Chapter 15

Starscream bit on his lower lip plate as he held his abdominal plates, feeling the twin femmlings kicking and moving inside of him. He had been feeling sicker than usual lately, and he wasn't sure if it was just his morning sickness worsening, or the stress of the trial getting to him.

It had been three orbital cycles since he had testified, and ever since then he had spent a few joors each orbital cycle in a CR chamber, and the rest of his time locked in his cell with Hope. He still saw hallucinations, still heard voices, still was having difficulty with speaking, and had several panic attacks. He doubted he would ever heal.

He just had to stay in this room with his still living creations and pray that justice was going to be served. For who knows what was happening in that court room…

The court was chaos. The defendants took turns at the stand to tell their stories, all of which varied and received mixed emotions. Their testimonies were compared to the found evidence of the Seekers' abuse, but even that evidence didn't help to sway much in favor of the former Decepticon Air Commander.

"It's a damn Seeker. I am not ashamed of what I did to it. I would do it all again in a spark pulse." Bedlam cruelly smirked. "Where is it? Hiding still? Bring it back out and I'll demonstrate to you all how I rode it and made it my glitch."

"Starscream and his creations were horribly abused and raped by Bedlam. That monster subjected them to unimaginable horrors. He beat them every orbital cycle, raped them constantly, and kept them chained." Mayhem spoke, trying to remain calm. "I witnessed beatings. I witnessed Starscream so terrified of the pain he would release his own waste tank on himself. Since when does a 'fierce' and 'evil' Decepticon do that? Starscream is just like any of us, and he's suffered enough."

"It's a Seeker. I only kept it alive and aborted one protoform. Just because I didn't inform the brass doesn't mean I was doing anything illegal. I didn't even interface it!" Scalpel exclaimed.

"It's a Seeker! Come on!" Havoc threw his manacled servos up. "They are meant to be fragged! And I enjoyed fragging it and helping to whip it! It was a lot of fun and I don't see why it's so bad. We raped, beat, and killed them during the war! Why is it suddenly 'wrong' now?!"

"I committed crimes I am now ashamed of." Salvo spoke slowly. "I knew it was wrong at the time, but due to my past I ignored my conscience to follow my libido. To seek immediate gratification rather than follow my moral compass. I am ashamed of my actions now since I fully understand what it was I did to someone that, at the time, I truly believed to be 'lesser' than me and 'deserving' of that treatment. But now I see that Seekers are not so different from the rest of us, and they should not be enslaved, beaten, raped, or their younglings murdered. And understanding what I was a part of and how a life was destroyed mentally and many physically has made me decide that if I were to be released from prison I want to help Seekers and other discriminated against frametypes. How, I do not know as of yet, but I'll think of something. I am leaning towards education of the majority to understand that these supposedly 'lesser' frametypes, while different in culture and appearance, are not different in spark, sentience, and desiring only to be cared for and respected." He paused. "I accept the punishment that will be sentenced to me, and ask only that justice is brought to Starscream and his creations against the one who hurt him most: Bedlam of Polyhex."

"I know what I did was wrong and I regret it. I do." Shock said slowly as he looked down at his servos. "I did something horrible, but I had done the same thing during the war… I'm sorry. That's all I can say. I know it's not enough. I know I can't rectify my past actions and I know words will never be enough. I accept my punishment fully. And, Starscream, I would say this to your face but you're not here, so I hope this is shared to you since they are filming it: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for all of your losses, and for all the pain you went through. I truly am. And, while it won't ever change things, I want to donate Shanix to you to help you with your twin femmlings and Hope. And, congratulations on the femmlings. I hope they live the most loved and best life ever. I know you will do your best to ensure this. You're a good carrier and they are lucky to have you."

"I don't 'rape' sparklings! I never have!" Brakelight exclaimed, pulling at his binds. "I wait for them to consent! And Hope consented! I swear to Primus! Why can't you just believe that younglings and adolescents are people too who can make their own decisions?! He got to properly experience interface from someone who was gentle and experienced! I shouldn't be punished for what I did. I helped him! I already was assaulted numerous times by other inmates and guards! Isn't that punishment enough!? OH MY GOSH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE! I DIDN'T RAPE ANYONE! AND THAT SEEKER ISN'T A PERSON! Yes, the beatings were excessive, but interfacing him wasn't wrong! You people are sick! And insane! Where is Hope?! If you weren't poisoning him to think that him having consensual interface from an adult was 'wrong' he would be happy and asking for more! But you have lied to him and all other younglings and made them hate what is natural and rightfully theirs!"

"I like interface. I love interface. And I enjoyed interfacing that dumb Seeker. He feels great! I made him enjoy most of it. Did he tell you all the times I found his primary sensory node? Did he?" Bedlam demanded. "If he claims he never enjoyed any of it he's a liar. He did. He damn, fragging did! And he didn't fight me all the time. If you don't fight it it's not rape. He obeyed, he submitted, he didn't fight. That's all the consent you need. Only times I raped him, not that it's rape because you have to be a person for that, but the only times I had to force him was when he was being a brat and acting up. Yes, I beat him for it. I mostly just gave him an aft beating with a cable and whipped with an energy whip. I didn't beat him to death with a metal rod. Rarely did I use a metal rod on him! What? No, I did not beat him for 'pleasure.' I beat him for discipline. Punishment for acting up. He's a Seeker. I had to be hard on him or else he would attack me. I went soft for a short while and he did attack me. Almost killed me! You can't be 'gentle' with these creatures."

