Disclaimer: I do not own The Transformers animated series/show, they belong to toy manufacturer Takara and American company Hasbro. This fanfiction is merely for the sole purpose of entertainment and not for selling/profiting purposes. What I do own are the 'Thrust Boosters' and 'Impulse Communicator' – nobody take 'em!
Key Terms:
()()()()()()()()()() Change in location/place
\\\\\\\\\\ Change in tense/time (past/present/future)
italics Character's thoughts/emphasis/sounds
Truly Friends
Chapter 1: Discordance and Bad Omens
Starscream examined his creation. He had been designing and planning it for two Earth months and already he had finished building the final and complete version of his tool. It was a pair of Thrust Boosters, designed to give extra power during take-off and during flight, though with limited usage as it was not designed to continuously exert power to the user. Therefore, its power had to be used wisely and with caution. As an ex-scientist, Starscream had a particular habit to retreat to his laboratory and create new contraptions and devices, for his own usage in particular. And having his own personal laboratory fed the habits of his inner-scientist even more.
"Ah, good," he said to himself, satisfied. "These should give me the advantage I need in flight."
And perhaps even against Megatron, he added to himself as an afterthought. He dared not speak his thoughts out loud lest the other Decepticons – or even worse – Megatron himself might eavesdrop on him, and then be delivered an unpleasant punishment. That he did not risk receiving.
He held one of the Thrust Boosters with his left hand, while he extended his right index finger, where the tip of the finger opened by a panel sliding across, revealing a built-in screwdriver erecting from the opening. He used it to open the back panel of the booster, which covered the manual controls used to modify the level of power boost that can be exerted, and the angle, in which the force of the boost will push the user into whichever direction they pleased. There was also a green flip switch, right to the keypad, which allows the same modifications to be set on the other booster automatically if switched to 'AUTOMATIC', in which case was not.
A total of ten yellow bars were used to indicate the level of power the booster has, with one bar being the lowest and ten the highest, in which Starscream set at eight bars. Instead of power bars, figures were used to indicate the number of degrees for the angle, in which he set at zero – he could manoeuvre himself perfectly well enough in most angles without the help of the boosters. The angle setting was there in case of a crisis situation, in which Starscream would find it difficult to escape from danger fast enough. Conveniently, he could manually change the settings by use of an Impulse Communicator, another device he had created, used in partnership with the boosters.
Its sole purpose was to receive impulses generated by the motor areas in the cranial circuits, controlling movement of the limbs, in which case can control the level of power and the angle of direction of the boosters.
After receiving the impulses, it is sent in the form of signal waves in the direction of receptors on the surface of the boosters. Even if the signal waves were received by one of the boosters, the altered settings will automatically be copied onto the other, as long as 'AUTOMATIC' is switched on.
It's as if these boosters are a part of my very being. It's perfect, he thought, feeling proud of his newest inventions and feeling very smug at his double entendre of both his boosters and himself.
To be exact, Starscream felt euphoria at his own ingenuity and unique talents. He had had this feeling before, but it seemed not quite as high as this, this time, as his thought processors wandered back in retrospect of his past achievements acquired over the millions of years as scientist back on Cybertron and warrior in Megatron's Decepticon Army. He marvelled at how sufficiently he had worked his way up among the ranks, proving his worth again and again to snobby insubordinates, becoming a role model to lesser-ranked Decepticon soldiers, and eventually reaching the position of Second-In-Command to Megatron. Yes, he felt good, too good that it felt surreal. Like a dream, as if none of those things ever happened.
And when I gain enough power, I'll take Megatron's title of marshal of the Decepticon Army and be finally in control of everything! He lifted his arms mid-way with his fists clenched. I deserve it, especially after all my hard work. It will not be in vain! I'll take it, someday…
He lowered his arms, slowly unclenching his fists as the wave of ambition passed but still remaining in his thought processors. He smiled at his reality-to-be dream, seeing it as clear as his unclenched fist.
Closing the hinge of the panel and fastening it securely back in place, he set the Thrust Booster onto his worktop and proceeded to enter his quarters to fetch the Impulse Communicator to test its functions. The sliding doors to his quarters opened for him and closed behind him with a shwook leaving his laboratory relatively empty.
