#Megastar Vosian Political Drama Extravaganza

[brandwhorestarscream]

Masterpost of AUs

As promised, here's the (wip) masterpost of all my AUs. In alphabetical order with a short synopsis, and the tags are all on this post so you can easily search them up :) if there's any I missed, please send them to me so I can get them added! If the last tags aren't alphabetized that means I need to get on my laptop and move them around lmao

Bittersweet Reunion AU

TFA AU wherein the jet twins are Starscream's offspring specifically produced by the autobot government, and their finding out kicks off an entire domino effect storyline

Blitzbee Baby AU

Exactly what it sounds like. TFA Bumblebee gets Blitzwing sparked up and neither of them realize until he enters emergence

Cross Dimensional Shenanigans

- Umbrella tag for anything that involves more than one iteration of transformers interacting with each other

Cross Dimensional Starblitz

- How the CDS started. Focuses solely on TFP Starscream and TFA Blitzwing’s weird friendship

Cryptid Seekers AU

- Everything is the same except seekers are terrifying cryptids. Nuff said

Cybermorphs AU

- An AU in which a group of warframes working off planet accidentally stumble into an ancient, buried xenomorph nests, and come back to Cybertron bearing what becomes the first generation of cybertronian-xenomorph hybrids, aka the Cybermorphs. Features a lot of world building, Cybermorph Queen Megatron, a lot of fun alien biology, and some angsty MegOP among other ships

Cybertronians Are An Invasive Species

- No war AU wherein cybertronians are an invasive pest species that have moved onto earth and cause the most havoc

Cybertronians Are An Invasive Species: The Soap Opera

- Takes place in the invasive species AU, but specifically is about a goofy soap opera created by humans with the bots as the inspiration

De-Extinction AU

TFA, the autobots have finally run out of stored Allspark energy and, seeing as the artificially created population is completely sterile, are now an officially endangered species. Their only chance at salvation lies with the decepticons and their ability to produce "sparklings"... whatever those are 🤭

Hindsight AU

- Aligned continuity. Arcee goes back in time in an attempt to stop the war with the help of Vector Prime, accidentally creates a much worse world. Goes through several crazy timelines, currently on the Self Imposed Exodus.

OS×BB AU

A TFA storyline wherein Omega Supreme wakes much much earlier than canon, becoming truly self-aware and sentient. He and Bumblebee form a connection and Things Happen

Shadows House AU

- Exactly what it sounds like. All of our favorite bots and cons are parasitic fae members of the Shadows Family. Megatronus is plotting to bring it down from the inside. Lots of secrets and spooky stuff

Subnautica AU

- Starscream and Skyfire (and sometimes the other seekers) stranded on the terrifying hell planet, 4546B

Terran Task Force

- An angsty AU that involves GHOST getting their slimy hands on the Emberstone and making legions of their own little terran warriors

The Repopulation Project

- A dystopian future AU wherein the autobots won the war, and in an effort to save their species from extinction, implemented the repopulation project. It warped and twisted over time til the war frames are kept as nothing but livestock to be bought, traded, and harvested. In an attempt to change the horrific conditions of their present society, Optimus gambles by having decepticon high command reborn in the hopes that they'll be able to overturn the huge mess he made

Unicron Reborn AU

- Technically an AU/what-if of the 5th timeline of Hindsight. Unicron is killed and later reborn as a sparkling on Cybertron; Megatron adopts him. Later gives rise to The Spawn

[brandwhorestarscream]

Yeahhhh Megatron has to be so confused. And angry.

Here he is, kidnapped and carrying, and this is exactly why he should've listened to the older gladiators and their advice about not falling in love with the sponsors who wanted a turn in your berth.

But he thought he knew better. He thought Starscream had been different. Starscream had come bearing gifts and pretty words, and he had seemed so earnest when he asked to sparkmerge that Megatron couldn't find it in himself to say no.

And then it happened again and again, and before he knew it, he was carrying and bonded, and Starscream had been so happy.

But clearly, none of that was true.

While Megatron is brooding and breaking his own spark, Starscream was very upset. He demanded to see Megatron, but I can't imagine they'd let him. He had already caused enough trouble, and now they needed to fix it.

