Chapter 13: Megatron's Ambition
Megatron was no coward. Though Cybertron now lay under his command, the proud Decepticon leader remained far from satisfied.
On the surface, his next campaign was an operation to hunt down the Autobots who had fled the planet but in truth, it was far more than that.
While pretending to pursue his enemies, Megatron dispatched his subordinates to conquer every corner of the universe. Whether it was life or energy, all of it would soon belong to Megatron.
Cybertron, once the proud dominion of the Autobots, had launched countless exploration teams throughout the cosmos some even establishing bases on distant worlds. To Megatron, these outposts were threats. His new mission was simple: erase them all and secure absolute control of the universe.
Of course, Megatron couldn't do everything himself. To achieve his vision, he needed the power of other Decepticons.
So, he devised a new system: whoever conquered a planet would own it, but they would have to report regularly to Decepticon High Command and pay a tribute of energy to Cybertron. In exchange, they could rule however they pleased.
It was, in essence, a cosmic colonial empire.
And if any Autobots or other cosmic powers dared to rebel, Cybertron would dispatch reinforcements to crush them.
Once this order was established, Megatron would sit firmly atop the galactic hierarchy.
Predictably, the plan ignited roaring enthusiasm the moment Megatron presented it to his generals.
"Boss, you're brilliant! We've all been sick of this dull mechanical world. I've heard rumors of organic civilizations out there non-mechanical lifeforms! I've always wanted to visit one of those worlds!"
The giant dinosaur warrior, Thalas, was the first to speak up, his excitement contagious.
"Of course, while we're at it," Thalas added with a wicked grin, "we'll help you finish off those Autobots for good. Don't worry, Megatron we've got your back!"
Several other Decepticon leaders quickly nodded in agreement.
"No problem here," one said. "What I hate most are those Autobots preaching about justice and peace. Hypocritical junk piles, that's what they are!"
"Exactly," another chimed in. "In this universe, the strongest should rule! Peace alliances? Worthless. Those organic species can't even fight properly. They're weak beneath us Transformers. We should be the true rulers of the cosmos!"
Megatron couldn't help but smile. Seeing his warriors' passion flare so brightly filled him with pride.
He shot a glance at Soundwave, who immediately brought up a holographic map of the Autobots' last known base.
"Since everyone agrees with Commander Megatron's next step," Soundwave said, "we'll begin with Optimus Prime himself.
"According to our latest intelligence, around a thousand Transformers remain in the Autobots' final base. However, the majority are civilians with no combat training. Each of you could easily take on ten of them. The real problem lies with the elite warriors led by Optimus Prime they're stubborn, capable, and dangerous.
"Our plan is to strike while they attempt to flee Cybertron and turn them all into cosmic dust."
It seemed Megatron kept constant surveillance on Optimus Prime.
But the reason behind his obsession was known only to a handful of high-ranking Decepticons and stored deep within Starscream's own memory banks.
According to unconfirmed records, both Optimus Prime and Megatron had once studied under the same master a revered Autobot sage.
Technically, that would make Optimus Prime Megatron's senior apprentice, or "elder brother."
Yet Megatron's current crusade was nothing less than a betrayal of both his teacher and his heritage.
Of course, he would never acknowledge that truth publicly.
Instead, Megatron twisted the narrative turning what was once a personal rivalry into a war of ideology, convincing every Decepticon that the Autobots were their mortal enemies.
"Then, may I ask," Starscream interjected smoothly, "when exactly do the Autobots plan to depart? As commander of the air force, I'll need to coordinate a full aerial blockade. Even if the Autobots have few flight units, we must prepare in advance. Optimus Prime is… unpredictable."
Though his tone was calm, Starscream felt a strange discomfort brewing inside. As long as Megatron remained ignorant of his connection to Optimus's side, he was safe within the Decepticon hierarchy.
But hearing Megatron's plan for total annihilation sparked something in him a flicker of doubt, perhaps… or sympathy.
He wondered if he should help the Autobots just one more time.
"Haha, Starscream, my old friend," Megatron laughed. "Still sharp as ever! According to our intel, those cursed Autobots will make their move within twenty-four hours. My only concern now is that 'Grand General' of theirs.
"I contacted Ironclad, but that idiot says he's off on another mission and won't return for fifty hours! So…"
"Oh, I see what this is about," Starscream thought grimly.
"No wonder you called this meeting. You're worried and for good reason. If not for the Autobots' Grand General, your victory would've come far sooner."
"Damn that General!" Megatron growled. "Where does he get that kind of power? How can those wretched Autobots afford to maintain a Super Transformer like him?"
Starscream nodded, echoing the sentiment. "Indeed, Lord Megatron. Even the strongest Decepticons had trouble handling him."
At that, several commanders lowered their heads.
They remembered all too well the last time they faced the mighty Maverick and how they'd all bolted at the first sign of trouble, even Megatron himself.
They'd defeated him, sure… but only barely, and only because Maverick was already collapsing. It was like kicking a dying dog.
Megatron's optics narrowed.
"Troublesome, indeed. But no matter how powerful Maverick is, he's still bound to the ground. He's not a super robot who dominates land, sea, and air alike. And the air… that's where our true strength lies."
He pointed a finger toward Starscream.
"I'll leave it to you, Commander Starscream, to find a solution. I trust you'll complete the mission I've assigned to you… won't you?"
Starscream suppressed a bitter smile.
Classic Megatron. Always pushing the risk onto others.
But perhaps… this was also the opportunity Starscream needed to play both sides once again.
(End of Chapter)