Note: Sorry for the delay, but wanted to at least put some work on the next few chapters to make sure that the stories line up. If you're a fan of Starscream, I would apologize but he's just so easy to have fun with. (BTW what is up with all the stuff I had in bold being uploaded with no spaces? So if all the bold stuff looks weird or something...you know why.)

Insert standard disclaimer about not owning Transformers and no money was made doing this. Also, if there is a company call Southern Star Technologies this has nothing to do with them. I Just made the name up.

Chapter 14: SeaDove's Song

Starscream woke up in a barely lit room to the sound of dripping water. As he laid there on the ground, dull pain filled his entire form and his energy levels were dangerously low. His internal repair systems must have been working overtime to drain him so much. As he sat up, he noticed that someone had attempted to straighten his arm. Seeing that his null ray was no longer attached, he briefly panicked but then the noticed weapons on the ground not far from him. He took hold of one and attempted to re-attach it, but his arm was too badly damaged. Looking around the dimly lit room, he noticed that he appeared to be in a badly damaged hanger with the added feature of a water entrance. The hanger doors were blocked by boulders and broken concrete that when he looked up that he could see the raw stone proving the room was inside a mountain or perhaps even underground. He also noted the small, colorful lights lining the ceiling that seem to be the only source of light.

He carefully stood up to explore the room further and apparently triggered a motion sensor because the main lights came to life. The sudden brightness briefly overloaded his optic sensors forcing him to darken them and attempt to cover them with his damage hand. Once his eyes grew use to the light, Starscream explored his surroundings. The first thing that took his real notice was the wall harness similar to the ones used by those cursed she-bots that have been the bane of his existence. On the wall , next to the harness was a large cabinet of some sort. The next thing he noticed was the security cameras that were located in each corner, but appeared to be offline.

Already growing tired, he walked over to the nearest wall and, with his back to it, slid down to sit on the ground facing the pool of water. Since the doors were completely blocked, that seemed to be the only remaining entrance. Even as helpless as he currently was, he be damned if he let whoever brought him here sneak up on him. As he waited, he tried to think of some way to return to the base or at least find out where here was so that...no matter how much it galled him…to call for help.

A splashing sound brought his full attention back to the pool as a sea-green she-bot pulled herself out of the water. She seemed to be of the same basic design as Nightbird and the others, but thinner and sleeker. She seemed to be designed to move more easily in water.

Tilting her head to the side, she noticed that her guest was awake. Dripping, she walked over and knelt down next to the Decepticon. She tilted her head again and made to touch the damaged arm. Instinctively, Starscream pulled away and moved to push her away with his one good arm. Her amber eyes seemed to briefly frown, but then she seemed to understand that he was still in pain as her eyes took on a look of understanding and empathy. She then began to sing a wordless, calming lullaby. Starscream's pain and aggression faded as her song filled the room, calming him to the point of going into sleep mode.

(Close to the Western Australian Coastline, Southern Star Technologies Testing Facility)

"There you go, Prime, as good as new, "said Ratchet as he made a few last adjustments to the side of Optimus Prime's neck.

"Thank you, Ratchet, "said Prime, "How are the others."

"Almost all are banged up to some extent, "he said with a serious tone as he put away his laser tool, "Sparkplug is going around now to see which one's need to be worked on now and who can make it back to base for repairs."

A man and a woman wearing lab coats over khaki outfits walked over to the two Autobots. Making the introductions, the man said with a noticeable Australian accent, "Thanks for helping us out there mate. I'm Doctor Evan Stevens and this is my lovely wife and partner, Doctor Terri Stevens."

"Pleasure to meet you both, "said Prime, "Since the fighting seems to be over, would you mind telling us why the Deceptions attacked?"

The couple glanced at each other and it was Terri Stevens that answered with a more American accent, "We thought you knew…Didn't Mr. Drake inform you of the SeaDove?"

"And cue the sinking feeling, "said Ratchet.

"We knew the SeaDove was located here in Western Australia but were told her components were in storage at a facility just outside of Perth, "answered Prime.

"That was the plan…but that changed once we were able to get some data from both the British and American companies, "said Terri.

Evans then added, "The gal was the same as completed a little under a month ago, but we need to fine tune her AI. We were working on that when the Decepticons first started blasting us the other day. We were able to thankfully hold em off long enough for you guys to show up."

"So that's why they fought so hard and long, "mumbled Prime who then more clearly asked, "Is the SeaDove secure?"

"We're not exactly sure yet, "said Terri, "The above ground entrance to her hanger was blocked and destroyed in the first wave of the attack. We are waiting to ensure everyone is safe and that the attacks are truly over before attempting to reach her via the underwater entrance.

"I just hope she didn't go wondering off on her own with no one there keeping an eye on her, "grumbled Evans.

"Wondering off on her own…"said Ratchet, "She's activated? I thought you said you were still working on her AI?"

"Weeeellllll, we thought we were done,"said Terri rubbing the back of her neck, as if embarrassed, "But the she didn't turn out as we expected."

