The beat downs Megatron gave Starscream for insubordination had little lasting effect on the jet. Soundwave saw this and asked if he may assign the next punishment; one that would make the Air Commander think about his errant ways –all of them. Soon enough, Starscream rebelled once more. He was consequently grounded and confined to quarters. Soundwave told him to write an essay on what makes a leader great.
*Author’s note: femme leaders are few and far in between, so a leader shall be described as “he.” No male chauvinism is intended.
* * *
Starscream angrily paced back and forth in his quarters, like some wild beast in a gilded cage. He swore when he saw that he had worn a path in the plush carpeting. He moodily flung himself on his bed and nearly slid off due to the satin sheets. He laughed in spite of himself. Those Earth fleshlings sure knew their luxury. The jet was glad for the creature comforts he covertly acquired. F*ck Megatron and his Spartan ways. To the victor goes the spoils, and Starscream had every intention to continue spoiling himself. He looked about him. Colorful songbirds were well kept in an aviary he built into the wall and a terrarium with lizards as well. Framed hologram photos of family and friends, most of who have long passed on, graced a wall. His ceremonial sword from the Cybertron War Academy had the place of honor on the wall above his bed and a smaller child’s practice sword was hung under it. The fourth wall had pictures of the Cybertronian sky, Earth sunsets, azure blue skies with white fluffy clouds, and a starlit night. It was some of Reflector’s best work. His footlocker was a veritable treasure chest. Intergalactic currency, precious gemstones and metals, video games, movies, and highly coveted vintage energon.
The Air Commander sighed as he got off his bed. He absentmindedly picked up a framed hologram photo of his graduation from the Academy from the bed stand. He wore the white cape of the valedictorian, sheathed ceremonial sword at his hip and he was heavily decorated with the metals of his many accomplishments. Megatron had his arm affectionately around him and pride sparkled in his father’s optics. Starscream held the picture close to his heart and remembered. So much had happened since then…
Awash with emotions, the jet put the frame on the desk as he sat at his computer. He took a few moments to compose himself and gathered his thoughts…
* * *
If I had to define a great leader, it would easily be Megatron. But this is supposed to be an essay, not a one liner.
A great leader is charismatic and brings inspiration to his troops. He would not ask of anybody what he would not do himself. He leads by example. He puts aside his personal affairs and ambitions (My bad, big time. Feels guilty.) for the greater glory of the Decepticon Empire. A great leader takes care of his troops. He makes certain they are fed and rested whenever possible. He would never live in luxury while his minions dwelled in poverty. (Notes to self: stop hoarding and spread the wealth.) He is loyal to everything the Decepticon cause stands for. (Spirits soar.) A great leader will listen to his troops and is firm, but fair when dealing with them. He values their opinions, accepts advice and does not think it beneath him to act upon it. (Cringes with guilt.) He is honest and forthright when informing his soldiers on the need-to know-basis. A great leader would never abuse his troops verbally or physically. He understands that his troops are ready to die at his command and respects them for it. (Feels very ashamed.)
A great leader possesses great wisdom. He does not let his anger or insecurities control him into making rash decisions. (Sighs heavily.) He would assign the right soldier for the right task and utilize the combined strengths of his troops to compensate for their weaknesses. A great leader does not abandon his troops to save himself. (Winces.) He would have thought his options through and have contingency plans if a mission is SNAFUed. A great leader would fall back and cover a tactical evasion or withdrawal instead of leading the retreat. (How many times have I left them all behind? Feels ashamed.) A great leader knows that sometimes an individual must be sacrificed for the benefit of the group. He knows that love and compassion towards another Decepticon is not a weakness, but a strength. A great leader understands there is a fine line between courage and stupidity. (Wishes the line weren’t so thin.) He also understands that bravery is doing what is right in spite of one’s fears, not the absence of fear. A great leader would not chastise his soldiers for being afraid. He would find the words to rouse them, give them courage, lead the assault and know well that they are right behind him. (Stops and loses self in reverie)
Being a leader means never expecting a compliment for a job well done. The look of admiration and respect of his troops should be all that he needs. I’ve failed to understand that in my position as second in command. I shudder to think how many times I’ve sought the approval of those I lead with my boastful ways only to earn their contempt.
A great leader carries himself with confidence and not arrogance. He knows he is the best warrior in his army and does not feel the need to offend others with that fact. (Bows head and stares at floor. Sighs.) Instead, he will practice to better himself and others if they seek his tuition.
A great leader understands his faults and will strive to improve upon them. He does not need a certain officer to critique them with sarcasm. A leader appreciates the need to be kept sharp and have his decisions questioned –when the situation warrants. It is not a privilege to be abused by an insolent second in command. (I deserve to have my head handed to me.) A great leader stands by his mistakes and does not blame others for them. In my quest for power, I’ve shirked accountability for my actions more times than I care to remember.
A great leader was once a great soldier. In my ascension through the ranks, I had forgotten what it was to be a good soldier. I see that now. I will become the great soldier I once was. Only after I have accomplished that, can I learn to be a great leader.
* * *
Starscream brought the disk to Megatron’s office, saluted and stood at attention before the Decepticon Commander. Protocol from Starscream was rare these days and Megatron was careful not to let the shock of it register on his face. What did Soundwave do to him? He discretely gave Starscream a once over to see if he had been beaten. No. A lobotomy? No, there lacked the scent of seared metal and fresh paint. Megatron inserted the disk into his computer and read the essay. Again, he was careful not to show any emotion. He had to grip the armrests of his chair to damn near keep from falling off of it when he finished, though. When the Decepticon Commander looked up at him from the console, Megatron saw something in Starscream’s optics he hadn’t seen since they left Cybertron so long ago. Admiration, adoration and respect.