Leader’s Burden

 

Logged in January 2001

 

 

In the aftermath of “Fire in the Sky,”  Tempest tries to find her place in the Decepticon team…and tries to figure out what to make of its leader as well.

 

 

Tempest slips into the room, looking around to see who’s there.

 

Megatron says, “You mean the loss of our equipment? No.”  Megatron says, “However, if you

meant that we got rid of that traitor Skyfire... That was a complete success!”

 

Tempest asks, “You’re talking about the Arctic operation?”

 

Megatron says, “Ah, greetings, Tempest!”

 

Reflector says, “While we did manage to gain a number of energon cubes, I am unsure as to how the numbers compare to our original estimates. Salutations, Tempest.”

 

Tempest smirks, and says softly, “I guess Starscream learned the hard way the dangers of trusting a friend too much.”

 

All three Reflectors turn to Tempest and nod their greetings.

 

Tempest adds, “At least he survived the experience,” and turns to Reflector with a wave.

 

Reflector says, “Why would anyone seek to betray our noble cause? That is something that I shall never understand. I can understand, albeit difficultly, one becoming disillusioned with the war, for that is in the records. But defecting to the Autobots!?!”

 

Tempest says flatly, “An illogical decision. We obviously had more superiority over the Autobots there. Skyfire should have known we would terminate him. I can’t understand what he stood to gain from his actions.” She shrugged. “The world soon terminates the stupid, in any case.”

 

Ruse has arrived.

 

Reflector says, “Sir, why would someone who was just accepted without reservations into our cause betray us so? I have never come across such an event in all of my studies of the records.”

 

Tempest gives Ruse a quick grin, and then starts fiddling around with the radio.

 

Tempest says flatly to Reflector, “It’s the new ones you have to distrust. Most betrayers get impatient--they act quickly, and then you’re rid of them. It’s the deep-cover moles you have to fear the most...the ones that know how to wait.”

 

All three Reflectors look to Ruse and nod their greetings simultaneously, as usual, and then turn back to Megatron.

 

Megatron gives no comment to all said. Skyfire... He misjudged the tall robot himself... only saw the strength of the warrior, not his unstable loyalty.  Megatron says, “Greetings, Ruse.”

 

Ruse slinks in quietly, and hmms at Reflectors question she overhears, “Because, he was a fool. He was smart but lacked wisdom to see our vision and do what must be done.”

 

Reflector says, “Yes. It is such a waste. A warrior of his abilities could’ve gone far. And he brought out a side of Starscream that we never even imagined having existed.”

 

Megatron murmurs, hearing Reflector’s comment: “I didn’t believe it still existed...”

 

Tempest says with a bit of a laugh, “He certainly didnt’ place the proper value on his own survival. Probably came from some sheltered background, thought the world was a nice place to be.”

 

Reflector says, “Yes, I have been searching the records for any data on Skyfire. I believe that he disappeared shortly before the current war began, perhaps during one of the lulls, or perhaps even during the so called “Golden Age.”

 

Ruse hmmms, “Wasn’t one of your set of optics and audios there to hear Starscream’s tale?”

 

Megatron says, “Enough of Skyfire! He’s buried under tons of ice! And there he should stay for the rest of days!”

 

Tempest ‘s optics narrow just a little, focusing in on Megatron, but she says nothing and returns to the radio. Looking down, she mimicks what she’s seen the others do, and soon pulls in some terran music station. Tempest says softly, somewhat snidely, “I hope Starscream made certain of his kill.”

 

Megatron says, “If he was able to...”

 

Reflector says, “However, sir, given the Autobots notoriety for weakness, there is a chance, if they are able to gather sufficient resources, of them sending a mission to revive him. Perhaps we could place some passive scanning devices in the area where he fell, to alert us if the Autobots send a retrieval team, and we could ambush them.”

 

Megatron remembers in what condition his second in command was as they brought him home.

 

Tempest says, “The last thing we need is a vendetta. The worst enemy you can go up against is a /survivor/...”

 

Reflector sits back and nods, frowning at some memory.

 

Megatron says, “The Autobots left Skyfire behind. That should be proof enough.”

 

Reflector says, “Yes.  But given Prime’s rather “sentimental” attitude, will they leave him?”

 

Tempest nods. She turns down the volume on the radio so her music won’t disturb the others.

