Disclaimer: Big THANK YOU to Starfire201 for your support so far. On an interesting tidbit, I imagined Unicron resembling the Narada ship from Star Trek. I really did think it'd be kind of cool, but that's just me.

Anyway, I think the past disclaimers speak for themselves, so I'll just skip into the next chapter.

Chapter X

Deep Space
Location Unknown

Astrotrain struggled to maintain a level flight path to Cybertron. The added weight of the Decepticon troops within his hull didn't help matters. Worse still, the long trip was siphoning fuel. The price one pays when Starscream is in charge, Astrotrain thought. Inside, the Decepticons were busy doing Primus knows what to pass the time before they'd reach Cybertron. If they reach Cybertron! Slipstream was hoping to get planet side sooner rather later, because Barricade was sitting across from her playing with Blackout's severed head. Barricade juggled the head between his hands, and it was slowly driving Slipstream crazy.

"That's really starting to get on my nerves, Barricade." she said.

Barricade stopped his juggling act and asked, "What's wrong, Slipstream? Aren't you enjoying the show?"

"No!" Slipstream deadpanned.

"Okay be honest; you think this thing will make a good doorstop? Or maybe an ashtray," When Slipstream provided no answer, Barricade took it a step further. "Okay, let's ask Blackout."

By that point, Slipstream began to think that Barricade was a circuit board short of a full system. What's this moron doing?

Barricade slipped his hand into the head and started moving the jaw piece, as if Blackout was alive and speaking. "Hey Blackout, you think Mrs. Starscream should lighten up?"

Oh, he didn't just say that! Slipstream thought.

And then Barricade began simulating Blackout's voice, and doing a poor job at it. "Uh, yep, yep Mr. B. Cade! I think Mrs. Starscream is all sad and stuff. Oh, please be happy, Mrs. Starscream. Pretty please!"

Slipstream finally had had enough and fired her arm mounted Null Ray directly at the head. Blackout's head. The head was obliterated, fiery pieces scattering all over the deck. The blasted shocked Barricade to the point of him screeching like a femme bot. He came out unscathed but his pride was definitely hurt.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Your own self-preservation," Slipstream said. "Do it again and I'll blow off your head next."

"Do it anyway, Slipstream," Wreckage said. "You'd be doing everyone a favor."

"Thanks for nothing, Wreckage. I was just trying to have some fun." Barricade said in defense.

Far off in the shuttle cockpit, Starscream overheard the commotion."Idiot." he muttered in regards to Barricade's antic.

Then Astrotrain said, "Starscream, there's a problem."

"What problem, Astrotrain?"

"I'm running low on fuel and my energon reserves are dwindling," Astrotrain said. "At this rate, I won't make it passed the Moon Bases let alone Cybertron's atmosphere."

Starscream sighed and turned to Soundwave and asked, "Soundwave, is this accurate?"

"Fuel reserves have dropped to 33.2 percent. Energon down to 21.9 percent," Soundwave monotonously said. "Likelihood of return to Cybertronian Space: sub-moderate."

"Any suggestions?" Starscream queried in frustration.

"I might make the full trip if we jettison some excess weight." Astrotrain said.

By that he meant dead weight, Starscream quickly realized. Nice to know he had at least Decepticon on his side. And there were a great many Decepticons heavily damaged after the siege, Megatron included. The timing couldn't be better. Starscream felt a sly smile creep onto his face. This was it; this was his chance to do away with Megatron once and for all. Two-faced usurper or ultimate opportunist? How about both, Starscream thought as he stood tall among the considerably dwindled ranks of the Decepticons.

"My brethren who fight in the name of the Decepticons," he said. "It's come to my attention that Astrotrain has made a request to lighten our burden."

"Lighten our burden," Blitzwing said. "What the Pit are you talking about, Starscream?"

"I think he means 'Survival of the Fittest.' I'm game." said Scavenger of the Constructicons.

"As I was saying," Starscream snapped. "To accommodate Astrotrain I suggest we put it to a vote: All in favor of dumping our wounded into the vacuum of space."

Suddenly the Decepticons deliberated among themselves, and then the mostly healthy and hearty collectively announced, "Aye!" Only Slipstream and Soundwave remained silent.

"Hmm, and all opposed?" Starscream asked.

As expected, it was the wounded and stasis lock approaching Decepticons that weakly announced, "Nay!" The only one of the wounded not to speak was Megatron himself.

"In that case, the ayes have it. Send these piles of scrap into the abyss." Starscream said.

Like a pack of rabid cyber dogs, the healthy Decepticons went to work on the wounded. There was a brief tussle in which the wounded still showed that they had some fight left. But it was all nothing. Starscream opened a starboard hatch as the Decepticons pushed and shoved their wounded brethren toward the opening. One by one, they were sucked into the empty void of space, among them; Thundercracker, Skywarp, Ramjet, Kickback, Bombshell and Shrapnel. Starscream watched with a sick smile and then turned his gaze to Megatron. Oh, how he'd been waiting for this moment. Starscream sauntered over to the fallen Decepticon leader and knelt down right in front of him, his smile widening with each passing second. Megatron didn't appear to be aware of the Air Commander's proximity, and Starscream assumed that he'd gone offline.

