Disclaimers: Transformers are owned by Hasbro.

I make no monetary profit from my fanfic

Summary: Continuing the Megatron and Radar story. (Formerly posted as Megatron and Mars Part II) -  Eternal Flame now posted separately) The beginning can be found here:

https://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/seawave/radar.htm

Rating - R {NC 17} -  Rape warnings.  Rape occurs in a nightmare state.  

And a Slight slash reference between 2 Femmes

~~~~~~~~~~~

FREEDOM

Radar sat on Megatron's resting ledge. "I ... I still feel shaky..."

Megatron turned to her and nodded. "Understandable, but the feeling'll pass once your systems adjust."

"I know," Radar replied. "I-" She broke off.

"What is it? Megatron asked, concerned.

"Ohh, it's ... uhh... I-"

He sat down next to her. "It's all right," he said. "A traumatic experience like that's bound to shake anyone up."

Radar nodded. "I'm sorry ... It's just-"

Megatron smiled. "What's there to be sorry for?"

Radar smiled warmly at him. "Thank you ... I ... I was so scared... It hurt so much..." She burst into tears.

Megatron put his arm around her back, and a finger under her chin and gently lifted her head.

"I know," he said. "Often I view fear as a weakness, but it's also useful, warning us of danger, loss, reminds us we're alive. There are times when I have felt ... afraid."

Radar dried her tears. "Thank you for telling me. I know it was hard for you. If you don't mind me asking, when was the last time you were really afraid?"

"When I thought I was going to lose you."

Radar smiled. "Thank you for being so open with me. I'd have felt the same had the situation been reversed."

Megatron kissed her gently. Radar returned the kiss, closed her eyes and leant against him.

Megatron stroked her cheek. "You're tired," he said.

Radar nodded. "Systems working overtime ... Jephfath did a wonderful job. I don't feel as vulnerable as before."

"You're not. Jephfath's a wonderful doctor. It was somewhat of a relief when we found him on Cybertron and brought him back here, and he's quite a character he is too."

Radar smiled. "He is at that." Her eyes started to close again.

"You need some rest. I'll walk you to your quarters."

Radar smiled. "Thank you, but I don't want to be alone right now. I'd rather stay here with you."

Megatron smiled. He'd hoped she'd say that. "By all means."

"But there is one condition."

"What's that?" Megatron asked, curiosity piqued.

"You need some rest too, so we rest together."

Megatron smiled and there was a pause.

"I know you have work to do, but it can wait, can't it?" Radar could barely keep her eyes open.

"Women," Megatron smiled. "I do need some rest, actually."

Radar smiled and made herself comfortable on Megatron's resting ledge. Shortly after, Megatron joined her.

"Computer, light's off," he commanded and the room went dark. He touched Radar' hand. "You're shivering... It's all right..."

"I still feel shaken up, but it's not that ... I'm co...old...."

"Must be your temperature controls adjusting ... Wait a minute ... Computer, increase room temperature by twenty degrees."

"Unable to comply. Room Temperature controls temporarily damaged."

"Damn! Can you increase temperature of the resting ledge?"

"Affirmative." And it was done.

Megatron sat up, opened a compartment in his wall, and pulled out a slightly glowing thick cyber mesh.

"It's an energon blanket, and pillow. I use them ... occasionally."

Radar smiled, despite her exhaustion. "When no one's looking."

Megatron smiled back at her and placed the pillow above their heads and pulled the large, thick blanket over them.

"Ohh..." Radar smiled, "that feels lovely." She stretched, then curled up and lay next to Megatron, against his body. He smiled and put his arm around her, and placed his other hand, on top of her small head. Radar was asleep in no time. Megatron began to feel tired, although didn't want to admit it. He looked at Radar, snuggled up next to him and smiled again. She was such a petite femme, lacking in physical strength, and so unlike any Decepticon, male or female he'd ever met. He felt an unbelievably strong desire to protect her, from whatever dangers lay ahead. He kissed her forehead, then shut down his non-essential systems, then closed his eyes and entered slumber.

Radar awoke, and stretched, then saw Megatron sleeping next to her. She smiled and kissed his cheek. Shortly after, Megatron awoke and had a good stretch.

"Sleep well?" she asked, sitting on the bed.

Megatron nodded, not wanting to admit how much he needed it. "And you?"

"Great. I think my temperature controls have sorted themselves out too."

"That's good," Megatron said. "It's almost time for your checkup."

"I'm starting to feel a lot better, thanks to Jep."

"Glad to hear it," Megatron smiled.

"I'll be back soon."

Radar left the room, on her way to the repair bay to see the Doctor.

"Hi, Doc."

"Hiya, Radar! How are ya?"

She smiled. "Fine, though I think my systems still need some sorting out. I had some trouble with my temperature control last night. It was so cold!"

"Ah, sorry, I should have warned you about that. Never mind. Your temp controls should be standard now. Let's take a look at you, my miracle patient."

Radar smiled. She liked Jephfath, quite a vibey character!

He scanned her. "There are a few circuits, gears and wires still adjusting to your new energies. I'm detecting no foreign energies in your body. You'll be fine in a week. Just come to see me tomorrow, to make sure everything's running smoothly, but I don't see any problems."

"That's great! Thanks Jep."

"Hey, it's my pleasure." He helped her down. "And thanks."

"For what?"

"Getting Megatron to get some sleep. He doesn't often need it, but when he does, do you think I can get him to?"

Radar laughed.

"The Doc says I'm fine," she said, returning to Megatron, "but to be certain, he wants to se me tomorrow and run tests for the next week."

"You've been seeing a lot of the doctor lately - I'm getting jealous ..." Megatron smiled. As did Radar.

It was fairly obvious to the other Decepticons Megatron and Radar had something going for each other, but they steered clear of the subject.

Radar stuck fairly close to Megatron that week, not that she felt uncomfortable around the other Decepticons, right now she felt vulnerable and with Megatron, she felt safe. She was careful not to look like she was clinging to him, and she wasn't, in fact she was quite independent, but she dearly loved Megatron and didn't want to leave him, and was grateful he felt the same toward her.