 

Reflector says, “Can we take the chance of the Autobots gaining another fully functioning warrior, sir? We must at least take some precautions.”

 

Tempest says, “He’s dead, then, and if the Autobots bother digging him out, it will be to scrap him for parts.”

 

Reflector says, “He survived for millions of years under ice, and there is the chance of him having survived again, can we risk it?”

 

Ruse walks over to one of the Reflectors, and nudges him hissing in a whisper, “ Don’t press the matter! Megatron has made his decission that its not worth bothering to do so.”

 

Megatron says, “I’m not willing to waste energy on him now! But I am willing to do everything to raise our own battle power. And that should be your concern as well!”

 

Tempest looks rather edgy. She tends to agree with Reflector, but...but it’s not her position to pick a fight, and it /would/ be a massive drain on their resources.

 

One of the Reflectors turns to Ruse and nods, subtly.

 

Tempest nods to Megatron again and turns the music down more, trying to avoid his anger turning on her.

 

Reflector says, “Very well, sir. I shall do as your say. I have a report here on several human power plants reconaissance that you ordered ready for your approval.”  Reflector hands Megatron a datacube full of reports on weaknesses in several human power plants, and an estimate of Autobot response times.

 

Megatron nods. Yes, they have to find another energy source. If the Autobots wouldn’t always interrupt... He sets his jaw plates. Optimus Prime... one time the Autobot leader won’t be as lucky...

 

Tempest says to Reflector, “We lost /all/ our Arctic equipment?”

 

Reflector says, “I am unaware as to the extent of our equipment losses, but I can put together a report and compare it to our inventory, if you wish, sir.”

 

Tempest asks, “How did the Autobots find us up in the arctic anyway? Is it true...that they have some sort of super computer?

 

Ruse says, “You doubt my word, Tempest?”  Ruse gives her a rather disturbed look... She thought the seeker had grown to trust her by now.

 

Tempest looks guiltily at Ruse. “I want more details!”

 

Megatron says, “Teletran 1, yes. But their main advantage is that the humans are their willing pets.”

 

Reflector says, “Yes, Teletran One. It coordinates their logistics, responses, and their movements. It also serves as a 24 hour watch device, with sensor nets tied into Terran news broadcasts, sensors, military and civilian radio traffic, and for alerts. It is continually scanning for any signs of our activity.”

 

Tempest grumbles, “We should bomb that damned thing. If it can REALLY watch us at all times, then ANY move we make is bound to be intercepted sooner or later.”  She seems to doubt the possibility of a computer that can do all that...

 

Reflector says, “Sir, perhaps we could schedule a series of raids using the majority of our forces at spread out points, to draw out as many of the Autobot forces as we can, and then have the cassettes lead a raid to destroy Teletran One? The Autobots will be faced with either returning to their base, or letting us gain energon. Either way we will come out ahead.”

 

Megatron rubs his chin. Human pets... Yes... that may be a possibility..! Well, he will keep that idea in mind. “To get to Teletran one is as easy as to get in our base. Do you now understand, why it still works?

 

Tempest nods.  Tempest says, “I’d imagine they’d defend their base heavily. We DO have the advantage, that they do not know where our base is, but we know where theirs is.”

 

Reflector says, “Yes. The idea would be to force them to leave their base undefended, or at least to minimize the forces that they have available. The cassettes should be able to deal with any forces left and take out the computer before the Autobots can respond.”

 

Ruse says, “You forget the Teletran automated defences...”

 

Tempest looks impressed. “Automated...must be nice...”

 

Reflector says, “That is your area of expertise.”  Reflector says, “And I am sure that we could deal with them. Perhaps a way to get ourselves to broadcast Autobot IFFs?”

 

Ruse says, “Like ours, it would detect intruders and respond acordingly... but... if Chasm legend that he is in his own memory chips could shut them down we could erase the computer from existence or worse if he IS as good as he claims.”

 

Tempest snorts. “That little dragon is all talk.”

 

Megatron has pondered possibilities more than once, there is nothing new he hears. He is slowly getting sick of the discussion...

 

Reflector says, “Sir? Do you have any input that could aid us in postulating a plan?”

 

Ruse says, “Perhaps... he does have some skill though Tempest.”

