Chương 9: STARSCREAM INTERLUDE
Kaon - Location Cybertron Starscream Pov:
Starscream soared high above Kaon, the once-thriving metropolis now a city of ruins, abandoned near the end of the War for Cybertron before boarding the Nemesis. The silence that filled the air was almost deafening, broken only by the hum of his engines. It had been cycles since the Decepticons returned to Cybertron, and though the planet had been left in decay, it was still their home. Starscream's optics narrowed as he looked down at the construction site below. The first outpost was nearly complete.
Lord Megatron had ordered these outposts to be built in key locations across former Decepticon cities. They were meant to serve as both fortifications and when we have a firmer servo on Cybertron and any opposition to Lord Megatron's rule is vanquished the outposts shall serve as a staring point to rebuild all former Decepticon cities.
Starscream allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The outpost, reminiscent of our outposts and bases during the war, stood tall against the ruined landscape. Towering spires rose from the once-proud cityscape, their gleaming purple metal casting a shadow over the ground. These fortresses would ensure that no one—Autobot or otherwise—could ever threaten their control of Cybertron again.
"It's as Lord Megatron envisioned," Starscream muttered to himself.
Cybertron was a shadow of its former self, the Autobots long gone, leaving behind a planet ripe for the taking. Their absence had made it easy for the Decepticons to reclaim their former strongholds. What had once been a battlefield was now a canvas on which Lord Megatron could paint his new order. The Autobots may have abandoned their home, but they had underestimated how quickly the Decepticons would rise again. The city of Kaon—once the heart of the Decepticon Empire —was theirs again. And no one, not even the Autobots, knew they were back while Optimus Prime wastes his time on Earth searching false leads we will grow stronger than ever before.
Starscream's thoughts shifted briefly to the Autobots. They had scattered across the Universe after the Ark left Cybertron and communication with Optimus Prime was lost leaving Cybertron behind, convinced that the war was over. They were wrong, and Starscream found himself relishing in their ignorance. The war was far from finished, and the Autobots would learn that the hard way.
"I wonder how long until they notice," Starscream mused, his voice a mix of curiosity and confidence. "I imagine they will be quite shocked when they do."
Despite the Decepticons' confidence, there was one thing still weighing heavily on Starscream's mind: the disappearance of the scouting party sent to find New Kalis. Megatron had ordered a small team to locate the hidden Autobot city, according to a few stragglers it is thought to be buried deep beneath the surface of Cybertron. Weeks had passed without a single transmission from them. Silence. It was something Starscream couldn't ignore.
The static-filled communication system crackled suddenly, snapping Starscream out of his thoughts. A weak, distorted voice came through.
"Commander Starscream… we've found it…"
Starscream's processors sharpened, and his optics flared with attention. Finally, he thought. This was the breakthrough they had been waiting for.
"Status report," Starscream demanded, voice sharp. "What's the situation? Do you have confirmation on the city's location? What's the next step?"
The transmission was filled with static, and the voice was barely audible, but the message was clear enough to set Starscream's mind into motion.
"New Kalis… we've found it. But… it's heavily guarded. More than we expected. The Autobots—they're not alone."
Starscream's internal systems whirred, processing the information. New Kalis, the fabled Autobot city, had been located. But if the Autobots were heavily protecting it, that meant it was more than just a strategic target but it might be their capital or a staging ground.
He clenched his fists in frustration. How could they have missed something so crucial?
Starscream's voice came through, cold and measured. "Return to base immediately. Do not engage without orders. I'll brief Lord Megatron personally."
The transmission cut off, and Starscream's mind immediately turned to the construction site below him. He could see the last few workers finishing up the outpost's exterior, the final layers of armor plating going up. The structure was almost complete—just in time, it seemed, for the next phase of their plan. These outposts were a foundation. A stepping stone. Lord Megatron had planned for a full-scale operation, but they needed to move quickly before the Autobots could reorganize or worse.
