Disposed Of

Ah yes, the freezing cold of deep space. I’ve been adrift here many times before; like one of those recurring nightmares that paralyzes a person just before they can fight themselves awake. And like all those previous times, I am badly injured, possibly even dying. NO! NEVER!!! I AM INDESTRUCTIBLE! I’ve always believed that and I still believe it now. Deep space may be ice cold, but it is no match for the searing, incandescent, white hot fury that has enveloped my soul. There will be no mercy this time. Every time my mind wraps itself around the moment my second in command tossed me out the airlock, the greater my longing to wrap my hands around his traitorous little throat and squeeze. NO ONE DOES THAT TO ME AND CONTINUES TO FUNCTION!!! Enjoy it while you can traitor, because I *will* return.

Drifting through space, my mind replays many moments of the last twenty Earth years or so. All of them some form of betrayal by Starscream.

“You’ve also made it clear you desire to replace me as leader of the Decepticons. Mistake number one.”

And it was a mistake. Starscream’s declaration only alerted me to the fact that I needed to watch him. He meant to inspire fear and insecurity in me, but only succeeded in empowering me with knowledge of his true intentions. You fool, Starscream!

“I see that you have learned nothing, Starscream.”

“Wrong. I’ve learned a great deal. I won’t miss this time.”

“Beware Starscream, if you dispose of me, there will always be someone waiting to dispose of you.”

Ah, the irony of my own words. But that arrogant creature has yet to truly dispose of me and that will be his undoing.

“This is my army, Megatron. The Combaticons.”

“Hey, say goodnight to your Megatron!”

With each memory, my resolve to exterminate that infuriating little seeker deepens immeasurably. Whatever friendship I might still have felt for Starscream’s miserable hide died today. I have given him numerous “second” chances only to repeatedly be slapped in the face. In that respect, I am the fool. Until now, his competence at his job outweighed the nuisance his desire for power has posed to me. If nothing else, Starscream’s scheming has utterly convinced me once and for all that there is no place in the universe for mercy, even for Decepticons that are good at their jobs. Mercy and leniency only creates opportunity for the untrustworthy. Not that I completely trust anyone. We are Decepticons, are we not? All the same, I will no longer tolerate those such as Starscream. Cross me once and pay with your pathetic life.

***

(A short while later)

“Megatron, is that you?!”

You were expecting someone else? Fool! You truly have learned nothing. Have I not returned from floating, damaged in space dozens of times before? What made you think this time would be different? Oh yes, you are an arrogant piece of slag.

“You failed to dispose of me when you had the chance Starscream. Now it’s my turn!”

“Here’s a hint!!!”

A moment later, my former second in command was no more. The thorn in my side was finally removed. And as I crushed the crown that had rolled down the steps, I felt vindicated at last.