"Starscream is not a monster. As I got to know him… He's a very compassionate individual to his own creations and those he cares for. And he's been through so much. More than anyone should ever go through." Mayhem swallowed. "I wouldn't even want Megatron to go through what Starscream went through. And I hate Megatron more than anything. Starscream is more than a Seeker… He's the carrier to my sparklings. And even though they are now dead, murdered by the real monster, Starscream still is their carrier and always will be."

"I DIDN'T RAPE HIM! HE CONSENTED! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!" Brakelight screamed as he leaped to his peds, grasping at his helm. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE AND DENYING THE RIGHTS TO YOUNGLINGS!"

"You keep trying to pin me as the bad guy…" Bedlam smirked. "Want to see everything that Seeker did to me? How much he fought me? How he bit me, kicked me, and tried to kill me? What about his criminal record? He was Megatron's right servo mech. He assassinated senators before the war. He killed thousands during the war and raped many himself. Why isn't he on trial? I want my property back. Where is he? Is he seriously cowering somewhere? Bring him back out here. Him and the bridle and crop. Let me show you this supposed 'rape' you people keep claiming I committed against this animal."

"Bedlam ate his own son. If that doesn't scream 'dangerous psycho' I don't know what does." Mayhem grunted. "The fact Starscream pissed himself when he sees Bedlam should be enough evidence that Bedlam did unspeakable crimes against him. Since when does a fierce Seeker warrior piss himself?"

"You're taking me away!? LET GO OF ME! I have the right to speak at my own trial! DON'T YOU DAR E GAG ME! YOU CLAIM I DON'T RESPECT CONSENT AND YET YOU'RE ASSAULTING ME?! NOOOO!" Brakelight shrieked as security dragged him out of the courtroom.

"What are you going to charge me with? Getting revenge on the enemy? Dishing out what he did to others? Come on, jury, surely you see the hypocrisy in this! Why am I punished, but not the real criminal!?" Bedlam exclaimed.

"No matter what happens, please, give Starscream justice. He's already been punished enough for his past crimes. He needs his justice and a chance at a second life. Please, jury, your honor, grant him this. If not for him for his creations. They need their carrier, especially after all they've been through." Mayhem pleaded.

Starscream perked his wings when the door unlocked and was soon opened. He hugged Hope who was sitting on his lap, not sure what was about to happen to them.

"The jury made their decision. The judge will be speaking soon and you are required to be there." Streetwise informed as he, Inferno, and Brawn stood there, ready to take the Air Commander away.

Starscream swallowed, then slowly nodded his helm. He gave Hope a squeeze before setting him on the floor and standing. The Seeker held out his servos and allowed the Autobots to cuff him, before leading him out of the cell. Hope followed beside his carrier, holding his creator's servo.

They led the Decepticon and his son down the hallways until they finally arrived at the courtroom. Starscream was led to the front where he was seated by Ultra Magnus. The tri-colored Seeker swallowed, feeling himself trembling when he caught a glimpse of a smirking Bedlam, seated not far away. Hope climbed onto his carrier's lap, waited for Starscream to loop his arms over him, and then settled as his best friend hugged him close.

"Seeker Starscream of Vos, you are here challenging the accused: Bedlam of Polyhex, Havoc of Kalis, Scalpel of Iacon, Shock of Tarn, Salvo of Yuss, Brakelight of Vos, and Mayhem of Valvolux. After seven orbital cycles the trial has now been concluded and the decisions of the jury and sentencing shall be conducted." Xaaron spoke from where he sat. "Jury, if you may begin reading your decisions."

One of the jury members, Chase, stood up holding a datapad. "We of the jury have made our decision on the case of Brakelight of Vos. We the jury find Brakelight on the count of inappropriate behavior towards a minor: Guilty. On the count of rape of a minor we find him: Guilty. On the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of assault we find the defendant: Guilty. On illegal imprisonment of Starscream of Vos we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of illegal ownership of a person we find the defendant: Not guilty.

"For the case of Havoc of Kalis we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Shock of Tarn we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Havoc of Kalis we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Salvo of Yuss we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Scalpel of Iacon we the jury find on the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Mayhem of Valvolux we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty.

"For the case of Bedlam of Polyhex we the jury find on the count of raping Seeker Starscream of Vos the defendant to be: Guilty. On the count of illegal imprisonment we find him: Guilty. On the count of lying to authorities we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of domestic violence and torture we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of the rape and sexual assault of a minor we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of bestiality we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of abduction we find the defendant: Not guilty. On the count of the murders of multiple sparklings we find the defendant: Guilty. On the count of illegal ownership of a person we find the defendant: Not guilty. On the count of soliciting an interface slave we find the defendant: Not Guilty."

Chase then sat down. Starscream hugged Hope tighter, nervous now since Bedlam didn't get solid guilties on all counts.

"For the defendents Havoc of Kalis, Shock of Tarn, and Salvo of Yuss, each shall serve twenty stellar cycles of prison, followed by twenty stellar cycles of probation. For Scalpel of Iacon a sentence of fifteen stellar cycles of prison and twenty stellar cycles of probation. For Brakelight of Vos a sentence of twenty-five stellar cycles in prison and twenty-five stellar cycles of probation, and you must register as an interface offender. For Mayhem of Valvolux, due to your plea deal you shall serve a sentence of twelve stellar cycles of prison followed by fifteen stellar cycles of probation." Xaaron issued firmly.

