[ti]Ep 2[/ti]Patch Job [Blackframe]

[Flatline]

Episode 2 | Week 3 | Day 5



Ugh... this was awful.

Flatline stood in front of a mirror within his personal quarters that were attached to his laboratory. The area was small, modest, hardly really a living space considering the majority of it was loaded with extra supplies and scrap metal, but it was his one bit of true solitude on this ship, where even intruders such as Breakdown wouldn't smash into. Or... he hopes they wouldn’t be so bold. Actually, no... Skywarp intruded on this area... yeah... he wasn't safe anywhere, but there was an illusion of privacy while he looked over the injury he sustained a couple days prior.

The punch had been solid, and Flatline wasn't really armored to take on such things, it leaving its mark that seems to have grown more agitated as time went on. If his faceplate was typical and even, he would be fine. Discoloration, a bit of crimping and a buckled pop that made it rise off the inner workings before self repair would kick in, but his faceplate had a seam in it. Two long lines ran from just under his optics, down to the top of his mouth. They stayed together, moved with his expressions, but it meant the panels were technically three, and the punch had split the seam under one of his eyes.

The split ran half way down to his mouth, growing thinner as it went, dappled with discolorations on the gray panels. The widest point was just under his optic, where the silver metal below was visible that exposed some of the fiddly mechanics that rotated the orb in its socket. Self repair would fix it, he didn't need to try to shift the panels or weld them down or anything drastic... the pieces just needed to be affixed together or else they would stay parted, but tape wasn't cutting it. The adhesive slipped over time, leaving the break visible again.

If this was someone else, Flatline would take his time and work on it with care. He would use an underlying liquid adhesive that wasn’t immediately visible, and do some tiny welding lines to secure it together nicely. He would do what was needed to repair it, and show off his talents.... but... he didn't so much care about his own superficial looks the same way Knock Out did. Small dings, scars, weld lines, they flecked over his frame sporadically where rough patch jobs affixed old body parts to new, or fused together wounds obtained out on the field.

Growing agitated that the seam wouldn't just stay put, and wanting to get back to his work and not be distracted by it any longer, Flatline roughly grabbed onto a staple gun that he had sitting on the countertop. With a sharp 'TAK' he slammed a staple into his own faceplate, features twisting and lips peeling back to expose gnarled dental plates that ground together in response to the pain that shortly followed. With a slam, he whacked the tool back down to the table, and departed his living quarters just as abruptly as he decided to mess up his own face.

Flatline stormed down the dark hallway of the science wing with determined purpose. Just about anyone looking at the mech would know he was not in any great mood to be spoken with, and that your best option was likely just to get out of his way. Each step was sharp, punctuated by a clicking impact of the small pronged hoof like peds, his loping arms held down to his side with fingers curled so that the talons rested against his palm. If the path wasn’t blocked off for maintenance, he would try to take the side hallways and stay out of the main channels of the ship, so he could avoid as many people as possible.

He was going to get his ration for the day, and return to work, and nothing was going to get in his way.

[Deleted]

It had been already two days onboard the Nemesis and time seemed to fly by, especially when someone was occupied and flooded with information and data that needed to be read. Familiarizing with the ships environment, the new chain of command and new rules, learning everything important in just a short amount of time as the daily routine of the ship continued and wouldn’t wait for someone to catch up. It was not a common obligation of higher ranked individuals to share important documents in order to assist newcomers to find their place and Blackframe was more than glad that he´d obtained a brief amount of the ships library and archives to learn from, footage and timestamps, names, maps and several other interesting lay-outs that would help to accomplish the tasks given to him.

The data provided by the third-in-command was clipped and filtered to one week worth of events, enough information to gain a solid understanding of the current situation and obtain a certain amount of knowledge to work with. It had been more than helpful to navigate around the vessel as the more important areas such as the medical bay, control room and the hallways from- and to the office he´d been stationed as well as his personal quarters had been already explored.

