Darkest Hour

by Phantom

Chapter Twenty-Two

So much was happening so fast that it made Optimus Prime's head spin. While he remained the Autobot leader, Rodimus kept the matrix, for it was no longer a symbol of leadership but one of survival, and it was Rodimus' function to carry it. Rodimus and Starscream, who had been given an instinctive mutual understanding, had lead the negotiations that they insisted were necessary for their own survival. Peace was a long way off, to be sure, but a cease-fire seemed close at hand. He was constantly surprised by Megatron. Some days it was spooky how much they agreed upon, and other days it seems that they couldn't even agree on the seating arrangement, and Starscream and Rodimus had to restrain the two before they came to blows.

Mirage had come to him, also wishing to participate in the peace talks. Optimus had been aghast when he learned the reason why. "You've been helping the Decepticons all these years?" he cried. "Cliffjumper was right! You *are* a traitor!"

Mirage winced at the words. "Perhaps you are right, in that I do not fully believe in the Autobot cause. I think that the Decepticons have some good points too, and I would help them occasionally when I believed that the Autobots had lost sight of their goals. Please let me help. I understand the way both factions think, and I think that we can reach a compromise.

Prime nodded reluctantly, regarding his soldier with suspicion. His trust in Mirage, while never absolute, had been badly shaken. Anyone who would help their enemies willingly could not be loyal to the Autobot cause.

Mirage shook his head sadly as his leader stalked off. Peace could never be within their grasp as long as Optimus refused to accept the Decepticon point of view as legitimate, even though he didn't have to believe in it. He knew that Prime would never trust him again, and he was saddened by it, but his willingness to listen to both sides made him an ideal mediator.

Improvisational boundaries had been drawn up on the planet, most mirroring the situation during the war. The Decepticons had reluctantly surrendered Iacon to the Autobots, who had to live somewhere, and relocated to the familiar spires of Polyhex. Negotiations were still going on over who got what. It was a sticky issue, since the Decepticons had rebuilt most of Cybertron, but they had used some of the Autobots' resources, as well as manpower, and the Autobots were now assisting in repairing the damage wrought by Unicron. Grapple, Hoist, and the Constructicons were in heaven, comparing designs and schematics, trying to design the most impressive and long-lasting structures yet. With their combined forces, the results had been impressive, to say the least.

The matter of Crystal and Thundercracker's relationship had been discussed endlessly through the gossip circuit. At last the two of them had found time to sit down and talk about their situation.

"You know that Megatron has extended the invitation to let us live in the Darkmount fortress," Thundercracker stated.

"Yes, I know," Crystal said softly. "But I don't want to be treated like a prisoner in my own home."

Thundercracker nodded sympathetically. "I understand completely, but Megatron will not let you out of his sight. And I have no wish to become an Autobot, despite Optimus Prime's offer. I belong with the Decepticons. They took me in and accepted me, and I owe them my life."

Crystal nodded thoughtfully. She was prepared to tell him of her decision. "I do not expect you to leave the Decepticons. That is why I have decided to join them."

"What?!!" Thunder gasped. He was sure that his audios were malfunctioning.

Crystal's optics flooded with tears as she clutched at his hand for support. "The Autobots have hurt me so much, taken away my identity. I tried to believe in their cause, but I have suffered so much to defend it. I can't bear that kind of suffering again. I am willing to join the Decepticons."

"But -- but Megatron--"

"I have already spoken to Megatron about it. We have agreed that I will be placed on probationary status and barred from accessing sensitive information until my loyalty can be proven. My part of the bargain was to insure the safety of our child, and to insist that I am treated with respect, despite my former actions. Any male who so much as leers at me will get a kick to the interface unit."

Thunder winced slightly at that last remark, but he couldn't help admiring her strength and determination. "I love you so much, Crystal. I'll do anything to make you happy."

Crystal embraced him, feeling his hand on her belly, where the child grew. "I just know that we can make this work."

Chapter Twenty-Three

Optimus Prime raced down the corridor to medbay, hearing the tortured screams of his mate. The four months of her pregnancy had done wonders for her libido. She had been responsive before, but some chemical involved must have done something, for she had become insatiable, constantly dragging him away from his desk to their new quarters. And, since Rodimus had gained a lot of respect and held so much authority, he had taken over for his leader without question. Though Prime still hated the knowing look on his face, and the amused smirk did not help matters. 'Just wait 'till you have babies!' he would fume.

Right now, that was exactly what Alita was doing. Prime dashed into medbay, hurrying over to her side. He was appalled at the sight of her gripping the sides of the bed in agony. He reached out for her hand, wincing as she squeezed it in a vicelike grip, but he did not give any outward sign of his pain. It was nothing compared to hers.

Alita's huge, distended stomach was literally ripping apart. It was splitting down the middle, and while the circuitry had been slightly deadened when the seam had formed in the middle, sensation had not been totally lost. Her lower body rose off the bed as another stab of pain struck. Her neck arched as she let out a shriek.