When he's first nabbed and dragged back to Vos he thinks he's going to be murdered. He knew Starscream came from high places--posh uppercrust Vosian accent, incredibly articulate, always gleaming and shining like the sun with more money to burn than anyone on the ground could ever dream of. But he didn't realize his princely attitude meant he was a literal Prince. He thought he was just a noblemech's son, and finally now his powerful mommy and daddy have found out what he's been up to and they're going to kill him to cover it up. He fights them the whole way there and one of his kidnappers has to knock him out.

He's so disoriented and confused when he wakes up, and not only because he doesn't recognize his surroundings. No, worse: he doesn't recognize his body. They wasted no time with the reformat, and while they didn't deem him worthy of being a seeker, he's flight capable now. Depending on continuity he's either a helicopter (think TFE) or a warbird (TFP). He's utterly horrified, and can barely stand--his distribution of weight is all wrong, his legs and torso and arms and shoulders, all of it is so different. He tries to get out of berth--a very cushy one at that, compared to what he had before--and only manages two wobbling steps before tipping over and crumpling to his knees. He catches his reflection in the shiny floor, and barely recognizes himself. His faceplates are mostly the same, but the armor framing his helm is completely different. They've even changed the lenses of his optics; still red, but a brighter, more saturated hue.

His sparklings are still in tact, he can feel the tiny infant souls still nestled close to his own. But even that isn't a comfort right now, not when he's in an unknown place in a body that isn't his, completely alone.

Did... Did Starscream order them to do this? He doesn't want to believe it, but... why else would he have been left alive when execution would've been much quicker? There's no escape from this room, locked from the outside and the walls are too thick to even allow anyone to hear him, let alone break through

Speaking of, yes, Starscream is forbidden from seeing him as of now. Until he's recovered from the reformat surgery and can be branded an official concubine, they won't have Starscream laying so much as a finger on the newcomer. It's hardly proper. He's been stalking the palace halls and interrogating every servant he can get his servos on, but no one knows where Megatron is being kept. He's going out of his mind with worry, agitation and anger alike making him incredibly waspish. No one will even update him on the other's condition outside of, "He's stable." 😔

[brandwhorestarscream]

Megatron working hard, platonically seducing mechs with the power of literature :3

Bonding with Starscream is definitely worth it for the book club.

Yesss. Thundercracker is a good friend and tries to fix the rift between Megatron and Starscream.

Their kind of reunion has to be tense. Very tense. There so much they want to say, and neither of them knows where to start.

So, obviously, they focus on a much safer topic: itty bitty seekerlets. Starscream placing his hands on Megatron's belly, feeling them move, perhaps becoming more active as they recognise his field?? Who knows.

But when it's time for Starscream to leave, Megatron tells him to stay with him. He doesn't say he missed him, but his berth has been feeling cold and empty.

'Platonic seduction via literature' is my new favorite thing 😂

Thundercracker really is a sweetie. He wants his friend to be happy, cuz he knows how much it sucks to not be. At the end of their book club meeting, when his transport arrives to escort him home, he whispers a soft, "Good luck." to Megatron on his way out the door.

I love the idea of them slowly breaking the ice based in their shared love for the bitties 🥺 Starscream quietly asks how long they've been kicking, how much he's missed--and Megs assures him it's not been long. Thundercracker was actually the first one to feel them; the first time they started kicking was actually during their book club, but Starscream doesn’t need to know that 🤭 the sparklings do indeed get a little more active when they sense their sire's spark nearby, and it makes their carrier feel warm, knowing all is not lost

The first night they've spent together in awhile is very tender, I think. Megs is tired--carrying around three little sparks all day is rather taxing--and neither of them are really in The Mood. So the first night Starscream ever spends with his concubine, they just lay in companionable silence with the lights out, content just to hold and be there with one another. It's rather improper for Starscream to stay there all night: usually, he'd call for his concubine to come to his bedchambers if he wanted an all-night stay, but he couldn't care less. They've still got a ways to go, but it's comforting to hold all four of them at once 😊

[brandwhorestarscream]

Despite lacking any autonomy, is it possible for Thundercracker to be spoiled? Like, he's highly treasured and could get anything he wants except freedom. So if Megatron starts a book/poetry club with him, only joking a little bit, maybe he could calm his house? Again, this all depends on how he's treated inside the aerie. Please let me know how he's actually treated!

