User:Hyperious/Sandbox/Second-in-command

The second-in-command refers to a Transformer whose status is... well, second to the commander's. The specific title of the rank generally varies between factions, typically referring to a subcommander or a lieutenant. For the Autobots and the Maximals, the rank is overlooked, but it still receives its own holiday. For the Decepticons and Predacons, choosing a Second-in-Command is a tough decision; pick one too loyal, and everyone will ignore him, pick one too bold, and the leader may find himself scrap.

Fiction

Beast Wars cartoon

The second in command of the Predacons was based on Megatron's whims. Dinobot held the position early on, until he challenged Megatron and was blasted away by Scorponok for his troubles. Beast Wars (Part 1), who was thus promoted to second in command. Despite this, the other Predacons rarely took him seriously. The Web After Scorponok's demise, Inferno was given the position of Sub-Commander.Aftermath.

When Optimus Primal was abducted by aliens, the Maximals had a vote, which Rattrap won....and then Primal called in to say Rattrap was in charge anyways. The Probe.

Beast Wars Neo cartoon

Guiledart served as Magmatron's lieutenant for his troop of Predacons during their clashes with Big Convoy's Maximals. Likewise, Longrack was Big Convoy's sub commander amongst his team of Maximal recruits, although he was often ignored by the other cadets Big Convoy, Move Out

Shattered Glass

After getting outplayed by Rodimus (SG) in a leadership duel, Goldbug agreed to yield, provided that he was second in command. A bemused Rodimus agreed, knowing that Goldbug would make sure no one else would gun for the top spot. Eye in the Sky

Prime cartoon

Starscream served as Megatron's second in command, ruling the Nemesis while the latter was lost in space Darkness Rising, Part 1. Despite his authority, he was kept in check by Soundwave, and the latter's surveillance kept Megatron informed of his underling's schemes. Rock Bottom. Starscream later struck a deal with Knock Out, promising the medic the position of SIC if he convinced Soundwave to pull the plug on a terminally injured Megatron. Sick Mind. This deal lasted until Megatron was revitalized and squashed Starscream's ambitions. Out of His Head Starscream still kept the position, but later left the Decepticons. Arachnid was promoted to second-in-command to replace him One Shall Fall. She attempted to use her authority to abandon Megatron when the Decepticon leader was thought dead or lost within Unicron, but a quick beating by Soundwave put an end to that. One Shall Rise, Part 3

Tiring of her treachery, Megatron sent Dreadwing and Breakdown (Prime) to kill her. Although the mission was a failure, Megatron promoted the former as her replacement Crossfire (Prime). Dreadwing's tenure lasted until Starscream rejoined the Decepticon ranks, in the process having it be revealed that he was responsible for reanimating Dreadwing's brother Skyquake. Patch Outraged, Dreadwing attempted to kill Starscream, being slain himself by Megatron. Starscream resumed his old post Regeneration, but later had to share responsibilites with an arriving Shockwave

Ultra Magnus served as Optimus Prime's second in command, both on Cybertron and when he rejoined the Autobots on Earth Scattered

Cyberverse

After Screamer ded, Megatron held a competition for a new SIC. Soundwave, Shockwave, and Shadow Striker all competed, mainly by trying to kill each other and using the other Decepticons as pawns.