Love in the Stars

Chapter 14

The air inside the Autobot base was thick with tension. The kids were understandably upset, emotions running high after Starscream's shocking betrayal. Carlos and Billy, still holding the rocks that Starscream had brought back from Mars, threw them down in frustration.

"I can't believe he did this!" Carlos exclaimed, his voice breaking with anger. "After everything, he just goes back to the Decepticons and takes the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield with him."

Billy, equally upset, shook his head. "I thought he was starting to change. Guess we were wrong."

Alexis and Rad both tried to calm them, but even they were visibly shaken. Alexis, who had always been the most empathetic towards Starscream, struggled to find words. Meanwhile, Fred, still holding the massive lump of rock Starscream had given him, let out a howl of frustration before dropping it with a loud thud. The weight of betrayal was evident in the room.

Hot Shot silently left the room, unable to bear the tension. His heart was heavy with the realization that he hadn't seen the signs earlier. He had trusted Starscream, and now that trust had been shattered. As he left, Optimus Prime watched him go, understanding the pain his soldier was going through.

On the Moon, Megatron stood proudly before Starscream, eyeing the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield in his former subordinate's possession. The Decepticon leader grinned wickedly, his optics gleaming with triumph.

"You've done well, Starscream," Megatron said with a hint of amusement. "But before we celebrate, let's make sure these weapons are the real deal."

Thrust, always scheming, stepped forward. "If you don't mind, Starscream, I'd like to examine them myself."

Starscream hesitated for a moment before handing over the weapons, his optics flickering with uncertainty. As soon as he did, Megatron held him at swordpoint, the sharp edge of the Star Saber dangerously close to Starscream's spark. For a tense moment, the room went still, the air thick with anticipation.

Then, Megatron chuckled and pulled the sword away. "You've earned yourself a break, Starscream. Take some time off. Thrust, make sure the project is completed."

Starscream's optics narrowed. He knew something was happening behind the scenes—something bigger than the weapons he had brought. But before he could question Megatron further, Thrust motioned for him to leave. Starscream complied, though his mind was already racing with suspicion.

Meanwhile, back at the Autobot base, Hot Shot was trying to blow off steam in the training area, firing at targets with unrelenting force. His shots were precise, each one hitting its mark, but there was a deep anger burning inside him.

Side Swipe, concerned for his mentor, approached cautiously. "Hot Shot, maybe you should take a break. You've been at this for hours."

Before Hot Shot could respond, Jetfire intervened. "Let him get it out of his system, Side Swipe," Jetfire said, crossing his arms. "Sometimes, you need to burn off the frustration."

In the corner, Alexis sat alone, her mind swirling with thoughts of Starscream. She had always believed that there was more to him, that he could be redeemed. Now, after his betrayal, she wasn't so sure. Sureshock, her Mini-Con, hovered next to her, offering silent comfort.

On the Decepticon base, Demolishor, Wheeljack, and Cyclonus were busy working on a secret project under Thrust's watchful eye. The Decepticons' spaceship was nearing completion, and they were eager to finish it.

Thrust, however, had other plans. "I'm stepping out for a bit," he announced casually.

Starscream, suspicious of Thrust's constant scheming, followed him outside. He grabbed Thrust by the arm, pulling him aside. "What is this 'project' you're working on?"