"New Kalis… hidden beneath our very feet," Starscream whispered, his tone sharp. "And if the Autobots are still hiding there, we cannot let them stay hidden any longer."
Starscream's wings fluttered with irritation as he scanned the horizon. The scouting team's silence was unsettling. If they were compromised, it would be disastrous. They couldn't afford another failure. Lord Megatron's orders were clear. If they could locate New Kalis, it would give them a significant advantage, but only if they could secure it without alerting the Autobots to their presence.
Starscream's optics glinted as a plan began to form in his mind. The outposts would be their eyes and ears, ensuring no Autobots could sneak back into Cybertron undetected. The Decepticons were in position to strike, and once they had New Kalis in their grip, they would have control over the Autobots' last foothold on Cybertron.
"I will see to it personally," Starscream muttered, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "I must prove myself to Lord Megatron."
With that, Starscream adjusted his thrusters and soared upward, the ruins of Kaon receding beneath him. He would not let this slip. For Lord Megatron's vison.
As he flew higher into the sky, the sense of urgency gripped him. The Decepticons were back, and their victory would be swift. Once New Kalis was dealt with, Cybertron would belong to the Decepticons as it should be. and the Autobots would never have the chance to return. Starscream's wings cut through the air with a quiet hum, his mind racing through contingencies and strategies. He had no time to waste. Every cycle counted.
He knew one thing for sure—Cybertron's future was in Lord Megatron's hands, and he wouldn't let anyone stand in his way. Not the Autobots, not anyone.
"Peace through tyranny," Starscream whispered to himself, a determined grin crossing his face as the dark horizon swallowed him whole.
---
Nemesis Warship - Location Cybertron Starscream Pov:
Starscream stood before the towering form of Megatron in the dimly lit war room aboard the Nemesis. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the air hummed with the quiet hum of the ship's internal systems. Megatron stood rigid, his crimson optics piercing through the gloom as he studied the holographic map of Cybertron, his mind undoubtedly calculating the next move in their campaign. Starscream, knew this moment was crucial. The Decepticons had returned to their home planet, and now the time had come to finally strike at the Autobots' last stronghold.
Starscream had spent organizing, planning, and gathering the necessary forces for this operation. His mission now was to inform Lord Megatron of the critical discovery—the location of New Kalis, the hidden Autobot city. And with that revelation, the war for Cybertron would enter its next stage: the final assault.
"My lord," Starscream began, bowing his head slightly in respect, his voice as calm as it was firm, "we have located it. New Kalis. The Autobots' last base of operations."
Megatron's optics narrowed slightly, though his gaze never left the map. His silence was a deliberate command for Starscream to continue. Starscream straightened, the weight of his next words heavy with consequence.
"After cycles of searching, we have finally tracked the Autobots to their last refuge. New Kalis is deep beneath Cybertron's surface, concealed within a network of tunnels. It appears they have taken great care in hiding it, but they have grown lax not expecting the Decepticons to return to Cybertron. I personally oversaw the reconnaissance efforts."
Starscream paused for a moment, the tension in the room palpable. Megatron's stern silence pushed him to elaborate further.
"The city is heavily fortified—more than we anticipated," Starscream continued, his tone measured. "However, their defenses are spread thin across the underground complex. We will need to move quickly before they have time to fortify their position any further. But with the proper coordination and the strategy of our forces, we can crush them before they can mount a meaningful defense."
Megatron's optics glowed a brighter red as he processed the information, his attention fully on Starscream. The silence in the room was a weight, but Starscream did not flinch. He had delivered the information Megatron sought. Now, he would wait for orders.
"Are the forces ready, Starscream?" Megatron's voice was deep, cold, and commanding. There was no room for hesitation in his tone.
Starscream inclined his head with a slight smile tugging at his lips, though it was more the smile of a strategist than a sycophant. "Yes, my lord. I have already mobilized Skyquake, Breakdown, and a full battalion of Vehicons for the assault. The Nemesis is prepared for immediate deployment should we need additional support. We are ready to strike as soon as you give the command."
