Chapter Text
Cybertron, 2010. Armada Universe.
The mentality of this Cybertron was very reminiscent of how things were before the Great War. Instead of forcing their terrible ideas on everyone in Cybetronian society, the functionalists focused their efforts on a subset of the population called mini-cons. These tiny powerhouses were extremely versatile in their function and were necessary for Cybertron to function smoothly.
The mini-cons had been forced into a life of servitude under the decree of Guardian Prime. He saw them as unfit to hold full citizenship due to their small stature and passive nature. After Guardian Prime’s decree, each mini-con was assigned to a full-sized Cybertronian as their permanent servant.
It was a cruel system that preyed upon the weakest in Cybertronian society. When Sentinel Prime took over, he reinforced this policy by decreeing that it was unpatriotic to not own a mini-con. Even though Starscream was in favor of enslaving lesser races to serve the Decepticons, it disturbed him to see fellow Cybertronians forced into servitude.
Starscream found it odd that a so-called Autobot was so content with literally owning another Cybertronian. He held his tongue as Redwind continued to ramble about nothing in particular. He kept his optic on Swindle as the tiny bot trudged obediently by his master’s side. He’d never seen such despair hidden behind a veneer of complacency.
“Forgive me, but my processor was slightly damaged during my accident, can you tell me exactly what is the advantage of owning a mini-con?” Starscream asked.
“They help with everyday tasks, oh and if needed they can form powerful weapons.” Redwind said casually, “Swindle can turn into a fusion cannon.”
“…oh. Well that’s handy I guess.”
“Yeah, I mean there’s not too many situations I need a fusion cannon, but if I did, Swindle’s got my back.”
“Will my new mini-con have similar abilities?” Starscream asked.
“I mean it’s kind of random. He might, or he might not.” Redwind said, “I just lucked out.”
“And how long have you had him?”
“Uh, a few thousand kilocycles I think.” Redwind asked, “Why do you ask?”
“I was just curious.”
Redwind shrugged, “The mini-con bazaar is not far. You’ll have your pick of any mini-con you want. It’s Monday so there should be a bunch of fresh ones to choose from.”
Redwind’s words made Starscream’s metallic flesh crawl. It was at that moment he decided to solve both his and Swindle’s joint problem. Before Redwind could say another word, Starscream got him into a headlock and dragged him into an alley. Swindle didn’t even have time to react before Starscream quickly dispatched his master with a single shot from his null-ray blaster.
Swindle was in shock as he watched his master bleed out in the filthy alley. He looked up at Starscream, “W-why did you do that?”
“He had it coming.” Starscream said, “A thank you would be nice.”
“Are you crazy?! If anything I’ll just be captured and resold to some other asshole!” Swindle exclaimed, “Redwind was annoying, but he was a lot better than some of the other bots that might buy me!”
“I’m not going to let some other bot buy you. What kind of savior would I be if I did that.”
“You are not a savior! You’re just a short-sighted murderer!” Swindle yelled bravely, “If I reported you to the Justice Division…”
“Then you’d be sold to another asshole.”
Swindle frowned but fell silent. Starscream kneeled before Swindle, “I lied, I’ve never ‘owned’ a mini-con. Such barbarous behavior isn’t the norm where I come from.”
Swindle blinked, “Where do you come from?”
“Another Cybertron. I’m probably never going to see it again, so I need all the help I can get here.” Starscream continued, “Would you be willing to help me navigate this world if I protect you from anyone who would try to harm you?”
“So you are to be my new master?”
“We’d be colleagues. This is a partnership, not whatever you had with Redwind.” Starscream said, “If you don’t want to work with me, I’ll find a way to get you away from here so you don’t have to live your cycles as someone’s glorified pet.”
“To offer such a thing goes against Sentinel Prime’s decree.” Swindle said, “You’d be committing treason.”
“It won’t be the first time I’ve upset a Prime.” Starscream smiled, “So what do you say?”
Swindle was silent for a moment before speaking again, “We should destroy his body.”
“My thoughts exactly.”