Scene 5: Meanwhile in Africa...

This chapter is inspired by the idea of ObsydianDreamer. Thank you for the great idea... and here is my explanation!

...

"Sand... f*****n sand everywhere! In my joints, in my gears.. in my optics! ARGH!"

The scream of the Decepticon echoed across the baron lands of Africa. Needless to say, Starscream had made base in better places. He was only a few clicks from the main hiding place Megatron had established in the middle of nowhere. He thought it best to release his frustrations out of sight of their so called leader before returning to base.

Transforming into his alternate mode, Starscream's jet engines fired up as he shot across the sky back to base.

...

Not too far across the landscape Megatron clung to his new fabric accessory. Sure it was piss-stained, but it was a fashion statement. Megatron was always the first to start new trends, and "derelicte" was the new metallic silver.

Even Megatron would agree, he'd looked better. Stumbling slowly like a human zombie, half his face missing, his body littered with gaping holes and untendered wounds, Megatron really needed a vacation. But nothing could ever injure his ego. In a sudden outburst of volume he bellowed, "All Hail Megatron!" The words scaring nearby earth animals.

Returning to base Megatron was greeted with the arrival of Soundwave and Starscream. Starscream being Starscream was always full of compliments.

"My Lord, it pains me to see you so... weak." Starscream uttered, his tone obvious with devious satisfaction.

"Oh shut up Starscream!" Megatron hissed, the little hatchlings at the Decepticon leaders' feet scurrying about at the hope of being fed.

"My Lord." Soundwave interrupted. "I'm here to report that the Autobots have successfully taken the bait."

"Good." Megatron grinned.

Soundwave hesitated, first inclination was to request orders on their next course of action, but something else was troubling him that he couldn't let go.

"Also Lord Megatron," Soundwave began, the eyes of Megatron and Starscream instantly being diverted in waiting to his next words, "the Autobots will soon be travelling to the moon. We will need to mobilise back to the human continent of North America to ensure we are positioned and ready when the time comes."

Megatron huffed, "I am aware of that Soundwave."

"Ok..." Soundwave stuttered, but he couldn't hold back the niggling question in his processors, "How exactly are we going to transport you across the ocean?"

Megatron rolled his optics, "The same way I got here!"

And there it was. The opportunity after years of wondering not wanting to ask in the instance Megatron's short temper would result in some violent backlash. Soundwave posed with intense curiosity, "And how exactly did you get here? After your..." Soundwave wavered noticing Megatron's face grow distasteful to where Soundwave's words were heading.

Soundwave coughed redirecting his statement, "... After your intense battle with the Autobots, in your state you could not transform into the intricate flight modes necessary to travel across the waters. How then did you transport yourself here?"

Megatron growled and pointed outwards to Starscream who was standing behind Soundwave to his flank. During the questioning, Soundwave didn't even notice that Starscream had become ineptly uncomfortable.

"Starscream?" Soundwave uttered.

"Yes Soundwave!" Starscream hissed.

Soundwave couldn't help but choke a snicker. "Did you... piggyback Megatron?"

A roar of laugher spread across the hatchlings, some even rolling around the sandy grounds in a fit.