Uh oh - now there's expectations to live up to! Well, anybody who doesn't like how the story goes can write their own take on the idea, I suppose. Anyway (now that I've been able to upload it), here's the next bit.

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Transformersfest was held the following week, in a small, formerly deserted valley. Huffer and Grapple, in consultation with Blaster and Jazz, constructed a stage for the Autobot performance at one end of the valley; the Constructicons, of course, assembled the Decepticon stage, at the opposite side. Thousands of humans were gathered in the space in-between, awaiting the beginning of the music. The Autobots were up first, winners of a game of chance. Predictably, Megatron had rigged the game; unpredictably, he had rigged it so that the Autobots would win.

"I wish to gauge their material," he explained to Soundwave. "If it is as … bland … as I predict, we should win this contest fairly easily. If they surprise me, I will strengthen our own set list."

"Of course, Megatron."

The Autobot All-Stars' show was launched with synthesized bass. Pre-recorded music blared through the speakers as the curtain parted, revealing five Autobots. Prowl, Hot Rod, Optimus Prime, Blue Streak, and Omega Supreme were arranged in a triangular formation, with Prime at the apex. They then began a choreographed dance routine. Eventually, they began to sing, while continuing the dance number.

"Backstreet's back, all right!" the Autobots sang solemnly.

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Megatron had fallen, and he could not get up.

He was laughing too hard.

"They – they – hahahaha!" he managed. "Dancing Autobots! Hoohoohahaha! Optimus … Prime … in a boy band – hahahahaha! Oh, this will truly be easier than I thought!"

"Ha ha -yes, Megatron!" Megatron could tell from the sound of his voice that Soundwave would be smiling, if he had a mouth.

"Heh heh hehhehhehheh … perhaps we won't even need to bother to play, Soundwave! Perhaps the humans will terminate the Autobots themselves, for unleashing that performance!"

"Perhaps," Soundwave agreed. "However, assuming that we do continue, there is an issue or two to settle among the performers."

"Oh, very well." Megatron, still chuckling occasionally, followed Soundwave farther into the backstage area. The space was filled with voices and music, as Decepticons discussed and rehearsed parts which might appear in their show.

"Instruments of destruction/Who's to fow a-pay/It's the final interruption …"

"Don't drink the water/There's blood in the water/Don't drink the water eh-eh ..."

"The greatest love/Of alllllll …"

"No, Shockwave, you can't play the harmonica …."

Finally, they arrived at the apparent source of contention: the musician list. To Megatron's great lack of surprise, the lead malcontent appeared to be Starscream.

"Megatron! What is the meaning of this?" Starscream asked indignantly. "My part – "

"Is the one I have chosen for you," Megatron said, with a note of finality Starscream either didn't notice or chose to ignore.

"But – SKYWARP as the lead guitarist? I'm better than – "

"I have made my decision."

"But – even Rumble and Ramjet have better parts than me! Do we need two drummers?"

"Foolish Starscream," Megatron chastened. "You can never have too many drummers."

"Affirmative," Soundwave seconded. "In fact, Tantrum may join us, if he can find his kit."

"But – I am Ramjet's superior officer! He shouldn't get a better instrument than me! He'll probably use his head on the drums!" Starscream ranted.

"Of course I will!" the nearby Ramjet responded indignantly. "What kind of an idiot do you take me for?"

"Argh!" Starscream cried. "These fools get main instruments, and the great Starscream gets – the triangle?"

"And the cowbell," Megatron added, with a hint of amusement escaping into his voice. "Such is the cost of defying me, Starscream. Behave yourself, and I may allow you to play back-up tambourine, as well." He turned away. "Now, I must prepare. I have decided we shall perform at least one song, despite the … squareness of the Autobots' performance."

"You'll pay for this, Megatron!" Starscream called after his leader. "You'll pay!"