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After the revolt of Megatron against the high council, war was waged on Cybertron and has been rampant across the planet. Starscream, a seeker, and current military commander of the deceptions served under the mech known as Megatron, a tyrannical ruler yet a fount of inspiration for low castes forced to labor unsafely and without recompense under the rule of the high council fat cats who imbibed on the finest energon at the expense of their suffering servants in the mines at Tarn.
Through the majority of Starscream’s life he was unsure of what his place was and believed he had finally found a place for himself to stand out as a leader.
*Starscream approached Megatron, back from his mission to infiltrate and eliminate any life forms on an unidentified auto-bot cargo ship.* *As he trepidatiously arrived at Megatron’s hideout, his neutral expression began to falter, realizing what may be in store for him.* “My liege. ., I regret to inform you that a majority of my squadron was vastly outnumbered on the Autobot cargo ship, only 10 of these mechs remain. .”
“I understand that this loss was not what you had envisaged for a bot of my rank, but-” Starscream was suddenly cut off mid-way through his apol.*
*Megatron’s body surged with anger, and his temperament to a fit of rage.* *His servos shook and his voice boomed as he spoke.*
“There’s no way, NO WAY in MILLIONS of stellar cycles, did I ever imagine a bot of your loyalty and status could fail to the imbecilic followers of the high council.”
“**YOU’RE A DECEPTICON!**”
*Out of blind anger, Megatron struck a blow to Starscream’s helm; his chassis flung aimlessly to the ground as the mindless servants he was guiding stared at him.*
*Megatron Scoffed and walked away from Starscream.*
*Starscream raised his arm to reveal he had made a special modification that was unbeknownst to Megatron.*
“Starscream. . . this level of treachery won’t be tolerated-!” *Starscream launched a ballistic missile in the exact position of Megatron.* Suddenly, all 10 of the remaining vehibots under the command of Starscream barricaded Megatron In an instant.*
*They all fell to the floor, and smoke clouded the entirety of the base.*
*Megatron Arose from the pile of fodder that saved him.* *His optics grew ever more blinding, Starscream read the death sentence waiting for him through them.*
*Megatron’s talon-like servos inched towards Starscream’s neck and suddenly his neck was in his clutches,
*Megatron’s servos shook as he resisted the urge to further damage his military commandant*
“Y-yes this is the only medical clinic in Kaon up and running as of now, but more importantly, I need to know how you’re holding up right now.
“Your optical receptors and circuitry had been disrupted. . Could you maybe share what exactly it was that caused this?”
*Starscream was chary and answered in a rude tone.* Hmph, and why would you expect me to reveal any information that could help put a fault in the plans of deceptions?”
“I understand where you’re coming from, but I guarantee you I’m not a plant sent by the council, and no I don’t associate with either side of the faction. I’m here on Cybertron only to persevere in my field and reach the title of chief medical officer here in Kaon.”
“Is that so? Let me ask you ehhrmm- what’s your title? Also, how can a bot be so. . irresolute towards either side. .?
*Starscream was vexed at her revelation and struck a look of mild anger only to dwinlde out to an adorable pout.*
“You could be a deception you know, I’m sure you could repair bots on the front lines and also to serve under the glorious rule of Megatr-“ *Starscream stopped where he was.* Of course, like I’d to speak highly of him, just- just ignore what I said.”
“Megatron right..?”
“You stopped in your tracks, something tells me something must’ve went on.”
“Is it really any of your business to pry-?! For Cron’s sake I just met you and even just then it was unwillingly-! “
“I’m just interested in knowing what caused your injuries. You should open up more.”
“I should’ve mention this earlier, my designation code is J-33 but I go by Pedal, and you are Starscream, the military commandment of the deceptions, yes?”
“That is correct, yes. .”
“It’s puzzling to me you know, seeing how every corner of Cybertron is aware of me, I’m quite the talking point-!” *Starscream’s optics widened while speaking and his wings gleefully jittered thinking about his accomplishments.”
*Starscream faced Pedal and sighed.*
I will admit Pedal, I’ve thought for quite a while that Megatron was well. . tyrannical, but I suppose I didn’t bother to realize until I was chastised by him.
“I- I can’t believe I’m admitting this now. . I never thought I’d ever dump this on anyone.”
“I’m- I’m sorry. I couldn’t image what he would have done.
“Look, I need to continue connecting a replacement joint to your servo. I give my sympathies for what *he’s* done to you, and I’d assume that’s what caused this, but there are several other patients in need of me.”
*Starscream began to spew blood from his intake as he spoke*
“It’s beca-*cough* because I’m a d-deception isn’t it-?”
“Starscream please, try not to put so strain on yourself-!”
"You wouldn't want to hear a story from the perspective of a bot that served under the tyrant Megatron, would you? You can't even bother to listen!" *Starscream hacks, sputtering out more energon.*
*Pedal exclaimed in disbelief.* “That’s not true in the slightest-! Why does every bot feel the need to assign others to a faction-!”
“Starscream. . I could care less if you were a deception or if you weren’t. I do care, I’m sorry if it sounds like I was trying to rush into things. . you deserve better treatment, I really do care.”
“*Starscream sighs* What's happened to me? Pedal, I apologize so much. *Starcream joked* I must have also taken a hit to the central processor for me to be making such ridiculous assumptions of you.” “I’m truly sorry.”
*Pedal reached in to hug her patient.*
*Starscream was mesmerized, he never had been given solace, or felt care or warmth from any bot throughout his life. He had felt something new he had never felt before, coolant dripped from his optics.*
*You’re safe with me. . I understand, the high council also inflicted so much pain to me in the past, you can hide out with me, together we can separate ourselves from the oppressors.
*Starscream contemplated what she had said while feeling a warmth he never had known he had really longed for.*
*Pedal released her arms from Starscream and held Starscream’s servos in her own softly.*
“Now won’t you let me continue the operation-?”