Love in the Stars

Chapter 10

The atmosphere inside the Autobot base was heavy with tension and grief as Red Alert carefully worked on Smokescreen's body. The damage from Megatron's assault with the Requiem Blaster had left Smokescreen barely functional, but there was hope. The other Autobots stood in silence nearby, watching Red Alert as he delicately disassembled Smokescreen's damaged parts, hoping to save their fallen comrade.

Optimus Prime turned to the kids—Rad, Carlos, Billy, Fred, and Alexis—who were anxiously observing the scene. He knew they needed to understand what was happening.

"Transformers have a core," Optimus explained gently, "a spark that is our very essence. It's what makes us who we are, and as long as that spark remains intact, there's always a chance for survival."

Rad looked up, his voice quiet with concern. "So, Smokescreen's spark is still okay, right?"

Optimus nodded, though his expression was serious. "Yes, but his body has taken a great deal of damage. Red Alert is doing everything he can to ensure Smokescreen will survive."

At that moment, Red Alert looked up from his work, his usually composed face flickering for a moment before distorting in a strange, nonsensical way. The glitch passed quickly, and he straightened up. "Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, but he will need a new body."

Hot Shot, standing near the back of the room, clenched his fists in anger. His optics glowed with fury as he turned toward the group. "I swear I'll make the Decepticons pay for this. For Smokescreen. For everything."

Optimus gave Hot Shot a measured look, understanding the young Autobot's anger but knowing that revenge wasn't the solution. "We'll fight back, Hot Shot, but we do so with purpose. Not with anger."

At the Decepticon base, Megatron reveled in the power of the Requiem Blaster now in his possession. He held the weapon, his optics gleaming with satisfaction. "Finally, the ultimate power is in my hands," he said, his voice filled with pride.

Before he could bask any further in his victory, a very grumpy Starscream stormed into the chamber. His wings were still dripping from the rain of Earth, and his optics burned with resentment. He had been abandoned by his comrades during the battle in the jungle, and the sting of betrayal was fresh.

"Megatron!" Starscream growled. "You left me out there!"

Before Megatron could respond, Thrust feigned concern, stepping forward with mock sympathy. "Starscream, we didn't mean to—"

Starscream wasn't having any of it. With a roar, he swung his fist and slammed Thrust into the wall, the force of the blow shaking the room. Cyclonus and Demolishor, who had been lurking nearby, smirked at the sight.

"Looks like Thrust's getting what he deserves," Cyclonus muttered, and Demolishor nodded in agreement.

Megatron, however, wasn't interested in petty squabbles. He waved his hand dismissively. "Enough. I don't have time for your complaints, Starscream. Get back to work. All of you."

As Starscream stormed out of the room, he headed to the repair bay, where he submerged himself in a rejuvenating energy bath. The Air Defense Mini-Con Team joined him, the soothing energy repairing the damage from the previous battle.

Moments later, Demolishor entered the room, having been sent to retrieve the Mini-Cons. He stood by the edge of the energy bath, watching Starscream with irritation.

"Your Mini-Cons are needed," Demolishor said gruffly.

Starscream's optics narrowed, and he slowly rose from the energy bath, water dripping from his frame. "Try and take them from me, Demolishor," he hissed.