 

Tempest nods. “I figured there was a reason you left Chasm functional....and not for his personality, either.”

 

Ruse says, “Actualy we did becase he does seem to be a creation of Soundwave’s. He even has the mental link I lack.”

 

Tempest seems strangely comfortable at the controls of the radio, slouched back in the chair, her optics on the monitors...now that she knows how to operate the technology...and she seems to be enjoying the loud, pounding human music she’s playing.

 

Megatron says, “Enough now, I’m working on a new plan. And will be a full success.”

 

Tempest glances at Megatron, uncertain if she should ask what the new plan is.

 

Megatron closes the files. He leans back in his chair, rubbing his face tiredly.  No, he can’t concentrate on the topic at the moment.

 

Tempest glances over at Megatron. “Do you....need help with anything?”  Tempest hurriedly covers, “Ah, I mean, I’m not doing much so if there’s anything pressing, feel free to...well, you’d feel free to give an order anyway, right?  Um...” She suddenly pretends to be very absorbed in the computer.

 

Ruse has a seat in the command chair, and blinks at the exchange of words. o O (What was that about?)

 

Megatron shakes head. “No... no, all is under control.”

 

Tempest gives Megatron a twisted smile. “Yes, as it has to be,” she says quietly, her optics indicating that she knows a little more.

 

Reflector gets up from the computer where he was doing an inventory of the equipment lost in the arctic.

 

Reflector hands his report to Megatron, noting what equipment they will have to manufacture, and what they have replacements of.

 

Megatron smirks. “It’s not easy always to evaluate everything...” he remarks with a certain self-irony.

 

Reflector says, “Sir?”

 

Tempest gives Reflector a rather commanding glance. “You should file that for later,” she says firmly.

 

Reflector says, “Yes, sir.”

 

Tempest hesitates, looks up questioningly at Megatron, knowing damn well she’s overstepped her authority...but she looks somewhat satisfied as Reflector agrees.

 

Reflector puts the report in a pile marked “low priority,” for later perusal.

 

Megatron says, “Yes, Reflector, download it into the computer. I’ll check it later.”

 

Ruse leans back and silently radios Tempest after obsirving a moment or two more, /So you sense it as well... that something’s bothering Megatron and distracting him. Got any idea of what we can do about it?/

 

Tempest radios back somewhat tersely, /Megatron is perfecting a new plan. That’s hard work. He needs his space to think./ It’s not entirely true, but Tempest doesn’t care.

 

Reflector radios Tempest and Ruse /May I be so bold as to inquire as to the purpose of your conversation?/

 

Tempest says with a bit of a growl, /Ruse was about to bother Megatron from his plans.../ Once again, she’s terse and defensive.

 

Ruse shakes her head for whatever reason then says, “Megatron... you said we need to strengthen ourselves. Perhaps we should take some time instead of raiding and gathering energy to train and fortify us troops and improve our ability to work together as a group?”

 

Reflector radios / Megatron seems to be much more intense and withdrawn than usual. Is something the matter between you? Have you noticed something that I have missed?/

 

Tempest says firmly, /Wouldn’t you be disturbed if people kept pestering you while you were trying to plan?/

 

Ruse radios Tempest and Reflector frankly, /If Megatron wanted to plan he would be in his quarters or workshop... ALONE. He came here for some company, to see how the troops where, and to use the computer. He could have just as easily acessed it from his room but he came to make sure we aren’t at each others’ throats./

 

Reflector notices that Tempest seems to be even more withdrawn than usual, and defensive, but it is not his place to mention it. If she has something to work through, then he will offer her his advice and assistance, but it is up to her to seek it.

 

Megatron says, “Well, Ruse, then I propose to go and practice your melee fight abilities in the practice room.”

 

Rumble has arrived.

 

Reflector says, “I will join you, if that is all right.”

 

Rumble grins, “Anyone up for a fight?”

 

Ruse smiles, “Care to join me Megatron? Tempest?” She sounds honestly hopeful they will... particularly Megatron, even if it does mean getting slung around like a old sack by the powerful mecha.

 

Megatron says, “Maybe later...”

 

Tempest shrugs. “I think I’ll go clean my quarters,” she says vaguely, shutting off the radio and wandering in the direction of the door.

