Starscream seemed to collect himself moments after his initial shock.
"Well, if it isn't my disgraced predecessor. It's been too long hasn't it." He said with a smug grin and tone.
"Believe me, I didn't want to see you, Starscream." Megatron growled. "Nightshade, I wouldn't trust Starscream, he'll stab you in the back if you're in his way. He tried to usurp me dozens, if not hundreds of times." He said disdainfully.
Starscream chuckled. "Megatron, Megatron. You were dragging the Decepticons through the dirt, you forgot what we stood for, you were never satisfied. It was your lust for vengeance that kept the war going. Is it really a surprise anyone would want you gone?" He said, still smirking. "Yes I tried to overthrow you, but had I succeeded, many of our comrades would still be alive."
Megatron growled "Stand. Down. That is an order." He demanded
"From who? You? Oh, Megatron, have you not figured it out?" Starscream said with a laugh. "I am the leader of the Decepticons now. I've finally earned the title after eons of perseverance."
Megatron disregarded Starscream this time. "Lets go, Nightshade. Your family must be worried. Starscream, stop poisoning their mind."
Nightshade hesitated "What do you mean, by 'poisoning'?" They inquired.
"Decepticon ideology. As the former leader I can tell you that Starscream will say anything to make himself sound like a hero, but the Decepticons are still dangerous for someone as young as you." Megatron said in a sad tone, almost as if he didn't really believe that.
Nightshade once again hesitated. "But I thought the Decepticons were fighting injustice, and fighting for freedom." They asked quietly
"Not anymore" Megatron said shortly.
Starscream spoke up once again. "Oh Megatron, the Decepticons have changed. I have restored our original goals. And thanks to all of your failures, it wasn't even that hard. I'm not going to fail them the way you did, Megatron." Starscream said, sounding angry for once. "I know you think me as a cowardly traitor, but I knew what I was getting into when I became leader. I know how important our cause is, Megatron, I never forgot what we fought for. I never forgot everything you used to stand for. You did that, Megatron. And the last thing I want to do is to let down the 'Cons I'm responsible for." Starscream said indignantly.
Megatron was speechless for a while. The silence was was deafening.
Megatron opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Starscream. "Do you want GHOST stop imprisoning us? Do you want 'Mandroid' to stop torturing us?"
Megatron closed his eyes and nodded.
"I thought as much." Starscream said, his smile returning. "The Autobots and Decepticons must work together. We're fighting the same thing. It only hinders us to keep fighting each other."
Megatron, looked down, feeling defeated. "I'll discuss it with Optimus, but no promises. Come Nightshade." He said in a soft growl as he turned and started walking
Nightshade nodded, following Megatron
After a while of walking, Nightshade finally spoke up. "Megatron. Is there anything I can do to protect my family?"
"Yes. Stay hidden. You're far too young to risk your life." Megatron replied.
"But if I hide with them, I can't learn how to defend them if our dugout gets found." Nightshade retorted
"You remind me of Dorothy. But your family matters too much to let any of you risk your lives out of emotion. It's never wise to make spur of the moment, emotional decisions."
"I understand." Nightshade said gently. The rest of the walk was silent.