2 INTERLUDE THE ABANDONED SOLDIER

In the dimly lit hallways of The Bastion, I could feel a sense of purpose filling the air, infusing the entire base with a surge of energy. Amidst the bustling activities, I walked alone with a determination and confidence that could rival even Starscream's, though it wasn't arrogance. It was a newfound hope, a hope that had been chipped away by the relentless War for Cybertron and the harsh realities of battle.

No longer an anonymous Vehicon without a name, I now went by Straxus, a name I had chosen after Megatron the Deceiver left us stranded on our dying planet. This name symbolized my resolve to stand strong in the face of adversity and discrimination.

I was far from an ordinary Vehicon; I had served The Deceiver during the peak of the war, following his speeches and believing his lies that had swayed so many to join his ranks. I had marched to the thunderous chants of "ALL HAIL MEGATRON" and fought for the Decepticon cause with unwavering loyalty.

Yet as the tides of war shifted and Cybertron faced its imminent demise, Megatron's promises of a new world and prosperity had turned to ashes. He had abandoned us to our fate, leaving us to rust in a world reduced to an empire of ash.

The final memory of the nemesis warship departing haunted my spark, a bitter reminder of the chaos, desperation, and rage that followed. The rage we clung to in order to keep our sparks functioning, the rage that fueled our animosity towards The Deceiver who had betrayed us.

My spark seethes with a mixture of rage, bitterness, and desperation. I had once revered The Deceiver, Megatron, as a symbol of hope and change, but now I saw him for what he truly was: a manipulator, a false prophet who had exploited his loyal soldiers for his selfish gain.

____

Flashback (or the last chapter for you guys)

On a particular day, energy permeated the air, drawing me and many others to the central hub. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as Decepticons from all corners of the base gathered to witness something monumental.

Amidst the crowd of my comrades, my optics were fixed on a figure standing before us all: Lord Galvatron. His imposing figure, clad in the regal purple armor and adorned with the proud Decepticon insignia, stood at the center like a deity.

As Galvatron spoke, his voice resonated with conviction and strength, his words weaving a tapestry of unity and a promise of a new era. I listened intently, absorbing every word as Galvatron denounced the lies of the past and heralded a future where Decepticons would rise to reclaim their rightful place.

A spark of optimism ignited within me, a strange feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. Could Galvatron truly deliver on his promises? Could he lead the Decepticons back to glory? I wasn't certain, but the rush of energy coursing through the crowd was undeniable, reigniting our unity.

As Galvatron's speech reached its crescendo, I found myself asking out loud, "What did he say his name was?"

The crowd fell silent momentarily, then a bulky mech with a singular optic answered, "Galvatron."

The response triggered a wave of cheers that resonated from every corner of the base, echoing the same sentiment.

"ALL HAIL GALVATRON."

The words tasted different on my vocalizer, a blend of newfound loyalty and renewed purpose. Though skepticism lingered, I couldn't ignore the surge of energy that pulsed through the crowd. Galvatron's words had rekindled our unity, and I couldn't help but feel proud to be a Decepticon once more.

____

1 Mega-Cycle Later

After Lord Galvatron's speech concluded, I retreated to a quiet corner of the base, my thoughts a whirlwind of conflicted emotions. The power of Galvatron's words couldn't be denied; they had reignited a fire within the sparks and minds of Decepticons.

But amidst the hope, doubt lingered. Could Galvatron be trusted, or was he another manipulative leader? The same uncertainty I felt was mirrored in the optics of my closest friends, Blaze and Radeon. Seeking their counsel, I approached them, hoping they could help me make sense of my conflicted feelings.

Radeon: "Straxus, did you see that? Galvatron's different, isn't he? Could he be the one we've been waiting for?"

Blaze: "Yeah, I mean, we need a leader who actually cares about us. Megatron left us to rust, but this Galvatron, he's got strength and an aura that commands respect."

I looked at my friends, seeing the same uncertainty I felt. Could we really put our trust in Galvatron after the betrayal we endured under Megatron's rule?

Straxus: "I don't know, guys. We've been through so much, and Megatron abandoned us. But... maybe it's time for a change. Can Galvatron back up his words?"

Radeon: "True, true, but maybe it's worth taking a chance. If we keep going like this, there won't be much left for any of us. Maybe Galvatron's the catalyst we need to turn things around."

Blaze: "And did you see how everyone was fired up after his speech? I haven't seen that kind of unity in ages. Maybe it's time we had a leader who truly believes in the Decepticon cause and in us."

As I looked at my friends, I felt the weight of their uncertainty lift slightly. Maybe it was time to take a chance, to put our faith in a leader who had rekindled our hope and loyalty.

Straxus: "You're both right. We've endured hell, and maybe it's time for something different. If Galvatron can deliver on even some of his promises, it'll be an improvement."

Radeon: "Exactly! Let's keep our optics open, Straxus. For now, let's see where this new path leads."

With a shared nod, the uncertainty that had plagued me began to fade, replaced by a glimmer of hope. Amidst the chaos of Cybertron, perhaps there was a chance for redemption, for a new Decepticon movement led by someone who understood the true weight of our loyalty and sacrifice.