"Aw, poor, poor mighty Megatron. We hardly knew you." And then Starscream felt Megatron's hand around his throat.

"I still function, you fool!" Megatron said weakly, but he could feel his grip weakening.

So could Starscream as he pulled Megatron's hand away with little effort. "Perhaps you've still a little fight left in you, Megatron. Too bad you're no longer fit to lead."

Starscream, the opportunity of a lifetime staring at him, displayed a sudden strength as he picked Megatron up by his arm and then threw him across the deck. Megatron tried to rise up only to be kicked violently in his side and closer to the open hatch. Still, Megatron sought to fight and raised his fusion cannon. Nothing happened. Starscream was having a field day with this and kicked Megatron closer toward the hatch. Had Megatron been healthy, it would've been a completely different story. Not this time. Starscream continued to pummel Megatron ever closer to the waiting vacuum of space but then Slipstream stepped between them, arm crossed and her face sneering at Starscream.

"You really think that's necessary, Starscream?" she ask.

"I don't recall asking for your opinion. Times are changes now. You can fall in line or step aside, Slipstream, but don't get in my way." Starscream said.

All the while, Megatron tried to move until he caught sight of Soundwave. "Soundwave, help me. I command you," For the first time, Soundwave didn't move. "Soundwave!"

"Apologies, Megatron! The long term goals of the Decepticon ranks supersede the needs of an individual," he said to Megatron's shock. "I can no longer assist you."

The final insult a warrior could suffer was to be ignored. And Megatron was ultimately ignored by his most loyal, Soundwave. He didn't have the time to lament as Starscream kicked him even harder toward the waiting black void. Megatron was drawn into the vacuum but held fast to the edge of the hatch. Starscream stood over him, smiling. Megatron glared back menacingly at his treacherous subordinate.

"You know, Megatron," Starscream said. "It actually pains me to do this."

Megatron could feel his grip weakening. "You will suffer for this, Starscream. Be certain of that."

"Want a bet," Starscream said before jamming his foot onto Megatron's hands. This loosened his grip until one hand was loose, and Megatron was holding on by the other hand. "I believe the human term is," Starscream finally delivered a final stomp and Megatron was pulled out into space. "Sucks to be you!"

Megatron could be heard screaming the name of the Air Commander, and then it faded as he disappeared into the void. Starscream callously waved goodbye before closing the hatch. He sauntered among the remaining Decepticons, even arrogantly dusting off his hands. He looked around the deck at Decepticons that still functioned; the Constructicons, Blitzwing, Soundwave, Barricade, Wreckage and Slipstream, Dirge and Thrust as the remaining Seekers along with Starscream himself. Only one thing remained that needed to be done.

"Well, seeing as Megatron is now dearly departed, it's time to establish a new leader. And I nominate myself," Before Starscream continued, his armed up his Null Rays. This affectively quelled any naysayers. "Any questions?"

Most if not all of the Decepticons kept quiet out of self preservation save one; Slipstream. She strolled passed Starscream and then stopped, arms still folded. "For your sake, you'd better hope Megatron stays offline."

"Planning for the future, Slipstream," Starscream queried. "A mutiny perhaps?"

"Why not," Slipstream said. "You did create me after all. You might come to regret that one day."

"We'll see, my dear Slipstream," Starscream said. He would take her word for it, and he have to watch his back. For now anyway. "We'll see."

"You sure 'bout this, Ultra Magnus?" Jazz asked from Moon Base One.

"Jazz, I wish I was lying to you right now." Ultra Magnus said from Autobot City.

"I wish you were lying about it too, Magnus," Cliffjumper said. "I doubt we're going to enjoy the next few solar cycles to come."

"What'cha want us to do in the meantime?" Jazz asked.

"Just keep your optics opened and you audio receivers to the ground for anything out of the ordinary. Ultra Magnus out."

Before Magnus cut the transmission, Spike called in from Moon Base Two. "Magnus, Spike here. Carly and I need to know if Daniel's safe."

"Daniel is safe and sound down here. You've got my word on that," Ultra Magnus said. "We'll keep him just the same."

"Thank you, Magnus, we appreciate it," Carly said. "And about Optimus… If anyone should lead the Autobots in his place, I'm glad it's you."

"Not too thrilled about it, Carly, but thanks for the bode of confidence. Magnus out." Ultra Magnus cut the transmission and soon after, Hound approached him.

"Magnus, you're needed in the infirmary," Hound said. "Our sole shuttle survivor wants to see you."

"OW! Careful with that thing, First Aid," Brawn shouted. "I was shot half to the Pit, you know!"

"Oh, don't be a Sparkling, Brawn," First Aid said. "I barely touched a circuit."

