Chapter 3: The Autobot's Thoughts
"Ah, really? It seems so! Lord Starscream's parts are special components. Maybe we don't have them in our warehouse!"
When the Autobot spoke, the tractor-like Decepticon beside Rumble suddenly seemed to remember something. Although they were all Decepticon warriors, Starscream was clearly a much more advanced being. Parts of that kind weren't available to ordinary Decepticons. No wonder his injuries had been so hard to fix before.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Where can we get special parts for a flying Transformer?"
"Brother Rumble, this used to be Autobot territory. We don't know the supply depots around here well, so…"
Even though the Decepticons had captured eighty percent of Cybertron, the war wasn't over; they hadn't had time to inventory everything, and many locations were still uncertain.
"Alright if you Decepticons trust me, I know a depot that might have the parts you need. It's just… it's very close to your front lines, and I'm worried your superiors won't permit you to go in!"
Seeing these Decepticons temporarily at ease, the captured Autobot nurse suddenly showed an unexpected kindness and offered to help. Could this be the legendary compassion of a medic?
"Why? You know where to find parts suitable for our Lord Starscream? Then lead the way! Our Lord Starscream is a super soldier, second only to Commander Megatron among the Decepticons. Who would dare stop him?"
No wonder these young Decepticons were fawning over a wounded soldier like Starscream the man held such a prestigious rank!
"Ah, so this is the famed General Starscream. My apologies! I will lead you, Decepticons, to fetch the parts and heal this great general!"
On learning Starscream's true identity, the Autobot nurse though full of words of praise flashed a deep hatred in her beautiful electronic eyes, a look that threatened to leap at him and tear him apart. The other Decepticons didn't notice the Autobot's glare, but Starscream saw it clearly. Understandable, right? After all, they were mortal enemies; the desire to destroy one another made sense.
"You're a clever Autobot! Let's put it this way: after we crush your Autobot resistance, we'll report your 'contribution.' Then you won't be dismantled. At worst, we'll send you to do forced labor in the mines. So be grateful to us Decepticons for our mercy!"
Rumble was a real snob. Though he worked in logistics, he knew a lot about Decepticon internal workings. It looked like she'd have to get closer to him to learn more.
"Thanks, Decepticons, for your help. I'll take you all to find the parts!"
Although the hatred in her eyes intensified, the Autobot appeared to be waiting for the right moment. She wouldn't make a move unless she was absolutely sure. After all, the others were combat robots and she was only an unarmed medic one slip could turn her into scrap.
The Decepticon world was one where appearances mattered. There were numerous Decepticon checkpoints along the way, but when everyone saw General Starscream, they smiled and let them pass, giving a salute as they went by. Of course he was the Decepticons' second-in-command; who would dare interfere? What ID check? What security? Do they think they'll be discharged tomorrow?
The group quickly arrived at the field depot P8 the Autobot had indicated.
This had once been a crucial supply depot on the Autobot front. The Decepticons had taken it the previous week, and they'd barely had time to scrape the large Autobot logo off the gate before redeploying their remaining forces to the front. The Autobots, aware of the depot's importance, had launched frantic counterattacks to retake it, but faced with Decepticon superiority, those attempts had failed.
"Please, please, post guards at the gate. We could get stray fire at any moment. I'll take Lord Starscream to find the parts. Wait for me, please!"
The Autobot nurse's words were entirely sensible. Although this was Decepticon-held ground, the front lines were only two blocks away, where the constant thunder of laser cannons could be heard. So while Starscream was being treated, someone had to keep watch outside to avoid stray rounds.
"No problem but Autobot girl, we warn you: don't mess with us! Or we'll blow your head off!"
Rumble glanced at Starscream for permission. Receiving a nod, he resumed his threats to the Autobot nurse.
"Brother, how could I joke in front of your face? Besides, your General Starscream could crush me with one hand how dare I!"
The Autobot's words were true enough. Though wounded, Starscream was still a towering battle machine over 25 meters tall. Even on tiptoe he was more than 8 meters high. Compared to Starscream, others were mere pets. In the world of Transformers, height often equaled power.
"Alright, help Brother Starscream inside. Be careful and serve him well. We'll take credit for it later!"
After a final check, Honglong gestured, allowing the Autobot nurse to help Starscream inside.
"Master Starscream, please rest here for a while. I'll go inside to fetch some parts. I remember the flying-unit components are in the back warehouse."
Inside the room, the Autobot found an excuse to help Starscream sit to one side before returning indoors. But before she could take a few steps, a massive mechanical hand grabbed her thigh. She was shoved forcefully and fell helplessly into the arms of the enormous Decepticon general standing behind her.
"Ah sir, you!"
"Shh! Don't speak! You really want to get yourself killed first and then think about escaping, don't you?"
(End of this chapter)