TFP - Every Bit Of Misery

5. Persuasion

        “What damage could it possibly do if I were to leave the ship?” Ebony argued, glaring at the large, silver mech before her with a burning passion. “You’re a fool to keep your greatest warrior cooped up on this slagging ship! I could be out there slaying Autobots! I’d have brought you two of their helms on a platter by now if you would just let me out!”

        “So you could betray me for the Prime again?” Megatron screamed, his red optics flaring as he turned to face her.

        Ebony froze. Truly, she wished she could tell Megatron the truth of their situation. She wished she could tell him everything. Every damnable moment leading up to her ‘betrayal’ and why she’d done it.

        But would Megatron ever understand her motivation? Surely he would. The fact that they were so similar was why they’d been so close beforehand.

        But could her pride ever allow her to admit that she’d been afraid?

        With a slow vent, Ebony crossed her arms and kept Megatron’s gaze fearlessly. “I was over the Prime a long time ago. He didn’t come for me after you locked me away. Why should I care for anyone anymore?”

        Megatron scoffed. “Then why did you return to the Decepticons? Why not go rogue instead?”

        Ebony bit her lip. He’d deduced that much. Yet again, she refused to give in to what Megatron wanted to hear, and what she wished she could relent without fear. “My loyalty remains, only because I know you would be overthrown in a day if I were to leave now. You’re lucky I showed up when I did.”

        Megatron let out a low growl. “What is that supposed to mean?”

        “Starscream,” she told him, shifting her weight. “Surely it can’t be that surprising. The Seeker has always had it out for you.”

        Megatron gave a slow nod. “His efforts never cease.”

        “So why did you ever make him First Lieutenant? The mech is a danger to you. He constantly looks for ways to overthrow you, but when it comes to actual battles, he’s a slagging coward! He runs from danger as fast as he flies! That mech will never have your back in battle! He’d sooner leave you to offline! Why would you ever put a mech like that in such power?” Ebony vented, shaking her helm. “If I weren’t entirely aware of how much you detest me, I’d offer to dispose of him and take the position myself, so at least you could have someone who’ll serve you well in battle at your side. But of course, I know that’s out of the question. So I would personally recommend Soundwave. He may be silent, but he’ll serve you better than Starscream.”

        “Soundwave is needed aboard the ship,” Megatron immediately replied, waving his hand dismissively. “We cannot risk him as we can Starscream.”

        “Is that your logic then?” Ebony asked, tilting her helm curiously. “Starscream is disposable?”

        “Can you think of a better reason to send him into the face of danger so often?”

        With a smirk, her demeanor instantly changed. “Well played, Megatron.”

        Without missing a beat, the large mech instantly wrapped his hand around Ebony’s throat, lifting her off the floor of the ship. “Don’t sound too impressed. As soon as Starscream has served his purpose, you may have the pleasure of taking his place.”

        Her hands gripping his wrist, Ebony kept herself calm, staring down at the mech, and those familiar red eyes.

        They weren’t as familiar as they once were. And not because she’d lost Megatron to the passage of time, but because a few veins of purple coloration tainted them now.