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Losing Control	By : GabrielC Category: Transformers > G1 > AU/AR Views: 4231 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformer. I make no profit from writing this

Chapter List
- 10
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A/N: Due to me being a spanner and posting the same chapter twice (thank you for letting me know!) :) Here have another chapter. Chapter 10 has also been changed. Hope you enjoy.

Solar Cycle – 1 day

Cycle – 1 hour

Stellar Cycle – 1 year

Astrosecond – 1 second

Deca-cycle – 2 weeks

//comm speak//

Tactics

Decepticon Base

Starscream sat on his berth idly poking at the datapad. He scowled at the plans Megatron had presented at the last briefing. He’d thought of every contingency, every battle tactic was covered; the plan was more than adequate. Starscream huffed, he had no doubt that Soundwave had gathered the relevant intelligence for these plans based on the information that Thundercracker had been providing, as far as everyone else was concerned everything was just shiny. Nothing to worry about, the battle would be as easy as oil cake.

Starscream however, felt… discomfort. He couldn’t deny that having the tactical advantage over the Autobots warmed his spark somewhat, but there was one aspect Megatron had not accounted for in his plans.

The spark link. It had provided everything they’d needed short of actual command codes, and they would only be a matter of time. Defences, battle tactics, individual weaknesses, patrol routes. It had given them everything they needed for an all out offensive. One thing still remained unpredictable, one mech could still upset the balance and he was too much of a risk to not account for. He knew too much. Prowl himself, the Autobot tactician, renowned for being one of the greatest tactical minds in recent history was a loose end. The link gave them no information about how he would react in battle, what his weaknesses were; he kept his emotions under such tight mental control that Thundercracker felt virtually nothing from him. All that seemed to go through that ‘bot’s mind was tactics, logic and every other ‘bot’s tactical weaknesses.

He was an important aspect of their up and coming battle so why hadn’t Megatron included it, he hadn’t even mentioned it. Starscream knew Megatron was no fool, no matter how much he goaded him, so why had he neglected such a vital aspect in the battle plans?

Starscream made up his mind, this would not do. Their plans had to be tactically sound if they were to succeed, he hadn’t put his trine link through this much strain for nothing. They could not fail.

He made his way to the bridge. Much to his displeasure only Soundwave was there to greet him.

“Where is Megatron?”

Soundwave didn’t even bother looking at the SIC, he was busy and the last thing he needed was to have Starscream indulging in one of his infamous tirades of contradiction against Megatron.

“Lord Megatron is indisposed. Requested no disturbance.”

“I didn’t ask what he was doing, you overgrown tape deck, I asked where he was.”

Soundwave ignored the seeker’s impatience and remained unfazed. “He is indisposed.”

“Well he can just dispose himself then. This is important!”

“Oh everything always is with you Starscream.” Hook interrupted with a smirk as he entered the bridge, Mixmaster and Deadend trailing behind him letting out their own sniggers of agreement.

“Am I the only one aware that we’re on the eve of what could be THE battle that determines the victors of this accursed war?! Is that important to anyone but me?!” Starscream glared at each one of them, causing them to shrink away from his growing ire. Turning back to Soundwave his optics narrowed.

“Now I am ordering you to tell me where he is!”

Soundwave tensed as much as he loathed to admit it, Starscream was the second in command to Megatron and Soundwave was one who felt compulsion to obey and respect the chain of command, if nothing more than to just maintain discipline and order out of the chaos that was their war.

“Monitor room. Top level.”

Starscream relaxed a little. “Now was that so hard?” He made a soft noise of exasperation and marched from the bridge.

“What’s gotten him so wound up this time?” Deadend piped up.

“What do you mean this time?” Mixmaster growled as he sat at one of the vacant consoles.

“He has a point Deadend.” Hook interceded. “The day Starscream stops being wound up about something, is the day Soundwave switches sides.”

The other two laughed not noticing Soundwave’s silent approach.

“Inaccurate accusations of dissention amongst the ranks are not permitted.”

The three mechs jumped at the unnatural voice.

“Primus Soundwave, you have got to learn to take a joke.” Hook rolled his optics and groaned as he made a swift escape from the bridge.

“Hey Soundwave can take jokes, he has a sense of humour!” Rumble shouted after him. He glared at the other two much larger mechs, drawing himself up to his full height. Deadend and Mixmaster stared at the cassetticon before glancing at each other and bursting into mocking laughter.

“Yeah he does.” Mixmaster wheezed between guffaws. His heavy hand slapped Rumble on his back, sending him sprawling to his knees.

“Yeah he keeps you around.” Deadend finished. The two mechs howled with laughter leaving a fuming Rumble glaring after them.

A shadow loomed over the minibot. His red optics drifted up to his guardian. The red visor peered down at him, head inclined quizzically. A hand gently helped Rumble to his feet, much to the smaller mech’s grumbling.

“They shouldn’t have mocked you.”

Soundwave looked at him for a few seconds before turning and heading back to his console. “Your defence is not necessary. Illogical to put oneself under the scrutiny of others.”

