing with a finger, on his free hand, to the symbol neatly etched onto my chest plate. “If Megatron believes there is a planet out there for us to escape to, should our home be taken from us, then we should have faith in his belief.”
Blackout was right. Megatron had never led his people astray. I knew this. Since the moment I had the Decepticon symbol carved onto my chassis over my Autobot symbol, Megatron had shown me nothing but truth. Even before that he did.
Blackout took my hand in his and placed a soft kiss onto it.
“Enough of this negative chatter. Don’t we have something else to talk about? Like our future, perhaps?” Blackout suggested.
“Bonding ceremony? Sparklings? Our dream house?” I asked, squeezing his hand.
“Whatever you want. I’m all audio about your plans for US,” he said.
Blackout always put great emphasis on “us”. I made Blackout work hard for the “us”, after everything I had gone through in my life cycle with previous mechs, which was the reason behind the emphasis.
“Because you’re no good at starting the conversations about this stuff?” I teased.
“You’re better at the fine details than I am,” he said, raising my hand back to his lips, and placing several more kisses onto it.
“Fine. I’ll start. Bonecrusher gets to be the flower mech at our bonding ceremony,” I giggled.
“He has to wear pink armor, too?”
“Of course! So, does your best mech!” I taunted.
“Doubt Barricade would agree to that,” Blackout said, grinning.
“He’s going to have to, if he wants a part in the ceremony,” I shot back.
“Barricade probably doesn’t care if he gets a part in a bonding ceremony, or not,” Blackout chuckled.
“He better show a little bit of enthusiasm at the ceremony! I don’t want a grouch ruining the happy atmosphere,” I said.
The mental image of a grouchy Barricade wearing pink armor popped into my processor, and I busted out in fits of laughter. It really was a funny image. Blackout soon joined in. Apparently, we were on the same mental page with each other, at the thought of the mech in such an embarrassing manner.
“An inside joke we probably SHOULDN’T mention to Barricade, eh?” Blackout sniggered.
“Definitely not! Can you imagine his reaction? Here, you be you, and I’ll be Barricade.”
I pulled away from Blackout and hopped to my feet. Getting into what I thought was a perfect “Barricade stance” I started mimicking his reaction, er overreaction, to wearing pink armor for his best friend’s bonding ceremony. “Pit no, I’m not wearing THAT!” I barked.
Blackout stifled a chuckle and stated, “Why not? I’m only doing this once, and I want everything to be perfect for my femmey. She wants all pink armor, except on me.”
“WHAT?! SO?! Why should I look ridiculous for YOUR ceremony?” I huffed.
Blackout fell backwards into another fit of laughter.
“STOP laughing at me! This is not funny, I REFUSE to look ridiculous!” I bellowed in the best grumpy Barricade voice I could pull off.
“If a play is ever produced, you already got Barricade’s part. You play him perfectly.” Blackout said, raising back up.
“Why, thank you,” I said, bowing, and then coming back over to Blackout.
I turned, ready to sit back down beside him, but instead I was dragged down onto his lap, unexpectedly.
“C’mere, you,” he said, just before doing so.
“Hey!” I shouted, surprised by the sudden grabbing.
Ignoring my reaction, he wrapped his arms tightly around me.
Sighing, I leaned back against him, and set my hands on the arms wrapped tightly around me. He rested his chin on top of my helm and let a happy sigh escape.
I loved being in his warm embrace. No matter what was going on in the world around me, I knew I was safe in those arms.
“It’s gonna be tough,” he said.
“What? The Barricade thing?” I asked.
“No, being apart,” he muttered.
“We can handle it. We’re Decepticons,” I assured.
“I know, but... I just can’t stand to be away from you anymore, Crystal. Even when I leave for training in the mornings, I miss you so much I can’t stand it,” Blackout confessed.
Hearing him admit such a thing made my spark shatter. Trying to stay positive was almost impossible on a night like that, and no matter how hard we tried to avoid the subject the ol’ harsh reality showed it’s ugly face again.
“Blackout, we can’t be like that with each other, right now,” I murmured.
“I’m trying not to be, I am. But, no matter how hard I try, I’m right back to phase one. I can’t stop missing and worrying about you. That’s like trying to tell Frenzy not to play a prank on someone for a day,” he compared.
“Please, stop. I don’t want our last night together, before we march off to war, to be like this. I want us to be happy. We’re together right now. That’s what’s important, right?” I questioned.