A guard came up and whispered something into Evan's ear. With a frustrated look, Evans said, "Sorry, but it seems that the local authorities are here asking questions which only one of us can answer. "

"We understand, "said Prime, but obviously wanting some answers.

"Go on, "said Terri to her husband, "You're better dealing with the locals than I am and I can explain what makes SeaDove…special."

Evans placed a kiss on his wife's cheek and said, "You're the best, Love" before walking off with the guard.

"About SeaDove, "Terri started as she walked over to a large piece of broken concrete and sat down on it, "we acquired a copy the Stormlark's AI and make some adjustments to it. We had hoped that despite not being a completely original personality the modifications would make enough of a difference that it wouldn't matter."

It was now Prime's and Ratchet's turn to glance at each other as if sharing a secret. It was Ratchet who had to ask, "That didn't work did it?"

"Yes and no, "said Terri shrugged, "She thinks for herself and there is intelligence of a sort, but…she is like a child that was raised in isolation with little or no human contact, but without the fear of strangers. We know she can think for herself and is aware of others as well as her environment by how she acts, but it's almost as if she has absolutely no experience. This would be understandable since she was basically born when she was activated, except that the Stormlark did not have the same problems. We have no idea how the Magess girl was able to program in so much experience and we don't know how we could have lost that sort of information with the minimum changes that were made. She seems to be acquiring the needed life experience at a rapid pace. Growing up or maturing, from an infant mentality to that of a four or five year old in less than a month but has yet to speak a single word."

"So you basically have a full sized robot, with the mind of a challenged child, "said Ratchet remembering Nightbird's imprisonment, "that might be all alone in a dark, dank cave."

"That 'cave' is her home. It is safest and most comforting place for her, "said Terri defensively, "She has enough energy for days even if her charging harness is damaged or is not getting power. The room designed specifically for her so she can't easily damage herself. Most likely she's in there playing with her toys and perhaps humming one of her melodies to pass the time."

"Humming?" asked Prime.

"Being the marine member of the team, SeaDove was designed to handle underwater depths that would challenge most submarines and has a unique sonar system to navigate the darker waters. What makes the sonar special is that it can be adjusted by her into ranges not normally used by submarines. She's somehow figured out how to use it to sing strange melodies. We haven't bother stopping her since doesn't seem to hurt anything and in fact can be very calming when someone is stressed, "Terri laughed and added, "So calming that she has lulled more than one tech to sleep while they should have been working. Or at least that's what they claim."

(An hour or so later,at the nearby beach)

"Did I ever tell you how much I hate salt water?" grumbled Huffer, "Let's not forget about the sand. The damn stuff just gets into everything! It'll be weeks before I get it out of my gears and with the salt water, I'm sure to rust…"

Ratchet just smiled and gave a little hum and occasional nod to indicate he was listening. He knew that the more that Huffer complained, the less hurt he was. "That ought to do ya, "said Ratchet giving one last tap to Huffer's shoulder.

"Thanks Ratchet, "said Huffer not sounding very thankful, "Guess I should go check with Prime to see if any other worthless job I need to do. Dunno why we're helping these people, nothing good will come from it." The mini-semi truck transformed and then rolled off as Ratchet put away his tools.

Unnoticed a sea-green robot watched from behind a large outcropping of rocks. She tilted her head as if to think and then nodded. She walked around the outcropping towards Ratchet. Standing right behind him and with her arms behind her back she waited until…

Ratchet turned and yelled "Ahhhhh!" tossing what looked to be a wrench into air as he attempted to regain his balance. "By the Matrix! Where the blazes did you come from?"

SeaDove shrugged as if to say 'I dunno,' and then took hold of one of Ratchet's hands and tried to lead him towards the water. "Hold on there, Missy, "said Ratchet as he refused to be led, "The Stevens are no doubt looking for you by now."

SeaDove stomped her foot in the sand and tried pulling the Autobot once more, but Ratchet said firmly, "No, we need to get you back…"

SeaDove threw her hands up in frustration, but as they came down she titled her head and her eyes flashed briefly.

"Now come on, "said Ratchet in soothing voice as he tried to lead her towards the compound, but then froze as SeaDove began to sing. Ratchet's eyes dimmed some as the she-bot now easily led him to the water.

(Hour later, back at Southern Star)

"Hey Prime, "said Sparkplug as he walked over to the Autobot leader, "Have you seen Ratchet? I've been looking all over for him."

Prime frowned as he answered, "Not since he left with you to patch up the others."

"Strange, "shrugged Sparkplug, "Everyone else is either heading back to HQ or patched up enough to wait her to see what you plan to do. Blaster is the last guy needing repairs beyond what I can give and shouldn't be moved without Ratchet taking a look."

After overhearing the conversation, Huffer walked up and said, "Last I saw him was about an hour ago when he finished patching me up. Must have been taken or something. Knew coming here was a bad idea."

"Let's not assume the worse, Huffer, "said Prime as he brought out his helmet communicator, "Ratchet, do you hear me?...Ratchet, come in."