Until an intruder suddenly appeared in front of Starscream's worktop where he had stood at previously in a flash of white light. Pure black and venomous purple adorned his metallic body, a colour scheme recognized by all of the Decepticons who were unfortunate enough to have been victims in his pranks when least expected.
Skywarp curiously picked up the compact-looking device he saw Starscream hold from his hiding place and brought it to his optics for a better look. It was apparent that Skywarp had been spying on Starscream within his laboratory without his knowing – it was literally good timing that he had teleported to his laboratory while it was still empty and hid behind steel blocks that were stacked high and well away from, but still in good view of, the worktop. It was lucky for Skywarp that there were enough steel blocks to cover his wide wings and height, but he had knelt down and retracted his wings to better conceal himself. He definitely didn't want to be found upon by a furious Starscream – his temper could be just as worse as Megatron's for all he knew.
However, he was willing to take the risk in order to escape the boring atmosphere of the work place. His now-abandoned job was to watch over the drones and fix any problem that came up, if any, with Thundercracker. Unfortunately, the drones were too efficient in their work, making few errors, and the task quickly became tedious. He abandoned it and Thundercracker while he was busy watching the drones intently, alert for any mishaps and being dedicated to his job. Skywarp took his chance and teleported away to cause mayhem for anyone unfortunate enough to be in his thought processors at the time, namely Starscream.
Having a built-in screwdriver of his own, he opened the back panel of the booster and peered at the neat arrangement of components, clearly labelled and immaculate. He quickly learned to adjust the settings for the level of power and the angle settings too. Then a mischievous idea rose in his cranial circuits, tempting him strongly to act on it. It didn't take long for him to adjust power levels to maximum and randomly set the angle at different degrees for both boosters, switching off 'AUTOMATIC' in the process for 'better' results. Disturbance could be heard in the next room with Starscream still searching for his device, then a: "Oh, where is it?!"
Skywarp could tell Starscream was quite irritated at the moment and did not bother to suppress a cheeky grin at the thought of doubling his irritation with his prank. He closed both boosters, placed them on a four-wheel tray and led it to the far end of the laboratory, positioning it to aim opposite to where Starscream would re-enter the room. With his plan coming into place, he laid the boosters horizontally aiming them at the same target. When it came to pulling pranks Skywarp was unnaturally ingenious at it.
As if on cue in a well-rehearsed play, the sliding doors opened to allow Starscream to walk right into a trap. He looked up from the device in his hand with a look of surprise turning into a frown as he laid optics onto his inventions and then onto the mischievous grin on Skywarp's face.
"What are you –" But his words were cut off as Skywarp activated the boosters by pressing an 'IMMEDIATE BOOST' button he had found on the bottom of the boosters, causing them to cut through the air like two bullets, one making contact heavily with Starscream's abdomen and the other now embedded deeply into the wall where it curved sharply right in lightning motion.
CLANG! The tremendous speed and power of the booster was enough to force Starscream's body into the wall, and he felt as if he were punched dead centre in his energon converter, but just as fast as it had activated, the booster ceased functioning with a few sputters of energy, and allowed his body to fall to the floor. The device he held flew out of his hand, as he clutched his assaulted mid-circuits while his facial components contorted into an expression of pain.
In complete contrast, Skywarp let out a stream of laughter, which reverberated off the walls, making it seem like many Skywarps were laughing at him instead of one.
"I got you good!" he said amidst giggles. "It doesn't hurt too much does it?" There was a mocking tone to his voice.
This enraged Starscream, along with the fact that not only did he fall for Skywarp's trickery, but also that his latest inventions might have been demolished after two Earth months of hard work. He used his anger to force himself to stand up and overcome the pain.
"Shut up! You insolent idiot!" he shot back while glaring knives into Skywarp's optics. "Did you know how long it took me to create these? It will all be a waste because of you!"
He raised his left null ray and fired without hesitation at the face of Skywarp – still grinning that stupid grin of his. However, Skywarp must have anticipated this action, as he dodged with unexpected speed to his left, avoiding getting hit. As sharp as he was in his pranks, he was also an excellent warrior in battle, which made up for his weakness in the intelligence department as much as Starscream hated to admit. Nonetheless he would still attempt to take him on, no matter what level of prowess he had in battle.