She and Megatron went of surveillance together, and even though there was no significant Autobot activity, stayed out a while longer. The two sat on a grassy hill in the Cape Verde Island of Sal, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

"It's lovely out here," Radar said.

Megatron let out a soft grunt. "I'd always hated this planet, so dirty and unlike Cybertron, but spending time here, ahh the place grows on you..."

Radar smiled and held his hand.

The two Transformers stayed out until the sun had set over the horizon before returning home - their Undersea Headquarters was practically next door!

"We were starting to get worried," Starscream said, finding it hard to hide a smirk.

"Touched," Megatron replied with sarcasm.

Radar smiled, honestly, she found Megatron's relationship with Starscream quite amusing.

Megatron walked her to her quarters.

"Call me if you need anything," he said.

"Thanks. You don't know what a pleasure it is having my own private quarters, and a large one at that."

"You had to share when you were with Oppressor?"

"Yes. The other femmes were my friends - we were all in the same boat, but there were times when I craved solitude."

"I can imagine." He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Radar smiled, retreated into her quarters, flopped onto her large resting ledge and rolled around on it.

"I love it here..." She looked around her spacious quarters. Radar had been on earth for half a year now and her gratitude for finding the planet, the Decepticons and Megatron had never ceased. She didn't think it ever would. Radar lay back and gazed at the ceiling, thinking about the happy times in her life before Oppressor took her. Happy moments were few and far between in the millions of years to follow, and of course the seemingly never ceasing happy memories when she finally escaped Oppressor and came to Earth. Even if she had died in the acid incident, she would not have been sorry she'd left. Oppressor had caught her trying to commit suicide more than once and severely, painfully punished her. The only reason she was his favorite, was apart from her shapely body, she was very submissive and vulnerable. Radar resented that and wished she'd stood up to him and severed his sexual interface, so he could never rape again. She was glad the bugger was dead. She felt guilty at feeling such burning hatred for another being, especially a fellow Transformer, but Oppressor knew full well what he was doing and would continue to do so without caring. He'd often rape Autobot femmes, then reprogram or murder them. Even though a Decepticon, Radar felt sorry for them, and even helped one of them escape, thankfully Oppressor never found out. Of course the cowardly bastard never took on femmes his size - always went for the smaller, more timid ones.

"Well I hope he's learned his lesson," Radar said to herself, thankful femmes everywhere were free from his clutches.

Radar spent a while relaxing in her quarters before deciding to 'get some fresh air' as the humans said. They quite intrigued her with their sayings, art forms, and how much the little beings managed to accomplish in such short life spans.

She sat on a high cliff, overlooking the ocean, and smiled as she heard the waves breaking gently on the shore below and looked down to see the white froth upon the sand. The sky began darkening as the Earth rotated, from dusk to twilight, the last remnants of sun glistening on the dark water. Radar smiled as a pleasant breeze blew past her. She stayed on the cliff well into the night, appreciating the twinkling starlight before returning home. She took a last look at the white crescent moon, as she flew across the ocean and was greeted by the above water entrance when she arrived. She flew inside it and the hatch closed. The long purple cylinder sank again beneath the sea.

"Enjoy yourself?" Megatron asked.

"Yes," Radar said with a smiled. "Earth is a beautiful planet. Parts of it are so peaceful and tranquil."

Before he'd met Radar, Megatron had never cared much for 'this mudball of a planet' as he put it, but from Radar, he'd come to appreciate Earth's subtle pleasures.

"You look tired," he said.

"I am, actually."

"You' better get some rest. Your systems are still adjusting."

Megatron walked with her to her quarters. "Call me if you need anything."

Radar smiled. "I will, thanks," and she kissed him on the cheek.

Megatron left her and Radar retreated into her quarters and began to tidy up. She wasn't exactly the tidiest person, which had amused Megatron somewhat and Radar had been amused when he'd offered to help her tidy up.

Radar' door chime sounded.

"Come in," she said, sitting on her resting ledge.

The door slid to the side.

"So this is where you've been hiding..." came a cold voice.

It couldn't be. Radar frowned, then looked up. The nutrients drained from her face. Her eyes and mouth went wide.

"B ... but you-"

He smirked. "Thought I was dead, didn't you? Xhana killed me right? I killed that bitch and falsified the records."

Radar backed away and bashed the wall console.

"Megatron, Soundwave ... anyone ... hel-" She realised the console was dead.

"Ohh..." Oppressor gave a mock sympathetic look. "I'm afraid your new boyfriend won't be able to help you ..."

Oppressor took a hand from behind his back and held up Megatron's severed head, dripping lubricant. Radar burst into a screaming fit. Oppressor tossed the head aside.

"Alas poor Megatron. I knew him not." He threw back his head and laughed.

Radar tried to reach for it, but Oppressor kicked it to the other side of the room. Radar burst into tears.

"What's the matter, darling? No way was he a better fuck than me."

Radar glared at him through her tears. "He's everything you're not! He treated me with respect. There's more to life than sexual interfacing. He loves me and I love him and that's something you can't destroy, you oppressive bastard."

"Oo! Looks like he also taught you self respect. I'll have to do something about that, you whore."

"I'm not a whore. You forced yourself on me - and on every other femme you could capture."

Oppressor chuckled. "Hey, baby, what'd I say I'd do if you ever ran off?"

"You told me you'd kill me - and frankly I would rather be dead than be your sex slave again."

Oppressor came forward. Radar kicked and punched.

"He taught you how to defend yourself too. Naughty."

"No, it's not. You made me feel worthless - like I was nothing. With Megatron, I learned how to respect myself. I deserved a better life than with you."

"You deserve nothing, Cyber slut!"

"What the hell would you know?!"

Oppressor slapped her.

Radar reeled backwards. "All you care about is controlling people, interfacing with femmes weaker than yourself. You are a worthless" she ducked his punch, "unworthy scrap heap! You don't care about me - never have. All I am to you is an amusing toy for your perverted pleasures and all the other femmes who have had the misfortune to encounter your abuse!"

