Survivor

Slipstream slid to the floor between the two older Decepticons and lowered her gaze; “I hope I am to your liking,” she murmured. Darminion smiled and strode past the submissive child, and towards the large male behind her. Did she just ignore me? - the young femme mentally questioned the woman’s actions.

“It’s been a long while, Starscream. But I can’t stay long… Perhaps, once Megatron cools off a little, we can meet… somewhere private.” Darminion raked a single claw down Starscream’s cockpit, seemingly oblivious to her daughter’s presence. Slipstream shuddered and stood up, flexing her wings; “I’m right here!” The two larger jets looked to the youth. “Yes… Come, my darling child, we shall talk.” The Decepticon queen intertwined her arm with the other and took a final glance back to the Air Commander.
“Another time…”

~~~

The two walked silently along the moon’s surface.
Slipstream was still somewhat put off by the adults’ display just moments ago, and was now even more uncomfortable alone with a femme she’s never met. “I always knew we’d make attractive offspring.” The youngling paused mid step and glared after the queen; “Please…”

“I apologize for being so forward. I’m sure this isn’t how your ideal mother is supposed to act…”

“No. I’m just disappointed in how Starscream failed to mention you.”

“Ah, I see… But it was for your own good. The Fallen would’ve had you and your siblings destroyed, and Megatron would’ve surely devoured any hope of his second in command succeeding where he could not.”

“And you? Are you pleased with how things turned out?”

Darminion fell silent once more and glanced to the rising Earth.
“Yes. For me - it is less to worry about, especially now.” Slipstream scowled at the elder female. “Anyway, you were curious about something, yes?” the queen inquired, smiling as the youth nodded slowly. “Very well. I will tell you… When carriers are ready, they will emit odorless pheromones that are only sensed by male Cybertronians. Keep in mind, not only females are capable of carrying… It causes even the most obedient of mechs to drop everything and focus on continuing their genetic line; fights occur and if the carrier isn’t ready mentally - the mechs would wait as long as it takes, but some refuse to… and well, I’m sure you can figure that out.

It could take several sessions to impregnate a carrier. All males produce nanites that are transferred via Tran fluid, and once penetrated - the carrier’s spark will release a bundle of genetic material that will travel to the gestational chamber, where it will meet with the nanites, and a single nanite will fuse with the energy and create the new spark, while the rest of the nanites work off the genetic code to build the chassis around it. Gestation lasts thirty days. When it’s time for the hatchling, the paneling will open and the creature will crawl out… and cling to any available. There - it will create a cocoon and continue its development… It’s normal for the carriers to remain by the pods and even the sires will show concern - it all depends on the mech or femme. Seekers, however, are prone to protecting their offspring fiercely, despite their Decepticon heritage. All Cybertronians are capable of acting on instinct - sentient or not, we are still beasts in the eyes of most.”

Slipstream remained motionless, taking in every last bit of information.
“So, I don’t really have a choice, do I?” she asked, averting her gaze to the lunar surface. Darminion frowned and gave a light shrug of her shoulders. “But don’t worry - we’ll set you up with a nice mech.” “What?!” The queen grinned and started to walk away when she heard the soft rumble of weapons being powered. Slipstream aimed her gun at the other female, “I will not have my life lived for me. Not anymore.”

“Now, Slipstream - you are your father’s daughter. It makes me proud to have given him such an heir.”

“You never loved Starscream…”

“You don’t have to love. When the time comes, you’ll see. You will put it off and put it off until you can’t stand it…”

“…you’re no mother of mine, Darminion.”

“-but she is to me.”

It was then, Slipstream felt the barrel of a null ray against her helm. “Apollo? What are you doing?” She felt the pressure and winced, not wanting to believe her own brother would kill her. “Something I should’ve done a long time ago. I plan on being Starscream’s successor and when he’s finally scrapped by Megatron, I will take over as second-in-command and finish the bastard off myself.” “What about Sunstorm? And the rest of Starscream’s trine?” Apollo hissed and brought his other hand to the side of her helm, firmly holding her in place. “Sunstorm is far too stupid to realize anything, and as for the other two - I’m sure Darminion can figure something out.”

Slipstream glanced to her mother, noticing the small smirk forming. “We need more Seekers, after all…” he added. The young femme trembled with fear and anger. “And we’ll add your little boyfriend to the harem as well!” No. This couldn’t be happening to her. It was all just a nightmare. It had to be. Where was her father? Her uncles? She wanted to cry out for them, but her voice failed to register.

Miller…