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// Prologue: Cramp 
// Story: Transformers Armada: Starscream's Requiem 
// by Legofan 
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	The kneeling form of Galvatron released its grip on his weapon.  Without looking up, Galvatron asked, “Tell me; why did you let me run you through like that, soldier?”  Starscream fell onto his back, his master's blade lodged in his chest.  Starscream remained silent.  “This has all been a complete waste of my time!” Galvatron spat, enraged.

Finally, the fallen warrior spoke up.  “I remember...a very long time ago...I swore an oath to you, Galvatron.  And I could never break that oath.”  He continued to stare forlornly into space.

“You had this planned all along, didn't you?” yelled the Decepticon leader.

“I did, sir,” replied Starscream with a hint of pride.  “But all of this could have been prevented if you had only given me some respect.”

“Save your breath, Starscream,” Galvatron said in an attempt to silence Starscream's rambling.  He was unsuccessful.

“I tried to gain favor from you.  But nothing was ever good enough.  No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault.  Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity.  Unlike you.”

“You were too weak to ever gain my respect,” Galvatron said with scorn.

"None of that matters now."  Starscream began to rise.  "You must listen!” he shouted with sudden intensity.  “Do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed!"  He groaned and stumbled forward.  Solemnity saturated his voice.  "Please sir...do it for me..."  With that, Starscream grabbed the Star Saber which was embedded in his chest, groaning in pain as he removed the intruder.

"No Starscream, don't!" Optimus Prime exclaimed.  However, Starscream ignored the Autobot's concerns.  

With a final yell, the Star Saber was removed.  Tossing the weapon away, Starscream looked up to Unicron, the monstrosity that had disguised itself as Cybertron's moon for so long.  "It's time to finish this once and for all!  Activate proton cannon!"

Starscream's nearby minicon, Swindle, sprang into action, attaching himself to Starscream's back.  The Decepticon's thrusters pivoted to his front.  "You're all mine, Unicron!" he shouted as his ultimate weapons released a pair of massive plasma blasts straight towards Unicron.  Swindle detached from his partner, his job done.

The twin beams of plasma rocketed skyward, while a retaliatory blast of lightning shot down from Unicron.  It struck Starscream, and the sheer quantity of energy ripped him apart, turning him to dust and leaving a small crater where he had once stood.

Starscream's shot never reached Unicron.