“Yes. I’m sorry, my femmey.”
“Apology accepted, my big handsome mech,” I replied.
Few words were spoken after that moment. Blackout and I, instead, just enjoyed each other’s company. The stars above us. Our precious time together. The love we shared. Nothing in the world could destroy that or take it away. Not Sentinel Prime. Not his loyal followers. Not their filthy war. Nothing...
Nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notes:
Is there something wrong with this chapter? I feel like there is, but I just can’t pinpoint it. Thoughts?
Now, you see why I didn’t name this a Shattered Glass fiction?
The last little part is, of course, Crystal’s flash back. Thought I’d mention if it was some how not apparent. =D
Not in this chapter, but I added Skids and Mudflap to Ratchet’s list, in the Chapter Two, of people onboard the Ark Voyage, because I have a plan for them in a later chapter. Oh, I will have my revenge on them. >:D
Constructive criticism and critique appreciated. Be as harsh as you’d like, I can handle it. =D
In other fantastic news, Shara is ordered! *squee* I’m hoping Razz will be put up on Amazon soon, because then I might squeeze her in with my figma Black Rock Shooter order. <3
In tragic news, I’m going to have tear my whole new comic story apart and start fresh, because me acquiring the MK2s in the near future is looking rather grim. They were needed for the story planned, and I don’t want to start and then not have them when they were scheduled to show up in the story. I’m not giving up the search. I will have them one day, but it won’t be as soon as I would have hoped. Curse the fact the MK2s are so hard to get and so expensive. We poor kids want a set, too, Konami! *cries* But, at least I will have Shara! She shall keep me happy in the Shinki department for a while. Oh! And my recently acquired holy grail, who still doesn’t have a name. <3
Is it completely and totally wrong that every time I hear a Britney Spears song, namely the song “Circus”, I think of G1 or WFC Starscream? Never movie, because he’s much too bad ass for that. =P
Yeah...
~Anton
Prologue can be found in this entry: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/22882.html#cutid2
Chapter One: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/23391.html#cutid1
Chapter Two: http://miss-paw-prints.livejournal.com/25558.html#cutid1
Chapter Three and notes can be found under the cut. ^o^
Chapter Three: Of High Councils and Dark Planets
Author: Mini-Bot
Series: Movieverse/AU
Rating/Warnings: M (angst, fluff, implied slash)
“Commander Starscream, this is Barricade. I have infiltrated the local’s settlement and have found myself a disguise. What exactly am I looking for here?” Barricade asked pulling himself between two rather large structures to get out of the open.
“Anything. Resources, intelligence, Autobots, Decepticon survivors... Anything, Barricade. Report back to me, after you’ve concluded your general search of the area. Starscream out.”
“As you command,” Barricade said to himself, as the commander was already long gone by the time Barricade had responded.
Barricade took a moment to take in his new design. He had found himself a sports car for speed, and modified it to look like local law enforcement.
Though almost out of practice, Barricade was highly skilled in the art of spying and gathering valuable intelligence. Megatron, himself, hand picked Barricade for the most important of missions during the Great Wars. However, much time had passed since the last time the Decepticon shock trooper had a field mission, such as this. The only missions that presented themselves aboard the Nemesis, where the three “R”s; repair, refuel, and report. Barricade was sick of those things. He had longed for this time, that they would run across a planet where he could get out and stretch his legs, so to speak.
“Anything,” he repeated to himself.
He scanned the area.
It was dark outside, and a storm was fast approaching. Hearing the loud booms of the thunder made him think of the nights he’d spend with his father in his home town of Kaon.
Koan was long gone, last he saw. His father, too...
Barricade was one of the few lucky mechs who made it to the Nemesis. But, “at what cost?”, he often asked himself. The death of his parental units... his friends... his home... had made a monster out of him. Was a monster really worth keeping around? Starscream, Megatron’s forever faithful second in command, thought so. Starscream believed most of the Decepticons on board where monsters, including himself. All of them had lost something... someone. The important thing was not giving up. That is what it meant to be a true Decepticon.
Hidden there in that alley way, he observed the organics of the planet. He pondered how they would react in such a situation. Everything ripped out from under them, with no warning, and no way to stop it. Would they become monsters, too? Would they become monsters that could no longer control themselves?
Barricade pulled out of the alley way and joined the couple of cars on the road.