Starscream's optics widened, horrified of these light sentences. He hugged Hope closer, feeling his spark falling, and feeling Bedlam's gaze on him.

"For Bedlam of Polyhex you are sentenced to fifty stellar cycles of prison and ten stellar cycles probation, as well as no longer allowed to own any pets." Xaaron slammed his gavel down.

"Hear that, sweet thing? I'll be out before too long and I can pleasure you all over again." Bedlam smiled evilly as he looked over at the Seeker who was on the verge of tears. "Hey, sparkling, look at your master when he's speaking to you! Hey, come on stupid, look over here!" Bedlam then made kissy sounds at Starscream. "Come here. Come suck Master's spike like you used to, you dumb slut!"

"SHUT UP!" Mayhem screamed.

"Take them away." Xaaron waved them off.

"Oh, Starscream! I'm going to frag you once I am released! I'm going to frag your valve, waste port, and mouth! And I'll have another go at Hope!" Bedlam cackled.

Starscream didn't even wait to be dismissed. He stood, grabbed Hope's servo, and quickly walked out of the courtroom, still hearing Bedlam shouting after him, telling him to come back and submit to being raped and beaten.

The guards caught the Seeker at the courtroom door and escorted him out, where the Decepticon collapsed to the floor, in shock, horrified, and terrified of his abuser soon being free once again. No justice had been done.

He had to be carried back, for his legs refused to work. And he was soon bawling, hugging his only surviving son close. And they cried hugging each other as they lied on the berth, fearing for their safety for when those short stellar cycles will be over and Bedlam would be free once more.

Two Orbital Cycles Later:

Starscream sat on the berth in his cell, a servo over his abdominal plates, feeling his twins inside, kicking and wriggling in the safety of their carrier's womb. If only all of his creations had been safe when they were inside and outside of their carrier…

Hope was playing a game on his datapad beside his carrier, leaning against the adult Seeker's side. They had just been sitting here, not doing or saying much. Starscream couldn't stop thinking about the light sentences those monsters received, and now feared for what would happen to him and his beloved creations.

His wings perked when the door unlocked and soon opened. They lowered when he saw Optimus Prime, the door closing behind him.

"Hello, Starscream, how are you?" The Prime gently inquired.

Starscream swallowed, pulling Hope onto his lap and hugging him. Hope looked up from his game, knowing his carrier was anxious and needed him to comfort him.

Optimus pulled up a chair when he received no answer and sat on it, facing the Seeker. Starscream didn't make optic contact, looking down at the floor, trembling slightly. The truck laced his digits together, then softly spoke.

"A decision has been made of what to do with you." He began, and he saw static filling the adult Seeker's optics. "It's good, Starscream." He reassured softly. "After much debate, going back and forth, and compromising the decision was made to sell you to a buyer who would not cease in trying to buy you. He made many offerings and we believe this will be best. He already owns a few Seekers so understands your needs, and is very caring."

"Just like that?" Starscream finally looked up. "You'll just s-sell me like I'm some scrap of metal? Like I'm property? That I have no rights? H-have all the Decepticons b-been sold and a-are now owned by someone? What about my son? What about my femmlings still inside of me? What w-will happen to them?"

"Your new owner has bought them as well. You won't be separated. He never sells. And, no, not all the Decepticons have been bought. Mostly the Seekers."

"Because we're nothing, right?"

"No, this is the best for you, Starscream. This will ensure you have a home, energon, you are always with your creations, and it will get you away from Iacon. I am allowing this because I know this is the best option you have. That you ever will have."

"My abusers, m-my rapists, the murd-derer of my s-sparklings get only a-a slap on the wrist a-and I-I am s-sold like an in-inanimate object? L-like m-my life d-doesn't matter? H-how is this justice? H-how is th-this fair?! I-" He swallowed, coolant leaking down his cheekplates now. "Th-they are s-still parole e-eligible, Prime! Th-they won't even s-spend a vorn i-in prison f-for raping and b-beating me! I-I was chained t-to a wall and m-made to eat m-my own waste and h-his waste! I-I had my optics gouged out a-and he w-would rape m-my sockets as he-" He hugged Hope tighter, starting to sob. "Where is my j-justice?! Why a-am I j-just a punching b-bag to the u-universe?! I-I was b-beaten by m-my step-sire and g-grew up w-watching my own c-carrier raped a-and beaten. Th-then I was homeless-ss a-and attacked…. A-and Megatron b-beat me constantly d-during the war… I-I lost my trinemates!" He broke down sobbing louder and coolant poured from his optics. "My sparklings k-killed before m-me! I-I was raped a-and beaten constantly! Th-they hurt my sparklings! And they… They get nothing! WHERE IS MY JUSTICE!?"

Optimus was silent for a bit, watching as the Seeker hugged his son, bawling his spark out. "Starscream… I understand you are upset about this outcome. We can look into a retrial. But, what's best for you is going with the mech who has bought you. I wouldn't allow him to buy you if I didn't think it would be good for you."

"Please… Don't do th-this. Please, don't sell me… Please…"

"Starscream…"

"Y-you think I-I'm lesser b-because I'm a-a Seeker."

"That's not why I let him buy you."

"I don't w-want to be a-a Seeker…" Starscream said almost in a whisper, still crying. "I hate b-being a Seeker. I-I don't want t-to be lesser a-anymore. I want t-to have rights… I-I want to b-be treated a-as an equal…"

"You're not lesser."

