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Aboard the Nemesis, sailing through the bright blue sky
It was yet another peaceful day for the Decepticon officers.
“Braeky…”
“Knock…”
“… I love you.”
“Hm, I love you too, Knockout.”
The sound and image of two bots passionately kissing caught the eye of Starscream, who was walking around bored out of his mind.
Yes, he was extremely bored. But Primus wouldn’t let his troublemaking second-in-command rest in peace. Almost every step he took on the Nemesis led him to witness the shameless displays of affection from these pairs of love-struck bots.
The last time he went to Soundwave’s quarters, he entered to discuss work but ended up stumbling upon the two of them, Soundwave and Shockwave holding servos and cuddling together.
And the most irritating part was, they saw me, Starscream fumed in his mind, yet they continued their lovey-dovey antics without a care in the world.
Not to mention the few times over the past few months when some of the Vehicons dared to confess their feelings for him. But Starscream could see right through them—they were either lonely or just wanted his body.
“All those couples are so damn foolish!” he fumed aloud, shouting at the lovebirds in his path. The field medic and their assistant, though, seemed used to being yelled at, flinching only a little before continuing their embrace.
“Don’t look anywhere but me,” the red and shining figure of the larger bot snapped, ignoring Starscream’s tantrum. He turned to gently caress his lover’s face, who leaned down toward him. “Kiss me again. Don’t stop.”
“Mm.” The larger bot, with only one yellow optic, grasped the other’s hand, holding it against his face before pulling him into a passionate kiss. He pulled back to whisper, “Let’s continue in the room…”
I heard that… Starscream grumbled in his mind. Fuming, he stomped down the hall, the sound of his sharp heels echoing through the corridor, but it did nothing to drown out the intimate exchanges of the couple.
“It’s only a matter of time before they get so bored they start plotting more schemes,” Megatron muttered under his breath while watching the security feed Soundwave had projected onto the big screen in the control room. He wasn’t concerned with the lovers’ daytime tryst but was more entertained by the frustrated traitor on the screen.
Lately, even the Decepticons were really bored. Even Megatron himself, the supreme leader of the Decepticons, had nothing better to do than observe the idle behavior of his subordinates.
Maybe he should assign some work to his second-in-command…
But then again, the last few times he did, Starscream had failed so badly that Megatron had to clean up the mess afterward. Better to just let him be idle for now.
Soundwave’s appendage pointed at the screen, which displayed easy-to-understand graphs and comparison tables.
The lord watched the report Soundwave displayed. It seemed that some of the improved results were thanks to teams working together effectively, such as the pair of Knockout and Breakdown, who excelled at combat. Their success rate had been steadily increasing. The same went for Shockwave and Soundwave.
Megatron was well aware that these pairs had something beyond mere professional relationships, but that wasn’t his concern as long as it didn’t affect their performance.
Ah… there was only one problem—Starscream, who failed every mission he was sent on.
He didn’t understand that one. Starscream wasn’t lacking in ability—speed, cunning—yet his ability to work with others seemed extremely negative…
“Maybe I should pair Starscream with someone else,” Megatron suddenly had an idea.
Soundwave, his triangular faceplate tilted slightly, looked at Megatron, ready to receive his orders with a knowing look. He would carry out any command promptly.
“Soundwave,” Megatron said, “Call in a high-ranking officer, anyone but Starscream, to discuss this matter now.”
.............
.............
“Lord Megatron, I agree with your idea... but...”
The field medic, who also happens to be the lover of Knockout, stammered hesitantly.
“I know Screamer... Starscream, well. A bot who lacks a flight mode like us isn’t even worth considering,” the medic added.
The two bots worked together to talk their superior out of choosing either of them as Starscream’s partner.
Knockout and Breakdown, who had recently been caught in a passionate love affair, never expected to be summoned for this. But in truth, Knockout agreed with their leader’s idea. After all, Starscream often caused trouble for them. Pairing him up might make him settle down for a while.
But anyone but him and his lover! If it weren't for Megatron, they might have been holding each other even more openly.
Lord Megatron glared with his fierce red optics, exhausted by the situation. But there was nothing to be done; his medical duo had been performing excellently lately.
He glanced toward Shockwave and Soundwave, who stood silently holding servos. As soon as their superior looked at them, they quickly pulled their servos apart, though Megatron had already seen them.
Hmm... Forcing them to separate as a pair might not be the best idea. It could diminish their loyalty, or worse, they could defect to the Autobots, and that would be a waste.