Starscream rushed him, this time making contact with his hands gripped onto Skywarp's shoulders, trying to topple him onto the floor, but by instinct Skywarp imitated him and also placed a strong grip on the other's shoulders, determined to remain standing.
The power struggle ended, the result being Starscream forced to topple backwards, crashing into the tray behind him and then to the steel alloy flooring with a second CLANG! Skywarp fell with him, now straddled on top of Starscream and proceeded to repeatedly punch the side of his head while using his other hand to hold him down by the shoulder. Starscream responded by raising his arm to defend his now assaulted cranium, his free arm also holding Skywarp back by the shoulder only to prevent him from coming closer if that were possible. The violent push from Skywarp stunned him somewhat and now he was in a vulnerable position. The most he could do now was to defend his face from having dents on one side and endure as long as he can until he ceased punching.
It was then a shwook was heard and a very surprised light blue and white seeker stood witnessing the brawl, which continued on as relentlessly as if he were never there. In a spark pulse Thundercracker strode over to Skywarp and, using his powerful arms, grabbed him by the waist, successfully pulling him off.
"Would you care to tell me what is going on here?" Thundercracker angrily asked, particularly to Skywarp. He struggled against his grip futilely to try and continue the 'match' but gradually gave up, accepting his actions had laid enough damage already.
"Nothin', Thundercracker, I was just having some fun. Gotta kill the boredom somehow," Skywarp replied, turning his head to smirk at Thundercracker.
Starscream meanwhile, was relieved to have the attacker's weight off of him and lifted himself up while keeping a hand on his assaulted head like he had been slapped violently. However, his glare was as fierce as ever – he wanted to bore holes into Skywarp's optics so badly; his insolence infuriated him.
"Oh really? It looked like you were trying to kill him instead," Thundercracker reprimanded. "You just have to get yourself into trouble every time I turn away from you, don't you?"
"Well I was bored!" Skywarp childishly retorted. "Besides, I wanted to see how ol' Starscream was doin'." He turned to smirk mockingly at Starscream who wore a very murderous look on his face.
"How dare you!" Starscream pointed an accusatory finger in his direction. "How dare you come into my quarters uninvited and break my equipment! You worthless pile of reject parts! Do this again and I'll break you," he finished threateningly.
"Ha! You couldn't break me even if you wanted to. The way our fight was turning out is proof of that. If you don't remember, you were at the receiving end of my punches, or did I bash you so much that you lost you memory?"
"Why you –"
"Decepticons!" The intercom abruptly cut short of Starscream's verbal counter with the room now filled with Megatron's vocals.
"There is a new-found location of a high energy source east of here in an isolated oil drill rig. We are to suck the oil rig dry of its raw energy and turn it into pure energon – we leave immediately!"
As abruptly as the interjection had started the order ended to leave silence to take over the somewhat heated atmosphere.
"Well we'd better get going or else Megatron will kick our steel hides. You two can settle this later," Thundercracker said, and let go.
A moment or two passed as Starscream and Skywarp narrowed their optics at each other. Starscream did not like being bested at most things, whether in battle or not, and a staring contest was one of them. He also was not afraid of a scolding from Megatron if he was late; he had had plenty of that in the past back on Cybertron, so many in fact that it felt almost routine to him. Furthermore, as Second-In-Command he would never back down from a challenge that threatened to humiliate him or attempt to belittle his authority – that he would never accept.
"Heh." Skywarp broke his optics away, apparently deciding that keeping in Megatron's good books was a better option than winning a silent battle. "Whatever. Its not like he's worth it anyway. See ya', loser." With a cocky grin and a mocking salute, Skywarp's frame vanished in blinding light as he teleported away.
Starscream sourly kept his optics narrowed on the empty spot where Skywarp used to be, not moving a limb.
"Starscream?" the sound of Thundercracker's vocals interrupted. "We gotta go."
"Just. Go."
Starscream did not care to watch Thundercracker leave, the sound of his footsteps upon the floor fading and a final shwook of closing doors.