And yessss Skywarp just going 🤩 upon realising it's actually the Megatron. I'm just getting this mental image of him nudging Starscream and going, "If I bond with you, does he become my concubine too?"

Ok ok hear me out 👀 the grand matriarchal trine of Thundercracker's family are his grandparents, and the trine leader is his grandmother. Let's just call her Permafrost (name not final), with her two mates Whiteout and Cirrus. Permafrost is typically an ice cold, incredibly shrewd, and strategic woman, but when it comes to her favorite grandsparks she's very protective. She loves Thundercracker very, very much, and only wants what's best for him: she won't have her favorite grandson being trined to someone who won't treat him with the love and respect he deserves, title as the crown prince be damned. And if the little upstart that's to be future Winglord can't be trusted not to stick it in a ground pounder, like hell does she want his tainted hands on her precious grandspark.

So yes! I like the idea of Thundercracker being very spoiled and doted on, but being unable to be free or truly control his life has him suffocating. The only way to salvage the engagement at this point would be to have him tell grandma Permafrost that he wants to trine to the prince. If he really, truly wanted it, she would concede, but as it stands now she's planning to call the whole thing off. If Megatron started a book club with Thundercracker 🥺 I think he'd be really happy. All high caste seekers are well read, naturally, but none really share TC's passion for it. He's an S-class bookworm and devours anything he can get his servos on, from adventure novels to sci-fi to horror to romance. A lot of it is considered improper or low-brow reading, so there's hardly anyone he can talk to about it.

Then Megatron comes along and recognizes one of the titles he's engrossed in--probably slipped away from the ball to get a break and finish the most recent chapter he was in--and they immediately hit it off. Thundercracker has stars in his optics pretty much the entire time, and when the two of them are found hours later, he's practically glowing. He's never had anyone to talk about his interests with, and certainly not someone who matches his enthusiasm. They lose track of time getting lost in their conversations, and when they're found, Thundercracker is practically walking on air. He's elated, the conversation was so invigorating and he leaves with a radiant smile on his face.

Permafrost has never seen him like this, no one has, not since he was very young. Thundercracker asks her to hold off on canceling the engagement, leaving them in a state of limbo. They're not out of the woods yet, he's not sure what he wants, but agrees to let Megatron (and Starscream) continue trying to win him over. It's a really weird reversal, of the royal line having to court and petition someone of lower status for their hand, but their relationship so far is anything but the norm 🤭 it's shaping up to be a proper courtship, and Thundercracker let's them set a date to meet with him again (for a coutship date, totally, definitely not the beginnings of a book club with Megatron, oh no, never 👀)

...

Now, for Skywarp. Starscream firmly tells him that no, Megatron wouldn't be their shared concubine. He's not some piece of shareware for them to pass around! That's the carrier of his children, thank you very much, and he won't have him disrespected and pawed at! Skywarp pouts about it, but takes it in stride. Says he'll continue the engagement if he gets access to Megatron too, as company if nothing else. They’re both aliens in the world of high society, so he feels smthn of an understanding kinship between them. He wants to hang out with his favorite gladiator, and even offers to keep him entertained while Starscream is schmoozing with Thundercracker. Little does he know TC wants to see the new concubine too 🤭

[brandwhorestarscream]

I'd say there's currently two camps in regards to the labour. There's the one supported by the medics and Princess Clearsky and probably most of the aristocracy that are aware of the situation. Theirs is the opinion that Megatron should be drugged into sluggish compliance and held down, so the newborns can quickly be removed from the situation for their safety. It's difficult to miss the promise of violence roiling in Megatron EM-field these days.

Of course, Clearsky supports it because it's an excellent time for something to go wrong.

The second camp, to which Megatron, Starscream and his intended belong to, is that Megatron should be allowed to give birth in his nest and emerge when he feels like he isn't going to eat someone's spark for the slightest threatening twitch.

Starscream might be allowed into the room. Allowed to come the closest, at the very least.

And now I can see it going in two different directions?? First is Megatron gets his will through. Basically no chance for sabotage.

The second is that they do decide to drug Megatron, claiming it's for the good of the sparklings. Unfortunately, they underestimate Megatron severely, and one or more bots end up becoming seriously hurt as Megatron lashes out despite being drugged to the gills.

Finally gonna answer this one!