What about those without a partner? he pondered.
"Dreadwing?" Megatron recalled that Dreadwing had lost his beloved sibling and was currently without a partner.
“No, no, no! Dreadwing is absolutely out of the question!!” Breakdown and Knockout spoke almost simultaneously.
They did not want to witness the tragedy of love and vengeance.
Dreadwing, who had been standing there quietly, was confused. Although he was glad his comrades had refused for him when he was about to do so himself, he couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable. Though he was loyal to Megatron, there were some things he just could not do. He answered briefly, “If everyone is speaking in unison like that…”
“What about Airachnid?” Megatron pointed with his sharp finger to the next high-ranking officer, resembling a spider. She was so still that no one could tell what she was thinking earlier.
“my liege!” Knockout, though not particularly fond of his coworker, didn’t want to see Starscream, who always provided entertainment for him, be extinguished prematurely.
“Do you have a problem with me being paired with Starscream, medic?” Airachnid moved forward using her spider-like legs, getting so close that Breakdown quickly stepped in to separate them.
“Why not pair him with a Vehicon?” The medic suggested. After all, Starscream was admired by many of the Vehicons, and he didn’t even realize it. With his prominent figure and charming appearance, many soldiers would happily become his partner.
“No!” Megatron's voice was firm. “He needs a partner as strong as he is... No, stronger! Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
Just the thought of Starscream submitting to someone weaker than him, and not him, made Megatron furious.
“Lord Megatron is stronger than Starscream, and has no partner,” Shockwave, who had been silent, analyzed in his emotionless voice. “Lord Megatron and Starscream. You can observe the target closely. Starscream would never refuse you, Lord. It makes sense.”
Soundwave, standing beside him, nodded slowly in agreement.
“Me... and Starscream?” Megatron had never imagined a romantic relationship with that treacherous subordinate. He couldn’t even imagine the simpler scenario of Starscream working diligently without trying to sabotage it.
“I think if it's you, Lord, with your appearance and figure, the second-in-command would never be able to resist,” Knockout said, adding sweet words laced with flattery. “Also, you may not know this, but our second-in-command is the object of desire for many high-ranking officers. His enticing figure, his large, round red optics, and his personality... Well, there’s a lot to say.”
Starscream’s appearance was striking. If he were Lord Megatron’s lover, he would certainly stand out.
The Medic tried, but he couldn’t come up with any other advantages of his coworker besides his appearance.
“Then tell me, Knockout, what should I do to get Starscream to be my partner?” Lord Megatron didn’t dismiss the medic’s idea. What concerned him was that he didn’t want to lose face if rejected. His fierce red optics gazed down at the small red bot compared to the other high-ranking officers.
“You don’t need to do much, my liege,” Knockout said nervously, unsure. “Just tell him your desires directly, and that should be enough.”
Megatron paused, as if deep in thought. “Then tell me... How did you two settle your relationship?”
“Er...” It wouldn’t be good to tell the entire truth. Knockout and Breakdown, who were holding each other from behind, thought in unison.
In reality, Knockout and Breakdown’s relationship began with a mutual decision to try something passionate, which later developed into a loving relationship. Though, they had already secretly admired each other.
The couple exchanged glances, nodding in agreement that the truth should not ruin their lord’s first impression of Starscream.
The future of the Decepticons was in their servos!!
“Uh... I don’t really remember, my liege, but back then, I gave Breakdown a very special gift, something only the two of us knew was special... You could say it was to make a good impression!” The medic gestured as if deep in thought, carefully phrasing his words.
In truth, that day, Knockout simply gave Breakdown a key card for his private room as an invitation.
“Y-Yes! After that, we were alone, in a place where no one would disturb us,” Breakdown added. He wasn’t lying.
“The important part, my liege, is sincerity. When you speak, you must make sure you’re looking directly into the other’s optics. It communicates much better than words,” the medic reminisced. That day, he had hardly said anything, just lying on a berth, winking suggestively. His assistant nearly couldn’t resist lunging at him.
Knockout spoke casually, unlike his large, blue-loving bot partner, who seemed almost embarrassed as he remembered the events.
“W-What about words! You mustn’t forget to say 'I love you,' and let the other know that they mean so much to you that you can't live without them,” because later, he confessed his feelings to Knockout, which led to them becoming lovers.