"I-I hate my existence… It's just a-a fragging joke…" He stroked Hope's helm as he held him close, still sobbing. "Please… Ch-change them into a-anything b-but a Seeker. I-I want th-them to have r-rights."

Hope swallowed, looking up into those crimson optics of his spark broken carrier.

"Starscream, you will appreciate being sold to this mech. Once you meet him you'll be very happy and enjoy living with him. You'll be safe from Bedlam and everyone else who hurt you. It's far away from here and he has good security. He knows Seekers."

"Leave."

"Pardon?"

"I-I said leave. Just… Go a-away, Prime. I-I understand I-I'm just property t-to be owned… Leave m-me."

Optimus studied him before slowly nodding. "Very well. A ship is scheduled to take you to your owner in two orbital cycles. Is there anything I can do for you until then?"

"Leave us…"

"Very well." The Prime stood and turned to leave.

"And… I-I want to say goodbye to Mayhem."

Optimus looked back at him. "I'll arrange it." He paused. "Congrats on the femmlings, by the way. I hope you are able to enjoy your sparklings at your new home. I will be in touch with the mech to ensure no abuse occurs."

Starscream didn't watch as the Autobot leader left. Once the door hissed shut the Alpha hugged his son tightly as he renewed his bawling, feeling so helpless, so useless, so inferior.

Why couldn't he just be happy?

Starscream walked down the hallway, his wrists manacled and an escort of armed Autobots with him. He was led through the prison to the cell of the one he wished to see, ignoring all the catcalls and whistles of the other inmates.

"Mayhem, you have a visitor." A guard informed before removing the energy bars.

Mayhem looked up, his jaws setting when he saw the stunning creature before him. Starscream forced a small smile as he approached, the energy bars appearing again once he was inside of the cell.

"Hey." Starscream grinned, then sat beside the tank on the small berth.

"Hey yourself." Mayhem faintly smiled back. "You're looking as beautiful as ever."

"Thanks."

"So, what brings you here?"

"I found out what's going to happen t-to me."

"What?"

Starscream swallowed as he looked down. "I've been sold… I-I don't know to whom, but the Prime claims it's a g-good person who knows Seekers." Starscream looked up at Mayhem. "I'm scared."

"You don't need to be scared, Starscream. It's not going to be bad."

"Says the one wh-who wasn't just s-sold…"

"Optimus wouldn't sell anyone unless it was a good thing."

"I'm tired of being treated l-like property. I-I'm not property. I'm a person. A living, sentient person. Why don't I have any rights or say in w-what happens to me? I-I joined the Decepticons because Megatron promised to stop this discrimination and hatred towards 'lesser' builts like me. I-I became a D-Decepticon to better m-my life and the lives o-of my people. I never did it f-for glory or power. I-I just wanted equality… A-and we lost… And now I am being sold l-like I'm nothing but scrap… And my abusers weren't even punished. Th-they just got slaps on the wrists a-and told t-to do better. B-Bedlam raped a-and beat me a-and killed my sp-sparklings… A-and h-he wasn't even punished for it."

Mayhem swallowed, watching as the Seeker broke down, crying as coolant flowed down his dark cheekplates, this divine being now broken and inconsolable. He glanced at the energy bars, seeing no one, then back to the Seeker. Without a word, he pulled Starscream onto his lap and hugged him, stroking the flier's upper arm soothingly.

"I know… He killed my sparklings, too… And he hurt someone I now care for… even though Justice was a grounder he didn't even get his rights. None of this is fair. Bedlam needs to be locked away forever or executed. But he'll be free before too long. But, I'll be out before him, and I promise I'll make sure he stays away from you."

"You promise it?" Starscream looked up at him.

"I do." Mayhem paused. "I do care about you, Starscream. I know it sounds stupid… I know I'm stupid… But, when we had our sparklings… I just… I felt a connection to you. I don't know if it's because we created life together, or… Or something else. But I do care for you, Starscream. I don't… I don't want this to be the last time we see each other. I… I want to keep seeing you and… Be friends."

"Friends? You seriously want to be my friend?" Starscream wiped at his optics, calming down, now.

Mayhem sheepishly smiled. "Yeah… I want that."

Starscream offered a faint smile back. "Yeah… Y-yeah, I'd like that."

Mayhem bit his lower lip plate, debating, then spoke. "Starscream… I… I don't want this to sound weird or creepy, or demanding… But I… I was hoping that maybe you'd also… That maybe we could… I just…"

"What?" Starscream perked his wings and ever so slightly cocked his helm, looking so innocent and incredibly gorgeous.

Mayhem swallowed. "That maybe… We could… Have another."

Starscream didn't speak immediately. "Have another s-sparkling?"

"Y-Yeah… I… I'll never find someone. I never had any luck thus far and I know no one is out there for me… But I've always wanted to be a creator… To be a sire. I just… I would like a second chance at that. And you… You're an amazing carrier. I wouldn't want anyone else to care for my creations. You are so kid, and protective, and compassionate towards your creations, and know what to do… And we already have had creations and interfaced a lot so… Ground has been broken there. It's not like… I don't know… Not all knew and awkward, I guess… Maybe I'm wrong asking this… Not like you like me in that way and it's a lot to ask for someone to have a creation with someone they aren't even mated to… Maybe.. Forget it."

Starscream was silent a moment before speaking. "I don't think you're stupid. I-it is a lot t-to ask for, y-you're right. I'll have t-to carry someone inside o-of me and r-raise them with s-someone I am not joined with n-nor romantically b-bonded to."