Finally alone, he promptly strode to the fallen Thrust Boosters and retrieved them – managing to dislodge the one embedded into the wall with some difficulty – and also picked up the small device from the floor. He checked for any damage on all three equipment, finding nothing serious.
Not forgetting to finally put his inventions to the test, Starscream re-adjusted the settings to his preference and attached a Thrust Booster each to the outside of his legs at ankle level. The box-like appearance of the boosters revealed clamps extending out of it to hold itself firmly to Starscream's legs. He then attached the Impulse Communicator to his temple. It had a similar square appearance and plain white colouration as the boosters, and emitted a magnetic force designed to be attracted to Cybertronian alloy. It attached with a small clink.
He then began to make his way to the exit dock, where he was most certain Megatron was feeling impatient with him for making him wait, even if it was for a short while, and especially if an energon raid was involved. He knew that Megatron was a keen opportunist when it came to acquiring energy and liked to act with haste to achieve it. Starscream thought more of it as desparation.
When he finally arrived, he saw Soundwave and Thundercracker standing alert, arms held straight at the sides. Skywarp, on the other hand, had his arms crossed while leaning on the wall with an expression of boredom painted on his facial components.
Also present were the trio of Insecticons – currently residing at Decepticon headquarters – who had similar looks of boredom. He never fully trusted those three for they irritated him with their raspy vocals and incessant need to devour anything they could get their hands on in an animalistic way that disgusted him. Those were the only main traits that Starscream ever recognised in them, apart from their unique battle skills.
Worse yet in the vicinity is a scowling Megatron, arms folded and finger tapping, looking in his direction.
"Starscream! Where have you been? How dare you keep us waiting. You'd better have a good explanation for this."
"What of it, Megatron? I'm here now, aren't I?" replied Starscream, feeling testy.
"The point is, is that you're late. If we are to defeat the Autobots we have to be quicker than them at everything, which includes leaving at my command. And that you didn't do, Starscream."
"Well I was busy, Megatron. And an insolent fool who came into my quarters only prolonged the time. So blame him!" If Starscream had noticed the scowl that came from Skywarp, he didn't show it. He was still facing Megatron with a defiant gleam in his optics.
"Stop trying to look guiltless, Starscream," said Megatron. "Your pathetic accusations of others are worthless. You sound like a whiny little sparkling always pointing the finger at somebody else when things go wrong."
Several Decepticons sniggered at this statement, while the rest simply smirked. The poorly stifled giggles behind Megatron were audible enough for both mechs to hear.
"And quite frankly, I'm tired of it. You'd better learn how to own up for your mistakes soon, Starscream, or I'll pull you down the ranks." He dismissively ended his scathing statements and turned away from Starsream to face the departure gate.
Not wanting to be the next victims of Megatron's verbal attack, most of the Decepticons turned to face in the same direction. Skywarp gave a wide self-satisfied grin aimed at Starscream before turning fully away.
Humiliation hung on the jet. Such treatments from Megatron were experienced numerous times before and, on occasion, in the presence of the Decepticon Army. No matter how many times it occured he always loathed it.
The gates behind him closed to encase everyone from the undersea water as the spike-like tower cut through to the surface. Inside, it was pitch black. A low, deep hum resounded on the thick walls as the tower continued to rise against the water. The tower stopped and the exit gate fell open to the outside world, dissipating the suffocating darkness with bright light and spacious atmosphere. Immediately, the Decepticons launched themselves into the air with the seekers and Insecticons transforming to their alt modes in mid-flight.
The journey was made in silence, apart from the occasional interrogative from Megatron concerning the distance left to cover and a straight forward answer from Soundwave.
Starscream scanned the vast expanse of the black-blue sea, which spread in all directions. There seemed to be no end to its vastness, forever covering the Earth in a watery coat. He pondered at why many humans decide to journey over these waters, without fear or caution for they were obviously fragile creatures, with flesh and bones easily broken by anything harder in substance. No, he did not hold concern for their well-being in thinking this, it was always a habit of thought to ponder on the activities of human beings; why they do it and what is its meaning behind them. Is it fun to be in danger? Or is it simply in their nature? Other things on this earth bewilder Starscream to result in producing more puzzling questions and more confusing conundrums. Humans are strange flesh creatures indeed.