Oppressor slapped her harder.

"It's true!" Radar said, holding her face.

"Yeah - so what. What're you gonna do about it?"

Radar tried to fight him. Oppressor laughed.

"You pathetic weak fembot! ... I admit I'm impressed at your 'attempt' to stand up to me, but it won't get you anywhere. You'll always be mine."

Oppressor's voice and cold smile chilled her down to her structural integrity, but she held her ground. "I belong to nobody."

Oppressor slammed her onto the bed. Radar tried to escape, but he held her down fast and ripped open her side panel.

"NO!!" Radar screamed. "Please!...."

Oppressor laughed at her struggling. "Impressive display, girlie, but in the end, you know I always get my woman." He connected his energy filter to her open panel and began a rough, painful energy flow into Radar. She winced and began to scream. That moment, the door slid apart to reveal Soundwave.

"Release her," he demanded, ready to fire.

Oppressor grinned, drew his gun, ducked Soundwave's blast and blasted the Decepticon in his stomach, multiple times, causing an explosion. Soundwave gasped in pain and fell to the floor, bleeding. Oppressor aimed his gun at Soundwave's head. Radar tried to stop him. "Please don't ...." Oppressor violently elbowed her off and pulled the trigger.

"NOOOOH...." Radar wailed, as she saw Soundwave's Spark extinguish. "You ... didn't have to ... kill him .... He was my friend..."

"I know..." Oppressor grinned. "Of course I didn't have to kill him, but I wanted to."

"I hate you."

The bastard slapped her.

"You know that! I've always hated you!"

"Say you love me!"

"No!"

"SAY IT!"

"Why? You know it's a lie. Fine. I love you." Not.

"You are a babe!"

And you're a bastard.

He continued to pulsate his vile energies into her. Radar wanted to vomit. The flow became harder and faster. Radar started to scream.

"Please, stop!!"

Oppressor grinned. "That's what they all say. Return the energy flow."

"No!"

"DO IT!"

Radar sobbed, and reluctantly obeyed.

"Come on, slut, you c'n do better than that!"

Radar cried as she increased her energy flow.

"Oooohhhh, that's better," Oppressor gasped. "Oh, yeah, baby..."

Radar didn't stop screaming.

Starscream walked along the corridor and stopped when he heard screaming coming from one of the quarters. Astounded, he raced to it.

"Radar!"

He sounded the chime. Nothing. He controlled the door to open and saw Radar screaming and struggling seemingly against thin air. He approached her and gently shook her.

"Radar ... wake up. You're having a ... bad dream - a really bad one by the sounds of it."

Nothing.

He shook her harder and raised his voice. Still nothing. He immediately radioed Megatron.

"What is it?"

"S... something's wrong with Radar."

"What?!"

"Get to her quarters. She needs-"

Starscream didn't even get to finish his sentence before Megatron burst in.

"What did you do!?" He looked at Starscream.

"Nothing. I-"

Megatron bashed him out of the way.

"Radar ...." he gently shook her, and still she screamed.

"Oppressor, no! Please no!"

"She's having a nightmare."

"That's what I tried to tell you," Starscream said, standing and rubbing his head. "I tried to wake her, but couldn't."

Megatron shook her once more. Still nothing.

Sensing Megatron wished to be alone, Starscream said, "call me if you need anything," and left, feeling rather awkward.

Megatron looked at him, a little surprised at the sentiments, but was more concerned about Radar. He called Soundwave, who was there in no time.

"Why won't she wake up?" Megatron made no attempt to hide the concern and worry in his voice.

Soundwave scanned her. "It is not a simple dream. She has a chip implanted in her head. It is feeding her realistic images."

"Can it be removed?" Megatron wouldn't take no for an answer.

Soundwave scanned her again. "With care. I will obtain the necessary equipment."

"Hurry."

Soundwave gave a quick nod and left. He was back in a flash.

"Give it here."

"No," Soundwave said. "You are too emotional."

Megatron nodded. "Thank you." He sat in Radar's arm chair and tried to clam himself, but the sound of her lubricant curdling screaming, was almost too much for him to bear. He watched Soundwave operate on her. The dark blue Decepticon was extremely careful. Radar' head was being thrust about, so he held it still between his knees as he knelt behind her. He opened an access panel on the side of her head and used the delicate tools to locate the chip inside. He found the offending mechanism and began to ever so gently sever the links.

A hologram image of Oppressor suddenly appeared.

"I see you've located Radar' psych chip. I warn you not to remove it."

"If you weren't dead I'd kill you myself with my bare hands!" Megatron snarled, slicing his hands through the illusion.

"The consequences could be disastrous ... to Radar, oh and anyone else nearby..."

"Why you ..."

"The image is not programmed for response," Soundwave said. "Do not let it provoke you. It's what Oppressor wanted."

Megatron calmed and Soundwave continued. "What the image says is true. The chip is wired to a small, but highly explosive bomb. If it is not severed correctly, the bomb will detonate, destroying Radar, and us as well. Also, there is a secondary failsafe system. If I manage to bypass the bomb, if the chip is not correctly severed, Radar will suffer irreparable brain damage."

"Set this up real good, didn't you..." Megatron spat at the image, repeating the message. "And shut this damned thing off!"

"Done. It should be relatively simple to sever the links. Oppressor was overconfident that his chips would not be located."

After a while ...

"How's it going?"

"I have isolated the chip. However severing it from her systems will take some time. There are twenty four intricate links. It is well integrated. It's feeding off images stored in her neural net. I can only sever one link at a time."

Megatron nodded. He didn't have to tell Soundwave to be careful.

Soundwave began to sever the links. It would take a while. It was going to be a long night, and they would be burning the midnight oil, as the humans said.

Megatron tried to be patient in the hours that followed, but it became increasingly difficult. Soundwave could see that.

"The chip was obviously planted by Oppressor as a final element of control."