I don't think he'll be drugged, at all. That's way too risky. These sparklings still bear royal energon and must be given the highest quality of care. Drugging their carrier could have horrific negative effects on them: infsnt systems being blasted with an adult-strength tranquilizer would almost certainly kill them, and the Winglord would never allow such a thing. The Winglord's word is law, and disobeying is a punishable offense on the best days. But if someone dared try to meddle in the births of his first grandsparklings, they'd likely be executed

Clearsky maybe tries to bribe the medics, but it doesn't get very far. They're way more afraid of Hurricane's wrath than they are of anything she could do to them or threaten them with. After all, if they're prosecuted by the Winglord, their entire family would be caught in the crossfire and dragged down with them. Not smthn they wanna entertain

Megatron can still be very violent tho, as a treat 😌 he's in the worst pain of his life and going through one of if not the most medically significant events he'll ever undergo. He's suffering in agony and is in a prime state to lash out and cause heads to roll if they're not careful. Idk if there'd a cybertronian equivalent of an epidural, but even with that he's still not having a good time. Probably breaks Starscream's fingers from holding them so tight, and also probably dents the berth and any nearby nurses. There's a lot of screaming and bellowing and roared threats coming from the birthing room, but thankfully, all three are born healthy 😌

Now 👀 I mentioned it before, briefly. If the babies don't come out as seekers they'd have to be given spark transplants--the protoforms have been prepared and are ready to go, just in case. As soon as they're born they're rushed off for testing, checking vital signs, ensuring their sparkpulses are stable, making sure there's no internal problems that should be immediately addressed. Megatron nor Starscream will know if the babies have to be transplanted, because the second they're born they're handed off to the doctors. They're returned quickly though, washed and dried and squirming and alive, and they're so, so proud when they get to meet them.

[brandwhorestarscream]

I'm kinda thinking of writing some Megastar political drama from the pov of Megatron's attendant. He maybe has more?? But they'd be from a minor aristocratic house/aerie, and the head of the family would be very upset about a grounder being a concubine. It's still a rumour at this point, right? Anyway they figure the Prince would definitely prefer someone like their offspring. Very ambitious, probably too ambitious for their own good.

Was also just thinking of names. Cloudstrike, Starbreeze...

Please share what would conflict with your worldbuilding!

Ok first of all 🥺 you going to write smthn for this AU is the best thing ever. I love it already and can't wait to see it! I really love the name Cloudstrike, that's so pretty 💖

I hadn't really given much thought to Megatron having attendants, though as the Crown Prince's concubine and mother of his future children, it would make sense. No one from the higher noble houses would offer a child for such a job, but someone from a minor aristocratic position looking for a leg up? It's perfect. Schmoozing up to the one who currently holds the future Winglord's favor to worm their way into higher society? Definitely smthn that would happen in Vos.

Honestly, I don't think anything you've suggested would conflict too badly with the world we've got going on here, so go crazy! Write whatever you want, I'm excited to read everything you're willing to share :>

[brandwhorestarscream]

Still here, I promise! :)

So, was it princess Clearsight who was out to fuck up our unconventional not-so-little family unit? Even if it wasn't her, she gets to be the stand-in for our villain because I can't remember her name, haha.

I think, unfortunately, that biology is working against Megatron at this point. If he wasn't carrying, the provocations would be something he could ignore. It wouldn't be anything new. But he's carrying, and I'm not sure at what stage? Thinking latter half. His carrier coding is demanding more and more from him, urging him to find somewhere safe to basically nest down. Perhaps left over from his mining days? I'm liking that idea. Some hidden away den in which he can stay with his newsparks while the sire brings energon. No visitors, thank you!

The carrier coding isn't going to let him ignore the provocations. Keeping his past in mind, I think Megatron's inherent reaction to a threat would be violence. Think robotic grizzly bear mama.

Princess Clearsky, Starscream's (barely) older cousin, born to Winglord Hurricane's younger brother and his trine. If she can get Starscream out of the way then the throne is fair game for her to go after. Same with any of his younger siblings, or anyone else for that matter. If she can get him discredited, then just about anyone in their generation could be eligible to be chosen as the next heir.

The first time she and Megatron ever speak, she corners him alone in a hallway after his debut banquet. He's had a very pleasant evening, all things considered--this is the night he met Thundercracker and they became friends. Clearsky isn't even the slightest bit threatening--she's tiny compared to him, as all Vosians are. They're an extremely lithe, compact, speedy race, and she along with the rest of the royal family embodies that to perfection. She barely comes up to his chassis. He knows right away that she's up to nothing good--cold optics and a sly smile mark her immediately as a snake in the grass.