"Just forget it…" Mayhem said dejectedly, looking away, feeling stupid now.

"I never said I was opposed."

Mayhem looked down at him, optics a little wider, his hopes rising. "No?"

"I'd have t-to think about it. I-I do love my sparklings a-and having them. A-and I do w-want more. And since m-my trinemates are gone how e-else do I get my family?"

"So, we can have sparklings?"

"I'll think about it. I promise I-I will."

"It would mean the world to me if you did have creations with me once again."

"I know. B-but this isn't an easy decision for me. I-I don't know i-if I ever w-want to experience interface again after a-all that happened. I don't kn-know if I will ever be well enough to have anymore. I-I don't know wh-what my new m-master will say…" He swallowed, wings drooping. "I-I don't know if h-he'll be b-breeding me… o-or if he'll let y-you visit, much less i-interface with his property."

"You're not property."

"And yet I-I've been sold as such." Starscream was silent a bit. "I'll think about it. A-and we shall see what th-the future holds."

"Please, do."

"And… No matter what happens… Th-thank you, Mayhem. For everything. Y-you got me away f-from him. Y-you saved m-my life a-and Hope's life. I-I'll always b-be thankful for that a-and in your debt."

Mayhem sheepishly smiled again. "No need to thank, Star."

"Regardless, I shall thank you. Thank you, Mayhem. Thank you so much." He then snuggled against the tank, unable to hug due to the manacles on his wrists.

Mayhem hugged the Seeker, holding him close, loving this new smell of the Decepticon. It was so clean, no more stench of waste, rust, or old energon. He smelled wonderful.

"I'm sorry, Starscream. I'm sorry for raping you, beating you, and mistreating you. I'm so sorry. I-I was wrong to do those things to you."

"I forgive y-you, Mayhem." Starscream looked up at him. "Our creations are proud of their sire. They loved you and are s-so proud of you from whatever th-the afterlife may be."

Mayhem swallowed, coolant beginning to leak down his cheekplates. "You think?"

"I know. A carrier always knows." Starscream faintly smiled.

"Thank you, Starscream." Mayhem hugged him tightly. "You're the best friend I've ever had. I was so wrong to ever believe Seekers were 'lesser' than grounders. You are so much better than… Everyone I've ever thought was my 'friend.' I've made so many mistakes in my life trying to do good, and it took someone I always thought was bad to turn me around. Thank you for helping me find myself again… And thank you for my sparklings and… Hopefully, more in the future."

"Yeah… Maybe…"

"I'll wait for when you're ready. And when you are… If you ever are… I promise to do it only so that it brings you joy, and pleasure, and love."

Starscream slowly nodded. "Yeah…"

"I won't rush you. Take your time and think it over.." He paused. "Last time I interfaced you… It felt right to me. Maybe it will feel right to you if we do it again. I hope it does."

"Maybe…"

Mayhem didn't speak for a klik, just petting the Seeker curled on his lap, thinking. "I'll be praying for you and hoping for the best. Keep in touch?"

"I-I shall."

"I'll come see you as soon as I'm able to. And be safe and careful."

"I'll try, but I make no promises." Starscream faintly smirked.

Mayhem smirked back. "Silly Seeker."

"Starscream, you need to wrap up." One of the Autobot guards spoke from the other side of the cell door.

Starscream nodded his helm at the guard before turning to Mayhem. "Guess this i-is goodbye."

"For now, at least…"

"Take care o-of yourself, Mayhem. D-don't make m-me need to come b-back to kick aft for you."

Mayhem grinned. "I'll do my best to stay out of trouble, 'carrier.' I'll make sure to also wash behind my audio receptors and go to recharge on time, and eat dessert after dinner."

Starscream snickered. "Better. O-or else I'll have t-t-to come back here a-and set y-you straight."

"You already have." Mayhem hesitated before lifting the Seeker's chin and kissing him on the lip plates.

Starscream froze, having been trained and beaten enough by Bedlam to not fight back a mocking kiss. But, this kiss was different… It felt… More like the kisses he received from his trinemates. And this helped ease the Seeker, and allow the tank to finish.

"Stay safe, Starscream. Be careful and stay out of trouble."

"It's as if you don't know me at all."

"And take care of those sparklings." He placed a servo over Starscream's abdominal plates.

Starscream looked down, feeling his daughters kicking inside of him, then back at the tank. "Mayhem… Would you d-do me the honor of being the godsire to m-my femmlings?" He inquired as his wings perked.

Mayhem quickly nodded, biting back a sob. "Y-yes, Starscream. I would love that."

"Then it's done. Thank you, Mayhem. F-for everything. You b-be careful. P-play nice with the other younglings a-and tear out the optics of y-your enemies lest they w-watch you in your recharge. Kill swiftly and brutally so your enemies fear a-and cower before you, and let n-not their weapons strike you. Fly safe and true until w-we meet again, and the wind forever be at y-your back, and the wind guide your w-wings in whatever skies you may f-fly. Until we fly together once m-more, keep your blade sh-sharp and soaked in energon, a-and the helms of your enemies on y-your wall."

Mayhem's optics widened some, but soon he realized that this was a Seeker farewell, and that this was acceptance, odd acceptance, but acceptance none-the-less.

"Thanks, Starscream. Um… You also fly safe and… Collect decapitated helms and… Kill the bad people."

Starscream giggled, his wings fluttering. "I shall. Bye, Mayhem of Valvolux. Until the winds guide us back t-together, stay safe and well."

