(I just wanted to share this little Megatron vs. Starscream interaction from the TF: Exodus novel here. Chapter seventeen, no actual spoilers about the plot.)

Megatron seized Starscream around the throat and hoisted him up into the air. “I could break the head from your shoulders, and then you wouldn’t have these difficult command decisions to make,” he said. “Or you could pledge to me that you are understanding the errors you have made, and swear that you will not make them again.”

“There’s another possibility,” Starscream said.

Megatron waited. Starscream dangled at the end of his arm, no fear on his face. Never had Megatron wanted to kill another bot so badly. But he couldn’t risk losing the Seekers.

“You could quit showing off for the audience and let me do what I can do to win this war,” Starscream said. “This isn’t a gladiator pit. No one is going to give you — or me — a thumbs up or down. You want to win the war? If you do, you’re going to need me. And I’m too far in on the Decepticon side to switch now. You think you don’t trust me? Imagine how the librarian feels.”

“So because you’re not trustworthy enough for my enemies, you’re saying, you are trustworthy enough for me. Do I have that right?” Megatron asked.

Starscream couldn’t nod the way Megatron was holding him, but he tried. “Yes.”

“I can win this war without you, Starscream. Make no mistake about that,” Megatron said, and dropped him. He landed on his feet. “But I would rather not undertake the additional complications that would require.(…)“