"That worthless bastard," Megatron snarled. "If he wasn't dead I'd kill the fucker myself." He slammed his fist onto the side of the chair, making a dent.

"I am severing the final links now," Soundwave said, much to Megatron's relief. However, the final links took longer than the others.

Megatron didn't want to disturb Soundwave by asking how it was going. He knew his friend was doing everything he could for Radar and didn't want to break his concentration. Soundwave isolated the final link, and examined Radar again.

Starscream entered the room.

"GO!" Radar screamed. "He'll kill you too!"

Starscream frowned. "Who?"

Radar looked around. Oppressor was nowhere in sight. "What..."

"You had a bad dream. Everything's all right now."

"A dream ... but it seemed so ... so real ...."

She threw her arms around Starscream. The jet felt uncomfortable, but gave her a gentle rub.

"I'll get Megatron."

Then his eyes went wide as an energon sword stuck through his stomach, from the back.

"You'll do nothing...."

Starscream vomited chemical nutrients, revealing Oppressor behind him, his sword, dripping blood. Radar screamed.

"What's happeniiiiiing!!!" she shrieked in terror.

"I thought I'd give you a break for a little while - aren't I considerate and I assure you, dearest, this is no dream."

Radar screamed. "PLEASE STOP! MAKE IT ALL STOP!!!"

"Stop? Never..." Oppressor grinned. "Not on your life. I'm too much fun...."

Radar sobbed uncontrollably. "Fun for who? .... Please...."

"Stop ...." he concluded in a mock, begging female voice.

"No," Radar said. "Kill me."

"Oh? Is that supposed to be brave? Kill you? Why should I? It's no fun to rape a corpse." He kicked Starscream's lifeless body away.

Radar sobbed. She hated herself for letting Oppressor have his way with her again, but what choice had she? He'd already killed three of her closest friends and would kill more if they or she opposed him. He wouldn't kill her or allow her to kill herself.

"What's the matter, Radar? Aren't I a good fuck?"

"I'd rather fuck a Dinobot!" she spat.

He slapped her hard. "I may not kill you, but I sure can and will hurt you."

She glared at him. "You have hurt me in more ways than you can even begin to imagine."

Oppressor smiled and laughed. "There's more where that came from."

"Sometimes I wonder if you're completely insane or just an evil bastard."

"Maybe I'm both." He grabbed her so roughly it hurt.

In a burst of energy, Radar tried to fight him, but he bashed her onto the floor and held her throat.

"As I said - plenty more."

Radar sobbed, feeling completely helpless.

Radar' head rolled over to one side.

"Is she?..."

"She's sleeping," Soundwave replied.

Radar was still sobbing.

"Awaken," Soundwave said, gently, climbing off the bed and sitting beside her.

Radar turned, opened her eyes and looked around the room.

"Radar..." Megatron breathed.

Radar looked so confused. Megatron knelt down next to her.

"No ... it's happening again .... No ...please no .... This happened before ... This isn't real .... it's all part of the torture..." Radar burst into a fit of sobs ... "please no more...."

"It's over now..." Megatron assured gently, sitting next to her.

"How can I be sure ... this seems real, but so did that .... Oppressor killed both of you and Starscream ... how can I be sure this is not part of it? Will I be trapped in here forever? I don't know what to do ...."

Megatron and Soundwave disappeared into nothingness. Radar stared.

"Wonderful thing, holographic imagery is," Oppressor said with a smile.

Radar screamed. "No .... Please stop this ..."

"This is real, Radar and it will always be. Your friends are dead. And the others here will be if they refuse to accept me as their leader."

"NOOOOO! .... Please ....."

"Oh, I love you, Radar." Anyone could hear the total insincerity in the voice.

"You love my body. You love to abuse it, as well as my mind and whatever others you can get your filthy metal hands on!"

Oppressor grabbed her. "You are expendable! Do you think you're my favorite? There are plenty other femmes in the Universe if you know where to look."

"And of course you know all the places."

Oppressor grabbed her chest plate, flung it open and placed his hand on her circuitry.

"I know your new circuitry hasn't fully adapted. I could kill you easily ... or at the very least do some serious, painful damage..."

"NOOOOO!" Radar screamed in pain, as he tore into her circuits

"Hurry, Soundwave..." Megatron urged.

"Severing the final link now ... completed."

Radar opened her eyes and looked into Soundwave's face.

"No ... not again ... please no ..."

"Radar..."

Shivering, she looked at Megatron. "No ... this isn't real ... I don't know what is ... Please...." she sobbed.

"Radar, listen to me," Megatron said gently. "Oppressor planted this controlling chip inside your head that fed you with false images, obviously to be activated if you ever left him, and to worsen if anyone attempted to remove he chip..." he was about to crush it, when Soundwave stopped him.

"Other femmes may have them implanted. This will contain vital information for their removal."

Megatron nodded and handed the chip back to him.

"Now do I know ... my body hurts ... my head hurts .. if it was just a dream, how can it?" She sobbed again.

"The chip controlled the images," Soundwave said. "It was interactive. Using situations from your memory before and after you were with Oppressor, to create more 'modern' images. It fed from your fears. Ingenious design, but cruel torture, but I can assure you, you are not dreaming now."

"You sound sincere, but how do I know this isn't all part of it?"

Megatron put his arms around her and could feel her shivering. "What can I do to convince you?"

Radar looked up at him in tears. He wanted so much to help her, but didn't know how. Soundwave gave a slight motion to follow him outside.

'I can't leave her here,' Megatron mouthed.

At that moment, the door chime sounded.

"Who is it?" Megatron practically barked.

"Starscream."

"Come in."

"I came by to see if Radar was all right."

Megatron had never been this glad to see him.

"Stay with her. I need to go with Soundwave."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Just stay with her - comfort her - tell her a story ... anything. I'll be back," he told Radar.

The poor femme didn't know what to do.

"Everything's gonna be fine," Megatron assured her.

Radar nodded, still confused and frightened. Megatron left with Soundwave. Starscream sat down next to her.