"Told ya, "said Huffer as he crossed his arms.

Ignoring Huffer's comment, Prime said into his communicator, "All Autobots in this area, I need you to look for Ratchet. He's not responding, so be careful. Prime out."

"I'll to speak with Steven's crew and see if anyone there might know anything, "Sparkplug volunteered and then walked off.

(SeaDove's Hanger)

Back in the hanger, SeaDove sat on the floor with her legs to one side and sang as Ratchet worked to repair Starscream.

"That should fix you up, my good friend, "said Ratchet as he put away his tools. Starscream stood up and started to twirl on one toe like a ballerina. "Thank you so much," he said as he twirled, "I feel so much better."

Overjoyed, SeaDove stopped singing and jumped up clapping.

Ratchet and Starscream stopped where they were standing and shook their heads. Then at the same time said, "What the hell am I doing? " When they saw each other, they both said, "You!" Then they each reached for their weapons only to find that they were not armed. Starscream dove to reach for his null ray only to be tackled by Ratchet.

SeaDove backed away from the fight as if surprised or unsure of the violence. While everyone in the room was distracted a small sub rose up from the pool. A net gun rose from its deck and locked into place with a loud clack. SeaDove turned just as the canon fired its net that landed on fighting Ratchet and Starscream. When the net touched the ground it sparked and then both robots started to scream in pain.

SeaDove ran over to help them, but has she touched the net she only ended up getting shocked hard enough to be knocked to the ground. With a serious look on her face, she got up and walked over to the large cabinet on the wall. Ripping it open she pulled out, cylinder that fit comfortably in her hand. She twisted the cylinder as she turned and it expanded in much the same way as Stormlark's old battle staff did, but it split into three sections on one end and the final appearance was that of a trident like shape where the prongs ran at straight angels from the center one rather than curving.

In the sub, the leader of the three man crew cussed and then ordered them to reload the net canon and this time to aim for the SeaDove who apparently was actually trying to help the aliens.

As the canons clicking noises could be heard over the screams, SeaDove was able to use her trident to pull the netting off. As Ratchet and Starscream recovered from the extreme pain, the female robot began to sing again. This time she did not sing a calming or soothing melody, but a more aggressive sounding war song. Both males went still for a moment as their faces went blank and their eyes flickered before going brighter than normal. They then picked up their respective weapons.

The net canon fired again, but Starscream fired destroying the net before it could get anywhere near the group. Ratchet sent a warning shot over the sub letting the ones on board know he was more than able to reach and sink them.

"Commander "said one of the crew "Is the SeaDove controlling them?"

"Make sure this is all being recorded, "the commander ordered.

"But, Sir, if the Autobots find out…"

The sub shook and alarms started ringing when second blast hit the water next to them.

(SouthernStar, Dr. E. Steven's Office)

In his office, Evans placed the phone in its cradle and rubbed his forehead. He wife brought up the big questions, "What should we do?"

"Blasted idiots!, "he growled, "If they just reported what SeaDove was doing, but no they had to go and try to capture test subjects."

Terri shook her head, "What were Winhurst's people doing there anyways?"

"Brits..."snorted Evans,"Some of em just can't seem to get that Britain no longer rules a worldwide empire. In any case, we can't let the Autobots know what's going on…at least not yet."

"I'll stall the Autobots, "Terri said with a serious tone, "And you go see if you can talk SeaDove down. She's always listened to you."

(About 30 minutes later, SeaDove'sHanger)

Standing up from the hatch of a small yellow sub, Evans called out, "Dove, don't be like this."

Said robot pointedly looked away from the scientist as she continued to softly sing her calming melody. SeaDove, Starscream and Ratchet were sitting on the ground in a circle with what looked to be a tea set in the middle. Starscream was pouring imaginary tea into a cup and handed it to Ratchet who accepted with a smile.

"At least let them decide for themselves if they want to play" Evans continued trying.

SeaDove looked down briefly and then shook her head negatively just before accepting her own cup of 'tea.' Taking a sip she nodded once toward Starscream as if saying how good it tasted.

Evans pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "I can't believe I am seeing this." He then made to step fully out of the sub but when he did, SeaDove's song changed. The very noticeable sound of weapons powering up filled the air and when Evens slowly turned his head to look he saw Ratchet and Starscream aiming their weapons directly towards the sub. "Okay, bad idea, "he said as he returned to the sub's hatch.

The song returned to its calming almost playful tune and Ratchet could be heard saying, "Mr. Scream, could you be so kind as to pass…"

Evans climbed into sub and closed the hatch. The helmsman asked, "Should we get the Autobots?"

"And what?" said Evans, "Have them join the tea party?"

The End…

Next Time on Flight of the Stormlark….

The hologram message cube melted into Stormlark's hand and then the mercury-like material reformed into a purple statuette of Rachael Magess. The purple robot's eyes dimmed as she allowed the statuette to melt away as well, but this time the material was absorbed into her skin.