Megatron's optics narrowed, and he let out a low, amused chuckle. "Starscream, you're an idiot." His voice was calm, almost patronizing, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You think this is something unusual? The Constructicons do this to keep their bonds tight. It's a normal process for them, their way of reinforcing their unity. Don't mistake it for something sinister."
Starscream's wings twitched in frustration, but he didn't argue further, his gaze still locked on the imposing form of Devastator. He hadn't noticed the difference, the subtle, yet crucial change that had been made to the combination. To him, it was simply another display of the Constructicons' tendency toward secrecy, their habit of working on their projects away from prying optics.
As Megatron continued to observe Devastator, the massive combiner finally shifted his weight, the servos and pistons in his body locking into place with a deep, resonating sound. His optics flickered, glowing with the faintest trace of awareness—something that was new. The realization was slow, but it was there.
"You're too focused on the wrong details, Starscream," Megatron continued, waving his hand dismissively. "This is nothing more than the Constructicons working as they always do—together. Don't you ever learn?"
Starscream huffed, but he couldn't argue the point. Megatron's words, though frustrating to him, carried a weight of experience and authority that left little room for contradiction.
The massive form of Devastator loomed silently behind them, still processing the interaction. While the two Decepticons argued, Devastator's awareness deepened. He could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the undercurrent of tension between the two. Despite his towering form, he was still learning what it meant to exist as a unified entity, and what he had just experienced—the sharpness of Megatron's words, the defensiveness in Starscream's tone—was valuable information.
Starscream's frustration simmered, but he kept it in check as he glared at Devastator. The giant stood imposingly, his massive frame dwarfing the Decepticons in the bay, but still there was something about him that felt different. Starscream couldn't put his finger on it—he was too preoccupied with his own need to prove a point.
Megatron, however, had always been more observant than this subordinate often realized. His sharp optics tracked the shifting of Devastator's posture, the slight tilt of the combiner's head, and the pause in his movements that felt more deliberate than mechanical. There was something about the way Devastator's gaze flickered, as if the mind behind those optics was not just processing commands, but… analyzing.
A subtle curiosity flickered in Megatron's optics. He watched, calculating. Something was off, but it wasn't immediately obvious. It wasn't the physical power of Devastator that caught his attention; it was the awareness. The way the giant now carried himself. His movements weren't just those of a force of destruction, a mindless tool of power. There was clarity in them.
"You say they've been up to something," Megatron said slowly, his voice a low rumble, but there was an edge to it now. He eyed Starscream before turning his attention back to Devastator, his optics narrowing slightly. "The Constructicons are not the most forthcoming of our ranks, Starscream, but they have their methods. Still..." He took a few steps toward Devastator, who remained still, as if waiting for the next command.
He studied the combiner closely, watching how his massive form seemed to respond to the slightest motion in the room, how the servos in his joints adjusted in time with Megatron's steps, as if tracking him with more precision than before.
"Devastator," Megatron said, his voice carrying an edge of authority, but also a quiet test. He didn't expect an immediate response, but he was curious to see how the combiner would react. "What are you?"
For a moment, Devastator remained motionless, his optics flickering briefly before a deep, resonant voice echoed through the room. "I am Devastator. I... understand."
Starscream's optics widened in surprise. That wasn't right. The combiner had never spoken like that before, and Starscream's suspicions began to rise again. He was about to speak up, but Megatron silenced him with a sharp gesture.
Megatron's mind whirred as he processed the response. The words weren't just functional—they were thoughtful. Calculated. There was an awareness to them, an understanding beyond just the mechanics of the combiner's design. Devastator's words were not simply the result of a command, but a response.
Starscream, ever the opportunist, now stepped forward, but Megatron held up his hand, halting him with a flick of his fingers again. He knew what he was seeing now.
"Interesting," Megatron murmured, the corners of his mouth twitching into something akin to a smirk. He approached Devastator with careful, deliberate steps, almost testing the creature's response. "Tell me, Devastator, who brought you into existence?"
Devastator shifted slightly, the weight of the question settling within him. His optics flickered again before his voice rumbled out. "The Constructicons... gave me life."
