The stasis chamber was revealed from the rubble and crag. Taking the Energon cube from Soundwave, Starscream inserted it into the slot on the chamber, waking the slumbering warrior. "Awaken, Skyquake!" Starscream shouted as the warrior was revealed. "Rise and serve your new master!"
The doors slid open, and Skyquake stepped out. His imposing stature intimidated Starscream, though he would not dare show it. "Skyquake serves only one master," The massive Decepticon boomed, towering over his supposed superior.
"Yes, you do indeed. Your loyalty will provide a fine example for the troops. You may bow."
"You fail to grasp my meaning. The only master I will ever serve is Lord Megatron."
Before Starscream could speak, Skyquake's attention was shifted to the opening groundbridge portal which Optimus Prime and Bumblebee stepped out of.
"Optimus Prime? I haven't seen you since the Battle of Technahar. Megatron ordered me assassinate you and deliver your helm and spark to him." Skyquake turned to face his old foe, shoving Starscream out of the way.
"Indeed, Skyquake, but I request your audio receptor. I believe there is a way to settle this conflict without spilled Energon," Optimus asked.
"Fine. But make it short. My patience runs low from vorns in stasis."
"Your loyalty to your leader is unparalleled. But Megatron is no more. I believe that your impressive power and skill would be better spent fighting against the Decepticons, for a righteous cause."
"And why would I join you? I have the seen the Autobots' treachery, and would not dare stoop so low."
"Are you aware of the atrocities that Megatron committed during the War for Cybertron?" Optimus asked. He could see the anger on Skyquake's faceplates shift into confusion. "He would not have informed you, and those that would know chose to support their leader, either out of devotion or fear. With the exception of the highest ranked officers, Megatron cares not for the warriors that make up his army. He merely sees you as a gun that he can bend to his will."
"But, my loyalty... are you saying it was all for nothing?" Skyquake asked, enraged at not the Autobot leader but at his own.
"It is an unfortunate reality. However, I truly believe that your skills would be better put to use fighting the Decepticon war machine. Your facial expression tells me that Megatron's Decepticon cause is not one that you fully believe in. So I ask you, Skyquake, to join me and help me end this conflict on Earth, so that this planet does not share the same fate as Cybertron."
Skyquake raised a brow, confusion filling his face. "What happened to Cybertron?" He asked simply.
"You had already been put into stasis on this world, but Megatron's unending lust for power has turned Cybertron into a dead world."
"Do not listen to him, Skyquake!" Starscream interrupted. "I will make your name great among the Decepticons. You will be a hero! Bow before me!"
"Again?! Bow to this!" Skyquake backhanded Starscream, sending him flying into a cavern wall. Soundwave stood by, recording the scene.
"What is your decision, Skyquake?" Optimus asked.
"If Megatron is gone as you say, and my options are between you and Starscream..." Skyquake reached for the gatling gun on his back and opened fire at Starscream. "Don't just stand there, Prime. Fire!" Skyquake resumed fire on his former superior officer. Soundwave, making no attempt to assist the seeker, continued recording.
"Soundwave, retreat!" Starscream transformed and flew off, Soundwave right behind him.
"Coward..." Skyquake reattached his gatling gun to his back.
YOU ARE READING
Losing Influence
Action"Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today." -Optimus Prime Megatron loses his influence on his Decepticons, especially after his supposed death. These Decepticons choose to break their ties with their fa...