"I will. Be careful yourself."

Starscream snuggled against the tank who hugged him, before sliding off the grounder's lap. The flier walked towards the energy bars, Mayhem's optics locked on those swaying hips and that pert, luscious aft.

"Love you." It just came out of the grounder, and he quickly felt embarrassed.

Starscream perked his wings as he looked back. He sheepishly smiled, wings lowering some. "See you, Mayhem. Thank you… For everything."

The bars dissipated and the sultry creature exited before they appeared once again. Mayhem swallowed feeling stupid about blurting that out. But, little Mayhem made his need known regardless of how the rest of Mayhem felt.

"Fine… You win again." Mayhem grunted as he folded away his codpiece, lied on his back, and went to work with that stunning Seeker on his processor.

Hope walked alongside his carrier holding his servo, the two were being escorted out of their cell, having just packed their belongings. The adult Seeker's wrists were manacled, his wings low, and he wouldn't make optic contact with anyone. Ratchet had checked them both a couple of joors prior and ensured they were optimal health for the journey as well as their new life. The twins were still alive and healthy, and Ratchet gave Starscream his first anti virus update for his sparklings' health.

The loud clacking of thruster heels sounded as the two Seekers were led for the first time outside, and onto a landing platform. Starscream offlined his optics, letting his scans and sensors feel and enjoy the wondrous sensation of the warm sun, the cool air, and the wind… His wings felt wind on them for the first time in stellar cycles.

The Decepticon and his creation were herded onto a ship, and the Alpha Seeker carefully sat down on a seat, a servo over his abdominal plates as he felt his twins moving inside of him. Hope sat on his lap, and an Autobot tethered the Seeker's wrists to the chair's arms.

Starscream and Hope hugged each other as they looked outside the window, watching the ground grow distant as the ship began its flight, it rattling and shaking until it was finally off the ground. Hope anxiously looked around, never having been on a spaceship before. Starscream purred his engine, pressing his brow against his son's, the two comforting each other as they headed to whatever lied ahead of them.

It took only a couple of cycles before the ship began to descend, their destination nearing. Starscream hugged Hope closer, terrified of what waited for them. All they could see outside the window was a ruined city in the process of being restored, but Starscream couldn't tell which city it was. They all looked the same at this point. The war had done its toll on all of Cybertron.

The ship landed, and the Seeker's perked their wings as they patiently waited in their seat. The Autobot guard approached, unchained Starscream from the chair, and gestured for him to stand. Starscream did so, holding Hope, the Seekerlet's legs over his carrier's hips and arms wrapped around Starscream's neck.

Starscream was led to the door of the ship, watching as the ramp slowly lowered. The guard then began to remove Starscream's manacles.

"Remember, Starscream, you got that chip in your helm so even if you do run you can be tracked." the Autobot reminded him.

Starscream swallowed, recalling how Ratchet had put that in during their final checkup. "Please… D-don't do this…" Starscream quietly begged, beginning to tremble, terrified of what waited for him and his small family.

"Prime's orders." The Autobot finished removing the manacles and stepped aside. "Walk. And don't look back. Your owner is straight ahead."

Starscream's wings drooped, looking down that ramp, the sunlight blinding outside from this dark interior. He swallowed, trembling, feeling his son clinging tightly to him.

"We'll face this t-together." Starscream whispered before taking his first step down the ramp.

Clack. Clack. Clop. Clack. Clack. Clop.

Thruster heels sounded loudly on the ramp before stepping onto the landing platform, the sunlight bearing down on Starscream's vibrant body, and brightly reflecting off their plates.

It took his optics a moment to adjust, not use to being in this powerful light in so long, but when they did he saw before him something he never thought he would.

Seekers. There were Seekers. All of his Seekers were there. They were separated, gathered on either side of the invisible pathway that he had to follow to his new master. But, there were Seekers. Silent, and watchful Seekers.

Starscream swallowed, not sure if they would attack or not. After all, he was the Alpha who had been missing for stellar cycles. They might of claimed a new Alpha and then that Alpha would challenge him and he would have to fight. And, being so heavily sparked it was a fight he would lose and be quickly killed.

But they didn't move. They didn't challenge him. All their wings were neutral or low. And they looked… Surprised, concerned, and even… Happy.

Starscream looked down, not wanting to make optic contact with any of them. He resumed his walk, carrying his son still, down the pathway that they lined. The Seeker's neared, wanting to be as close as possible, but giving him space, still. Starscream continued walking, wings low, feeling so anxious. He heard them whispering, wings were perking, then he saw… Seekerlets. Lots of Seekerlets.

They were all younger than Hope, but there were so many Seekerlets. Then, he began to recognize his Seekers with their designations as his processor began to clear. He saw Contrail, and there was Nacelle. The bright yellow one led him to Hotlink and his trinemates Bitstream and Sunstorm. And then Acid Storm, Ion Storm, and Nova Storm. And Wheezing Arrow, and Elevon, and Nightstrike, and Eclipse, and Turbulence, and Stormrunner, and… His Seekers. He knew all his Seekers. Not the youngling though.

Hope perked his wings as he watched the other Seekerlets all around, and saw so many of his own kind. It felt… Surreal. As if he and his carrier were the only of their kind in the world for so long, and now there were so many of them. All the bright colors, the large wings, the powerful creatures gathered here in silent support of the last of their kind to return home.

Starscream kept walking, nearing the end of this long march to his master. He looked up, then stopped, wings perking. Then, they lowered as he began to sob, the coolant pouring from his optics as his body shook, wings trembling so hard.

