Inside Tirek's mind

Here's how **Inside Tirek's mind** goes in Cybonic Plague.

Starscream: Why has our shield not been rebuilt?

Vehicon: The crews are working as fast as they can, Lord--

Starscream: [slaps him] The Autobots and their allies will find out where we are in no time. Accelerate your efforts!

Vehicon: Yes, Lord Starscream.

[Queen Chrysalis enters]

Queen Chrysalis: Queen in the house.

Starscream: Ah, Queen Chrysalis. And how is the patient doing today?

Queen Chrysalis: Same old.

Starscream: An inglorious fate that he should remain in this vegetative state.

Queen Chrysalis: On the contrary, Tirek's body may be lifeless, but his mind is still peculating.

Starscream: Keep that to yourself. That blasted Soundwave sees and hears everything.

Queen Chrysalis: The eyes and ears of the Decepticons.

Starscream: Well, as long as Scorpan's brother remains in limbo, so does his cause. Equestria deserves a strong, alert leader.

Queen Chrysalis: One who would require a loyal lieutenant.

Starscream: A candidate would need to *earn* that post by making a strong case to said eyes and ears.

Queen Chrysalis: A case for showing mercy, Lord Starscream?

Starscream: You scratch my back, I scratch yours.

[In the lab, Starlight, Pharynx, and Shining Armor approach Tirek]

Starlight: Tirek. He's alive.

Thorax: What?

Pharynx: Tirek may be Arcee's hope. If a cure exists, Tirek may be the only one who knows it. One of us must enter his brain...and find it.

Starlight Glimmer: I'll do it.

[Tirek's dream]

Tirek: Starlight. You're immune to my attack?

Starlight Glimmer: Arcee is infected by Cybonic Plague. If you let the virus destroy her, you'll never drain Energon from her yourself.

Discord: Smart.

Fizzlepop Berrytwist: Twisted.

[In the real world]

[Starscream and Queen Chrysalis enter with Megatron, Dreadwing, and Soundwave]

Starscream: Queen Chrysalis, if you would be so kind to interview this condition to Soundwave for the historical record.

Queen Chrysalis: Simply put, temporarily unaided, Tirek could remain in this deathless slumber forever.

Starscream: Scorpan's brother would not have wanted to be seen this way, to stand allegedly by while he remains captive in his own body is not just.

[Soundwave points at brain wave activity]

Queen Chrysalis: Brain wave activity. *Not* evidence of consciousness, but merely of an endless dream from which Tirek may never wake.

Starscream: Soundwave, we must face reality. Tirek is lost to us.

Queen Chrysalis: The only honorable option would be to show him mercy.

Megatron: A simple throw of the switch.

Dreadwing: Quick, painless, compassionate.

Twilight Sparkle: (whispers) Ratchet, are you hearing this?

Ratchet: If Tirek perishes, Starlight's mind will remain separated from his body...forever.

Thorax: We'll lose Starlight *and* Arcee?

[Meanwhile]

Starscream: Soundwave, does Lord Megatron take your silence meaning to you concur with Queen Chrysalis' medical expertise? [looks at Queen Chrysalis, who just shrugs]

Starscream: Speak now, or forever hold your peace. [holds the plug on Tirek] Going...

[Ultra Magnus prepares to fire]

Starscream: Going....

[Soundwave points at the Cortical Psychic Patch]

Starscream: Hm. [looks behind]

Optimus Prime: [whispers] Scrap!