“Special gifts, being alone in a quiet, private place, sincerely expressing feelings through optics, and confessing love with sweet words,” Shockwave summarized concisely. “These are the basic steps in seduction, with a high success rate.”
Soundwave nodded, adding to the plan. He sent a list of potential places and gifts to the screen without being asked.
“Then we shall follow this plan,” their leader said. He seemed indifferent to matters of love and romance.
It was a hassle, but for the future of the Decepticons, he would go along with it!
.......
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.....
Starscream stood with his servos on his hips, waiting in front of the door. He was mentally preparing himself. After being out of work for so long, he suddenly received a direct order from Megatron to come to the control room alone.
It wasn’t unusual to be called to the control room, but why was it emphasized that he had to come alone?
There was no point in overthinking it. This could be a secret mission, after all. Lately, he hadn’t done anything that would raise suspicions of being caught.
With that thought in mind, the second-in-command, Starscream, made up his mind. "I, Starscream, have come to see you, as you ordered, Lord Megatron."
"Come in." Megatron’s voice came from inside, followed by the door sliding open. When Starscream entered, he saw that only Megatron stood alone in the room, with none of his usual loyal followers like Soundwave present.
Odd... but I haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no need to jump to conclusions...
"Lord Megatron, what can I, Starscream, do for you?" Starscream greeted, plastering a false smile on his face as he approached.
"I’ve called you here because I have something that suits someone like you. Come here." Megatron flashed a toothy, menacing grin.
"Huh?" Starscream was surprised. Was it a gift? He cautiously approached as instructed.
A special gift
Megatron gestured to something behind him. It was a throne-like chair, identical to the one he sat on at the Nemesis, crafted to perfection. "This is a special gift for you. I know you’ve wanted a seat like mine."
Being in a private, quiet space...
"Um... I think there’s been a misunderstanding..." Starscream hesitated, his body recoiling slightly, but before he could back away, Megatron’s large hand wrapped around his waist. In one swift motion, Megatron threw him down onto the 'gift'—the throne.
With his large servos, Megatron blocked Starscream’s escape route. Starscream was cornered, turning his face away in fear, his optics shut tightly.
..sincerely expressing feelings through optics
Megatron’s voice dripped with authority, as he loomed over him. "Do you know who you’re standing before? Look at me!" He roughly turned Starscream’s face toward him, holding his small frame in place. Starscream’s optics snapped open in terror, reflecting the menacing figure of Megatron.
"Wh-what did I do wrong, Lord Megatron?" Starscream’s wings drooped, looking pitiful. "I swear! I didn’t do anything, I swear!"
Finally... expressing his feelings in sweet words.
"Heh, you haven’t done anything wrong yet... I just want you," Megatron’s large hand grabbed Starscream’s face, pulling him close. He leaned down, his voice a low growl. "I’ll make sure you won’t survive without me. Be my partner now!"
The couple, Medic and his assistant, both held their heads in disbelief at what they were hearing through the sound system, coming from the hidden camera in the control room. It was all according to procedure… but this wasn’t what they had imagined!
“W-wait, did you just threaten me like that?!” Starscream could hardly believe what he had just heard. Throughout his long life, he had always known how temperamental his superior was, but never before had Megatron spoken to him in such an authoritative, domineering way.
What was going on with Megatron today? Was he being haunted by Dark Energon? But his optics weren't purple, so that couldn't be it…
'A partner' means... what? Starscream thought, his mind racing. Was Megatron really calling him here not for a mission or to reprimand him for a mistake, but simply to intimidate him .. He wants to FRAG me?
It wasn’t just those famished Vehicons anymore. Even the mighty Megatron, the feared leader of the Decepticons, was after him like this...
Starscream let out a quiet sigh. He began to think that next time his parts broke down, he might ask Knock Out for an upgrade that would change his appearance entirely. Who could have known that this body, which he’d always seen as merely functional, would become something that his lord would desire?
“You… you do know what you just said, right?” Starscream asked, double-checking his understanding. He shook his head, trying to clear the jumbled thoughts in his processor. “You mean... you want me to be a partner in a way deeper than just a work companion, don’t you?”
Megatron nodded without hesitation, showing no signs of embarrassment. "Yes. I mean a partner with a deeper connection."
It seemed the future of the Decepticons was doomed after all!
Starscream held his head in his servos as his processors struggled to keep up with the unexpected turn of events. For centuries, they had nearly killed each other countless times, with such a relationship he never imagined this would happen. What had gotten into Megatron to make him desire something like this?
