"At least then I'd have some input," Starscream says, but that sounds like a lame argument, and Megatron is forcing him to think about that particular goal in ways he hadn't considered. He absolutely hates it. He falls silent for a few moments, his shoulders stiff.

"I do actually like him, you know," Starscream says abruptly. He doesn't mean for it to come out as defensive as it does, but while Starscream absolutely flatters himself by thinking he's capable of a certain level of ruthless, what Megatron is accusing of his future self makes it seem like he doesn't believe Starscream actually cares for him. He's insufferable and utterly self-absorbed, but the should-be perks of the job aren't the sole reason he's there, shockingly enough.