He hesitantly asks her what she wants, suspicious and uncomfortable immediately. She doesn't say anything at first, just giving him this mysterious, smug look. "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to see for myself exactly what kind of mech my cousin has brought into our aerie."

She circles him once, wings fluttering. "Ahhh, so it's true! You're a filthy ground pounder hiding in a flyer's mesh."

She can tell right away, from the way he holds himself, the way he walks: he wasn't born a flight frame, he's not yet used to his new body yet.

And that's all their first meeting amounts to. Nothing crazy, just a brazen insult before she leaves. All things considered, it could've been a lot worse. But things progress from there: she needles him constantly away from prying optics, only when she can manage to find him alone. She sets up little things here and there to make things go wrong and agitate him, and as the carrying cycle progresses Megatron gets more and more on edge.

I love the idea of leftover mining protocols and instincts driving him to hide away and nest. The birth of the bitties is scheduled to be attended to by an entire team of medics (maybe? Room for some sabotage in there??) but he wants none of it. Maybe will let Starscream in. He hasn't decided yet.

When do things come to a head? Before or after they're born? When does he snap? Does he at all? So msny options!!

[brandwhorestarscream]

This is just a random thought for the political drama because wow I suck at plotting

I'll admit, and you might disagree, that even after all the political drama has settled down, I think Starscream would spend way more time with Megatron than what is proper.

Absolutely yes. He's always got a jam packed schedule, so often invites Megatron along to his meetings or to meals throughout the day, and is always mooning over him. He's such a proud sire-to-be, always getting distracted gazing at his pretty concubine's belly as it swells with their children. It's not made his performance as the crown prince slip, thankfully, but everyone is talking about it. He's spoiling his new concubine and genuinely cares about him. What's worse, he's doing it right in front of his fiances, who don't even bat an optic. Usually they'd be at each other's throats, competing for the future Winglord's favor, but they all actually get along quite well. It's so bizarre

Hurricane has been subjected to several earfuls about it, advisors and family members alike concerned with his son's enamorment. How long until he starts slipping up, making mistakes, failing to keep a tight leash on Megatron? What if the ex-gladiator starts running rampant and people start talking?

The Winglord doesn't personally have a problem with it, but rumors could be damaging to Starscream's reputation. He gently tries to discuss it with his son, but Starscream, spitfire that he is, refuses to bend. His fiances have a good relationship with his concubine; isn't it a good thing that his closest social web are united? He won't apologize for his affection--that mech is carrying his firstborn sparklings, of course he's going to be gentle and attentive! What kind of barbarian do you take him for? "If someone would like to file a complaint, they may discuss it with me." is his cold response.

In defiance, and as a big 'fuck you' to the bigots he's intent on weeding on, he starts bringing Megatron to events that aren't usually accessible to those of his status. Typically, concubines are expected to stay within the aerie, available to be of service to their partner, and to help host events like banquets or balls or entertain guests. But Starscream all but drags Megatron to breakfast with his family, and to afternoon soirees with visiting nobility, even let's him sit in on councils between the current Winglord and the Senate from the ground. He uses the excuse that the developing sparklings need to be nearer their sire to be healthy, a reason hardly anyone could fault him for without casting themselves in a bad light 🤭

Starscream is well aware of how cutthroat the highest echelons of their society can be; there's always someone trying to claw their way up to a higher perch, more than willing to kick someone off to get their way. He knows it won't be long before someone goes after Megatron's head to try and get to him; rather than sequester him away in the palace under heavy guard, he intends to use his concubine's presence to make a fierce statement: he is not afraid. Not of rumors, not of assassins, not of anything. Nothing is going to pry his concubine out of his hold, and he will keep him by his side no matter what anyone thinks.

[brandwhorestarscream]

I'm sadly not very well-versed in regard to Vosian politics, so how do you think the Megastar political drama should progress? I am *loving* all your answers.

Also, are one percenters a thing or is it outliers only?

