(Of reports and promises)

"Shockwave, report." Megatron was amused in more ways than one. While they had thwarted the kidnapping of Bulkhead, it'd only been a cover for his real goals. A working spacebridge from Earth into the heart of Cybertron was all good and well, it was improbable the plan would have succeeded, even with his troop's superior firepower and strength. Oh, he knew his warriors had captured several, but they were for another purpose, another use.

"All is proceeding according to plan, my liege. Shall I recall Agent Blurr?"

"No. Is he not here on Magnus's orders?"

"Very well," Shockwave said, antennae flicked back slightly as he nodded. Megatron noted some disappointment; he'd find out what it was at a later date. It wouldn't be the first time the young empurata victim displayed his emotions openly. "The Elite Guard are mobilising more troops to patrol the colonies on the outskirts of our claimed space in response to the 'uprisings'."

"Pull the non-combatants back to the Core Worlds." Bad enough they ran regular checks (and more) in the 'name of keeping the peace'. Megatron's optics burned at the thought of the Elite Guard sending more troops 'upholding' it. While it was true his people were warriors (with limited exceptions), one could not run an army without a supporting force, and he would not risk those lives. The Autobots called him a tyrant; they knew nothing. His people loved, respected and sometimes feared him because it took strength to choose not to abuse his power; he did what he did to keep them safe, and they knew that. "Adults who wish to fight may, provided they aren't carrying."

Shockwave nodded in understanding. No Decepticon in their right mind would risk a life not yet an adult, unlike Autobots. "The prisoners with them?"

"Task Barricade with the execution of all non-permanents. The warriors will follow only when they have the chance to lure some of the Elite Guard into traps. I want them alive."

"Yes, my liege. What of your forces there?"

"Send for the Stunticons and Blitzwing's Endrae."

Shockwave's optic widened, but the spy nodded nonetheless. "Understood."

Megatron settled back as the connection cut, ignoring the pained squeal from his footrest, recently recovered from the Nemesis. Everything was proceeding as planned, even with the hiccoughs and diversions against boredom along the way. "Lugnut."

"Mighty Megatron how may I be-"

Megatron held a hand up and Lugnut fell silent. "Fetch Starscream and his 'project' from the moon; he should be near the Nemesis, if not, ask Tailgate."

Everyone liked the blue-and-white, no matter who his Endura was; it made him the near perfect social spy, and that wasn't even his actual job.

"You-" The footrest gasped. "You'll fall, like your predecessor did…"

"Is that so, Zeta? You're mistaken." His heels dug into his footstool's back, silencing it. The tyrant closed his eyes as he recalled him, smiling not long before -. Megatron shook his head with a snarl. "I'll fulfil his dream. But you won't live to see it, Autobot."

"Optimus'll never give you the Allspark-" Zeta squealed, optics screwed shut in pain.

"The Allspark?" Megatron looked down at the battered Autobot with distaste. "Why would I want a mere trinket?"

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