Sprinkles of water began to drip on his exterior. That cool liquid felt good to his age old wounds. Even in his new form, the marks of a warrior still showed, proudly. He wished he could transform and fully take in the water droplets. Lay out under the cloudy night sky with all those tiny droplets of water falling onto him. He and his father used do just that, when a storm came through Kaon. Racing down the slick Kaon Speed Way, they’d get off on exit 4400. Still racing away, they’d find the most deserted area on the outskirts of the territory. Barricade would always win the race, and his father would tease him about being such a speed demon. At the location, they’d plop down onto the ground and stare up at the night sky, rain pouring down onto them. There, they’d share stories with each other. Just be father and son. Nothing on Cybertron interrupting their time together, except Barricade’s mother on the comm-links yelling at them to get home....
Barricade, though concealed within his vehicle mode, had a small smile planted on his lips. Reminiscing the time with his father made him feel at ease.
A signal blaring at him, brought him out of those peaceful thoughts.
Multiple Autobot signatures detected...
Frag. He thought to himself, pulling over to the side of the road and coming to an abrupt halt.
He quickly double checked his energy signature, making sure it was completely and totally masked. The last he, or any of the remaining Decepticons, needed was to be caught by Autobots. They had come so far...
“Commander, Barricade here. I have detected multiple Autobot energy signatures in this sector. What would you like me to do?” he transmitted, hoping that the commander didn’t ask him to get a closer look.
“How many?” Starscream transmitted back, his voice showing heavy signs of concern.
“By indication of these signals, quite a few.” Barricade paused before asking, “Shall I get a closer look, sir?”
He didn’t want to. Primus, he didn’t want to. Yet, every spy instinct inside of him was screaming at him to do what he was best at, for the other Decepticon’s sake.
“We need information about them...” Starscream started.
Barricade knew Starscream was right. “Where these Autobots threatening?” was the main concern. A small transport vessel with a crew of ten was hardly a threat to Decepticons, but what if this was a war ship? What if it was the Elite Guard standing by to bring down Pit upon their helms? No one would know, if they didn’t send anyone in to investigate.
Starscream and Barricade, both, knew the possible outcome to this situation, and already feared the worst.
“I’ll find out what I can...” was all Barricade said.
In turn, all Starscream said was this, “Be careful, Barricade.”
The transmission ended there, and Barricade was well on his way toward what might be his final mission....
“Multiple Decepticon energy signatures detected. Recommendation, complete termination,” a computer chanted to the Ark Voyage Commander, who was sitting in the monitor room, as the other Autobots had their recharges.
“Quiet!” he said slamming his fist down on the speaker where the voice was originating from.
Optimus fumbled around with some controls to erase the sighting. He hoped the Decepticons would find a way to better cloak themselves, so the other Autobots onboard the ship he was commanding would not know of their presence on the Earth planet.
He was not sure what the young ones were taught to believe about Decepticons.
Most would call these actions “traitorous behavior”, but in Optimus’ optics, he was simply “doing the right thing”.
Optimus listened carefully for any activity on the ship. He hoped the computer’s annoying voice had not reached any of the recharging mech’s audio receptors. He didn’t want to have to explain the “false alarm” to anyone.
Nothing.
He listened for a couple cycles more, before concluding that everything was all clear. No one heard the commotion.
Thank Primus. He thought.
“Optimus?”
The voice at the door almost made him jump out of his metal.
He spun around in the chair to see Ratchet standing in the door way.
“Ratchet?” he asked, trying to conceal the panic in his voice.
“Is everything alright, Optimus? Thought I heard the computer say something about a Decepticon signature detection.”
“No, no. Everything’s fine. It was just a false alarm. I’m real sorry if it disturbed your recharge,” Optimus responded, setting his hands in his lap neatly.
Ratchet eyed Optimus curiously. He seemed... on edge. Too cautious of what slipped out of his vocalizer. Hiding something. Ratchet was good at reading people, and these are the things he picked up from Optimus’ presentation.
Ratchet stepped into the room, and closed the door behind him. He came over and sat down in a free chair next to Optimus.
“Perhaps you and I should talk about something?” Ratchet suggested.
“Like what?” Optimus replied looking over at Ratchet, who was now at his side.
“Anything you want to. Everyone needs someone to talk to about the things on their processor, and I swear to you this conversation will be completely confidential. Just between you and me,” Ratchet said casually laying an assuring hand over Optimus’.
