Chapter 7: Starscream's
At this critical moment, Starscream and Elita found themselves caught right in the middle of an Autobot assault.
The Autobots had long been on the defensive they hadn't launched a serious offensive in years.
But tonight was different. From the intensity of the distant gunfire and the sheer number of rockets streaking overhead, it was obvious this attack was unlike anything before massive in scale, likely involving a main force… maybe even Optimus Prime himself.
Still, the Autobots didn't know Elita was here, and she had no way to signal them about her situation. If she could somehow pierce through the barrage and reveal herself, it would only take minutes for her to reunite with her comrades.
But that was just wishful thinking enemy bullets had no eyes. For now, Elita had to abandon any hope of escape and hide in the trenches with Starscream, or she'd be killed by her own side.
Bullets didn't discriminate. They didn't care if you were Decepticon or Autobot anything in their path was fair game.
But why would the Autobots launch such a massive assault? It was baffling.
The Decepticons on the outskirts had been hoping for an Autobot push to break the cycle of endless raids. Usually, the Autobots stayed hunkered down in their bases, but tonight they'd changed tactics completely fierce and aggressive.
Although the Decepticon front line had been stunned at first, reinforcements quickly arrived, turning the tide. The advantage began to shift back to the Decepticons.
And since Starscream was the highest-ranking commander in the area, overall control of the sector naturally fell to him.
"Starscream, this is Megatron. You look well! Found the parts to fix that stupid head of yours yet? Our scouts detected Optimus Prime retreating toward your position, so we're leaving the interception to you. Soundwave and I will reinforce from here!"
Damn it.
How the hell did that old scrap pile Megatron know he was here?
And wasn't Optimus Prime the boyfriend of Elita and the current Supreme Commander of the Autobots?
If Starscream ever wanted to reclaim his old Autobot identity, it could only be through him… but did Optimus Prime even know about this long-lost undercover agent?
Boom! Boom! Ratatatat!
Before Starscream could process it all, sparks erupted from his four o'clock followed by the roar of laser cannons. A fierce firefight was breaking out nearby.
"Commander Starscream! Commander Starscream! We've spotted a small Autobot assault team ahead, led by that medic, Ratchet! What are your orders, sir?"
A tank-form Decepticon came charging up to report, his voice tense. It was clear they were all following Megatron's direct command.
Starscream clenched his fists.
What now? These idiots was there a virus in their processors? Of course they'd have to "fight back."
"Do whatever it takes to stop them! Don't let a single Autobot through! You take everyone and attack! If even one of them escapes, I'll demote every last one of you!"
The order sounded fierce but it was a bluff.
The tank Transformer saluted sharply, then rallied about thirty Decepticons of various models and charged forward.
"Rattling transform!"
So the tank's name was Rattling. Definitely a loudmouth type. Starscream was still trying to figure out how to get Elita to safety when this overzealous fool had volunteered himself for battle. With no better choice, Starscream could only respond directly.
"Lord Starscream," Elita asked suddenly, her tone questioning, "are you really committed to returning to the Autobot ranks? What did you mean by that?"
Of all times, now she decided to get upset again?
"Lady Elita, you've misunderstood!" Starscream replied, forcing a laugh. "I only told them to hold their ground and not attack. As long as your Autobot comrades don't act recklessly, there won't be any casualties. I sent those Decepticons forward just to buy you time to escape!"
Women even female Transformers were strange creatures. Always fixating on the immediate issue, missing the big picture.
Had Elita, after all her time with Optimus Prime, become a little too naïve herself? Starscream had just risked everything to help her and she still doubted him!
Truly, no good deed went unpunished.
"I… I see. Please forgive me, Lord Starscream. I shouldn't have doubted you just now. I…"
Realizing her rudeness, Elita blushed, her voice soft and apologetic.
"It's fine," Starscream said briskly. "Now's not the time for talk. Once the battle intensifies, we move immediately."
"Yes!"
The rear line was almost deserted the perfect moment for Elita to escape.
But if Starscream let her go, his entire undercover career would be over. Megatron wasn't stupid. If he ever learned that Starscream had conveniently "lost" Optimus Prime's girlfriend, he'd tear him apart bolt by bolt.
So, Starscream came up with a plan: stage a fake skirmish.
The elite Autobots would "attack" the Decepticon rear; Starscream would "fight desperately" to hold them off but ultimately be "overwhelmed," allowing Elita to slip away.
Yes, it was a cliché but the sincerity in Starscream's performance made it oddly convincing.
Taking a deep breath, Starscream ducked into a shadowy corner, raised his twin laser cannons, and began unleashing fire in all directions.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
"Ratatatat! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
He had to admit when he went all out, Red Spider really put on a show.
In seconds, the battlefield before him became a sea of flames, explosions blooming one after another in a chaotic, magnificent dance.
It was a spectacle worthy of its title:
Starscream's Solo Show.
(End of Chapter 7)