TFE

18 Supplement

Copyright 2007, masterfwiffo. All rights reserved.

Starscream raised his head in surprise at the creaking sound of the brigs door opening. He stared up in shock as Sixshot and Shockwave marched in.

"Up." Shockwave said dully. "Megatron wants you."

"So this is it." Starscream muttered as he was lead out. For a brief moment he considered all the apologizes and excuses he had memorized during his time in the brig, but he knew all would fall flat on Megatrons ears. He could attack Megatron, one final battle to end it all in a blaze of glory - but no, the outcome was again obvious.

Whichever way he sliced it, Starscream knew he was going to die. He narrowed his eyes - well, he wasn't going to die without dignity - perhaps Megatron may accept a one-on-one challenge, a last duel, to the death. Maybe-just maybe... At least then, it would look as if he died with some semblance of courage. Better remembered as a dead bot with guts then a dead coward. He was already rehearsing his challenge mentally...

And then, Megatron was in front of him. Starscream immediately noted that the Decepticon General looked different - how, he was not quite sure, but something had indeed changed. Any way to swing that his advantage- no, most likely not...

Megatron glanced up at him, almost with disinterest, before he spoke. "Starscream, you've been brought here to be sentenced."

Starscream opened his mouth, but Megatron beat him.

"You receive 2 demerits. Return to active duty and prepare for combat. Dismissed."

Starscreams mouth remained open for a moment before he could force himself to close it. Two demerits? That was a punishment worthy of someone who forgot to clean their weapons properly (something Starscream had always done). A slap on the wrist. That was all?

All that time in the brig- for that?

He opened his mouth again, but again Megatron beat his words. "Oh, and you are not to have any contact with Hightail. As I said, Dismissed."

Starscreams mouth remained open for another full minute, before Shockwave forcibly dragged him out of the room. "That- that was it?" Starscream blabbered.

"Be thankful." Shockwave growled. "You're lucky something more important then your incompetence happened."

"But- But- But-" Starscream attempted to form a protest, but failed.

"Grab your weapons." Shockwave continued. "We'll be on the battlefield within the hour."

Shockwave disappeared.

Starscream stared after him a moment, then shook his head. "I don't believe it. Old Megatron, showing mercy? Whatever hit him must have hit him harder then I thought." His eyes narrowed. "He'll live to regret all this. Yes he will. But not now... someday, someday, I'll get him back..." And with such pleasant thoughts in mind, he returned to his quarters to get his weapons.

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