“I’m not sure you would think the same of me, if I told you what was really on my processor. I just can’t risk your faith in me as a commander,” Optimus said, letting his gaze fall down onto the hand rested on his set of hands in his lap.
“Nothing would make me think ill of you, Optimus. Unless, of course, you’re going to tell me you murdered a protoform, or something,” Ratchet said followed by a small chuckle.
Optimus spared Ratchet a half smile before saying, “It’s nothing on the typical crime list, I assure you, but it is a crime in the optic of the High Council, nonetheless.”
“Lucky for you, I’m not a mech who thinks too highly of our High Councilors.”
It was a bold move for Ratchet, yes, but he figured if Optimus might share something that deep with him, then he should share something of the sort with Optimus.
“Ratch.. you need to be careful who you say things like that around,” Optimus said.
“You’re right, I do. You aren’t the mech I need to be careful around, though. I trust that you won’t turn me over to the Council for the words I speak, because you know them to be as true as I do.”
Optimus met Ratchet’s gaze.
“Indeed,” Optimus spoke softly. “I still don’t think I should share what I’m thinking about, though.”
“I never said you had to. I did say you could talk to me about anything, y’know? Nothing specific.”
“I know, but you are hinting heavily that you wish for me to share a secret,” Optimus commented.
Ratchet pulled his hand away from Optimus’ and turned his face away. “No, I just want you to know that you have someone to talk to,” he murmured.
“Decepticons,” Optimus said suddenly.
“Decepticons?” Ratchet repeated, turning his face back toward Optimus.
“What is your opinion on Decepticons, Ratch?” Optimus asked.
“Umm....” Ratchet couldn’t figure out how to respond to such a question. Was this a test of loyalty of some sort? Was he suppose to lie? Tell him the truth? What would be the consequences of saying what he really felt?
“Completely confidential,” Optimus reminded Ratchet, as Ratchet was thinking about his answer.
Ratchet gulped. “Uhhh... I believe that Decepticons are just Cybertronians like you or me. Not diseased or corrupted, as the leader of the Autobots suggests...,” he confessed, awaiting Optimus’ disapproval.
“You believe that this is all wrong?” Optimus asked.
“Yes,” Ratchet replied, still waiting for a punishment.
“Do you know why we were really sent on this voyage, Ratchet?”
“Why?” Ratchet inquired, starting to become less fearful and more curious at Optimus’ words.
“This isn’t a science and exploratory mission, as you were probably led to believe. This is a seek and destroy mission, disguised by the aforementioned, so the crews are unaware. Decepticons remain, and the truth is, we are suppose to be hunting and destroying them. Every last one of them. The High Council has sent skilled spies and infiltrators ahead of us to track remaining Decepticons, so we would happen to stumble upon them, where ever we went. We didn’t get stranded on this planet for no reason. A spy probably found out that Decepticons would have to stop in this sector sooner or later. This is the only planet in this solar system with resources. The only planet remaining Decepticons could flock to for help.” he finished.
Ratchet was stunned at the information Optimus was giving him. Not only were his suspicions correct, but Optimus felt the very same he did on the subject.
“They are on this planet, aren’t they? That’s why the computer was detecting signatures. And... you are.. trying to protect them?” Ratchet half questioned, half stated.
“Yes. I have been firmly against the entire war against the Decepticons, since the very beginning, but I have never met a single Autobot who shares my belief. None....” the last part was almost choked out.
Ratchet could sense the pain he felt, and he swore he saw coolant starting to pool in his optics. Ratchet was deeply touched by the fact that Optimus was sharing this with him, and he wanted to show him that he wasn’t alone. Not anymore.
“I share the belief. You heard me say that, so don’t say that you are alone in this.” Ratchet said.
Optimus let a sigh escape from his intakes.
They both sat in silence for cycles. Pondering what the other was thinking about this situation, that they shared the same views on.
“Do you think two Autobots can make a difference?” Ratchet asked finally.
“It’s far too late to be making any large scale differences, but we can make a difference for these Decepticons on this planet. I’m willing to fight for them, no matter the outcome,” Optimus said.
“I will stand with you, Optimus,” Ratchet assured.
Optimus looked into Ratchet’s azure optics, shining brightly with determination and absolute loyalty to their new found cause.
They would keep those Decepticons safe.... no matter the cost.
