Forsaken

★ Chapter 9 ★

This was not an easy decision for Starscream. He had spent most of his life tenaciously working towards being the leader of the Decepticons, and now he was being asked to throw it all away. On the other servo, what did possibly matter? He had already tried several times to become the leader, but his plans always failed. Perhaps it was a lost cause. It was a golden opportunity to start a new life and work towards a new goal. Maybe he could even join them temporarily to gain access from private information and then use it to get back to his team again? Or perhaps It indeed was time give up. Regardless of his situation, he knew one thing is sure, going with the leader of the Autobots in this very moment was far safer than being out here alone. No doubt they would offer him refreshments and it least a place to rest. Perhaps he could go with them and then decide later what he wanted to do. With his mind made up, he put on the best friendly smile he could and nodded.

Starscream:" I would be honoured to join you, Optimus Prime."

Out of habit, he bowed before his new leader. Placing a gentle Servo on the seeker shoulder pads, the Prime gave the seeker a kind smile.

Optimus:" you do not need to bow before me. We are teammates on equal footing.

That was a big difference between Optimus and Megatron. While Megatron saw himself as a ruler, the Prime saw his teammates as friends and allies rather than expendable machines. They were more to him than just Autobots, and they were a family.

Starscream:" as you wish Lord Optimus."

Optimus:" please, there is no need for formalities. You may call me Optimus."

His wings twitched with embarrassment as the seeker stood back on his peds again. Things were going to be different. He just hoped that the Prime would give less harsh beatings.

_____________________

Meanwhile back in the Autobot base

Arcee:" What if something happened to him?"

Ratchet:" I know Optimus better than anyone else, and I can assure you he's okay."

Little Asteria had screamed for several minutes after the seeker had left. Being in her mother's arms seemed to have calmed her down quite a bit as eventually, she had gone back to sleep. Arcee did not wish to believe it, even if she saw it with her optics. The little femme indeed had become attached to him. If what Starscream has said was true, she had was abandoned, and he had become her adopted father. Primus would help her if she did think that Starscream and herself were a couple taking care of her. The idea made her tanks boil with queasiness. Finally, there was the swirl of green and a familiar sound. The three children who were busy playing games turned their heads to welcome home the prime and Starscream?! In an instant, Starscream had guns right on him. His wings dropped as he checked underneath him to see if he had leaked transmission fluid.

Optimus:" Calm yourself, my friends, I have asked Starscream to join us."

A painful silence filled the air with both confusion and rage. Given the past experiences that have happened, nobody was happy with this outcome. They had expected that the Prime wanted to ask him to join. However, they were sure he would say given his personality. Starscream was known as one of the most dangerous mechs around. Of course, Arcee off all Autobots was the angriest of them all.

Arcee:" This can't be happening! He said, yes?! And you just let him into the base? Optimus are you out of your fragging mind?"

Optimus:" I understand how you all feel. But know that I will ensure that he is closely monitored at all times to ensure that he is, In check."

Arcee:" he needs to be throw in a fragging cage!

Starscream:" why you-"

The seeker would have barked back an insult. However, the loudness and familiarity of his voice woke his little girl from her precious slumber. When Asteria saw that his dad was back, her little spark fluttered with glee. She had no idea where exactly he had gone, but she was undoubtedly happy to have him back again. Squealing with delight, she reached out to the seeker. Letting out a huff, Starscream snatched the sparkling from Arcee and cuddled her close.