He´d came across a few of the individuals living onboard this ship and found himself intertwined in some conversations, especially with the Vehicons that would make up the majority of the troops and oh! Hearing about the gossip was certainly a fun way to obtain some information. Who wouldn’t know about the gossip? Rumors, speculations and all the dirty little secrets that the walls would whisper from time to time…

Blackframe didn´t care if they were wrong or right as they always had amused him in one way or another, information was the key, knowledge was the weapon and with curiosity he strode along the Nemesis hallways up into the science wing.

His steps were calm and collected as he went over the data he´d already achieved from previous encounters and would merely take a quick glimpse of what the science wing had to offer. Sweeping his digit over the lit up screen and scanning through several events, humming lightly as his mind was occupied with the small device in his servo. He didn’t expect anyone important roaming around this section as it seemed that most of the scientists preferred to be locked away in their labs, working on their projects without interruptions or other disturbances.

Though, the only disturbance that occurred and would take hold of the officer´s attention was the sound of sharp clicking pedes rumbling on the metal floor. The sound echoed through the hallway as of someone tried to stomp some kind of hole into the ground, or was it just his imagination that it appeared that way as the noise became more audible?

Blackframe suddenly stopped in the middle of the corridor and straightened his frame as to become more visible and recognizable as an individual to not been overrun by this rather fast approaching figure as he soon would be able to see the mech behind the disturbances of clicking pedes. Was that the so called `Insecticon´ … kind of, other … medic like scientist thing he´d heard rumors about? What did the troops called this one again?

Fatspine? No. Deadwine? No. Creepycrawler? Certainly not…

“Flatline?”

[Flatline]

On his short stay thus far on the Nemesis, Flatline has used this corridor many times to try to seek his rations, while avoiding interaction with others on the ship. It had become a well loved path, simply for the fact it truly was avoided for not being the swiftest means to get from point A to point B. Really, save for the occasional confused Vehicon, the only inhabitants tended to be cleanup drones that scuttled along to try to keep the ship tidy, despite dirt seldom being tracked here. The only downside to it was the silence the hallway permitted.

Sure there were the normal noises the ship made, the distant rumble of the massive engines, the subtle roar of direction was changed, or something was modified down in maintenance... but other than that it was quiet, and Flatline didn't really deal super well with true solitude. Did that mean he would want to seek out others? Not really. He lived in an odd balance of not wanting to be alone, with wanting to be alone, that made interactions a chore and a half... but that was a distant thought as he powered along with a set goal which kept his mind off of the solitude.

It was this focused mindset that made the appearance of someone else a surprise.

Upon hearing his name, Flatline faltered in his step, not able to place who exactly had spoken it right away. So very few people directly regarded him that it made it easy to filter through the short list of voices, before he even could look up and see the recipient. It wasn't Knock Out, nor his minion, it wasn’t Megatron or any of the Commanders, there was no way it would be Soundwave, for more than one obvious reason... it had to be one of the drones who's voice he hadn't cataloged yet, but when his helm rose that idea was shattered instantly.

Smoothly, Flatline's stride slowed to a stop, his stance changing to try to assert himself to this newcomer, and piecemeal who exactly he was. This left him with his peds planted down wide, with broad shoulders squared off to make him look more imposing, even if most of his mass was hollow on the inside. His helm raised up, in order to crook down and look down upon the other individual, dappled spots of Energon beaded up along the seam that was damaged, a glint of silver visible from the freshly installed... suture...

"And whom, may I ask, needs to know?"

A curt tone, precise and straight to the point, this unknown seemed to know who he was exactly, and yet he had no clue who he was in turn. They were Decepticon that was easily apparent, not only due to their location on the ship, but from the emblem stamped upon their collar. They appeared to be a grounder, one that sported traditional law enforcement colors, though the validity of that was always thrown into the air this far into the war. What was apparent however, were the twin set of blades that they held on either hip, the weapons archaic yet could be very effective.

Flatline's gaze was part lidded, further perpetuating the disgruntled look he held mixed with a healthy dose of judging thrown in for good measure.