The Metallic Meadows was a beautiful spot for young lovers. Especially young lovers, who only had one normal night left together.
As Megatron said, we were warriors after that night. We would rarely get moments like these, so we had to cherish and savor every last cycle together.
Blackout and I were prepared to be separated. We were in completely different squadrons, after all. He was a flier, I was a grounder, so to speak. Our training exercises often called for us to be apart, but this was different. This was for real. The other could die. We both could die. We weren’t prepared for THAT kind of separation. We hadn’t even had the chance to bond our sparks for eternity, yet. We both felt ready, but we knew it was too risky in a time of war. Bond mates suffered more, than most in times of sorrow. However, it was also risky to our relationship if we did not bond before one or both of us died. We may never be together in the Well of All Sparks. Still, we were going to wait. Wait for the right moment. Rushing into something as important as that was not what we wanted. We both knew the right moment might never happen, if things go awry for the Decepticon empire, but the decision stood.
“If we lose the war, what’s going to happen to us?” I asked, snuggling myself deeper into the mech’s side. My mech.
“Megatron has a plan. He’s had a plan since the very first signs of trouble,” Blackout responded, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me even closer to him.
“What if Megatron isn’t here to guide us, Blackout?” I questioned.
“We can’t think like that. Megatron will guide us even after he is long gone,” Blackout said running his fingers up and down my back.
“What about this Dark Planet that he speaks of?” Pausing, I looked to the stars, then added, “You really think it’s out there?”
“I have never doubted Megatron’s words, but he has said he has never seen it with his own two optics, and until the day he does, he will not expect any of us to believe it exists. Me, personally, I’ve just stuck with the “it might exist, it might not” theory.”
“Yes, but if we lose this war, and we are forced from our planet, how are expected to set a course for a planet that may or may not exist?” I inquired, turning my gaze from the sky to my mech’s face.
Blackout met my gaze before answering, “We put our faith in Megatron the moment we put that symbol on our chassis’ and took the name “Decepticon”,” he said, pointing with a finger, on his free hand, to the symbol neatly etched onto my chest plate. “If Megatron believes there is a planet out there for us to escape to, should our home be taken from us, then we should have faith in his belief.”
Blackout was right. Megatron had never led his people astray. I knew this. Since the moment I had the Decepticon symbol carved onto my chassis over my Autobot symbol, Megatron had shown me nothing but truth. Even before that he did.
Blackout took my hand in his and placed a soft kiss onto it.
“Enough of this negative chatter. Don’t we have something else to talk about? Like our future, perhaps?” Blackout suggested.
“Bonding ceremony? Sparklings? Our dream house?” I asked, squeezing his hand.
“Whatever you want. I’m all audio about your plans for US,” he said.
Blackout always put great emphasis on “us”. I made Blackout work hard for the “us”, after everything I had gone through in my life cycle with previous mechs, which was the reason behind the emphasis.
“Because you’re no good at starting the conversations about this stuff?” I teased.
“You’re better at the fine details than I am,” he said, raising my hand back to his lips, and placing several more kisses onto it.
“Fine. I’ll start. Bonecrusher gets to be the flower mech at our bonding ceremony,” I giggled.
“He has to wear pink armor, too?”
“Of course! So, does your best mech!” I taunted.
“Doubt Barricade would agree to that,” Blackout said, grinning.
“He’s going to have to, if he wants a part in the ceremony,” I shot back.
“Barricade probably doesn’t care if he gets a part in a bonding ceremony, or not,” Blackout chuckled.
“He better show a little bit of enthusiasm at the ceremony! I don’t want a grouch ruining the happy atmosphere,” I said.
The mental image of a grouchy Barricade wearing pink armor popped into my processor, and I busted out in fits of laughter. It really was a funny image. Blackout soon joined in. Apparently, we were on the same mental page with each other, at the thought of the mech in such an embarrassing manner.
“An inside joke we probably SHOULDN’T mention to Barricade, eh?” Blackout sniggered.
“Definitely not! Can you imagine his reaction? Here, you be you, and I’ll be Barricade.”
I pulled away from Blackout and hopped to my feet. Getting into what I thought was a perfect “Barricade stance” I started mimicking his reaction, er overreaction, to wearing pink armor for his best friend’s bonding ceremony. “Pit no, I’m not wearing THAT!” I barked.
Blackout stifled a chuckle and stated, “Why not? I’m only doing this once, and I want everything to be perfect for my femmey. She wants all pink armor, except on me.”