"How're you feeling?" he asked, feeling awkward.

"He ... he killed you ...." Radar said. "But you're here ... If it was a dream, an illusion ... it felt so real .... and this... how can I be sure what is ... real?..." she sobbed. "How can I be sure he won't burst in and kill you  again..."

Inwardly Starscream felt heartened by her concern.  "Because Megatron will kill him if he does. You know he's the only one who's allowed to kill me," Starscream said with a smile.

Radar smiled and began to laugh, then looked worried again.

Starscream felt pity for her. "Hey," he said, with a smile, "do I look like an illusion?" He put his finger under her chin and raised it gently. "It's all right, Radar. You're back in the real world now. Oppressor's gone. He was killed months ago."

"He told me I'd never escape him, and he's right."

"Don't tell yourself that. If you believe that, then he's won over you. You can't let him control you."

"I don't want him to ... but I don't know what to do ... I feel so ... helpless..." She sobbed again.

"Believe in yourself. You did before."

"It's so hard... sometimes he'd build up my confidence only to crush it under his boot. Maybe that's what he's doing now....." Radar burst into tears. "Please ... please ... hold me..."

Starscream felt even more uncomfortable, but Radar needed to be comforted, and so he awkwardly put his arms around her.

Radar snuggled into his chest, and Starscream hoped when Megatron returned, he didn't get the wrong idea.

"You have to forgive me," Starscream said. "I'm not so good at this compassionate stuff."

Radar smiled. "You're doing fine."

Meanwhile, Megatron stood outside with Soundwave.

"We can isolate and erase her memory of the chip."

Megatron nodded. "It will help her overcome her fears if she is willing."

"If she is not willing to have a total erasure of the memory, it is possible to arrange it so she is certain this is reality."

Megatron nodded. "It must be awful for her not knowing ...I-" he cut himself off.

Both he and Soundwave entered the room and saw Starscream with his arms around Radar. Starscream released her.

"It's not what you think," he emphasised.

"What?" Megatron said. "I thought you were comforting her, actually. Do you mean you were-"

"Yes. I mean ... I mean no! I mean I-" then he saw the smile on Megatron's face.  Starscream shook his head and smiled too. The Jet felt awkward. He'd reluctantly been attracted to Radar, not sexually, but found he rather cared for the Femme.

"Let me know if she ... never mind..." Starscream left the room, hoping Megatron didn't take it the wrong way.

"She'll be all right," Megatron assured the jet as the door slid shut behind him.

"I do not believe Starscream has lustful feelings toward Radar." Soundwave informed.

Megatron smiled at his friend's statement. "He'd better not ... She has a knack for evoking compassionate feelings in most, but there are those who would abuse her." Megatron spat the latter half of the sentence.

Radar looked up at them, quite relieved they'd returned. Megatron sat next to her and told her of what he and Soundwave had discussed.

Radar nodded. "If this is real, then I don't want my memory of the incident totally erased. It would be a cop out, that I'm escaping from my problems, rather than facing them."

Megatron nodded.

"But I am still not entirely sure this is still not part of the 'dream.' I'm sorry ... I-"

"Don't be," Megatron calmed. "You've had an incredibly rough ordeal, but we can help you realise this isn't a dream. Are you ready for the operation?"

Radar nodded. "Do it."

Megatron admired her courage and radioed Jephfath. "Jep, come to Radar' quarters and bring a med wand."

"Just a second, Meg." He paused an episode of Chicago Hope. He was the only one who could call Megatron that and get away with it! He was there in no time.

Megatron briefed him on the situation. Jep looked concerned and handed Radar, Megatron and Soundwave a cup of hot Cyber tea he'd brought.

"Thought you could all use some."

"Thank you," Megatron said, quite amazed at the Doctor's insight and consideration.

The Transformers sipped their teas and set the cups aside.

"Your job is to monitor Radar while Soundwave performs the operation," Megatron said.

Jephfath nodded. "Gotcha?"

"Lie down," Soundwave said gently to Radar, and she obeyed, lying back down on the bed and closing her eyes, terrified that the nightmare would start all over again. Megatron could see she was frightened, and placed his hand behind her head, feeling a tad uncomfortable. He wasn't used to expressing compassion, especially with others around him. Soundwave scanned Radar' head.

"I have isolated the memories," he announced. "Proceeding to delete unnecessary ones."

"Go ahead," Jep said.

"Completed," Soundwave said, after a while.

"I didn't feel a thing," Radar said, "and my headache's gone. Thanks ... Ohh ... now I can tell this is real..." She smiled happily and put her arms around Megatron.

"Ahh, happy endings ... doncha just love 'em?" Jep smiled. "Will you be needing me any more?"

"No," Megatron said, pleased at Radar' high spirits. "You can go, thank you."

"My pleasure." Jephfath looked at Radar. "Just come and see me if you need anything else, l'il lady."

Radar smiled. "I will. Thanks, Jep."

Megatron watched Jephfath leave. He never regretted the day he recruited him for the job - extremely medically skilled and an amazing knack for intuitive. He seemed to know people in and out. At times it annoyed Megatron that he couldn't hide much from Jephfath, but appreciated his insights all the same and was grateful Jep was bound by oath not to reveal others secrets, and he was confident the doctor would not divulge secret information anyway - it wasn't his character. Megatron knew he could trust Jep and liked the Doctor a lot. Even though he never admitted it, he had a feeling Jep already knew.

Soundwave could tell Megatron wanted to be alone with Radar and tuned to his leader. "I will be in the secondary control room if you need me."

Megatron nodded. "Thank you, Soundwave."

The slender blue Decepticon knew those words held a lot more sincerity than any other could know. The door slid shut behind him.

"Thank you," Radar said.

Megatron handed her the still warm cup of Cyber-tea. Radar sipped it.

"Ohh, that's so nice."

"Yes, for a doctor, Jep has many skills."

Radar smiled and finished her tea. Megatron did the same.

"Ohh, I'm so glad it's over ... I ... I felt so helpless ... I didn't know what to do."

