chapter 23
Alpha Trion and Rustspike were brought back from Vector Sigma because it felt they had more to do. They were back. Strongwind was one of their oldest friends. "I got to tell you this I hope all goes well for you," Alpha Trion said.
"I know I love being their for Vos and all it's people, and helping out at leader summits, but I fear I am getting to old for this," Strongwind said. "I have been doing this far longer than Optimus and Megatron have been online I think it's about time I retire and choose one to take my place," he said.
"Retire?" one of the seekers said.
"It's not your choice to make," Rustspike told the seeker guard.
"Yes it is the choice of Strongwind, keep in mind there comes a time when a leader must step down," Alpha Trion told the seeker guard.
Back on earth things were pretty calm. Then a message came in. "It from Wing lord Strongwind," Megatron said.
"He's calling all flying transformers from Vos," Optimus said.
"That includes us?" Starscream asked.
"Yes it does," Megatron said.
Once on planet Cybertron in the city state of Vos all the fliers were talking. "I wonder what Wing lord Strongwind has to say," one of the fliers said.
"It must be important, if he wants all the fliers from Vos to come," Jetfire stated.
Strongwind came up. "Attention everyone, I have called all you fliers here for a special reason. You all are going to be going through trials to see which one of you is going to be the next leader of Vos because I feel it's time to retire because I am getting too old to be a leader," he said.
All the fliers gasped. "The trials will begin tomorrow at sunrise I hope all of you do well," Strongwind said.
Many of the fliers didn't know what to think.
The next morning the trials were ready to begin. "Okay all of you it's time to see who will be the future leader of Vos," Strongwind said. "First to go get through this obstacle course will win and have spot in the next trial there will be four different trials so be prepared," he said.
The bots took off through the obstacle course. Starscream was doing well then he helped a young flier who got caught in a tail spin and then took off again and finished first barely.
"Well done Starscream that was close," Hot shot said.
"Thank you for helping me back there even though it could've cost you the trial," the young flier said.
"It was no trouble at all," Starscream told him.
"Okay the second trial is you all must be able to fly through these tough weather conditions to test your endurance," Strongwind said.
The second trial was hard. Starscream managed to push himself through by staying behind and managed to get past to first by saving his energy.
"Okay next thing that must be done, is that the trial needs to show smarts, and make quick decisions," Strongwind said. "So when you go through this you need to really think on your feet," he said.
Starscream and three others managed to finish. "Okay you four are the finalist, now this is one final trial," Strongwind said. "There is ferocious storm that blocks away to the battlefield to where you are needed to assist the troops with your fliers what would you do?" he asked.
"I would take them through with out second thought," a shuttle bot said.
"Wow," many of the fliers said.
"I would fly into the eye of that storm and blaze the enemy before going to the troops." a copter said.
"Incredible," many bots said.
"I would fly in that storm and tell my fliers they must fly through and bring glory to Vos," a seeker said.
"Amazing," many bots said.
Starscream thought about it. He knew how dangerous it was to fly in that kind of weather he has seen what can happen. He saw many soldiers injured and he has seen what happens when a human is foolish enough to do so. If he was the one leading that troop, he would wait for the storm to die down without endangering a whole unit for the sake of glory.
"Starscream? What is your answer?" Strongwind asked.
"Me I wouldn't fly into to that storm nor would I make other bots do it." Starscream said. "It is too dangerous and it may cause the lives and well being of the fliers before they reach the other troop to provide back up," he said. "I wouldn't endanger others for the sake of glory on the battlefield. As a leader of a unit a bot must put the lives of everyone of his men first." he said.
Many of the transformers gasped. Many whispered to each other thinking Starscream was being a coward. While Optimus and Megatron looked at each other nodded with approval of Starscream's answer.
Strongwind smiled and came up to Starscream. "That is the right answer," Strongwind said. "A leader should always put his people's safety above his own," he said. Then place a jewel encrust band on Starscream's head. "Starscream you will be Wing lord when I retire," Strongwind said.
"I am honored," Starscream said.
A bit later there was a party to celebrate. "Starsie I am so proud of you," Brightstar said coming up to him. She had tears in her optics.
"Are you crying?" Starscream asked.
"More like moist joyful pride different thing," Brightstar said.
Lightstar hugged Starscream. "Starscream how does feel? You are going to be a leader," she said.
"I must admit it is an amazing feeling but I have my doubts." Starscream said.
"We all have doubts when we first become a leader," Megatron said.
"We sure do, but eventually you will get there," Optimus told him.
"Thank you," Starscream said.