Optimus Prime's unusual Charge

Fractured Allegiance

Starscream's brain module continually oscillated between a childish state and the mind of a fully mature Cybertronian. In his mind, they were playing a game of hide and seek, and Starscream was determined to win this game, no matter what. With the Vehicons closing in on his hideout, only one thing came to his disturbed mind: "Catch me if you can!"

With a swift motion, Starscream transformed into his jet mode and bulldozed everyone out of his way like a flying battering ram. He turned the corner and flew through the corridors of the ship in search of a way out. As his mind briefly shifted back to a mature state, he remembered the flight deck and headed right for it.

Soundwave, ever vigilant, detected Starscream's movements. "Target is mobile," he intoned, directing the Vehicons to intercept. The corridors echoed with the sounds of pursuit, metallic footsteps and the whirring of jet engines creating a cacophony of urgency.

Starscream's thoughts raced. "I have to get out of here. There's no way I'm letting them catch me!" He maneuvered through the narrow passages, his agility and speed keeping him just ahead of his pursuers. He knew every inch of the ship, every shortcut and hidden route, and he used this knowledge to his advantage.

The flight deck loomed ahead, a vast expanse offering the promise of freedom. Starscream accelerated, his thrusters blazing as he shot towards the open sky. Just as he neared the exit, a wall of Vehicons blocked his path.

"End of the line, Starscream," one of them growled, weapons raised and ready to fire.

Starscream smirked, his optics gleaming with defiance. "You underestimate me," he sneered. In a daring move, he transformed back into his robot mode, using his momentum to leap over the Vehicons. His wings extended, providing lift and speed as he soared over their heads.

Soundwave's voice crackled through the comms. "Do not let him escape," he ordered, his tone devoid of emotion but laden with determination. He activated the ship's security systems, sealing off potential escape routes and deploying automated turrets to target Starscream.

But Starscream was relentless. He weaved through the barrage of fire, his movements a blur of calculated precision. "Almost there," he muttered, his optics locked on the exit.

In a final, desperate bid for freedom, Starscream unleashed a powerful blast from his Null Ray, disabling the nearest turrets and creating an opening. He transformed once more, his jet mode streaking through the damaged defenses and out into the open sky.

Soundwave watched as Starscream disappeared into the distance, his expression unreadable. "Pursuit is futile," he concluded, turning to the remaining Vehicons. "Regroup and return to base."

Starscream's triumphant laughter echoed through the comms, a reminder that he was still out there, still a threat. "Nice try, Soundwave, but you'll have to do better than that to catch me!"

As he soared through the sky, free once more, Starscream's mind settled into a mix of exhilaration and lingering madness. The game was far from over, and he was determined to play it on his terms.

Back on the ship, Soundwave began to formulate a new strategy. Starscream might have escaped this time, but the hunt would continue. And next time, Soundwave would ensure there was no escape for the rogue Decepticon.

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Optimus Prime handled surveillance while Ratchet was focused on studying the biopsy sample he took from Zucky's arm. The dragon had since fallen asleep reading the book. So far, Jasper, Nevada, was pretty quiet. Perhaps too quiet... Not even a single beep from the Decepticons. Optimus had a bad feeling in his spark. He kept his optics peeled just in case. Suddenly, the proximity alarm went off.