The relatively short journey was nearing its end as land came into view, rising up from the vast blanket of blue water beneath the air-borne Decepticons. They passed over the ridge of the cliff, the waves slamming against it walls with a crashing sound and as the waves pulled away, the foam still clung onto the walls and gradually slid downwards, but before it could fully go back into the sea, a fresh wave covered them.
Starscream saw that the land they were now flying over was a golden yellow colour, a complete contrast to the dark blue hue of the ocean, and it spread outwards all over the earth's surface, it seemed, as far as the optic could see. The sun's rays were reflecting off the land so strongly, it made the earth seem like it gave off its own light, making Starscream lower the power to his optics in slight irritation so as to not damage his vision. He also saw trees and several patches of green grass sometimes appearing randomly and not as frequently as on other land where many buildings and humans occupied the area. Tall, irregular-shaped rocks and boulders dotted the landscape, like jagged teeth. No wonder the oil rig was isolated – it was in the wilderness, a harsh desert land where it was difficult to make any living here with little resources to cover basic needs and requirements, not even water.
"Soundwave, how much longer?" came the inevitable questioning from Megatron. He sounded half impatient and half anticipating. Almost like an eager sparkling having been promised an exciting surprise.
Starscream took pleasure in the irony of that thought, amused that Megatron didn't seem to realise that although certain actions or words of his can be interpreted as being assertive and focused, at the same time another mech could easily interpret them as being slightly childish in his impatience. He didn't dare tell Megatron though, however tempting it was to anger him, Starscream knew better than to test his lack of patience right now, unless he wanted a punch to the cockpit. Thus, he kept his silence and the amusing thought to himself.
"Under twenty earth minutes, Megatron," came the ever-responsive reply.
"Good."
The usual scene of random patches of grass, trees and rocks passed beneath Starscream's optics in a matter of minutes until he directed them northwards and saw a straight black line drawn in the earth horizontally that was slowly coming into clearer view as the distance shortened with each second. Closer still, he saw the platform of the oil rig and several oil wells that were borne upon it with derricks holding them in place. The black line that seemed like a string of black was now a deep laceration in the ground that was at least twenty metres or so behind the oil rig and it cut in the earth jaggedly as if a giant sword was thrust into it and pulled out roughly. Starscream thought the enormous gorge looked awe-inspiring – it was so big! As the Decepticons flew over the massive gorge, Starscream could not help but slow down to stare at it for longer.
They descended to the ground little by little in a spiral motion until it was acceptable enough to transform back to robot mode and land on their feet with several clunks. The dust and sand rose from where they stood by the force of the landing, swept by the wind's current. Some number of rocks surrounded the oil rig and also on the opposite side of the gorge. Meanwhile, dust swirled in the air in miniature cyclones every now and then as the wind travelled over them. There was no green grass on the golden ground; it was practically a desert save for the nearby water well.
"Decepticons, fill the energon cubes immediately. I want this oil rig sucked dry," ordered Megatron.
Automatically, Soundwave released his cassettes. "Rumble: Eject. Frenzy: Eject. Operation: Collect energon."
As they ejected they transformed in mid-air to their robot form and landed on their feet. Soundwave then started the production of energon cubes for them to use in batch numbers, while the other Decepticons sub-spaced their own cubes and proceeded to convert oil into energon.
Starscream also sub-spaced an empty cube and shot a neat hole in one of the wells and held the cube under the flow of running oil, letting it fill to the top. He repeated this action after each filled cube as did the rest of the Decepticons.
\\\\\\\\\\ More than an hour had passed as the unrelenting sun travelled slowly across the relatively cloudless sky, where no such shade was enough to shield them from the murderous heat. Soon, there were two dozen neat piles behind Starscream who was still filling his chosen well while the others, with two or three in a group, had at least four dozen piles behind them. Starscream stopped filling cubes and straightened his back for a much needed break, bending backwards a little. After his 'stretch' he studied the progress of the others and then turned to the skies; rich and bold blue with several wispy, thin clouds spread across it and was travelling at a lazy pace further eastwards.