“WHAT?! SO?! Why should I look ridiculous for YOUR ceremony?” I huffed.
Blackout fell backwards into another fit of laughter.
“STOP laughing at me! This is not funny, I REFUSE to look ridiculous!” I bellowed in the best grumpy Barricade voice I could pull off.
“If a play is ever produced, you already got Barricade’s part. You play him perfectly.” Blackout said, raising back up.
“Why, thank you,” I said, bowing, and then coming back over to Blackout.
I turned, ready to sit back down beside him, but instead I was dragged down onto his lap, unexpectedly.
“C’mere, you,” he said, just before doing so.
“Hey!” I shouted, surprised by the sudden grabbing.
Ignoring my reaction, he wrapped his arms tightly around me.
Sighing, I leaned back against him, and set my hands on the arms wrapped tightly around me. He rested his chin on top of my helm and let a happy sigh escape.
I loved being in his warm embrace. No matter what was going on in the world around me, I knew I was safe in those arms.
“It’s gonna be tough,” he said.
“What? The Barricade thing?” I asked.
“No, being apart,” he muttered.
“We can handle it. We’re Decepticons,” I assured.
“I know, but... I just can’t stand to be away from you anymore, Crystal. Even when I leave for training in the mornings, I miss you so much I can’t stand it,” Blackout confessed.
Hearing him admit such a thing made my spark shatter. Trying to stay positive was almost impossible on a night like that, and no matter how hard we tried to avoid the subject the ol’ harsh reality showed it’s ugly face again.
“Blackout, we can’t be like that with each other, right now,” I murmured.
“I’m trying not to be, I am. But, no matter how hard I try, I’m right back to phase one. I can’t stop missing and worrying about you. That’s like trying to tell Frenzy not to play a prank on someone for a day,” he compared.
“Please, stop. I don’t want our last night together, before we march off to war, to be like this. I want us to be happy. We’re together right now. That’s what’s important, right?” I questioned.
“Yes. I’m sorry, my femmey.”
“Apology accepted, my big handsome mech,” I replied.
Few words were spoken after that moment. Blackout and I, instead, just enjoyed each other’s company. The stars above us. Our precious time together. The love we shared. Nothing in the world could destroy that or take it away. Not Sentinel Prime. Not his loyal followers. Not their filthy war. Nothing...
Nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notes:
Is there something wrong with this chapter? I feel like there is, but I just can’t pinpoint it. Thoughts?
Now, you see why I didn’t name this a Shattered Glass fiction?
The last little part is, of course, Crystal’s flash back. Thought I’d mention if it was some how not apparent. =D
Not in this chapter, but I added Skids and Mudflap to Ratchet’s list, in the Chapter Two, of people onboard the Ark Voyage, because I have a plan for them in a later chapter. Oh, I will have my revenge on them. >:D
Constructive criticism and critique appreciated. Be as harsh as you’d like, I can handle it. =D
In other fantastic news, Shara is ordered! *squee* I’m hoping Razz will be put up on Amazon soon, because then I might squeeze her in with my figma Black Rock Shooter order. <3
In tragic news, I’m going to have tear my whole new comic story apart and start fresh, because me acquiring the MK2s in the near future is looking rather grim. They were needed for the story planned, and I don’t want to start and then not have them when they were scheduled to show up in the story. I’m not giving up the search. I will have them one day, but it won’t be as soon as I would have hoped. Curse the fact the MK2s are so hard to get and so expensive. We poor kids want a set, too, Konami! *cries* But, at least I will have Shara! She shall keep me happy in the Shinki department for a while. Oh! And my recently acquired holy grail, who still doesn’t have a name. <3
Is it completely and totally wrong that every time I hear a Britney Spears song, namely the song “Circus”, I think of G1 or WFC Starscream? Never movie, because he’s much too bad ass for that. =P
Yeah...
~Anton
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2010-10-05 08:47 pm (UTC)From:Aw, you have to change things for your new comic story since you can't get the Mk2s? :( But yay for Shara!
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Date: 2010-10-05 08:52 pm (UTC)From:Yep. Perhaps I can do that story when I do finally get the MK2s, but for now I've got to think of a different story, or modify the story to not include the MK2s roles. YES! Oh, I'm so excited to get her. She's so beautiful!