Megatron's gaze flickered to the map, then back to Starscream. "Good," he said, his voice carrying an edge of finality. "But be cautious. The Autobots may be in disarray, but they are still formidable. Their desperate nature could make them unpredictable. I will not tolerate any mistakes in this operation."
Starscream's optics flashed with determination. "Understood, my lord. I will ensure the assault is executed swiftly and without mercy. We will leave no trace of them behind."
Megatron considered Starscream for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he gave a short nod. "You are dismissed. Proceed with the operation. I trust you will not fail me."
Starscream bowed again, a mix of respect and subtle ambition in his demeanor. "Of course, my lord. It will be done."
As Starscream turned to leave the war room, he couldn't suppress the flicker of excitement that ran through his circuits. New Kalis was the Autobots' last stronghold on Cybertron, and once it was crushed, there would be no one left to challenge the Decepticons. Cybertron would belong to Lord Megatron and his forces, and Starscream would see to it that he took his rightful place at the top of the Decepticon hierarchy right below Lord Megatron.
As he walked out of the room, Starscream's thoughts raced. The time to strike was now. The Autobots would be caught off guard, and their final city would soon fall. The Nemesis would destroy any stragglers above, and the ground forces—Skyquake, Breakdown, and his battalion—would devastate New Kalis, leaving the Autobots with no chance of escape. He would personally oversee the assault, ensuring that nothing was left to chance.
Starscream allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction, knowing that once New Kalis was obliterated, the Autobots would be no more. The battle for Cybertron would be over, and the Decepticons would rule.
The thought of victory sent a thrill through his systems. He would deliver this victory to Megatron. But even more importantly, he would position himself for the power that would come after it.
With that thought, Starscream left the war room, his wings twitching slightly as he prepared to execute the next phase of the operation. New Kalis was about to fall, and Starscream would be there to watch it burn.
---
New Kalis - Location Cybertron Starscream Pov:
Starscream's optics flared with purpose as he soared through the cold expanse of Cybertron's upper atmosphere, his engines roaring with a controlled fury. He had wasted no time in gathering his forces. The Decepticons had already established their presence at a outpost near New Kalis as their staging ground.
"Skyquake, Breakdown, report in," Starscream's voice rang out through the comms as he flew toward the surface, his destination set—New Kalis, the hidden Autobot city.
Skyquake's deep, commanding voice responded almost immediately. "We're ready, Commander. The Vehicons are primed and waiting for your orders."
"Good. The Autobots are as good as finished," Starscream replied, the words laced with contempt. The scouting party's report had confirmed that New Kalis was not just a sanctuary—it was fortified, with defenses they hadn't expected. The Autobots had clearly made this their last stronghold. Starscream would see to it that they never had the chance to rise again.
Beside him, Breakdown's voice crackled through the comms, the rumble of his large frame a steady presence. "We've got the Vehicons in position, sir. They're ready to breach the outer defenses whenever you give the word."
Starscream's wings angled as he descended toward the surface, his thrusters slowing his descent as the jagged, desolate land of Cybertron stretched below. The city of New Kalis was nestled deep beneath the planet's surface, concealed beneath layers of metal and debris. But Starscream had the location now, and the Decepticons had the means to extract it. They had already begun preparing the assault. This was no simple strike; it was an annihilation.
The Decepticons' plan was simple—overwhelm the city with sheer force. The Autobots had kept themselves hidden for too long, but now, their time was up.
Starscream's fangs flashed in a predatory grin as he addressed his forces. "Break through their defenses and make them regret ever thinking they could hide from us. No prisoners. We take New Kalis today."
He toggled his comms to the Vehicons. "Vehicons, advance! Create a breach in their outer perimeter. Skyquake, Breakdown—move out."