The clarity in Devastator's response sent a shiver of realization through Megatron. This wasn't just a mindless combiner anymore—this was something more. Something far more dangerous, potentially. The Constructicons had done something… beyond what he had expected.
Megatron took another step closer to Devastator. His sharp mind processed the implications of the combiner's newfound clarity. "I see," he said, his voice steady. "You are not simply a weapon anymore. You're a force."
Devastator remained silent for a long moment, but the subtle shift in his stance made it clear that he understood what Megatron was implying.
Starscream was watching this exchange with growing concern. He'd sensed something was different, but it was Megatron's reaction that made him uneasy. "What is this?" he demanded, unable to contain his frustration any longer. "Why is he... like this?"
Megatron glanced at Starscream, his optics cold. "The Constructicons have done something to improve their creation, Starscream. Whether it will serve us or not remains to be seen."
Starscream's optics flickered with suspicion, but he wisely held his tongue.
Megatron stood before Devastator, his presence towering over the combiner's massive form. "We shall see how well this clarity serves you, Devastator. If it can be harnessed to our advantage... then the Decepticons will have a weapon more powerful than we've ever known."
For the first time, Devastator's optics flickered with a trace of understanding.
Megatron stood still for a moment, observing the imposing form of Devastator with a quiet sense of satisfaction. The combiner had proven himself, both in strength and loyalty, but now it was time for a different kind of test. His optics flicked to Devastator as he spoke in a calm but commanding tone.
"Devastator," Megatron called, his voice low yet authoritative. "Disengage. Break down into your six components."
Devastator's immense form remained unmoving for a moment, as if contemplating the command. Then, with a deliberate motion, he acknowledged Megatron's order. His voice boomed through the cargo bay, clear and unwavering.
"As you command, Megatron."
In a matter of moments, Devastator was no longer the formidable combiner towering in the bay, but six individual Constructicons standing as they had before.
Megatron studied the six of them for a moment, his optics scanning each Constructicon individually. He could sense it—the subtle, intangible shift in Devastator's very presence.
With a deep breath, Megatron broke the silence. "Well done."
Scrapper took a small step forward, his face unreadable behind his battle mask. Hook followed suit, his usual critical expression softened by the quiet satisfaction of their work. Mixmaster and Bonecrusher were more reserved, but both were keenly aware of how close they had come to something extraordinary. Long Haul stood silently, his broad frame barely moving, while Scavenger avoided eye contact, but his body language suggested an underlying pride.
Megatron's optics narrowed as he studied the Constructicons, his thoughts already turning to the broader implications of their success. "You are no longer just a tool to be wielded. You are now a force of immense power, and I expect that power to be used effectively."
Starscream, standing off to the side, could no longer contain his outrage. He stormed forward, his wings flaring as his optics flashed with anger. "This is ridiculous!" he shouted, his voice harsh and full of venom. "You've done this without consulting anyone! What right do you have to make such a drastic change behind Megatron's back?"
The room fell into a tense silence. Starscream's accusations hung in the air, his words sharp, accusing, and filled with a venomous resentment that was all too familiar. His optics locked onto the Constructicons, as if expecting them to defend themselves or somehow justify their actions. But instead, the six of them stood there, quiet and unmoving, their expressions unreadable. They knew better than to speak out of turn.
Megatron's gaze snapped to Starscream, his patience now stretched thin. He moved toward the Air Commander with deliberate steps, his powerful frame dwarfing Starscream's smaller form. In a flash, Megatron's hand shot out, striking Starscream across the face with a force that made the smaller Decepticon stagger back.
"Shut up, Starscream," Megatron growled, his tone venomous and filled with menace. "Your incessant noise will not be tolerated," Megatron's voice was sharp, his patience wearing thin. He knew the Constructicons well enough to understand their loyalty and their drive to enhance their creations, even if their actions had taken him by surprise. "The Constructicons have always acted in the interests of the Decepticon cause, and I trust their judgment. Do not presume to lecture me on their decisions."
His tone grew colder, and Starscream could feel the lethal edge to his words. "If you question their loyalty, you question mine. Keep your opinions to yourself unless you wish to test me further."
Starscream, stunned, stood frozen for a moment before regaining his composure. His optics were filled with fury, but he didn't dare speak further. Megatron had made his point—loud and clear.