[Deleted]

The few lights that spread across the ceiling contrasted both Cybertronians with dark shadows upon their frames, catching the shades of black and purple lights to conceal them into the ships gloomy environment. It could be argued that this choice of color was certainly well thought of, of assisting individuals to gain an environmental setting, to judge or to appear more `imposing´, like Flatline had just demonstrated.

It was sort of… cute.

Wide planted pedes, crooked frame and a slightly raised helm to appear even taller, not that this mech would need to since Blackframe was, compared to the majority of the Nemesis´ crew… short, reaching up just to the upper-mid of Flatline´s chassis which would leave the officer with a slightly strained neck in order to look his opponent into the optic.

Being small wasn´t always beneficial, especially when it came to a `show-off´, or when someone would want to tower of the other, but what he lacked in size would be overthrown with a fiery temperament that could lash out in an instant, like the blades he so wielded.

Blackframe´s arms were planted at each side of his hip, resting upon the two sword hilts which acted as some sort of armrest as his voice held a cheeky tone, sassy so to speak.

“Need to know? I already know. Flatline… scientist, medic, frame constructor, working as some sort of assistant for `purple lamppost´, should I continue?”

His own frame rose as he spoke, taking pride and confidence to the forefront as his gaze shot directly towards Flatline´s, challenging.

“I´m officer Blackframe, security dire- what da frag happen´d te yer face?”

It was only then when he took full notice of the injury Flatline carried on his face, a wide spread open seam that seemed painful just by looking at it as driblets of blue fluid could be seen, beading at the wider parts to leave just enough space so that the silver clip could barely make its appearance. The injury appeared to be fresh, considering of how it reacted to the slightest movements of the other one´s faceplate, and of course the obvious leaking energon. Blackframe could only assume of how Flatline would have sustained the damage, especially at this point he would either bet on an experiment gone wrong or a quarrel with another Decepticon as this wouldn´t be much of a surprise, knowing their kind.

[Flatline]

Flatline was a loyal individual. He followed those higher to him devoutly, as long as it would be Megatron's will. When it came to Shockwave however? That was a different story as the mech was held up on a high pedestal despite granted rank. Flatline admired his dedication and skill, and looked up to him in a way. He wanted to learn everything he could manage, and earn his place so that he wasn't cast aside and replaced by someone else. This heightened respect, meant that the nickname that was just cast out, caused his features to distort into a gnarled sneer, lips peeling back to expose ragged teeth that held a sharpened edge from excessive grinding and clenching of his jaw.

It was fairly apparent he did not appreciate the nickname that was slapped onto the Commander, it degrading. What happened to the scientist was a disfigurement, and shouldn't be made fun of in such a way. Instantly it put Blackframe into the 'petulant little shithead' category in his processor, which was a difficult hole to dig oneself out of. Really, it only consisted of Knock Out and his pet... but they now got a new friend down in the pit.

What happened next was not too much better, as he started to introduce himself as... a Security Director? Only to derail and comment on his face. In response, Flatline's helm rose a bit, eyes half lidded to peer down at the short mech. Was this type of sass and obnoxious attitude a side effect of being tiny in the war? Knock Out was a pain, and Flatline could most definitely name a certain Femme that once got on his nerves.

"I have read many reports on currant habitants on the ship, and I have never heard of you."

Flat and hollow, his words held a biting edge to them. If there was a new officer of the ship, he would think they'd be notified so the rank and file could offer the appropriate respect to them. A Security Director was also one of those ranks Flatline thought would be announced, so individuals would know to answer questions honestly, because any lies and trickery to one trying to maintain order, would quickly surge up the hierarchy to get them into trouble. Granted, that could be the trick... the entire ploy to catch people off guard. That said, why would he announce it then? If he was playing low?

His helm crooked to the side at this thought, loping arms rising to plant his palms over the arch of his hips.

"Let me update you however. Knock Out, the medic, his little pet bodyguard frag buddy Breakdown? Yeah, he broke into my laboratory and punched me in the face over a petty dispute."

Time to throw someone else under the buss and possibly get them in trouble.

"I borrowed a tool they had ample duplicates of in the Medical Bay that was vital for my work. They seem to go out of their way to impair my progress at any opportunity."