 

Ruse seems somewhat disappointed as she hops out of the command chair. She grins walking over to Rumble and with a GROWL like Ravage would make she trys to pounce him to the ground! >D

 

Rumble dodges. “Ha ha! I’m gonna rock your aft, Ruse!”

 

Ruse oofs and grins, “Next time I won’t miss... come on I have waited for this!”

 

Rumble has left.

 

Reflector has left.

 

Megatron says, “Tempest...”

 

Ruse stands and follows after Rumble hurriedly.

 

Tempest steps out into the doorway and immediately slips back in, certain the cassettes and Reflector didn’t see her.

 

Megatron says, “If you are busy... you are free to go...”

 

Tempest says flatly, “I’m not. You know I was just fooling with the radio.” She smiles wryly. “I’m a grunt now...I’m only good for melee combat.” She walks over, the command demeanor of before gone, but not back to her earlier slinking, and sits down in the radio chair again, but doesn’t touch the machine.

 

Megatron looks at her for a while. “You want to talk?” he says with a soft tone.

 

Tempest shrugs. “Sure.”

 

Megatron says, “For someone who want to talk you’re quite silent...”

 

Tempest kind of smiles. “You’re the one with the strain of command,” she says knowingly. She kicks back, resting her feet on the console. “Me, I’m just a soldier.”  Tempest sounds kind of “off” in the way she says “just a soldier,”--it’s true, of course, and it’s a good step up from “just a trash rat,” but still...

 

Megatron chuckles. “That means that /I/ have to talk?”

 

Tempest says softly, “I think you need it, don’t you?” Her ruby optics are piercing. “Or we could play command games all night and both pretend there’s nothing wrong in the world.”

 

Megatron gets up, walking over to her. “What do I have to talk about? I’m plotting, making plans how to gather the energy to revive a planet. Nothing beyond the usual...”

 

Tempest says, “And that’s easy? And you know you’ll be able to do it? And you know nothing could possibly go wrong?” Her optics flash; her words are a bit of a challenge.

 

Megatron shakes head, smiling a little. “No, it’s not easy, but I’m used to it.  To evaluate every possibility and... to realize our enemy has more luck than mental capability.”

 

Tempest says quietly, “Luck is fickle. It doesn’t last...not even for the strong.” She seems rather saddened by this, and scowls.

 

Megatron says, “That is why I don’t count on luck.”

 

Tempest nods, seeming almost hurt by this...her mouth gets more firmly set and she nods again sharply, her face a sudden mask

 

.Megatron rubs his face tiredly. “Maybe I should take a break to get my mind free...”

 

Tempest looks at Megatron. “That might be wise,” she says quietly. “you don’t want to burn yourself out.”  Tempest looks at Megatron rather knowingly...

 

Megatron smirks. “That’s what Soundwave tells me all the time... I shouldn’t overdo it.” Antimatter... the duel with Prime... well, it was a bit much. However, he’s Megatron, he’s not allowed to give up.

 

Tempest says, “I know you have to inspire your troops. I know you need to be their figurehead, their legend...but be careful, or it’ll take you apart...it’s not easy being a legend.”

 

Megatron says, “I know, one day I will fail and a more capable Decepticon will take my place...”

 

Tempest shakes her head. “That’s not what I’m saying...” She says it with an odd softness, as if she doesn’t want that to happen.  Tempest says, “There comes a time when you forget...when you start to believe that the image you present is true...when you neglect to watch your back as you should...don’t you see I’m telling you this so you won’t make that mistake? You need to give time to who you are, who you are APART from being leader...”

 

Megatron smiles at her, his optics glowing softly. “So, who am I? Can you tell?”

 

Tempest looks at him. She shrugs helplessly. “I don’t know much about that. I’m...a soldier...a killer...”   Tempest looks almost as if she regrets what all she said. She shakes her head. “But what would I know. I’m just a trashrat.”

 

Megatron says, “It seems you have quite the same problem...”

 

Tempest winces suddenly, turning back to Megatron. “I don’t want to talk about failure,” she says, her voice breaking.

 

Megatron says, “Failure? Why do you say that?”

 

Tempest says slowly, “I wasn’t always...wasn’t always the starving little rat you saved...I was born a rat and I may die a rat, but for a while...”

 

Megatron places his hand calmingly on her shoulder. “You are a Decepticon warrior, not a trash rat any more. And you will not die one!”

