//------------------------------// // Assets // Story: Cybertron Girls // by SonicSpeedster97 //------------------------------// “Another mine raided, and a com-system stolen?” Onslaught just scowled at the condescending smirk on Starscream’s face as Megatron heard this report of idiocy. “I’m honestly disappointed, Onslaught; what does our master pay you for anyway?” “A valid question, Starscream.” Megatron nodded, as he turned to the mercenary general. “One which I am extremely eager to hear the answer to; what do I pay you for, Onslaught?” “You pay me and my team to kill Autobots, Lord Megatron, not guard Energon mines.” Onslaught reminded. “And let’s not forget, I’m not the only gun-for-hire who failed you recently.” He glanced tellingly across the bridge at Lockdown, puffing on a metallic cigar-like item. “I didn’t fail anything, Onslaught.” Lockdown reminded, tipping up the brim of his hat with his hook. “Megatron wanted Drift, I brought him Drift. Ain’t my fault he escaped.” “Indeed not.” Megatron nodded. “I believe that dishonor is yours, Starscream.” “You remember full-well, Lord Megatron, that I have never been able to defeat Jetfire in combat.” Starscream reminded. “Lord Megatron, if I may speak?” asked Knock Out. “I believe the question we should be asking is, why did the Autobots steal only a communications system and nothing else? It was a prosperous Energon mine, yet not a single crystal was missing. Why?” “Hmm. A wise question indeed, Knock Out.” Megatron nodded. “Soundwave, possibilities?” “Autobots may be attempting to contact reinforcements.” the monotone Decepticon suggested. “A waste of time; Prime will already be dead before they arrive.” Starscream brought up. “Indeed. But not by your hand, Starscream.” Megatron assured. Starscream was somewhat confused by this update. “Uh, Master?” “Optimus Prime and I have been bound in a dance of arms and wits ever since this war began.” Megatron reminded. “And by the time this war ends, I will possess the AllSpark, the greatest relics of the Primes, and the Matrix of Leadership. And when I return home, our people will acknowledge that I am the true savior of Cybertron and the Decepticon Empire will live for eons!” Practically the entire bridge roared with encouragement and loyalty in their voices. “Minimal risk regardless of Autobot goals, Lord Megatron,” Soundwave assured. “Decepticons superior, Autobots inferior.” “Wise words indeed, Soundwave.” Megatron nodded, knowing exactly what he meant and what Wheeljack discovered when the team returned; the advanced technology of the stolen com-system was incompatible with the Ark’s outdated systems. “The Autobots will fall soon and we will have the power we need to destroy any further resistance.” Starscream simply left the bridge as Megatron basked in the adulation of his followers. Outside, he found his brothers waiting for him. “Assemble all Seekers on the flight deck and prepare for launch,” he ordered. “Lord Megatron wants us to go on patrol?” asked Thundercracker. “Megatron is a fool.” Starscream scowled. “An idealistic slothful lump who would rather save his strength for his beloved rival Optimus Prime than do what’s needed… and what I will do; burn my way across the planet until the AllSpark is in my hands. And with it, the Decepticons will be mine to lead on a crusade of conquest across this pathetic universe.” “If you’re not careful, brother, that ambition is going to get you killed someday,” Skywarp smirked. “Most likely by Megatron.” Thundercracker agreed. “Don’t forget what happened to the last Decepticon who betrayed him.” “Who, Deadlock?” Starscream smirked. “Megatron allowed him to live long enough to escape. We all know I would never have been so merciful.” A familiarly dark laugh echoed down the corridor as a trio of flyers with nosecones on their heads and various different wing designs. “Megatron’s been called a lot of things, Starscream.” It was the red and black one with vented VTOL fans in his wings speaking. “But I think we all know ‘merciful’ has never been one of them.” “I suppose so, Thrust.” Starscream shrugged. “But you must admit, Megatron has somewhat lost his… edge over the millennia. He is not as ruthless as he once was.” “He’d be hurt to hear you say that.” Thrust remarked. “Well, the truth hurts.” Starscream shrugged. “And either way, am I wrong? If we do not claim the AllSpark before the Autobots, then this entire war will have been for nothing. Therefore, I say we leave the ship and take the AllSpark for ourselves. And with it, I will take command of the Decepticons, and together, we will obliterate the Autobots!” The assembled flyers seemed interested in this plan, but before they could put it into action, the ship’s intercom toned. “All officers to the bridge, by order of Lord Megatron.” Soundwave’s order irritated the ambitious Seeker commander, but he knew he had to follow the order. “Have the Seekers remain on alert; we fly for the AllSpark on my order,” Starscream ordered Thundercracker before he left for the bridge. When he arrived, he found several other Decepticon officers on the bridge. “You requested my presence, Lord Megatron?” “Indeed, Starscream.” Megatron smiled, looking at something on a monitor. “I believe I have just found something to help tip the scales back in our favor.”