He wasn't sure if he ran to them, or they to him, or both, but in a hazy moment he suddenly found himself being held by them. He was a bawling mess when they kissed him on the cheekplates, when he smelled that familiar scent, then heard them crying themselves. And how they hugged him… As tightly as they could, as if he would disappear once more if they ever released him.

"We have you. You're never leaving us again, Starscream. We love you so much." Thundercracker cried as he held onto Starscream with all the love he possessed for his mate.

"Don't ever disappear again, Scree." Skywarp was bawling, his face pressed into Starscream's, his body quaking from all the emotions he was experiencing.

Starscream couldn't speak, he just cried, letting them ravage his faceplates with kisses, nuzzles, and soft face rubs. Then, he saw his master. He saw the one who had bought him. Who had bought all of them and had kept them safe, here in Vos. He saw him and knew he was truly safe, truly free, and knew Bedlam would never get to him again.

Skywarp took Hope away from Starscream, holding the smiling Seekerlet so that his carrier could meet their owner. Starscream couldn't get himself to step forward, just standing there crying as the Autobot got down on a knee and took his servos in his.

"You're safe, Starscream. No one will hurt you ever again. All of you are safe and free here."

Starscream's knees gave out and the Autobot caught him, the two hugging each other firmly, both crying. Both trembling, and both so thankful and happy to be reunited once more.

"You're safe. He will never hurt you again. No one will." Skyfire softly, but firmly spoke to the survivor of such a heinous act. To the last one needing to be rescued, now having all of the survivors of the war. "You and your sparklings are safe. I have you, now. No one else ever will."

And Starscream knew he spoke the truth.

The End

And that is the end of Screaming Silence. Thank you every for reading, sharing, leaving reviews, and telling me how much you hate me! XD

And, obviously I'm still alive! I'll explain how saving my cat went after I discuss the chapter.

So, Mayhem got 7.5 years of prison, Scalpel got 9 years of prison, Brakelight 25 years of prison, Bedlam 31 years of prison, and the rest got 12.5 years of prison. And given how long Cybertronians live this is equivalent to a human spending a few days in prison for raping and murdering someone.

Why did they get such jokes as punishments? Because that is what happens to non-human animals. Due to them not having their rights, all because humans want to eat, exploit, wear, abuse, and use them, they are viewed as "property" and not equals. And thus people only get a few days of prison or no prison at all for killing 50 dogs, setting horses on fire, etc. And I am talking about actual cases. You can follow me on my Facebook page where I post this stuff daily (The Vegan Dragon on Facebook in the page to "Like." Just made it this month (March 2019) and it's the FB page to my website I should have done this summer, thevegandragon . com.). And this is all because of carnists. Because of the belief that some lives matter less than others. Because humans want to eat and exploit living beings.

So long as people are eating and using animals they won't get their rights, and in turn neither will us humans. The world must go vegan for this to end.

Starscream and other Seekers are viewed as "animals" in regards to how humans who think they are "superior" view non-human animals. That's why the owning Starscream wasn't found as guilty. Because it's not illegal to "own" animals. So, owning Starscream was not illegal, nor owning Hope. And that's why Skyfire legally owns the Seekers.

So, if you are pissed that Starscream's abusers only got a few days in jail for what he did, then go vegan. Because people kill, rape, and abuse animals the same way or worse and either are punished with a small fine or nothing at all. This is why when an animal abuser get's 20 years us animal rights activist cheer so hard. Because even though it's still nothing for the crimes, it's better than anything we will get in this sick, twisted time.

Specieism must end if we are ever to get our equal rights and peace on this cruel world.

The abduction was not guilty because the war was still going on so therefore it was taking a prisoner. Also, again, not abduction if an animal according to the fucked up law!

And everything Starscream was saying about being a sentient person with rights, feelings, and needing justice is an echo of what all non-human animals are screaming at us. They are being horribly abused, raped, beaten, killed, and exploited, when they are sentient, loving, intelligent beings who need their rights, just as humans do. "In our capacity to suffer a dog is a bear is a whale is a boy." - Phillip Wollen, former CEO of CitiBank, Vegan.

"The belief that some lives matter less than others is the root of all evil."

"The question isn't 'can they reason' nor 'can they think,' but rather, 'can they suffer?" - Jeremy Bentham

"As long as man will massacre animals they will kill each other." - Leonardo da Vinci, Vegan.

The anti-virus thing Ratchet gave Starscream for his twins is the vaccines pregnant women get to give their babies immunity until they are old enough for the full vaccine. This ensures babies won't die from Whooping Cough or Measles for the first 3 months of life when they will be able to get proper vaccines. Anti-vaccers, of course, rather children die so don't do this. But, if you're ever pregnant or know someone who is, tell them to get their pregnancy vaccines when in the third trimester. This is LITERALLY a matter of life or death.

And Starscream is not in love with Mayhem. Fucking hell, you people are the worst shippers...

And some of you assholes guessed the ending or some parts of it for a while now. A big FUCK YOU to you people. You know who you are! :P But, did this ending surprise anyone? Were you guys crying? What were your emotions?

That ending scene has been played in my mind a thousand times. Ever since I first thought of this story over 2 years ago I've envisioned that ending. So nice to FINALLY write it out.

As for what happens after this ending... Well, Starscream buried his dead babies in Vos, he has his twins, he and his trinemates and Skyfire, and Seekers all live happily ever after, and Starscream handles his depression, madness, effects of the stroke, etc. And Mayhem does see Starscream again.

