Goodbye

"Though enemies here we be,

Let not the hate last interminably

For the future holds things intangible

And the past we know not even so;

Comrades in a past life,

Comrades in a life to come,

Here I rest; this life is done."

            -Elegy of a Fallen Warrior

            (Ancient Cybertronian Text)

Megatron is on the ground unmoving.  The atmosphere is thick of fog and smoke.  Optimus Prime approaches.  As he closes in, Megatron rolls over.

Optimus: You are fallen.

Megatron: (smiling) Not yet.

Optimus points his blaster at him as Megatron levels his cannon at him.

Megatron: (still smiling)  You fight well.

Optimus is silent.

Megatron: The noble warrior?  Self-sacrificing?  It makes me sick.

Optimus: You.  Your kind.  What do you hope to accomplish with power?

Megatron: It is both the ends and the means.

Optimus: But what is the point?  What do you do when all has been conquered?

Megatron: And you?  Why give your life to save the world from which you part?

Optimus: Principles.

Megatron: Integrity.

Optimus: Values.

Megatron: Duty.

Megatron lowers his cannon, coughing.

Megatron: So this is how it is to be?  How pitiful.

Optimus: Giving up?

Megatron: (stares at the ground for a few moments, then looks up again) Even I have

my honor.

Optimus lowers his blaster as Megatron coughs again.  His eyes flicker; he is losing power.

Megatron: (reaches up with his arm) Comrades in a past life.

Optimus: (reaches out and touches his hand) Comrades in a life to come.

Megatron's hand falls as his eyes fade away to darkness.  Optimus Prime stares at the sky.