In unison, the Vehicons moved as one, a wave of Decepticon soldiers rushing to their assigned positions. The ground trembled beneath them as the massive army marched forward, weapons primed and ready. At Starscream's signal, the first volley of fire was unleashed, targeting the reinforced barricades that the Autobots had set up to protect their underground city.
A massive explosion echoed in the distance as the Vehicons' artillery fired, rending the earth and rock apart. Starscream's optics flickered with approval as he watched the explosion tear through the defenses. But it was just the beginning. They needed to get inside.
"Move in!" Starscream ordered. Skyquake and Breakdown led the charge, flanked by hundreds of Vehicons. The ground forces, backed by heavy artillery, charged toward the breach, ready to take the fight directly to the Autobots.
Starscream remained in the air, his keen optics scanning the city's entrance. He could see the shadows of Autobots moving in the distance, but they were unprepared for the scale of the Decepticon assault. This was not a skirmish—it was an extermination. Their city would fall.
Skyquake's massive form, a hulking terror on the ground, barreled through the breach, his colossal frame clearing rubble as he smashed through the weakened defenses. Breakdown, followed closely, using his heavy firepower and hammer to provide support, cutting down any Autobots who dared to challenge their advance.
Starscream flew low, watching as the Vehicons stormed the area. He could hear the muffled gunfire and explosions reverberating through the ruins of New Kalis, the chaotic sounds of a battle for survival. His own attention focused on the heart of the city.
"They are scrambling to respond," Starscream muttered, a thin smile on his face. "But it's too late. We have already broken their will."
Through the swirling dust and debris, Starscream could see a few Autobots trying to regroup, some retreating into the inner depths of the city, but it was clear the attack had caught them off guard. With their outer defenses breached, they had nowhere to run.
Skyquake's voice crackled through the comms, low and gruff, "They're retreating deeper into the city, Starscream. We're cutting them down as we go, but they're not making this easy."
Starscream clenched his fists. "Of course they aren't," he said, his voice a sharp edge of frustration. "Autobots never make anything easy. But they will learn their place. Breakdown, follow Skyquake and send the rest of the Vehicons to sweep the outer levels. No one escapes."
Breakdown's low, rumbling laugh came over the comms. "You got it, Commander."
Starscream watched as Breakdown and Skyquake led the charge deeper into the heart of New Kalis, each Decepticon soldier in their wake an unstoppable force. With his Vehicons clearing the way, Starscream took to the skies once more, his optics scanning the city. There was no escape for the Autobots here.
As the battle raged below, Starscream felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. The Autobots had hidden here for so long, thinking themselves safe. But now, with the power of the Decepticon war machine bearing down on them, the walls of New Kalis were crumbling. The city was losing its defenses, and the Decepticons were on the brink of victory.
A few Autobots—who had once fought to defend this city—attempted to make a stand, but Starscream could already tell their morale had shattered. As their defenses fell apart, so too did their resistance. Starscream's wings buzzed with excitement as he prepared for the final push.
"Lord Megatron will want them all exterminated," Starscream said, his voice cold. "The last remnants of the Autobots will fall today."
As Skyquake and Breakdown tore through the city, Starscream dove into the depths of New Kalis, following the remnants of the retreating Autobot force. His engines roared as he broke through the surface-level chaos, descending deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels that wound beneath the city.
At the heart of New Kalis, Starscream found what he was searching for: the Autobots' command center, still partially intact, but overrun by Vehicons. The Autobots had nowhere left to run.
"Time to finish this," Starscream muttered to himself as he landed in front of the command center, his jet mode transforming into robot form in an instant. His optics flashed brightly, the thrill of the conquest surging through him. This was his moment.
The last of the Autobots were cornered, but Starscream felt no mercy. He was not here to negotiate; he was here to claim victory. He raised his blasters and prepared to deliver the final blow.
