STARSCREAM INTERLUDE

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For the past five Orbital-Cycles, I've endured what Lord Megatron calls "re-education." It's been a brutal sort of enlightenment—a relentless reminder of every past failure. He drags me to the edge of life only to have me rebuilt, over and over. Each time, he strips away a piece of the bot I was and reshapes me in his image. I clench my servo, admiring my new frame. Through my Lord's vision and Knockout's craft, I've become something new—a near-perfect blend of strength and speed. This frame is unlike any seeker shell I've worn before. (Imagine a mix between Armada Starscream and TFA Starscream)

My optics flicker to life, and I find Knockout caught in my grip around his throat, startled. "What exactly do you think you're doing, Knockout?" My voice is low, dark, each word dripping with a strange, newfound authority. Knockout's optics dart around nervously, and he stammers, "I—I was just performing a standard check-up. As ordered. B-but if I were you, I'd hurry. Our Glorious Master awaits."

I release him abruptly, taking care to scrape his precious paintwork as I turn and stride away, confidence flooding my every step. The Vehicons pause to watch me pass. There's something in their optics… respect? Maybe even fear. I haven't seen that look in vorns. It reminds me of my early days, commanding my own space station in the Great War's infancy, back when Zeta Prime still held authority before his demise I remember the first time I saw Megatron, how he moved through every obstacle, driven by a will I hadn't thought possible. He was looking for the dark energon stashed on our grounds, and when he found it—he transformed. He became something beyond a regular bot he was… almost divine.

The memory fades as I approach the throne room. The doors slide open, and there he is. At the far end of the room, perched atop a throne shaped like the Decepticon insignia, my Lord seems to command every bolt and panel of the space around him. He's as powerful as I remember, though there's some subtle differences in his frame, (TFP Megatron starting to resemble TFA Megatron) I approach and kneel at the steps of his throne, my renewed loyalty burning as I bow deeply before him.

Lord Megatron's red optics fix on me with a hard, assessing stare, his words slow and careful. "Rise, my friend." (Think TFA Megatron's voice with undertones of Frank Welker).

I rise, feeling his gaze pressing down on me, assessing and thorough. Nearby, Soundwave works silently, though I can feel his watchful presence. Megatron's servo absently strokes Laserbeak, who sits quietly on his shoulder.

Starscream: "My Lord, you summoned me. How may I serve you?" I meet his optics, feeling the weight of his power, but I stand firm. I am not the bot I was—a reflection of his will, remade.

Megatron: "I summoned you to initiate the final phase of your education." His voice holds an edge of satisfaction, and maybe a trace of pride. "I have broken you down and built you back, stronger than before." He motions for me to follow as he walks to a massive window overlooking the void, and I fall in step beside him. "I have had a long time to think, Starscream, about where we lost our way. Blinded by pride, drunk on conquest, we forgot our purpose." He looks out at the endless black. "Think back to the Great War's beginning. We were united, driven by purpose and a cause. My vision. But hubris tore us apart. We lost the war. Cybertron lies in ruin—a price we paid due to the Autobots and our own arrogance."

He turns to me, his hand heavy on my shoulder, and I feel something deeper than words in his touch—a mix of ambition, power, and something I'd almost call hope, if it were anyone else.

Megatron: "Will you, Starscream, my second-in-command, help me restore our home? Will you pledge loyalty, unwavering and absolute, to the Decepticon cause?"

I tremble, my spark surging with a fierce loyalty I've never felt before. I can feel who I once was fading, leaving only my allegiance to him. "I live to serve you, my Master. I swear I will never again betray you or the Decepticon cause." As I kneel, a clarity settles over me that I've never known.

Megatron: "Excellent, my friend." Satisfaction colors his voice, the quiet pride of a craftsman admiring his own handiwork. "I want you to fully embrace your position as my second—to become the true extension of my will. Now, go. Take up your duties."

I rise slowly, feeling purpose settle within me like a weight I'm ready to carry. I nod and turn to leave. From this day forward, I am, and will always be Starscream, my Master's loyal servant.

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Megatron POV:

I watch Starscream's steps as he leaves, his movements steady, resolved. As the doors close, I let my expression harden, the mask of camaraderie slipping away. I turn to Soundwave. "Report."

Soundwave faces me, his visor bright with unfaltering loyalty. "Starscream subroutine complete. Chance of failure: zero. Starscream loyalty: 100%."

A quiet chuckle escapes me. "Good. I have no need for betrayal now. How many of my forces are en route to Cybertron? How much of the army remains?"

Soundwave responds with his usual efficiency. "65% remain. Decepticon Justice Division remains fully operational."

I lean back into my throne, a dark satisfaction settling within me as I consider the future. "Excellent. You may go. Keep surveillance on Prime and our bases in the Sol System."

Soundwave bows and slips away without a sound. My optics shift to the stars beyond the window, my vision pressing out past them, bending the universe to my will.

(I'm sorry for not uploading in months life has been hectic.)