"He'll never hurt you again, Radar, I promise. Soundwave checked for any other surprises. There was another dream program built in which he deleted."

"Thank you ... but I thought being with you had given me strength. I-"

"It has. You're much more confident now."

"Am I? Then why couldn't I fight him?" Radar shut her eyes and tears rolled down her cheeks. "Why couldn't I fight him?..."

"The chip was designed that way - to make you feel helpless. That's what he wanted. I'm confident you would've eventually broken its programming, but I could not let you suffer."

Radar gave him a warm smile and kissed him. "Thanks for everything."

"You know it's my pleasure."

"And they say you're evil and merciless...."

Megatron let out a short laugh as Radar snuggled up to him.

* * *

Radar walked to Soundwave the secondary control room. "I'd like to warn other femmes who had the misfortune of sampling Oppressor's 'talents.'"

"Certainly," Soundwave said.

"'Talents' ... That's a polite way of putting it," Thundercracker said.

"Tell me about it," Radar replied. She turned back to Soundwave. "He probably implanted chips and dream programs in all of them, the bastard."

"They should've called that bugger Obsessor," Starscream said.

Radar giggled. Even Soundwave was amused. He opened up a channel to Cybertron.

The other Decepticons left, sensing she wanted some privacy.

"Radar!" exclaimed Xhana.

"Hi!"

"So glad ya made it, Gal!"

"So'm I. Listen, I found a chip in-"

"We know about them and how they're linked to the bomb. We've been spreading the word. Most of them have been removed. So far young Lorian's the only one that's been activated, but we managed to remove it without damaging her."

"That's wonderful.  There's also another dream program. Soundwave found mine and deleted it."

"Oh, we didn't know about that one. Thanks. Primus, I hate that oppressive Bastard - you should've seen the look of terror in his eyes just before I killed him.  It was wonderful ... Almost as good as  severing his interface unit just before I slashed his laser core."

"He certainly deserved that." Radar  said with a vengeance. "Did he beg?"

"Ooh, yeah ... you should've heard it, Dar ... music to my ears! Didn't stop me though!"

"Don't blame you! Wouldn't've stopped me or anyone else either."

"So who's taking care of you these days?" Xhana asked.

"Myself, my friends here and my love Megatron."

"Megatron! Whoo, Baby!  You scored big time!  I'm jealous!" Xhana smiled and winked.

So did Radar! "Hey ... I didn't plan it. He's really nice to me."

"Wow ... He must really love you."

Radar smiled. "He does."

"I can tell. I've never seen ya look so happy, Gal! Me, I'm off men. Period."

"Don't blame you."

They both laughed.

"Hey, I haven't been able to get a hold of Moon. Can you see if you can contact her to get her chip removed?"

"Sure will," Radar promised.

Chirena came to Xhana and placed her arms around the younger Femme. "Chirena's chip was removed the other day," she said, "and we'll delete the dream programs."

Xhana kissed her love.

Radar smiled. "I'll leave you two alone."

Xhana smiled too. "And I'll leave you to Megatron."

Radar giggled as she cut communication.

Immediately, Radar radioed the female Autobot headquarters on Cybertron.

"Yes?" Elita One answered.

"May I please speak to Moonracer?"

Elita gave a start, not used to been spoken to so politely by a Decepticon. "Regarding?" she asked.

"A chip implant," Radar replied, "when she was a Decepticon prisoner a long time ago."

In her eyes, Elita could see Radar was telling the truth. Decepticon and Autobot femmes tended to get along better than the males.

Moonracer turned on her monitor.

"Radar wishes to speak with you," Elita said. "She seems honest enough."

"Thanks, 'Lita.  I'll take the call."

"I'll patch you through," the female Autobot Leader said to Radar.

"Thank you."

Moonracer sat on her resting ledge and stared at the screen. "Radar! Wow! They said you'd escaped.  Good on you."

"I did. Hey did you know that Oppressor's dead?"

"Yeah. I know it's a cliché, but good riddance to bad rubbish."

"Couldn't agree more. Listen, he planted chips in all his 'harem.' They force you to dream, scratch that - nightmare state. It feels to terribly real, you can't tell the difference to fight it and when you think you've woken up ... it's over, it starts all over again. It's also wired to a bomb. And after that there's another dream/nightmare program to delete."

"Oh... great ... he never gave up ... Thanks, Radar. The last thing I want is to be with him again. You poor girl... you must've gone through the nightmare. How did you get yours out?"

"Megatron and Soundwave helped me."

"Megatron?!"

"Yeah - might be hard for you to believe, but he's really nice to me. I mean really."

Moonracer smiled. "Hard to believe, but stranger things've happened I guess.  I can see you like him too."

"I do."

"Then go for it, Girl!"

Radar smiled. "Thanks, Moon. I gotta go. See that blasted thing gets removed ASAP. There's no telling when it's programmed to kick in."

"Don't worry.  Chromia and Firestar are whizzes at repairs. I think Sun might've had an implant too. I'll see. Thanks, Radar."

"My pleasure, Moonracer, see you sometime."

The two cut communications.

Megatron came into the room. "Moonracer also had a chip implanted?"

"Yes.  Many years ago on Cybertron, I helped her escape Oppressor. He would have killed her. I hope you don't mind me helping an Autobot, twice now ... I should have asked you before I contacted her, but I was worried about her ... I couldn't stand the thought of anyone suffering the way I did, not even an Autobot."

"In this case, I cannot say I blame you," Megatron said. "I despise Autobots, but some forms of torture are totally unacceptable even to me."

Radar took his hand and held him close.

* * *

Megatron was in a particularly foul mood as he returned to Decepticon headquarters, using every curse and swear word in the known Universe. All stayed well out of his way and gave him a wide berth. The Autobots had foiled his plans yet again -- and that was the least of it. He retreated to his quarters, barked orders he not be disturbed and sat at his desk, tracing his finger on the metal table, then he bashed the desk in frustration.

"Megatron?"

He wanted to snap, but felt he could never do that to Radar. "Enter," he said.