Really, you can make your own ending, but that is my official ending to it for what happens afterwards. As for what happens with the abusers and if Starscream and Mayhem ever have babies, and all of that... You guys can decide for yourselves. I ain't got time to think about that! XD I gots other fics to write!

OKAY, NOW UPDATE ON LIFE:

So, as I said before, I am obviously alive! :D Not that happy since death means being with Maggie and Genevieve again in heaven, but for now...

I got Star back. My last baby who was with my evil, abusive parents is SAFE. I got her and my remaining property. I am finally free from my abusers. I never have to deal with them ever again.

Pray that they NEVER get anymore non-human animals because they don't care. They force them to live outside, give them NO medical care, nor feed them properly, and they just don't care. They even say that anyone who spends money on non-human animals is "insane" and "shouldn't have them." They are proud animal and child abusers.

Star is sick. She might have kidney disease. It's not an immediate death sentence but it will require medicine and a lot of care. She also has her asthma that has NEVER been treated in her 17 years of life. And any of you who suffer from asthma or know someone who does can guess how miserable that must be to not have been given asthma medicine ever.

It's going to be expensive and I'll need donations. Go to my FB page I said above to see a link to the GOFUNDME (if you go there and don't see it you may have gone there before I made it). Reminder to the people of the future this is March 2019.

Whenever I get my deviantART account back I will post it there too. Fighting right now for that. Finally was able to speak to a supervisor and they claim that "hostile" actions were being done on my account. Which makes zero sense... If me peacefully educating people about veganism or sharing dragon art is "hostile," then what about these cyberbullies writing polemics about me, hacking other users, posting child porn, sending death and rape threats, and non-stop harassment called? Like, WTF?

If you wish to help me fight for my account back which was banned for no reason (I think these cyberbullies just falsely reported me non-stop...) feel free to contact dA staff and tell them to give Ga-Maleven back her account and that the real bullies are those attacking me and other users, and all I did was try to block and ignore them, and had to contact police over this!

Anyway, go to "The Vegan Dragon" on Facebook to find that link. AO3 users will get a direct link here, and Fanfic users can go to homepage for it.

This money will go to helping Star's vet bills, Zephyr's vet bills (She has those bladder stones...), and also help me with rent. After spending so much to try and Save Maggie and Genevieve I just don't have anymore savings... I spent about $12,000 in three years trying to save them from the abuse of my evil parents. I need help. :(

Star is doing well other than being very skinny, arthritis forming, needing her asthma medicine (this is $2,000 a year alone...), and recovering from the hell she lived in. But, I NEVER gave up on my baby. Almost 6 years fighting and I finally have her. This is also why we need veganism. So non-human animals like my babies won't be kept away from their loving mothers all because they are viewed as "property" and therefore kept with evil, abusive parents. Because children also are viewed as "property."

Star has a giant cat tree, raised feeder, and her own area now where Zephyr is not able to reach her, and my desk is right there so she can get to me anytime. I even got a special backpack so she can go hiking with me and Zephyr since she LOVES adventures.

My heart will always ache that she was not able to see her best friend, Maggie, one last time before her passing... None of this is right.

I will now send an official "Fuck You" Email to my parents. I have wanted to tell them this for my entire life. These monsters who did horrible, heinous acts on me, my siblings, and my babies. These monsters who constantly Email and call me to tell me to die and burn in hell for being gay, for being a peaceful vegan, and claiming to be Christians when God does not want us to kill and eat animals, nor be abusive and cruel to ANYONE. They are not Christians. I'm Christian. They are monsters.

I will finally be able to tell them to go die, then block them on my phone and Email. I already had on FB years ago, but this will be official. And remember: Bedlam was based off my father. Remember: A Prince of Vos has much of my childhood in it. That alone tells you everything about how cruel and evil my parents are. And why you need to be happy I am doing this and not think I'm "ungrateful" or some shit.

I'm jealous of people who do have good parents. I will never be able to understand people having a good relationship with their parents nor loving them, because I only have known pain, hatred, abuse, fear, and disrespect from mine. They assaulted me when I did get Star and the last of my property.

But, I am finally free. And it's time to do what I've dreamed of for years. Fuck you, to the killers and abusers of my babies. Fuck you to the cunts who justify their callous and cruelty towards others by trying to make God the devil, when He weeps at what you are doing.

So, please, donate, share the GoFundMe, and GO VEGAN.

But, most importantly, know this: Screaming Silence is about animals being abused by humans. Starscream is all the non-human animals and Bedlam is the animal abuser, and his friends the carnists, and Mayhem that one who goes vegan.

That is what Screaming Silence is about. And why it's called that. The animals are screaming, but they are silenced by a sick society, lies from the cruel industries that exploit them, and the selfishness of those who refuse to listen. They are raped, beaten, locked away, bred, their babies killed in front of their mothers, pissed on, forced to live in their own feces, mutilated, viewed as property, have no justice, no rights, and have no choice of their own. Everything that happened to Starscream happens to animals in the meat, dairy, egg, fur, leather, and wool industries. To what happens to animals in labs, in circuses, in zoos and aquariums, in rodeos, in racing, in all forms of animal abuse and exploitation. Go to adaptt . org to learn more (until my website is made...)

Go vegan. That's the moral of this fic.

I hope you enjoyed it and hope you read my other fics, or if you have, you look forward to what's next. :)