Those disrespectful fools. I'm the Second-In-Command. Why won't they help me? he thought in mild indignation.
He lowered his optics at the blinding brightness but kept them in the sky nonetheless and followed the journey of the clouds, went past them in their direction of travel and saw an unusual overcast sky, that had dark grey clouds and, in farther places, darker still. It looked foreboding to him, like a bad omen, and suddenly felt as if the group of Decepticons were being warned by some mysterious force that was telling them to leave this place or face its approaching presence. The feeling of danger crept up on him and he felt the need to warn Megatron but the prediction of receiving teases from him conflicted with that. He did not want to be an embarassment in front of the others again, yet the urge to inform Megatron of his fears is unrelenting. It was not like Starscream to suddenly feel afraid of dark-coloured clouds and run from it but somehow the darkness of the clouds made him feel unsafe. It looked too unnatural.
His warning dial pulsated as he saw the threatening clouds loom ever closer toward them at a steady but slow pace. Finally losing the strength to resist any longer, he gave in to his fear.
He glanced around nervously in search of Megatron and soon found him not too far away leaning on a tall rock with his arms crossed and a satisfied grin on his face, looking out into the distance calmly. Starscream promptly ran while taking long strides to faster reach him and stopped in front of him.
"Megatron, I think we should leave this place," Starscream started. "Those storm clouds overhead worry me." As he said this he pointed in the direction of the clouds to show Megatron the object in question.
The grin that was on his face faded to a thin line and he turned only his head toward the general direction of where Starscream was pointing at. If Megatron had noticed the dark clouds he had shown nothing to indicate it. There was no change in the blank expression on his face, which either meant that he might not have noticed the object of Starscream's fear or that he did not feel the same alarming concern as he did, hence the lack of emotion on his face.
It was an understatement to say that the slowly darkening clouds were clear enough to be seen, let alone to say they could be seen, for they stood out like a very blackened and large sore thumb against the blue sky, which was increasing in size and volume by the minute. Starscream also knew that his leader was far from being blind and to think so would be a stupid mistake.
So Starscream chose the latter option as the explanation for Megatron's lack of response.
"What are you talking about, Starscream? They're only little black puffballs," Megatron said dismissively, confirming Starscream's answer.
He hated it when Megatron took a concern of his too lightly and frivolously discard it like so many trash. To Starscream it seemed like Megatron enjoyed doing that to him because no matter what his concerns were and however he implored them to Megatron, they were always dashed away like useless spare parts and were very rarely accepted. Afterwards, Starscream always felt dismissed like his warnings were; like he was not important to Megatron at all but a mere nuisance that needed to be rid off as quickly as possible. But what infuriated Starscream more was the fact the he was second to Megatron in the rankings, therefore that made him more than important enough to be heeded by Megatron in a more serious manner – not to be treated like any common soldier who did not even come close to Starscream's potential. For the sake of his pride and position, Starscream persisted.
"But, Megatron, they don't look safe and they're coming closer as we're collecting energon like sitting duck-droids. Besides, it looks like we have more than enough energon than we can carry and the Autobots will be alerted of our activities soon and interfere with our plans as usual. Let's go before that same fate happens again, Megatron."
After his vehement plea to return to base after such a short while, Megatron had a look of distaste or, to Starscream, disgust on his face that clearly told him that his imploring request would not be granted this time. Not that they were any other time.
"Your fate will be even worse if you don't stop fretting about meaningless worries!" Megatron snapped. "As usual you doubt my ability to think ahead in these situations, much less than your abilities to my offence. You only see things in the present while I look to the future. When the Autobots come, we'll be ready to pulverize their puny forces and make out way to victory where nothing will stand in our way."
Megatron was now standing, arms crossed and staring challengingly at Starscream, almost as if he was daring him to further voice his concerns. Starscream predictably took the dare, being stubborn as he was when he wanted a point to get across to Megatron or to anybody else for that matter.
"But, Megatron, you don't under –"
"No, you don't understand, Starscream," Megatron abruptly interrupted. The speed of his interjection surprised Starscream forcing him into silence. "You don't understand how cowardly you are." There was anger and contempt in his tone. "Your lack of courage is why you're always second best. I've always wondered how your temperament got you this far in the Decepticon Army but there are other traits within you that are more approving than your cowardice that I see have contributed to your achievements. But, nonetheless, your fear of anything abnormal is what keeps you from moving on to the next level, and stops you from using your talents for something better."