She came inside and waited until the door closed behind her. "I know you said you didn't want to be disturbed, but I thought I might be able to cheer you up." She smiled and sat next to him on his resting ledge.

Megatron let out a sigh and slid the fusion cannon off his sore arm. "How is Soundwave?"

"Not good, I'm afraid. Jep's doing everything he can for him, but he needs more energy and-"

"We haven't got anymore!" Megatron said, angrily, slamming his fist down on the bed.

Radar could see the worry and fear behind the anger. "He's stabilized for now, but if we don't get him some acetonium soon, he will die ... And communications are down with Cybertron, so we can't ask Shockwave for help ... I'm sorry...." Radar was close to tears.

"Don't be. It isn't your fault. A stray missile caused that rock slide, and to think one sharp slab of rock could damage him so badly..."

"He's in reserve mode now, to conserve energy."

"A slag load of good that'll do when it runs out..." Megatron screwed up his face in anger and bashed his resting ledge, causing a dent.

"I'll see what I can do," Radar said.

"What can you do? The Autobots stopped us from gathering energy from the Quasar power plant. We made it away with barely enough to survive. None of us have enough energy for another raid, and as for Acetonium, it'll be impossible to raid Autobot headquarters in our weakened state." Megatron bashed his bed again, and furiously swept whatever was on it onto the floor.

Radar put her hand on his shoulder. "You're angry because you feel helpless, and you resent that Mighty Megatron feels he cannot do a thing."

Radar smiled warmly as he looked at her.  She seemed to see into his very soul.

"It's all right. I know what it is to feel helpless. I can't tell you how many times I'd felt that way when I was trapped with Oppressor, but times of hopelessness it makes us stronger inside, to sort out our problems and feel free. I'm freer now than I've ever been."

Her voice had a calming effect on him, like she was counselling him.

"I ... I'd usually turn to Soundwave in a situation like this ... He always seems to know the right words, but he's-"

"I know," Radar said, putting her hand on his arm.

"I cannot imagine existence without his presence," Megatron said sadly. "We've known each other for over ten million years. He's always been there for me and now ...."

Radar smiled understandingly. "I'm sure he feels the same about you."

"Thank you ... I am glad you're here."

"My pleasure. I'm glad I am too. Now you need some rest. You've had a hell of a week."

"I cannot. My fellow Decepticons need me."

"I know you care for them, but there's not much you can do right now and you'll feel better once you're rested. You want to rest and you know you need to, but you're forcing yourself to believe it's weak and indulgent. There isn't much happening, so you can rest, guilt free for a few hours."

Megatron tried to stand , but Radar stopped him and gently pushed him down onto the bed.

"Don't make me make that an order," she smiled.

"You drive a hard bargain," Megatron said, managing a tired smile. He laid back down and didn't want to admit to himself how good it felt and grateful there was someone to gently badger him into taking better care of himself like Soundwave did. His thoughts lingered on his friend and hoped and prayed to Primus Jephfath could save him.

"Good Night," Radar whispered, although it was only around 3pm. She left his quarters to check on Soundwave, but there was still no improvement. Soundwave lay motionless on the repair bed.

"He's not getting any better. I tried to transfuse some energy into him from HQ's reserves, but his systems rejected it." Jephfath looked glum.

"There may be something we can do," Radar said.

"What?"

"Leave it to me."

"Why do I get the feeling you were gonna say that?"

Radar smiled and left. She found an empty communications room, locked the door and radioed Optimus Prime.

His face appeared on screen.

"Radar," he said, "what can I do for you?"

"I'm not going to 'beat around the bush' as the humans say. I need your help, Optimus, or rather, Soundwave does. He was severely damaged by a crushing rock slide in the last battle." Radar paused. "He needs acetonium - he'd dying ... I know you are our enemy, but please ... you can't let him die ...."

Radar composed herself.  Looking into her eyes, Optimus knew she was sincere. It heartened him that Decepticons  cards, if only for each other.

"I know he's a Decepticon, but please ... you're the only chance he' has." Radar sincerely hoped Optimus Prime's legendary compassion was not just a tall story.

The silence that followed seemed like an eternity.

Optimus nodded. "All right," he said. "I cannot let another die when I have the power to save them - even if they are my enemy."

"Thank you, Optimus..." Radar said, sincere.

"How can I get it to you?" Optimus asked.

"I'll meet you at the shore nearest your headquarters," Radar replied.

Optimus nodded. "I'll leave now."

"Thank you."

They both cut communication.

"Can you trust her?" Ironhide asked, dubious.

"She's telling the truth," Prime said. "I can feel it."

"Do you want back up?"

"No, but you're going to insist you come along anyway, aren't you?"

Both Autobots smiled.

"You've known me too long, Prime."

"All right, you can come, but stay out of sight. I don't want Radar to feel I've betrayed her trust or feel pressured."

Ironhide nodded. "You're doing the right thing, Optimus. Can't say I care for Soundwave, but I ... I couldn't let him die either."

Radar took off in robot mode and flew ashore. She landed and didn't have to wait long for Optimus. Ironhide dropped out of sight before he came into Radar' view. Optimus landed and approached her, unarmed, grateful she had no weapons either. A good sign.

"I can't thank you enough, Optimus."

"My pleasure. Soundwave may be my enemy, but I couldn't live with myself if I'd let someone die." He handed Radar a triangular bottle, filled with translucent pale green liquid.

Radar smiled and took his hand into hers. "Thank you," she said her voice extremely sincere.

Optimus widened his eyes. "You are the most unique Decepticon I've ever met."

From his vantage point, Ironhide was as surprised as his leader.

Radar smiled. "If everyone in the Universe was the same, it'd be a pretty boring place."

"It would be. You'd better be going. I trust Megatron doesn't know what you're up to."

"No, he's resting. He's had a rough week, you know where nothing goes right."

Prime nodded. "I've had those. You mean he's sulking?" He was mildly amused.

"You could put it like that," Radar said, "but it goes deeper than that. The pressures of leadership aren't easy. You of all people should understand that. He's upset about Soundwave too, they're very close."