I'm gonna be completely honest it's been almost a decade since I read MTMTE or anything pertaining to IDW and I don't remember most of it. So uh. We'll go with this to make it easier:

- Outliers are mecha born with an extraordinary ability, such as Skywarp's teleportation

- Pretty much every pure-blooded seekerling born in the direct royal line is an outlier of sorts. The typical explanation is it being a gift from the gods marking them as the favored ones to rule Vos's skies. Is that true? Idk but the lore is fun for sure

As for how we should progress: like I mentioned, someone in the palace sees Megatron as a way to get Starscream off the throne. It's clear he harbors deep feelings for his new concubine, might even love him. They’d hoping that, if they can manipulate the situation to get Megatron banished or executed, that Starscream will resign from the throne to follow. Love has no place in high society, as far as they're concerned: the people you surround yourself with should be for your betterment, not because your sparks wants them.

So! They've won over Thundercracker (or at least, are in the process of winning him over. I reeeeaaaally wanna see him falling hard and fast when Starscream gives him a bit more freedom and grants him access to the royal library), and he's asked Permafrost to leave the engagement as is. Skywarp is still onboard, and has been invited to the palace several times to visit and progress their courtship. All is well on that front.

But Megatron's bitties are developing more and more each day! They'll be born before they know it, and there's a lot to do to prepare. They'll have to of course have a formal presentation after the emergence, where they're presented to the royal family and any interested nobles, and also to have their existence logged by the High Priest/Acolyte of Vos. It's very important that every birth and death is kept track of.

Perhaps this is where the first move is made, by one of Starscream's cousins (or even a younger sibling?). They orchestrate a situation so smthn goes horribly wrong at the presentation. I'm not sure exactly what, yet, so if you've got any ideas feel free to throw them out there! It'll likely be a first incident of many, building over time to a grand finale that will, they hope, lead to the utter disgrace of the Crown Prince and his chosen concubine 😌

[brandwhorestarscream]

Starscream definitely ends up joining the book club! It's only mildly motivated by jealousy, but mostly, if this bonding goes through, Megatron will definitely be safe. He hopes. He might prefer non-fiction over fiction, if he's still interested in science, but this is a simple task. Perhaps he even ends up enjoying it!

The future appears bright, at least for the moment. The bonding appears to be back on track. But there are probably still some elements quite upset about the whole situation. Like, are Starscream's parents more accepting now? Or are they still angry?

I mean, his parents were never angry, exactly, more just very concerned and desperately trying to do damage control. They've managed to salvage the situation with Skywarp and Thundercracker--the latter was won over after Starscream took Megatron's advice and started actively taking an interest in his books and recommending titles he thought the other might like. But they've still got a lot to do.

For example 🤭 there's probably still a great rift in Starscream's family regarding his new concubine. Remember the og post, how some were calling for him to be disowned by the aerie? Part of that was disgust from him interacting intimately with a grounder, but, consider: other parts of the Winglord's family scheming to snipe the throne for themselves. They already have plenty of power still being royalty, but as of now only Starscream is eligible for the throne as the firstborn to the reigning monarch.

So! Someone within the aerie is scheming to use Megatron to get Starscream removed as the heir, perhaps through threat to the sparklings' lives or making his concubine make some critical error in a social situation 🤔

[brandwhorestarscream]

Okay but imagining Megatron getting all excited and the blades of his altmode showing it off too because he hasn't learned how to conceal his tells in this new body of his. He's just looking forward to the book club!

He's still carrying, right? I can very well see Starscream feeling very insecure and jealous. He knows this isn't what Megatron wanted, that he was forcibly reformatted. They're talking to each other, being civil, but they're not as close as they used to be.

And now other mechs want him.

He could see how he and Thundercracker looked at each other. Skywarp wanted to share him.

So now he's just standing outside of Megatron's quarters, debating whether he should enter so they could curl up on the berth together like they used to. Their unborn sparklings between them, nestled safely in Megatron's forge.

What a fun twist! Usually it would be the trine mates jealous that Starscream is spending time with a concubine, but now it's the prince who's jealous of his fiances for spending time with his concubine 🤭 how the tables have turned

Thundercracker doesn't have any romantic feelings toward Megatron, and that is a very mutual thing. They're strictly book club buddies, thoroughly enjoying having someone to connect with over a shared hobby in the midst of the highly stressful social circles they're forced to perform in. Does Starscream realize that? Hard to say. All he knows is that Megatron doesn't light up for him the way he used to, but now does for Thundercracker.