"Hold on, Alita!" Optimus said urgently. "It's almost over." He felt profound guilt at seeing her this way, for he had played a part in creating her pain.

Ratchet and First Aid were bent over her, wiping away the birthing fluid that leaked out of the cavity and waiting for the baby to appear. "There's a hand!" Ratchet cried in amazement.

The hand forced its way through the opening, clenching in the air. "Come on, little fella!" First Aid urged. The hand was soon followed by an arm, and then a shoulder. Ratchet gently took hold of the arm and tugged, while First Aid held the sides of the opening out of the way. Slowly the child was removed from its housing. Ratchet held it aloft in the air, still covered with the nourishing placental fluid.

"Oh!" Alita cried, slumping back against the bed as the agony subsided. She looked worn out, utterly exhausted, yet content. She watched with interest as Ratchet held the baby and First Aid gently wiped him off. Then he was brought over to her waiting arms.

"Hello, there," Alita cooed at the bundle that was deposited into her arms.

Optimus felt his emotions overwhelm him. "He's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" he choked. Alita smiled up at him, and he leaned over for a one-armed hug.

Megatron stood inside the doorway, shaking his head. This whole pregnancy thing had him utterly mystified. He hoped he'd never have a nagging woman and an obnoxious rugrat. Still, he couldn't deny the twinge of jealousy he felt as Optimus Prime took the newborn into his arms.

Optimus marveled at the tiny bundle. Everything was so small, yet perfectly formed. The baby gazed up at him and smiled. "I think I'll name him Star Saber," he said thoughtfully.

"Star Saber?" Alita laughed. "I don't know where you got that from, but I kind of like it." They smiled at each other, a united, happy family.

Chapter Twenty-Four

A large group of Autobots, primarily females, were gathered at the gates of Iacon to say goodbye. Crystal smiled at them all, surprised that so many had come to see her off. Although most of her days spent with them had been filled with pain and confusion, most of them had been kind, friendly, and supportive. She knew that she would miss them very much.

"Good luck," Firestar whispered, squeezing her hand.

"We'll miss you," Moonracer added, wiping away a tear.

"You'll always have a home here with us," Chromia assured her.

Crystal was a bit overwhelmed. "Thanks, you guys. It's good to know that someone cares about me."

Alita looked extremely uncomfortable as she approached, with Star Saber in her arms. She still wore her large belly, which covered a normal flat stomach being generated by her automatic repair systems. The opening in her front had been sealed shut, but the protrusion would not be removed for about a week. She stared at the ground, not knowing what to say.

Crystal placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, amazed at how things had changed between them. "I understand," she said softly. "In some bizarre way, I'll miss you too."

The tattered remains of her composure crumbled at those words, and Alita let out a choked sob as tears began to flow down her face. Optimus put an arm around her as she buried her face in his side. "I can't ever apologize enough for how you've been treated," he said regretfully. "You are always welcome back here anytime, even to visit, but I know that this is not the place for you. There are too many bad memories."

Crystal grasped his hand as he pumped it solemnly in the Earth tradition. She still looked up to him and respected him, but her crush on him was gone. She knew now that he was not perfect, nor could he save her from her life, which was up to her to control.

The high whine of jet engines echoed through the air. Crystal broke away from her friends as Thundercracker descended and transformed. "Ready, my love?" he asked.

She smiled, feeling as if she could burst with happiness. "Ready, my love!" she said confidently. She felt the baby shift position. It was ready to come into this world any day now.

She laughed with abandon as Thundercracker scooped her up in his arms, ever careful of the large bulge protruding from her midsection, and took off into the air, heading for home.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Optimus laughed out loud. It was now his turn to drag Alita off to their quarters. She had had her large stomach removed yesterday. It was supposed to have fallen off after a week, but it had not detached completely, so Hook had used a combination laser cutter/blowtorch to finish the job. Prime had been amazed -- there was not a single mark on his beloved, and she had suffered little pain. Though he was a braggart, Hook's skills were something to admire. And luckily, the ladies had been more than happy to babysit, although there were a few titters from those who knew why their parents were going to be occupied.

"What are you doing?" Alita squealed as he yanked her inside, the automatic door sliding closed behind them. "I have things to do!"

"Now you know what it feels like to be interrupted," Optimus said teasingly. "Besides, where's that girl you promised me?"

"I never promised you a girl!" Alita laughed as Prime began to remove her outer armor. "If you think I'm going to go through that torture again, you've got a second thought coming!"

"You're not going to make me carry it myself, are you?" Prime teased.

"That's not such a bad idea -- oh! What are you doing?"

Prime's only response was a low chuckle.

"By Primus, you're voracious!"

The playful laughter echoed throughout the room. Passerby smiled knowingly, understanding what was going on inside. They were pleased that their leader was in such a good mood. It also seemed that he was bent on insuring the survival of the species alone, and they knew that there was going to be another infant on the way.

Finis

Yes! It's done!!!!! Hooray!

(places steaming fingers under cold running water)

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