"Gimme that thing you're using and I'll show you a Sparking." Brawn said.

"Still acting tough, huh Brawn?" a new voice said.

Brawn looked toward the source and found Ultra Magnus. "Someone's gotta be the tough guy around here. OW!"

Ultra Magnus shook his head and turned to First Aid. "What's the damage, doctor?"

"Brawn's suffered extensive damage to the left shoulder and midsection," First Aid explained. "He's lucky to have survived the crash but there's no way he'll be able to transform. He most certainly isn't fit to fight any battles."

"I'm as fit as I've ever been," Brawn said and hopped off the table, only to collapse to his knees. "Almost!"

"I'd listen to First Aid, Brawn," Magnus pointed out. "With Ratchet offline, he'll be taking over as our Chief Medical Officer. So don't get any ideas."

Brawn knew he was beaten and stood up. "Well I guess I'm due for a debriefing. Where's Optimus," Ultra Magnus and First Aid fell silent, and Brawn quickly got the picture. "Oh, by Primus."

"Yeah! As of this morning, I've assumed command of the Autobots," Ultra Magnus said. "Not that I'm excited about it."

"So what now?" Brawn asked, and Magnus was silent once more.

Darkness had steadily taken the wounded Decepticons. As they drifted aimlessly through space, they went offline one by one. Only Megatron remained active, his iron forged will to survive surpassed only by his desire for revenge against Starscream. A desire that, sadly, may not come to fruition. Or so Megatron might have believed. He could swear that he heard his name being whispered. Perhaps the voices of Transformers long dead come to claim another. No! Megatron wasn't ready to go offline, but he felt himself being pulled toward something. Something grand, something big. Impossibly big. Bigger than Megatron. Bigger than the biggest Transformers he'd known. There were only two of them; Omega Supreme and the legendary Trypticon. His optics caught sight of a light and then he felt solid steel upon his fingertips. Could it be that Megatron had somehow found his way back home to Cybertron? Not so, for the whisper he'd heard earlier became deep and commanding.

"I've been waiting for you, Megatron." the voice said.

Megatron tried to center his vision on the source of the voice, which seemed to come from everywhere. "Who… are you?"

"As Primus served as the beginning of the Cybertronian race, I serve as the end of all things," the voice said cryptically. "I bring widespread chaos to the universe and do so until all that remains is the void."

"Speak sense or not at all," Megatron demanded. "Who are you?"

A white light shown directly in front of Megatron and the voice announced, "I am Unicron!"

It was all Megatron could do to keep from laughing, although a small chuckled escaped into the nothingness. "You think me a fool? You speak the name of a myth that existed only within the long forgotten Hall of Records deep within Iacon."

"And yet, you claim the name of the one who long ago betrayed the Thirteen Primes," Unicron retorted. "The one who, by their decree, would forever be known only the Fallen. I know more than you can fathom, Megatron, but I have need of your services."

Megatron glowered at the white light. "State your business then."

"I seek but one thing; to consume all in my path until nothing remains. All that stands in my way is the last essence of Primus, my most hated enemy; the Matrix of Leadership," Megatron had heard of such a thing but never believed it existed as Unicron continued. "You are to seek it out and bring to me, or destroy it. It is guarded by he who leads the Autobots."

"If you really are Unicron and know as much as you claim, then you know that I crushed Optimus Prime with my bare hands. Both he and this co called Matrix of Leadership are dead," Megatron said. "So in essence, you're just wasting your time. And mine."

"Optimus Prime is dead, yes. But the Matrix yet remains," Unicron said almost matter-of-factly. "It now rests in the unsteady hands of the Autobot called Ultra Magnus. Bring it to me or destroy it, it matters not as long as it is out of my way."

"I'll need a lot more convincing than that," Megatron said. "Why should I do your dirty work? And what do I get in return?"

"You are a dubious one, Megatron. But seeing as you are unfit to do my bidding, I will remake you." Unicron said.

"How?"

"You will be provided with a new body, new Decepticon warriors and a new title. You will be reborn."

Megatron pressed his luck further. "And?"

"AND NOTHING," Unicron bellowed. "What say you; will you serve as my herald, or proceed into oblivion?"

Megatron pondered his options. He considered them. Serving this so called Unicron, at least that was what it called itself, would grant his a new form and new troops. But conversely, it would make him a slave. Or, he could choose death at which point he'd go offline knowing that Optimus Prime was dead. But he'd cease to exist in the minds of his Decepticons. Starscream would see to that. Either way, Megatron was finished. He saw only one way out, and he didn't like it.

"I accept your terms, Unicron."

To this, Unicron said, "Excellent!"

Author's note: Again, not much difference from the movie, but I wanted to put some emphasis on the disposal of Megatron, plus add a little hint at betrayal from Slipstream. I also hinted at the rather obscure history of Unicron, which made reference to Thirteen Original Primes and the Fallen. Hell, I even mentioned Trypticon. You never know!

Anyway, let me know how I did and I'll be back soon.