Introduction: This takes place about 6-7 years after Endgame. For young/new readers unfamiliar with vignettes, they're meant to be short scenes that focus more on mood, tone, and characterization than plot. The chapters are not directly connected, but they more or less go in chronological order. Feedback is always appreciated!
Rodimus Magnus
Not long ago, Sentinel had been the one inaugurated on the steps of the Metroplex; today, he stood on the sidelines for another.
He refused to dwell on how the Team Athenia leader had swiped his position as Magnus, because that wasn't even the worst part. The maroon mech had been two classes above Sentinel at the Autobot Academy, even though he'd been one class below in boot camp. Back then, he was humble, respectful, and dependable. Fell behind in class? Rodimus was more than happy to tutor. Needed a sparring partner for combat drills? Ask Rodimus, he knew the lesson inside and out. Heck, any relationship woes to get off your hood? No worries, Rodimus had oil and advice to spare. And little changed after graduation; the Academy's resident "Chosen One" remained an unflappable model Autobot to all who knew him.
And that was the worst part- Sentinel himself couldn't put in a bad word against the guy. Rodimus Magnus was brilliant and more than worthy of his new title; it couldn't be more infuriating.
The blue mech was trapped there by obligation. Impeached or not, he was still the former Magnus; he was expected to attend on account of still being online. The minute Alpha Trion said the closing words, he'd be cast out and forced to restart his career. That snobbish cult of a High Council even had the nerve to remove him from the Elite Guard and put him in charge of a common squad.
So there he stood, drowning in a silent typhoon of humiliation, as Perfection Personified stole everything he'd worked for in the blink of an optic. The crowd of thousands might have worsened the agitation, but he knew they paid him no mind. He wasn't who they came to see today.
The sole consolation was that it wasn't Optimus being sworn in. Sentinel didn't think he'd be able to live that down.
One solar cycle, Sentinel would show them all. He'd rise in the ranks like before and make them regret ever snubbing him in the first place. Heck, the look on their faceplates would be more than enough, even if he never carried the Elite Guard badge again. No second-rate squad would hold him back, inadequacies be damned.
For now, he endured the embarrassment, listening to the old codger drone on about 'duty' this and 'honor' that. It took all of Sentinel's composure not to yawn in front of all in attendance.
He hadn't even gotten a chance to meet most of his new team in person, but their records were unimpressive. Nothing but rabble, the lot of them; a lackluster crew of rejects not fit to scrub the deck on their new rustbucket of a ship.
Oh.
And her.