Starscream was affronted to say the least. He knew that he had the tendency to feel anxious of unexpected occurrences and act nervously but it was not so much in cowardice as Megatron might think. To Starscream, cowardice would be fleeing from danger but only to save your own life and be the only one protected from the danger. When he felt threatened he warned Megatron first and only Megatron first. Of course, that would only be because of obligation not because it was out of concern: Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons after all and should be aware of any threat when possible. If Starscream were a true coward, he would have turned and ran without a second thought many times before, including this time. But he didn't. Most of the time anyway.
"You're wrong! I'm no coward!" Starscream vehemently defended himself, his control over his vocals non-existent in his outburst, feeling too indignant to control himself. His pride refused to let him be beaten, especially against the one who held the position he wanted more than anything.
Starscream saw Megatron narrow his optics at him at that and unfold his arms, an indicative sign that told him he was going to do something unpleasant. And it was targeted at him. The danger he felt coming from the clouds dissolved in an instant, now being replaced by the danger coming from Megatron's very being as he took slow but steady steps toward him.
Oh slag, what's he gonna do? Starscream thought fearfully. Me and my big mouth components.
He wanted to get away from this new danger but pride, yet again, refused to appear weak in front of such a challenge and forced Starscream to stay put, no matter how rapidly his warning dial was pulsating in his cranium. He also didn't want to prove Megatron correct in calling him a coward by granting the act of running away. With pride and logic against fear, Starscream had no choice but to stand his ground and endure whatever Megatron would throw at him, if he could.
Once Megatron was within reaching distance, he thrust an arm out and grabbed Starscream by the neck, and squeezed without warning. Starscream immediately felt pain and crushing pressure on his neck units and gripped Megatron's imposing arm in reflex.
"Argh! –" He managed to use his vocals but could not speak, not with them squeezed mostly shut so mercilessly tight. A look of complete disdain was now worn on Megatron's face and pulled Starscream's to his to speak closely into his audio sensors.
"Do you dare challenge me," he asked in a scarily soft tone, "you pathetic scrap pile? How dare you speak back to me like that. I ought to leave you for dead for that kind of insolence."
"Urgh! –" was all that Starscream could muster as a response. The pain increased as Megatron decided to crush his grip further, so hard that Starscream couldn't help but shut down his optics and close his optic lids from the pain and grit his mouth clamps.
Megatron raised his tone from soft to unexpectedly loud, as he shouted: "Next time you find yourself in the Pits, don't be surprised when no help comes to you!"
If it were not for Megatron's grip, Starscream would have jerked with surprise at the suddenly raised voice flooding in his audios.
He felt himself being violently pushed backwards, the hold on his throat blissfully released and fell to the ground. Megatron watched him fall and support himself with an elbow, with his other hand feeling around his damaged neck and face contorted in pain. He disgustedly turned away, ever dismissively, and proceeded to lean on the side of the rock where he was out of sight, uncaring to watch Starscream further.
Meanwhile, Starscream was trying to re-cooperate as he forced himself to his knees with his one hand still gently massaging away the pain in his neck. He glanced up and saw the back of Megatron before he completely disappeared from his sight as he turned round the side of the rock.
Clunk. The sound of metal against rock told him that Megatron was now leaning again on his claimed boulder, that clearly said that their 'conversation' was now closed.
Resentment, anger, hate. He felt all three emotions build up at a quick rate but dared not to release them lest more of Megatron's wrath be dealt on him. No, he would bide his time for the right opportunity where he would make Megatron pay for all the belabourment he had ever bestowed on him, including this time, and when that time comes, he would finally be in complete control of everything. He relished that thought as he stood vertically once more, glaring heatedly at the rock before him while visualising Megatron's back to him with his arms crossed.
Someday I'll conquer you, Megatron, he thought secretly. And then you'll be sorry that you ever crossed me.
Promptly he turned away and walked back to his well, ignoring glances from the other Decepticons as he did so.
Someday…