Delusions
Starscream, renowned Decepticon scientist, Seeker, strategist and self-proclaimed "pride" of the old Cybertron War Academy sat in his quarters, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Soon enough he would be working again, coordinating his efforts with Shockwave to construct yet another Space Bridge. In fact, he expected a transmission from Shockwave on Cybertron in the next few breems, but until the video conferencing feed came in, Starscream had some time to himself.
The recharge berth felt unusually cold to the temperature sensors on his lower body. Leaning his back against the wall, Starscream drew his knees up to his chest. He wasn't quite sure why, but he had absolutely no desire to do anything constructive. Instead, he stared forlornly at the few personal effects that marked to quarters as his own.
An old and worn photograph of Skyfire with his large arm drooped over Starscream sat on an indention in the wall that served as a shelf. In the photograph, Starscream held two brightly glowing, orange energy rods. He remembered working on energy compaction with Skyfire long ago. Now the photograph was strange to him.
In the old picture, the two mechs had been close friends, equals in the field of scientific advancements. His old appearance seemed foreign. Starscream subconsciously placed a hand on the purple Decepticon symbol on his right wing. Seeing his own image, undefiled by the twin marks on his wing panels brought a strange feeling to Megatron's second in command.
Starscream could barely remember the time when he had been in command of his own actions. Oh how he longed for the old days once more! The times where he had the control... Now his every move was in one fashion or another influenced and forced by Megatron.
He simply had to escape it, and soon. Starscream could only fool his own circuits for so long. He was not happy with Megatron and his goons. The excitement of battle, the rush of Energon through his systems could only distract him from his deeper piningings for so long. He needed a purpose. He needed friends, as much as he absolutely hated to admit it to himself. Starscream had needs... and they were never going to be met among the Decepticons.
Author's Note: I'm not sure if I am going to turn this into a multiple chapter fic or leave it as a stand alone oneshot. Let me know what you think!