A Darker Gathering
Four beings of various colors and size marched to the front of the gathered crowd. Every Decepticon in the area watched in silence as they reached their destination. The four beings peered out across the room and quietly sized up their audience. They did so not out of hesitation, but rather out of greed, for they viewed all those before them as new pawns in their jointly coveted scheme for total domination. Newly self-appointed Decepticon leader Starscream, and his Lieutenants Skywarp and Thundercracker, stayed hidden within the pack. They watched on from the farthest stretch of the corridor, careful not to draw any attention to themselves.
The newcomers walked with great pride and it was obvious they were to be respected. Much as the Autobots had also done, these warriors who followed a darker path had attempted to understand what was happening. They were each leading their respective armies, continuing on as they did each cycle, when fate jumped in and redesigned their views on reality. No clear explanation was found, but they accepted their new situation and decided it best to work alongside each other in an attempt to perhaps finally annihilate those they classify as enemies. As is more often than not the case when several galaxy-sized egos are concerned, there was much debate on who the true leader of this evil alliance was. Each, it is certain, believed it to be himself.
"My name is Megatron, leader of the Predacons, and general in the Beast Wars." He paused for a moment, looking out at the gathered lot of confused faces, scanning for one being in particular. During the Beast Wars, he had an altercation with a infamous ghost of a historical traitor and was contemplating his sudden opportunity at revenge. Although the being in question didn't cause any long-term damage during their time together, he was a rather irritating nuisance not easily forgotten. The object of his affection, of course, was Starscream; sadly he was already out of sight, so he opted to continue addressing the crowd. "I recognize some of you from historical records, and am aware that until recently you served under another Megatron. Rest assured, the name is the only attribute we share." He heard a collective sigh among some of the Decepticons, no doubt putting to rest any fears of retribution from their ousted ex-commander. Again remembering history, he turned to his left and addressed perhaps the most insane Transformer to ever function. "No offense, Galvatron." The Galvatron he spoke to was in actuality the future form of their former leader; himself rescued from oblivion by the planet-sized monster known as Unicron and given a new, stronger body.
He continued talking to the crowd. "In case you didn't hear me, the Decepticon to my left is known as Galvatron. It would serve you well not to cross him." He then turned their attention to the Transformer on his right. "This warrior also goes by the name of Megatron. He is the leader of the Predacons," he noticed confusion in the crowd, and quickly added to his statement. "Different from your Predacons, yesss. Different from mine. There is no mention of him or his contemporaries in any historical data tracks; he is from an alternative universe."
Loud grumbling began to crop up amidst the crowd. "How many Megatrons can there be? Alternative universe? Who are they trying to fool? This is some sort of Autobot trick!"
BW Megatron continued talking, his voice quickly drowning out all others. "The somewhat diminutive Transformer directly in front of me is a survivor of the Machine Wars, and he too shares the name of Megatron." Of all the beings to have worn the name of Megatron throughout time itself, none were as uniquely designed for war as this one. Though he was smaller than any other Decepticon or Predacon commander ever created, he was the most efficient when it came to combat. He was, quite literally, made for war.
"Why should we listen to another word?" a lone voice called out. "This is lunacy! What's keeping us from tearing you all apart? Right where you stand!" The four warriors stared coldly out into the crowd, but were unable to find their out-spoken critic.
"If you wish to suffer a slow and painful death," RiD Megatron snarled, "Then proceed." The powerful leader of the alternate universe Predacons waited for an outbreak of stupidity, but none chose to die at that moment.
BW Megatron interjected. "Please excuse my fellow commander," he pleaded, irritated at momentarily losing the spotlight. "We have come here to enlist your aid, yesss? As we speak, our combined forces are awaiting word from us. They are outside and eager for battle. We would rather have you all as allies, but we are prepared to destroy you if need be." On most days that statement could have been considered a bluff, but not on this day. Outside the base was the largest gathering of power-hungry warriors ever assembled in Cybertronian history.
"Allies?" another voice called out. "Allies for what?"
"Why, for the annihilation of all those who would dare oppose us, of course." BW Megatron couldn't help but crack a smile; he had a definite knack for the dramatic.
From the shadows in the back of the room, Starscream had heard enough and whispered to his fellow seekers. "Thundercracker, Skywarp, I think it's time for us to leave." The three Decepticons proceeded to exit the base through an underground route. They were not noticed.
end of chapter 9
A/N: Thanks yet again to Alaskan Olive for beta-reading this chapter! Next chapter will focus on more interaction with the Autobots and their new allies. Thanks for reading!