 

Tempest winces suddenly at the contact, forcing herself to relax. “It’s good you have such confidence in me...”  Tempest says, “And I’m not planning to die as anything...rat or warlord...”

 

Megatron pulls back his hand, murmuring: “Sorry...”

 

Tempest looks suddenly tentative too, like he’s going to hit her for her reaction...

 

Tempest slowly relaxes. Her optics dart, and she slowly settles down. “I don’t want you making the mistakes...I’ve seen in the Spaceways.”

 

Megatron says, “I won’t make the mistakes, I will achive. I have a mission to fullfill.”

 

Tempest says wryly, “Easier said then done...” She leans over, hesitantly. “Just...watch your six, all right?” She pauses again. “I wouldn’t be telling you this if I didn’t think you could do it...but I think that perhaps you can do what you claim...if you’re careful, if you don’t make the mistakes that are /so easy/ to make...” Tempest does not sound the least like “just a grunt”...

 

Megatron looks at her. “Why are you so concerned about me..? About Megatron, the Slagmaker?”

 

Tempest says, “Because of something I saw on the Spaceways...a warlord called The Storm...”

 

Megatron says, “The Storm? I’ve never heard this name.”

 

Tempest snorts. “You wouldn’t. The Spaceways are the scumholes of the universe,no reason for the likes of you to go there. The world I came from--a world of pirates, gangs, and double dealing, seedy bars and run down space ports. There were a whole pack of pirate gangs loose there, and The Storm was one of the most feared.”

 

Megatron listens patiently.

 

Tempest pauses, as if not sure how to continue. “And one day...it’s over. To be a Spaceways warlord, a pirate captain, it involves killing one or two others, taking over their resources--for resources are scarce--augmenting your crew to keep the OTHER crews at bay, and then holding on to whatever you can get...but they never last long...in time, they are brought down by another...if ENFORCERS don’t get them first!” She’s getting more and more off topic...and more emotional.

 

Megatron looks at her, feeling strangely calm as he listens to her story.

 

Tempest says, “TRUST me, I’ve seen how easy it is to let things fall apart...how easy it is to be suckered into believing your own legend, how one moment’s oversight--so easy under stress, especially if you don’t take the time to relax and think--can destroy you.” She regards him piercingly and says coldly, “You know,if I wanted you to fall, I wouldn’t have bothered telling you this.”

 

Megatron softly asks: “Why do you care about me, Tempest..? Why...? I thought you believe everyone stands on his own, and only the strong survive.” He looks at her, his optics two warm lights.

 

Tempest glares up at him, the yellow Seeker suddenly sullen. Light from the computer plays off the battered airframe, the heavy helmet that sinks her optics into darkness. She looks up at him challengingly. “What if I said survival odds? What if I said I was just ensuring my own safety?”

 

Megatron smirks. “I had to accept this answer, though...”

 

Tempest says, not looking at him, “And what if I said I don’t want you to make my mistakes.”

Tempest takes a deep breath. “You saved my life. This is the best I can give you...my skill in combat and my...my...Heh. My experience.”

 

Megatron says, “I appreciate that... Thank you.”

 

Tempest looks down again. “Not that you need to take advice from either a rat or a fallen soldier.”

 

Megatron says, “Stop calling yourself that!”  Megatron says, “You are a Decepticon and...”

 

Tempest winces, raises her optics to look at him.  Tempest says firmly, “Even the king of rats is still, in the end, a rat...” But there’s a proud fire burning in those optics. “And still, in the end, a king. But there’s only room for one Emperor here, and it is you.”

 

Emperor Megatron’s voice turns soft again: “...a friend.”

 

Tempest’s jaw drops, and she stares helplessly at Megatron, not having any idea what to say to that.

Tempest stares at Megatron stupidly until she forces herself to glance away and compose herself. One ruby optic light slides back as she peers at him out of the corner of her eye.

 

Megatron turns to leave the room.

 

Tempest turns a little...hesitates...and still uncertain, sinks down in the chair again, and begins idly playing with the radio.

 

Megatron says, “If someone searches for me, I’ll be in my quarters.”

 

Tempest nods. “Good evening, Megatron.”

 

Megatron smirks. “Plotting, Ruse would say.” He looks at Tempest. “Good evening, and thank you again.”