Their relationship is... strained, to say the least. He was completely honest, about how he hadn't had a say in the decision to bring him here. He didn't ask them to do this, he'd never ask them to kidnap him and make such drastic changes to his body! And while Megatron understands that... the experience was still incredibly sobering. He and Starscream had been drifting in the honeymoon phase for a long time, and his entire life being uprooted roughly jolted him out of it. It's complicated. His feelings for Starscream have been... shaken, maybe? A bit muted? He's still stressed and uncomfortable and isn't sure how to interact with his partner anymore: Starscream is royalty and slotted to become the next monarch of the entire citystate of Vos, and he's just a concubine. How is he meant to act around him? He doesn't want to step out of line and risk bringing prosecution down on his bitties. He's holding Starscream at arm's length and it's driving the seeker crazy--it feels like he's losing him, like Megatron is slipping through his fingers and he doesn't know what to do.

I love the angsty image of Starscream loitering outside his door late at night, so desperate to go in and just see him. It's completely within his right to visit his concubine whenever he desires, but... it doesn't feel right. The thought of going in there makes him feel anxious and sick, and ultimately, he decides to turn away. To leave him in peace, convincing himself to come back another time.

Ultimately, I think 👀 perhaps it's Thundercracker that saves their relationship. He sees the sad way they look at each other--the longing and melancholy is plsin as day. They're both suffering dancing around each other like that, and after several of their weekly book club meetings he gently asks Megatron if everything is alright, if he and the prince are getting along ok. Maybe nudges them in the right direction and tries to help them reconcile, for the sparklings sake and because he doesn't especially like seeing his only real friend so sad

[brandwhorestarscream]

Just a tiny, cute thing for the political drama au :)

So Megatron is quite close to actually having the sparklings and has started nesting hard. Starscream decides to check up on him, and before he barely has time to react, Megatron has pulled him down and curled around him. As soon as Starscream makes even the smallest of attempts to get up, Megatron grumbles at him.

So Starscream is just like, "looks like I'll have to cancel all my appointments for the day and spend it in the arms of my spark instead." He's definitely not complaining!

I love that, that's so cute. Starscream probably brings a couple datapads with him so he can still work, sitting up in bed with his concubine asleep beside him, helm cradled in his lap. He has one servo braced on Megatron's back, content to spend the day in silence while the other mech rests and he works. He'll be damned if he gives anyone an excuse to point and claim he's being distracted, so this is an extra 'fuck you' to them.

[brandwhorestarscream]

A younger sibling of Starscream's, out for the throne? Perfect.

I'm thinking they might try to turn Megatron's past against him? Perhaps trying to startle him into attacking—should be easy because he's just a violent groundpounder—either Starscream or the bitlets. Or, more soap opera, they get a minion to attempt to seduce him?

Also who is it Thundercracker would fall for? Starscream? Megatron? Both of them? 👀

Oooh I like that. Make the uncultured violent ex-gladiator snap and try to hurt his sparklings or the prince he's supposed to be sworn to? I like it! Though 🤔 how would we go about it? I'm kinda leaning toward maybe using Starscream's younger cousin, one Princess Clearsky, as the villainess.

If they sent someone to try and seduce Megatron, they wouldn't get very far. There's nothing and no one that could successfully impress him at this point: no one but Starscream. He'd probably immediately tell his seeker what's going on like "yeah someone is trying to get between us".

Which actually 👀 could ne pretty interesting. They decide to play along to dig up dirt on whoever is scheming against them. It's actually Thundercracker's idea: he's read enough romance novels to know that they can use this

And speaking of TC! I really like his very somft friendship with Megatron 🥺 so my vote is to have him falling in love with Starscream. After all, they're going to be spending the rest of their lives together, and I want baby boy to be happy 🥺🥺

[brandwhorestarscream]

Ooh, wooing TC's family will indeed be a herculean task. Depending on what they like, maybe he can impress them with poetry? 🤔 Or at least smooth their ruffled feathers.

Skywarp doesn't have a big family behind him, but he's still important. I know in canon he's definitely the most loyal of the trine. If his outlier status wasn't something discovered immediately and so he lived like a commoner, he might be aware of gladiators? Might even be a fan. So maybe he acts very offended but secretly quite excited? It's up to you.