In the distance, Skyquake's thunderous voice echoed through the corridors: "No Autobot is left standing "
Starscream grinned, savoring the destruction. The Autobots were defeated. New Kalis was now in the hands of the Decepticons. Cybertron was theirs, and there was nothing that could stop them.
"Let this be a message," Starscream said, as he and his forces finished clearing the city, the last of the Autobot resistance falling around them. "This is what happens when you hide from the Decepticons."
---
Nemesis Warship - Lord Megatron's Throne Room location Cybertron:
Starscream entered the throne room aboard the Nemesis, his stride purposeful as he approached Lord Megatron, who stood tall seated on his throne, his crimson optics glowing in the shadows. The air was thick with the weight of impending decisions. Starscream's mind raced with the news of their victory at New Kalis, and the moment had finally come to report to Megatron.
"My lord," Starscream began, his voice steady and measured, "New Kalis has fallen. The Autobots were crushed. The city is ours."
Megatron turned slowly, his optics locking onto Starscream with a dangerous intensity. "Proceed, Starscream."
Starscream, a slight grin on his face, continued, "Skyquake and Breakdown led the main assault while the Vehicons secured the underground tunnels. The Autobots couldn't put up a meaningful resistance. Their command structure was obliterated, and the remnants of their forces are either destroyed or captured."
A brief, approving pause passed between them before Megatron's voice rumbled coldly. "And the leaders? What of them?"
Starscream's smile faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. "The remaining leaders of New Kalis are in custody, awaiting your judgment, my lord."
Megatron's optics flashed dangerously. "Bring them to me."
Starscream nodded, his expression betraying no surprise. Moments later, two battered Autobot leaders were brought before Megatron, struggling to remain standing. The weight of their defeat was written across their faces, their resolve broken.
Megatron stepped forward, towering over them with deadly calm. "Your city is gone, your forces shattered. You have no place left to run."
The Autobots looked up, their optics filled with fear and defiance. But it was clear they had no strength left to fight.
"You have failed," Megatron said, his voice ice-cold. "Now you will pay the price."
In a single, swift motion, Megatron raised his new fusion cannon and fired, eradicating the Autobots in an instant. Their bodies fell to the floor, motionless.
Starscream watched silently, a mixture of respect flickering in his optics. This victory was Megatron's, but it was clear to Starscream that the war was far from over.
Megatron turned, his gaze unwavering. "Let this be a lesson to all who think they can defy me. The Autobots are finished. But we still have work to do."
Starscream nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. The Autobots were gone, but the true battle for control of Cybertron was just beginning. And this time, Starscream would make sure he was the one to take the throne.
---
The Fury - Location Cybertron Dreadwing Pov:
The Fury tore through Cybertron's atmosphere, the battered planet below stirring a sense of purpose in Dreadwing. He had heard his Lords speech and had made all due haste to Cybertron.
As he landed near the Nemesis, Dreadwing felt the hum of power surge through his circuits. He activated his comms, tuning into the familiar static of Decepticon radio. Then, the voice he had longed to hear rang through his audios, commanding and unmistakable.
Suddenly, a faint but familiar energy signature flared—a surge that could only mean one thing. Skyquake's reactivation. Dreadwing's optics flashed as he recognized his brother's return. He was they were whole again.
Without hesitation, Dreadwing made his way toward the Nemesis. Inside, the dark corridors seemed to pulse with anticipation, guiding him to the throne room where Megatron awaited.
There, standing as imposing as ever, Megatron gazed down at Dreadwing, his red optics glowing with authority. "Dreadwing you have returned," he said, his voice full of power.
Dreadwing kneeled, his voice steady. "My lord, it has been too long."
Megatron's gaze sharpened. "Nevermind that it is good to see a familiar face it has been what a millennia since I last saw you."
Dreadwing's response was unwavering. "I am yours, my lord. Never again shall I leave your side."
Megatron's expression softened with satisfaction. "Good now go Skyquake is waiting for you in Kaon."
Dreadwing rose, nodded and quickly transformed and flew towards his brother.
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