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Date: 2010-10-05 08:59 pm (UTC)From:The pictures I've seen of Shara really do make her look beautiful. I should try and work on getting her and Baby Razz. But first, I really want to get Altrene... and maybe preorder Raptias.
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Date: 2010-10-05 09:11 pm (UTC)From:I know! I can't stop looking at and searching for pictures of miss Shara. I like Razz, too, but I've just favored Shara from the beginning.
I've been eyeballing Raptias and her wave mate Artille. I'm really liking them. The colors really get me, as I'm a sucker for that blue and that pink. xD
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Date: 2010-10-05 09:21 pm (UTC)From:Yeah, of the two, I definitely like Shara. Still, I want to get them both. I have the feeling that Razz would get along well with Electrostatic Soundwave.
I know. Raptias' looks really won me over. I just want her so that way Blackout can have a femme. I want Artille as well, plus Proxima. OMG, they just can't come out fast enough for me! I have so many plans for them!
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Date: 2010-10-05 09:34 pm (UTC)From:She is pretty! The grey hair was something to get used to. I may have to paint mine's hair more silver to better match the animation version, but I'll have to see her in person, first.
I may have a plan for ol' Proxy and Mary, but it's just a rough little idea. Nothing big, like the beautiful Shara. =D
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Date: 2010-10-05 09:54 pm (UTC)From:I agree! It's what drew me to Raptias when I first saw her picture, or rather a screencap of her from the game. I was like, "SOLD!"
Proxima I'm planning on making her Grindor's femme, but other than that... no real plans. Maryceles, I'm passing. She just doesn't strike me as someone I want in my Collection.
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:04 pm (UTC)From:I was like that with Proxima. That hair! *dies* Have you seen the new pictures of her and Mary? *nerdgasms*
Proxy and Grindor sittin' in a tree. F-R-A-G-I-N-G. =P Yes, I left out a "g". It just didn't sound as good with a second "g". xD
Oh, Shara! She's going to ge--
Straxus: If she utters another syllable about Shara's allegiance, I'll kill her. Do you want your friend to die?!
O_O Sorry, Straxus.
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:15 pm (UTC)From:No, I haven't. I should try to log onto BSW...
Yikes! No, Straxus! Don't kill her!
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:23 pm (UTC)From:xD She can only think, she will be.
The links were posted in the Busou Shinki on TFW, too. ^.^
Look at him. He's only been here since Friday evening, and he's already barking orders at me. *looks at desk* I've got too many toys over here with me. They are taking over! O_O
Lockdown: I'll protect you, momma.
Awww! *huggle* Look at my wittle mechie! Standing up for his mommy. <3
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:28 pm (UTC)From:Just saw Proxima's pics on BSW. OMG, awesome! *Quickly grabs Grindor and shows him Proxima's pics* Look, Grindor... there's your future femme!
Grindor: *Looks at pics, squees, and faints*
Whoops... maybe I should have waited until Proxima comes out and I order her before I show her to him?
Hurray! Lockdown to the rescue!
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:39 pm (UTC)From:Okay, we'll be waiting for that with GREAT anticipation. *snickers*
I didn't think I'd ever see a copter bot squee. xD I think it might have been a good idea to wait, now he's going to be asking you daily "Is she here, yet?!". xD
Straxus: Feh. I can take you, you little momma's bot.
Lockdown: Take me where, to the winner's arena? No one threatens my momma, her family, her friends, or her kitties without punishment. *ahem* Excuse me, ladies. *grabs Straxus and drags him to the edge of the desk, then kicks him off*
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:43 pm (UTC)From:Yeah... and next thing I know, Blackout will demand to see pics of his future femme since I showed Grindor his. >.<
Woo-hoo! You go, Lockdown!
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:54 pm (UTC)From:xD She's so cute when she's trying to be tough.
>.< Uh-oh! Don't do it! Then, you'll hear from TWO mechs! O_O
Lockdown: *comes and sits back down on his little sticky note stack chair thingy* Thank you.
<3 *pats his head*
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Date: 2010-10-05 10:57 pm (UTC)From:I don't know... Blackout just might prove to be pushy when it comes to wanting to see pics of his future femme. He and Grindor are pretty competitive, so if one gets to do something, the other will surely want to do the same. O_O
*Smiles at Lockdown*
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Date: 2010-10-06 12:05 am (UTC)From:no subject
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Date: 2010-10-06 01:02 am (UTC)From: