Chapter 6: She's Optimus Prime's Girlfriend
"Don't go too far! How could I possibly expose my Spark connector? No way! Not even with a fuel line!"
The Autobot was clearly shocked by Starscream's proposal. As a modest and reserved Autobot, even that other guy had never managed to get this close to her. Why why would she let Starscream take advantage of her? No way! Absolutely not! In short, Starscream's suggestion was far too much it wounded her pride.
But the problem was simple: if they didn't look convincing, how could they possibly pass inspection if caught? It was a very practical issue, wasn't it?
The Autobot had no choice but to go along step by step. Even if she disagreed, the escort mission still had to continue. They'd just have to adapt as the situation unfolded. Of course, it was possible that nothing would happen which would be great for both of them! But this was a battlefield, where everything could change in an instant and danger could come from anywhere.
And it wasn't just the Autobot who was unprepared Starscream hadn't expected it either. The supposedly abandoned trench had been reactivated by the Decepticons, and soon, beams of light and searchlights swept through the darkness.
What now? Turning back would surely raise suspicion. With no other option, she had to trust Starscream's authority and keep walking forward.
"Hey, soldier! What's going on here? I thought this trench was abandoned why are you building fortifications again?"
Starscream grabbed a nearby tank Transformer he recognized and questioned him about the situation.
Recognizing his superior officer, the tank immediately straightened up and saluted.
"Commander Starscream, sir! Just this morning, we detected traces of Autobot Commander Optimus Prime's activity in this sector. High command believes the Autobots may be trying to retreat through this line of defense, so we've been ordered to redeploy here tonight!"
The small tank had once served under Starscream's command. He knew his commander had been injured and pulled back from the front but why was there such a beautiful Autobot beside him now? Could the commander be planning something… strange?
"What are you staring at, brat? Get back to work!" Starscream barked, noticing the suspicious look in the Decepticon's optics.
"Uh yes, sir! Commander Starscream, I have a good spot for you. Follow this pipeline there's a section ahead that isn't being patrolled, and it's pretty dark!"
This little tank was remarkably clever what a considerate Decepticon! A real prodigy of his kind.
Understanding the situation immediately, Starscream led the Autobot along the route the young soldier had pointed out. The moment they were out of earshot, the small tank began whispering excitedly to the others.
"Well, what did I tell you? That's our Commander Starscream! Look at that Autobot she's real! And the way she listens to him wow, she's totally under his control!"
"Commander's got all the luck! Why do I feel like that woman used to be Optimus Prime's girlfriend?"
"Yeah, she kinda looks like her, doesn't she? Maybe she's already realized that we Decepticons are way better at handling the fuel lines guess she forgot all about those uptight Autobots!"
"Hahaha! Once we destroy the Autobot headquarters, I'm grabbing an Autobot of my own. I've heard most of the ones left are female!"
Clearly, Starscream had left quite the impression on them. He hadn't even bothered to explain, but everyone simply assumed the same thing. It was a bit ridiculous, but undeniably effective.
The small Decepticon tank had been right this trench was only temporarily manned. Many sections were left unguarded, which gave Starscream and the Autobot just enough time to make their escape. And if anyone questioned him, Starscream could always threaten to execute the Autobot on the spot after all, killing prisoners was practically routine among the Decepticons.
"Lord Starscream, thank you so much for all this! I never expected to meet you under these circumstances. Allow me to introduce myself properly my name is Elita, and I'm Optimus Prime's girlfriend… well, fiancée, technically. We're not married yet."
So the rumors had been right. This woman really was Optimus Prime's beloved.
Previously, during a transport of wounded soldiers, an Autobot convoy had been ambushed by Decepticons. All the injured were executed on the spot, and Elita, along with several other female Autobots, had been captured because of their gender. Fortunately, no one recognized her as Optimus Prime's partner, allowing her to disguise herself as a simple Autobot medic up until now.
But Elita no longer needed to hide. Once she escaped this Decepticon trench, she could flee enemy territory under cover of darkness and return to Optimus Prime's side. And if she brought news about Starscream's actions who knew what shock that would cause among the surviving Autobots? It wasn't an exaggeration to say her report could reignite hope in their fading ranks.
Yet fate refused to let Elita's joy last too long. Just as they neared the end of the tunnel, three blazing spheres of light suddenly appeared in the sky. What the hell ?
"Oh no! Air-to-ground missiles! Elita, get down!"
They were stray rounds missiles fired blindly into the night, striking near Starscream and Elita. Without hesitation, Starscream lunged forward, shielding the Autobot with his massive frame. In other words he ended up right on top of her.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The missiles struck the trench's edge, and the blasts sent a cloud of metallic dust and smoke into the air. Cybertron, being a mechanical planet, had no soil or water like organic worlds only metal and fire.
"Wait… why were there only two explosions? Could it be ?"
When Starscream raised his head again, he saw a sea of flames. The strike hadn't been limited to their area the entire trench was engulfed in fire.
The Autobots had arrived.
(End of Chapter 6)