"I've noticed," Optimus felt an empathy for his arch enemy. "He and I are alike in some respects. I know what he's going through. I've lost friends too.  And now, you'd better get back before he finds out what you're up to."

"Oh, he won't mind.  I'm helping Soundwave after all and it's not as if I'm discussing his plans or innermost secrets with you."

"Are you sure he will not reprimand you?" Optimus was clearly surprised.

Radar smiled. "Well I might get a spank ..." Radar said with a smile.

Optimus smiled back.  "He must really care for you."

  "He does ... I guess you find that hard to believe, huh? That he can care for someone else and that someone else could care for him. He's done so much for me, Optimus, freed me from my fears and limitations and much, much more."

Optimus smiled. "I know.  Thank you also for helping Moonracer.  Her chip was removed and destroyed and the programs deleted without incident."

  "Oh, I'm so I'm relieved."

  "I find it heartening that some things can bring Autobots and Decepticons together, though I am deeply sorry for the trauma you went through, Radar."

  "It is not your fault, Optimus."

  "If we knew of Oppressor, we would have acted a long time ago."

  "I am heartened that an Autobot would care so much for Decepticons."

Optimus took her hand.    "I'm glad for you and Megatron.  It looks like you have both found someone special.  Even Megatron deserves the joys of love. It is a shame, despite all this that this war will continue."

Radar sighed. "It has gotten into a big mess, hasn't it? But I'm sure peace will come someday."

Optimus smiled. Radar truly believed her words. "Thank you," he said. "It's good to know that enemies can get along, even if it's only for a while."

Radar smiled and pitied him. "Thanks again, Optimus," she said, transforming into her graceful red Cybertronian Slipstream Jet.

It had been millions of years since Optimus had seen one and he watched as the beautiful red cyber-mesh winged jet glided gracefully upon the winds.

Radar rushed the acetonium to the repair bay.

"Here."

"Sweet Primus!" Jephfath exclaimed. "Where in the Universe- never mind, give it here."

Jep opened the bottle, grabbed the repair instrument and immediately and gently administered some of the acetonium to Soundwave's deep and wide laceration. "It'll take a while. He sustained heavy damage and the wait didn't help either."

He carefully placed some more of the green liquid onto Soundwave's wounds and slowly began to administer some diluted energon.

"Thanks also for getting Meg to rest. That's three I owe you." He checked the monitor and smiled. "Yee hah! Looks like he's gonna make it!"

Radar smiled and hugged him. "That's one I owe you."

It was a while before Soundwave regained consciousness.

"Ohh..." He shook his head, still groggy.

"You've been out of it for a while," Jephfath said, handing him a diluted energon cube. Soundwave drank it slowly.

"I want you to come for checks for the next week, to make sure there's no further damage, and your systems'll take about that long to heal properly. You should be able to ingest full strength energon within the next couple of days."

Soundwave nodded, then became concerned. "Thank you, Jephfath... Megatron .. is he..."

"He's fine, a little harrowed, and run down, but he's resting."

Soundwave appeared to smile.  "Resting...How on Cybertron did you manage that?"

  "I didn't.  Radar did."

  "She is quite unique."

  "Isn't she just? ... I just hope I find someone as special as her."

  "You will, Jephfath," Soundwave assured.

Radar entered the repair bay to see Soundwave sitting on the bed.

"Soundwave!" she said with a happy smile. "Thank Primus you made it ..."

"Is Megatron up yet and about?" Jep asked.

"Yes, he's trying to keep his mind busy."

Jephfath radioed him. "Megatron?"

"Jep. How's Soundwave?"

The Doctor smiled. "Come see for yourself."

Judging by the smile in the Doctor's voice, Megatron knew it was good news and was there in no time.

"Good to see you again, Old Friend," he said. "How're you feeling?"

"I have felt better."

Megatron smiled. "How did you repair him without acetonium?" he asked Jep.

"I, ah, well I didn't. Radar got some."

"Where" Megatron asked, curious.

"From the Autobots," she replied.

"What? ... Radar, I'm grateful, but it was very dangerous to sneak into Autobot Headquarters. I hope you were well armed."

Radar smiled. "You concern's touching, My Love, but I was unarmed, actually."

"And you still made it away without a scratch?"

"Yes."

"You're incredible. How on Cybertron did you accomplish that?"

Radar smiled again. "Sometimes if you want something, all you have to do is ask."

"What? Are telling me you simply asked Optimus Prime for acetonium? And he gave it to you?"

"Yes.  And Also I, told him what it was for."

Megatron smiled. "You are amazing."

The red femme smiled. "I know."

Soundwave swung his legs around and began to stand. Radar stabilized him.

  "Ohh no you don't," Jephfath said.

"I am all right," Soundwave said, "my systems are adjusting."

  "And now you'll be resting," Jep said.  "Doctor's orders."

  "Radar's too," she said.

Soundwave looked to his friend.

  "I concur," Megatron said.  "That's three against one, Soundwave.

  "Unfavourable odds ... In which case, I had better rest.  .  Jephfath does not have enough Acetonium left for all three of you."

The others chuckled as the tape deck got a much needed rest.  Soundwave thanked Optimus Prime in silent gratitude and vowed to return the favour.

Megatron walked down the corridor with Radar. Thundercracker came to him.

"Megatron, communications have been restored with Cybertron, and we've managed to duplicate the energon we had, there's more than enough now," he informed.

"Good news, finally," Megatron smiled. "It is most welcome."

Thundercracker gave s smile, grateful his leader was once again in good spirits.

Megatron retreated to his with Radar. "I cannot thank you enough."

"You don't have to," she said, kissing him. "It was my pleasure."

Megatron too felt he should return the favour to Optimus, but right now his thoughts were with Soundwave and his love, grateful his friend had survived.  Radar's unique understanding and insight had made it possible. Gently, he kissed her, thanking Primus and the Universe to be with her, and for all she had taught him.

*

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