Ohhhh yeah. They've got an uphill battle for the ages!

Thundercracker himself doesn't really care, to be completely honest. He doesn't have a single confrontational strut in his body. He and Starscream have been engaged since they were very young, as arranged trinings typically tend to be. He likes Starscream well enough, though I wouldn't call them friends. Maybe polite acquaintances? He knows the prince doesn't love him and isn't expecting him too. If the engagement remains or breaks, he's not too bothered either way. I'm headcanoning Thundercracker to be utterly depressed and apathetic to just about everything due to his total lack of autonomy in his life, so no matter what happens he'll just shrug and kinda go, "Ok. Whatever." It's his family that's all up in arms about the whole Megatron situation. So if Megastar wants to smooth things over, they'll have to skip the actual fiance and go right to sucking up to the matriarchal (maybe? I haven't decided yet. Maybe TC's aerie is headed by 3 femmes because Lesbian Power™) trine of his family. Ultimately, the head of house has the final say in these matters.

As for poetry 👀 I don't think that would sway them, but TC might actually enjoy it! He's well read and enjoys writing--pretty prose and meaningful written word are just about the only thing that make his spark flicker in interest. Perhaps making a meaningful connection with Thundercracker might be enough to soften them up and make them reconsider breaking the engagement 👀

As for Skywarp! His family is no less big (pretty much every seeker comes from a multi-generational aerie. If you don't, it's considered a huge red flag), but they're just normal working class. They're leaving the decision of trining up to him, though are of course really pressuring him to stay. After all, having their son marry into royalty would set them up for life.

Sky as a fan of gladiator Megatron tho 👀 I like that. Obvi he's not happy his fiance cheated on him--I don't think he's in love with Starscream at this point, but it's the principle of the matter!--but if it's Megatron then that's ok! Of course the royal family is firmly denying that he's that grounder gladiator, insisting they only share a name and it's just a coincidence, but Skywarp is excited regardless. The first time he gets to speak to him alone he asks point blank if the rumors are true or not, gushing about how, once, he got the gladiator's autograph and he won't tell anyone if it's true! He even promises not to break up with Starscream if he is the real deal 😌

[brandwhorestarscream]

I'm loving those ideas for the triplets! And I think Gale Force would make for an excellent name.

Heck yeah! So they're expecting three little mechlings: Stormlight, Nightfall, and Gale Force

Hear me out: Storm is pale blue/gray and Starscream's blue, Nightfall is dark gray and red, and Gale is white and blue. They're all just darling and their parents are very proud.

There's still a looot we need to work out before they're born tho, so let's stick a pin in that and walk it back. Megatron gets dragged to the ceremony and is officially declared Starscream's concubine, but he's not out of the woods yet. There are plenty within the royal family that want him gone. And being a concubine isn't just smooth sailing and relaxing: there's a lot he'll be expected to do, and if he can't measure up, they'll have an excuse to call for his banishment at best, execution at worst.

First order of business: somehow smoothing things over with Starscream's fiances. They really, really don't want this engagement to be broken, but Thundercracker's family is pissed, so they've definitely got their work cut out for them. Time to not only host a party/ball/banquet/whatever to officially debut Megatron to Vos's high society, but also to hopefully butter up the grand matriarch/patriarch of TC's family to get things back on track 🤭

[brandwhorestarscream]

Okay I was just thinking of the Megastar triplets. Mostly names and looks for two of them? These are just some ideas.

Stormlight - mostly pale grey with a few blue highlights. Darker face, strong features. Assuming this is g1 Starscream in looks? Or is it his red idw look?

Nightfall/Duskfall - mostly a cold, greyish dark blue? Also strong features, but face colour is more along the lines of Megatron.

Rather dramatic names, but what can you do?

Stormlight would definitely be a popular one--Starscream's second sire and the Winglord's left wing is Storm Rider, so naming a bitty with the same prefix would definitely help curry more favor. For color scheme, let's maybe go with a pale blue-gray with the pops of Starscream's blue. Perhaps he's the oldest!

His red idw look was kind of a makeover he decided to undertake, but having some red is definitely on the table because of his canon colors. Nightfall is good too! Maybe deeper gray or black with the red?

Then all that's left is a third. And I've not got any incredible ideas yet 🤔 maybe another name referencing weather and or the sky? Like Supercell, Downburst, or Gale Force?