Merformers: Prime: The Shark and the Betta

Chapter 7: Suspicion and Speculation

Starscream swam up to Megatron, his expression twisted with anger. "I can't believe you're just going to let Breakdown's capture go unpunished," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. Megatron turned to face Starscream, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "What do you suggest we do, Starscream? We can't just go attacking humans on the surface."

Starscream scoffed. "You didn't seem to care about Breakdown's well-being when he got captured and lost an eye. But now that you've become friends with a mermaid who is not a Sharkticon, suddenly you care about his safety?" Megatron's red eyes narrowed. "Watch your words, Starscream. Firestar has proven her loyalty to us time and time again. She's not a spy sent by the Automermen or the Automermaids." he said as he gritted his sharp teeth.

Starscream sneered. "Proven her loyalty? How do we know she's not deceiving us, gathering classified information about our next schemes to report back to Optimus Prime?" Megatron's patience was wearing thin. "Enough, Starscream! Firestar is not an Automermaid. She's proven her loyalty multiple times. I will not tolerate baseless accusations against her."

Starscream didn't back down. "How do we know she's not playing both sides? We can't trust her." Megatron let out a deep sigh. "Starscream, you're being ridiculous. Firestar has done nothing but help us in our efforts to defeat the Automermen. You would do well to remember your place."

Starscream began to grovel before Megatron. "Forgive me, Megatron. I spoke out of turn." Firestar interrupted. "It's okay, Megatron. Starscream doesn't know any better. Let's just let it go." Megatron nodded, his expression softening. "You're right, Firestar. I won't let Starscream's words get to me. Let's focus on our next move against the Automermen."

Starscream swam away, still seething with anger. He couldn't shake the feeling that Firestar was untrustworthy, but he knew better than to push Megatron any further. He would bide his time and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. Firestar, meanwhile, looked at Megatron with a curious expression on her face. "Why are you so hard on Starscream?" she asked. "He's your second-in-command, but you seem to treat him like an enemy."

Megatron let out a deep sigh. "Starscream has been trying to overthrow me for years. He's attempted to take over as leader of the Deceptisharks multiple times. He even tried to kill Optimus Prime after the beginning of the war on Cyberlantis."

Firestar's eyes widened in shock. "Why would he do that?"

Megatron shrugged. "He's power-hungry. He sees himself as the rightful leader of the Deceptisharks, but he doesn't have the strength or the vision to lead us to victory. That's why I've been so hard on him. I can't afford to show any weakness or let my guard down."

Firestar nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. It must be tough to have someone like that in your inner circle."

Megatron smiled wryly. "You have no idea."

Meanwhile, Starscream swam up to Knock Out, the medic of the Deceptisharks. "I don't trust Megatron's sudden change of character," he said, his voice laced with suspicion. "He's become nicer, almost kind. And it all started after he became friends with Firestar. I think she's thawed his frozen heart with her love and kindness."

Knock Out rolled his eyes. "Starscream, you're being ridiculous. Megatron is allowed to have friends and enjoy their company. Firestar is a good influence on him."

Starscream scoffed. "You don't understand, Knock Out. Megatron is our leader. He can't afford to show any weakness or let his guard down. What if Firestar is using her charm to manipulate him into revealing classified information about our next schemes?"

Knock Out shook his head. "You're paranoid, Starscream. Megatron can handle himself. And Firestar is not a spy. She's proven her loyalty time and time again. You would do well to leave them alone and focus on your duties."

Starscream grumbled before swimming away, still uneasy about Megatron's sudden change of character.