I just realized how silly it is to post a chapter a day. I won't be able to do it over the Thanksgiving weekend. So…I think there'll be 5 or 6 chapters going up in one day! Maybe…

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Lord Megatron

It was probably not the best thing to do, but as Megatron looked me over, I meet his optics with a stubborn stare of my own, arms crossed over my chassis. The quiet stretched on for many breems, and I was grateful for Rattlestep's presence behind me.

"So…this is the fighter Long-shot found?" he finally asked – or more a demand – not looking away from me.

"Yes, sir." Rattlestep answered from behind me. The easy, friendly note had gone from his tone. He sounded like…a toughened soldier. "His name is Starscream."

Megatron's optics narrowed as he focused on me. My wings were stiff and shivering behind me, but I met his gaze defiantly. I doubted I'd use 'grouchy' to describe him to a newcomer. If I had to sum this mech up in one word, I'd use 'intimidating' or maybe 'scary' but not something as relaxed as 'grouchy'.

His red optics on me made me want to squirm in discomfort, but I stayed as still as a statue. Drowning my fear and anger and grief. Showing him a blank mask. Defiance was in my optics, I'm sure. I'd work on hiding that later. But for now, keeping my face blank was my best bet.

"Why are you here, Youngling?" he suddenly barked at me.

I answered with the first words that came to mind. "Your soldiers drugged me and brought me here." And they probably killed Mother. I added silently.

"You don't seem fiery…" Megatron growled, raising an optic ridge at me.

"Hard to feel like fire when you'd rather feel like ice." The words shot out before I could think about them. Behind me, I heard Rattlestep bite back a laugh…barely.

Slowly, Megatron smiled. "Very witty," he said with a nod.

I clamped my lip components together, biting them on the inside.

Megatron got up from the throne he'd been seated on, and walked over, getting a closer look at me. He circled me the way a predator will circle its prey, and I couldn't stop the visible shudder that ran icy fingers down my back when he was behind me, between me and Rattlestep. I felt too exposed, too vulnerable when I couldn't see him! He stepped into view again, and my wings lowered just a fraction.

"So you know when potential danger is at your back…Good." He nodded again, then looked at Rattlestep. "I entrust him to your care and training. He'll be a good Decepticon," he looked at me again as he finished his sentence, "if he doesn't get killed in his first fight."

Oh…slag…I thought as Rattlestep came forward and placed an arm around my shoulders, leading me back out of the room.