Rumble frowned and toed the grill plating absently. Soundwave’s reprimands usually went ignored by other ‘cons who could never tell what mood the large blue mech was in due to his monotonous voice. Rumble knew though, he could tell when Soundwave was annoyed, irritated and disappointed. The latter being at the foremost of his processor at this particular moment in time. Only he and the other cassetticons truly knew and vaguely understood the communications officer, but sometimes it would be nice for a little appreciation.

“Yeah you’re welcome.” He grumbled leaving the bridge to go and find Ravage. Soundwave didn’t spare him a glance as he left. He stalked through the dark corridor muttering to himself in annoyance. His comm. Buzzed.

//Rumble you must be vigilante. I cannot always be present.//

//I get it ‘Wave, you made you point don’t worry will let them mock you all they like.//

A brief second of silence permeated the comm. Rumble frowned as Soundwave’s tone softened. A tone he rarely used.

//Loyalty is… appreciated.//

The comm. went silent. Rumble allowed himself a sly smile. That was as close as Soundwave got to a thank you and it was more than enough for Rumble.

****

Starscream had managed to calm himself down by the time he reached the monitoring station. It would do no good if he confronted Megatron with antagonism, it would result in either a shouting match or if Megatron was in a particularly bad mood then more than likely a beating, and since the escape of his Autobot pet Megatron had been less than amicable with everyone. Starscream didn’t feel much like getting beaten this particular solar cycle and decided to approach the issue from a tactical stand point.

Megatron seemed engrossed in the monitors. They showed him the internal decks of their ship and various locations externally, in particularly it traced for any Autobot activity. He appeared to be deep in thought as Starscream approached.

“I’ve been expecting you Starscream.”

The seeker stopped in his tracks at Megatron’s statement. “So you know why I’m here?”

His leader turned and eyed him curiously as if trying to figure out something important. “The lack of detail regarding the Autobot on the other end of the link I presume?”

“Yes. Why have you neglected to include it, it doesn’t make tactical sense. We need to ensure that he is removed from the equation as soon as possible, restrained in some way.”

Megatron’s expression changed to one of bland disinterest as he turned back to the monitors. “Yes I am aware of that.”

Starscream moved closer, his frustrations building at Megatron’s disregard of such an important issue. “We must have a plan Lord Megatron. I recommend that we…”

Megatron held up one hand to silence his SIC. “I am not interested in your recommendations in this instance Starscream.”

“Megatron if you insist on being so reckless in sending us on a poorly planned mission then it makes sense to put someone else in charge! This kind of oversight could cost us everything!”

Megatron stood and once again turned to the highly irritated seeker. “Starscream calm yourself.” He smirked with amusement at his SIC’s shrill onslaught of frustration in response to his statement. In two strides he covered the distance between them and towered over his air commander silencing the mech with sheer intimidation.

“Do you think me a fool Starscream?”

“I… ah… no Lord Megatron… I was simply pointing out that we should plan for every aspect…”

“I assure you Starscream every variable has been accounted and planned for.”

Starscream frowned. “Then I demand to know your plans!” His voice hit the shrill point that made Megatron’s audios ring. His hand reached up and grabbed Starscream’s slender throat.

“You demand?” He was calm, collected and still vaguely amused.

Starscream clawed at the strong hand tightening around his throat. “Ack… I should… uckk… know strategies…as second… gaahh in command.” His legs kicked out as Megatron lifted him easily.

“Starscream when will you learn that you cannot make demands from me? You follow my rule, my command and you are and always will be on a need to know basis.”

He abruptly dropped the seeker, who fell to his knees his intakes rattling loudly as he took in deep breaths. “In this instance the less you know the better.”

“But Megatron…”

“There is nothing more to be said on the issue. My decision is final.”

A shuffle at the door caught both their attentions. Thundercracker clutched at the door frame, his other hand clenched over his chest. His optics were dim, flickering. Stumbling he entered the room, falling to his knees after a few steps.

“Lord Megatron, Starscream… the spark link… we have been discovered. Prowl knows. He… he is reacting badly… there is pain...” He looked pleadingly at his trine mate. “You said there would be… no pain…” His optics spiralled out and he slumped to the floor.

Starscream was by his side glancing up to his leader. “And what of our plans now Megatron?” He spat defiantly.

Megatron remained unmoved. “We will assemble on the bridge in one cycle, I will gather the troops. We have a war to win.” He stepped over the collapsed seeker, his command ringing out. “Ensure that Thundercracker is prepared he is vital to our success.”

Starscream glowered at his leader’s retreating back angrily; his optics fell sympathetically to his fellow seeker a hand trailed over the helm. “It will all be worth it Thundercracker, I promise you’ll not have to suffer that link much longer. I won’t let Megatron continue to use you with such disregard. When we win it will be because of us. We will be heroes.” He smiled down at the unconscious seeker, sending the message via their trine link. He pressed an affectionate kiss onto Thundercracker’s forehead before carrying him to the repair bay.

****

Autobot Base

Prowl sat anxiously on the berth. Ratchet had summoned Prime when he had finally on lined without incident. Prowl felt physically sick, his tanks were threatening to purge again. The knowledge that he was linked to a Decepticon, a forced link no less sickened him. He was powerless, trapped and now he was the greatest liability the Autobots had. He was dreading Prime’s arrival.