Despite trying to look away, Starscream's sharp red optics couldn't help but analyze the Decepticon leader before him. Hmm... tall, with broad armor that radiated grandeur. Strength? He knew that Megatron was unmatched in combat—he had been on the receiving end of those powerful blows far too often.
Starscream swallowed hard as the internal conflict continued.
"Tonight, will you come to mine, or should I come to your place?" Starscream asked bluntly, servos crossed, his expression unreadable. He showed no sign of hesitation.
Although Starscream didn’t exactly enjoy the situation, if he had to choose someone from the Decepticons for interfacing, Megatron wasn’t the worst choice. If you didn’t count the temper tantrums, of course...
Besides, refusing Megatron would only lead to more trouble. And honestly, Starscream wasn’t averse to the idea of using this opportunity. If Megatron had lowered his guard, it could be the perfect moment to take advantage of the situation.
"Where?" Megatron asked, visibly confused.
Did he mean for a date ? Was that a confirmation?
"Well, the quarters, of course. Unless you have a different location in mind?" Starscream’s voice cracked slightly, his earlier bravado faltering. "Do you prefer... outdoor settings? I... don’t usually handle those well.”
“The quarters?” Megatron repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief. You think I’d settle for a date in a room with nothing?
"Frag... Outside it is, then!" Starscream snapped, frustrated. He never thought his long-time superior would have such extreme preferences. But he knew better than to defy Megatron—he’d been on the receiving end of too many violent beatings for not falling in line.
"Then let’s go." Megatron wasted no time. He quickly gave a command to Soundwave. "Soundwave, send us a ground bridge."
"Wa-wait!!" The smaller Seeker hurried to stop him before Soundwave could activate a ground bridge. "My liege, this is moving too fast."
How impatient can he be? Starscream thought. At least give me some time to prepare—physically and mentally—for whatever this bizarre situation might turn into. It was highly probable Megatron had even stranger tastes than he could anticipate. Given his temper, it might even get violent... He probably had some unusual tools or devices in mind.
"I just need a little time to prepare. Let’s make it tonight, instead."
Date... tonight?! Megatron thought, inwardly rolling his optics. But at this point, arguing would only lead to more conflict. He repeated to himself, I am persuading Starscream to be my partner for the benefit of the Decepticons.
"Fine. Tonight it is," Megatron agreed, barely concealing his annoyance.
"Understood." Starscream bowed to his superior. "Then, I’ll prepare for tonight."
Outside,Soundwave, Knockout, Breakdown, and Shockwave overheard everything through the control room’s cameras, and they were stunned.
"It looks like it’s working," Breakdown said, relieved, although it wasn’t quite how they expected it.
"Not yet. Don’t get too comfortable until tonight," Shockwave added, though he was right.
"Until tonight, it’s up to us," the medic remarked, hopeful. "Alright! Let’s find the perfect spot for Lord Megatron and Starscream."
"A place suitable for romance, private, and romantic," the medic searched on his tablet.
He had an idea from the drive-in theaters he’d seen before, but those places were small and cramped.
"Why don’t we create one ourselves?" Soundwave, with his signature auto-tune voice, spoke up. It was rare for him to offer an opinion, but this idea wasn’t bad at all.
"How about something like this? We’ll make sure the walls and everything in the room are pink," the medic said, showing the others pictures on his tablet. "I don’t really get it, but it seems like most romantic rendezvous spots for humans have a lot of pink. It’s probably a mood-enhancer, and I think it could be interesting."
"Approved." Soundwave’s auto-tuned voice echoed, followed by an emoji thumbs-up on his mask.
"And we should add other stimuli to ensure success..." Knockout began brainstorming. "Like Dark Energon?"
"I can create a substance with similar effects but better results," Shockwave replied, though his outwardly calm demeanor masked a certain enthusiasm. "Leave that to me."
"Lord Megatron might like bondage themes. I’ll prepare a recharging station with restraints for servos and legs," Knockout suggested. They were all getting into the spirit of things.
"Good idea! As a medic, I think we should prepare some lubricant as well, and keep first-aid supplies on hand. Any other accessories can be handled by me."
"Let’s make it the most unforgettable first night for Lord Megatron and his new lover!"
The high-ranking officer cheered, enthusiastic about setting up a romantic night for their leader.
Starscream, on his way back to his quarters to prepare for the night, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He had no idea that the fate awaiting him that evening would exceed his expectations.
………
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