Optimus paused for a moment outside the med bay, this was not going to be easy for Prowl to hear and deal with as much as it wasn’t an easy decision for him to come to. It was one that he should have made much sooner, but he’d been so blind, so caught up. He shuttered his optics for a moment regaining his composure.

Prowl glanced up as he entered, Ratchet gave them some privacy with a small nod. He retracted his battle mask, knowing he could be completely honest with Prowl. He gave him a thin smile as he approached. “You had me worried.”

Prowl dipped his head. “I am aware, Ratchet told me what happened.”

Optimus suddenly felt uncomfortable as Prowl kept his head bowed unable to meet his optics. Casting aside propriety for the moment he laid a comforting hand on Prowl’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for what they did to you. I wish there was someway that I could…”

“Optimus…”

Optimus stopped mid sentence at the smooth voice, his optics meeting Prowl’s earnest gaze. “There was nothing anyone could have done. We have to deal with the present.”

Optimus nodded grateful that Prowl seemed much more like his logical, composed self. “You’re right.” He felt Prowl’s hand close around his free hand.

“My only regret is that they took something from me… something that should only be shared with one other.”

Optimus stared quizzically at the black and white mech who held his gaze intently as he ran his thumb lightly over blue knuckles. Optimus let out a quiet sigh, dropping his head as it dawned on him what Prowl was implying.

“You mean…?”

“I wish to have been allowed the chance to choose for myself.” Optimus glanced up to catch the sad smile crossing Prowl’s features.

“You still may Prowl. Ratchet is doing all he can to try and find a way to break the bond. He doesn’t think it is as strong as a full spark merge, so there is a chance that he could…”

Prowl ducked his head and let out a chuckle that silenced his leader who frowned as Prowl peered up at him from beneath his chevron. “Optimus please, I have already calculated the probability of success to be extremely small.”

Optimus returned his amused smirk and nodded. “Of course you have.” He gave Prowl’s hand an affectionate squeeze and leaned slightly closer. “I am not going to give up my hope based on your logic Prowl; you have been known to be wrong.”

Prowl straightened visibly, his door wings rising proudly on his back. He quirked a brow at Optimus. “On very rare occasions.” He answered dryly. “And I would be surprised if you did.” He added quietly. “I also… hope…” He frowned slightly not comfortable with showing his feelings especially when they now felt completely out of his control.

Optimus felt the tension returning as Prowl straightened to attention before him. “I presume you’ve come to relieve me of my command?”

Optimus nodded sadly. “I have. I’m sorry Prowl. I should have done it sooner. I see that now. I was…”

“We Optimus. We were compromised. Much has transpired that we should have handled differently. I personally owe an apology to Slingshot.”

Optimus couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at Prowl’s admittance. “From what I hear, he was rather impressed. He doesn’t hold it against you.”

“Still it does not excuse what I did.”

“No, I should have been more in control of the situation. I should have relieved you then.”

“Why didn’t you?” Prowl asked quietly.

“I was worried. Worried that if I took away the one thing you could control, your work, your responsibilities… that you would completely withdraw, shut down and that I wouldn’t be able to reach you, pull you back. I lost sight of the bigger picture as the humans say.”

“Indeed.” Prowl replied softly. “Thank you. I hope that your sympathy did not yield unfavourable repercussions with regards to your leadership.”

“It’s not important now.” Optimus sighed. “I hate to have to do this Prowl.”

Prowl smiled gently at his leader. “It’s alright; you have to do what is best for the safety and security of our base.”

Optimus straightened his optics now hard with the burden of leadership. “Prowl. You are relieved of your command and you are confined to the med bay indefinitely, until Ratchet can find a way to counter or remove the spark link.”

Prowl flinched ever so slightly at the words. “I understand. It is the most prudent course of action.”

“You’re aware that no one can discuss with you anything of formality regarding, tactics, battle plans or defences?”

“I am.”

Optimus heaved a loud sigh. “Will you be ok?”

“It will be… difficult.” Prowl admitted reluctantly. “I will manage. It is necessary.”

“It is. Your expertise is going to be sorely missed.” He paused his optics drifting over Prowl fondly. “As is your company.”

His comm. buzzed. //Prime here.//

//Sir, we have activity. Need you on the bridge.//

//Understood Ironhide. Prime out.//

Prowl flashed him an understanding nod. “You need to go.”

“I will be visiting.”

Prowl inclined his head as he left the med bay. “I look forward to it.” He whispered to himself.

Optimus was back to business as he exited the med bay, his battle mask back in place. He grinned as he clenched his left hand realising that Prowl hadn’t let go the entire time he’d been in the med bay.

One mech watched him leave discreetly. He glanced at the med bay door nervously. Now probably wasn’t the best time, but he had things he wanted, he needed to say. Besides Prowl could probably use a friendly face right about now. His mind made up, Jazz entered the med bay and had no intention of leaving until he’d made Prowl finally listen to him. He, they had been running away from it for too long and time was running out.
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Losing Control