[Deleted]

It was unmistakable that this individual had been visually displeased as Flatline continued to make it even more apparent, sneering and clenching his teeth as he raised his helm later on as well. Peering down in such a manner that left Blackframe with an amused chuckle, it really was cute how this mech tried to tower over him, despite the injury he´d sustained. Flatline surely had some pride.

“Well, don´t worry, you´re going to hear of me soon enough, I can assure you.”

With a quick movement of his servo he would wave that aside. True, he hadn´t been long enough onboard this ship to make an appearance and to gain a well-known reputation among the crew, but that was something he was trying to change. Though, that reminded him as well that he hadn´t received a job as for now and was merely a freeloader on the Nemesis, which in the name of Primus he hoped that nobody would find out as long as he had a task to complete.

As Flatline began to explain his side of the story Blackframe would raise a brow in response, questioning silently the truth of the statement that had just been made as a faint smirk formed on his faceplate.

He surely didn’t seem to think highly of Knock Out and Breakdown, at least from the sound of it. Accusing them without hesitation to be responsible for the damage taken on his face and at the same time saying that his own actions had been reasonable and justified as Flatline took his own self into defends, playing the victim and trying to look innocent, so it seemed.

“Nothing happens without a reason.”

The officer knew well that this wasn’t the whole story and because of that? He wouldn’t judge or accuse anyone of anything just yet. Too many information´s were missing and too little details given.

“How about we get your injury fixed and you tell me of your little story in detail, so we can figure out what exactly happened and find a solution so you can continue your work without any unpleasant interruptions."

He hummed lightly, not breaking eye contact and patiently waiting for the other to back down, or at least to ease up. Blackframe didn’t wish to start a fight or any other quarrel that could result in beating down a scientist, which wouldn’t broad well in his future reports as he merely wanted to explore the science wing, in peace.

[Flatline]

Nothing happens without reason? Hah...

"Oh, I take it you have yet to meet Knock Out?"

His tone of voice rose a bit at this, higher, curious, the words paired with one ragged brow hooking up into a sharp arch. Flatline seemed to relax at this turn of events, his weight rolling to the side somewhat onto his left ped, while loping arms crooked up to place his hands upon his hips. While he did so, his secondary arms twitched idly in their housing, partly hidden beneath pectoral plating and flares.

"I assure you, even the smallest affront, can send him down a self destructive spiral that will take anyone, and everyone with him."

An opportunity to shit talk the medic? Oh, Flatline was game! Flatline was always game for this!

"Did you know not even six days ago, he angered our Lord and got his wheel crushed? Food for thought."

He dabbed that bit of information out there, a wicked grin peeling back.

Despite the fact that Flatline had helped Knock Out fix the damage, and the fact they had enjoyed some pleasant conversation, it didn't mean all the animosity and hate was going to be fixed anytime soon. Honestly, Flatline's kindled ire for the runty red mech has almost become a sort of obsession for him, one that was justified due to multiple incidents. Either way, this newcomer was trying to get him to get his injury fixed, and in response, Flatline scoffed abruptly.

"It is only surface damage. It does not impair my function. I am actually going to get my ration so I can work the rest of the day."

Some of the mirth and amusement was gone then, gaze lifting up to peer ahead at the hallway that lay beyond Blackframe.

Flatline did not know what the other mech was trying to do, but he was no fool. Being on guard around other Decepticons, especially new ones, was a given. Being on guard when a Decepticon was kind and looking out after your injuries or problems?... yeah... that was a big red flag. Flatline already felt he KNEW Blackframe was fishing for dirt and trying to make connections, but it wasn't a deterrent, merely something to be mindful for, since Flatline did NOT appreciate owing anyone anything.

[Deleted]

Ahh~ it seemed that Flatline loved to mock over others, especially when it contained the red medic as he hadn’t even hesitated to throw another little info into the open. This time containing Knock Out and their leader, amusing! He surely seemed to know a lot of the gossip around the ship, way more than the officer would have thought.

“Don’t worry, I already met `Captain Sparklez´, you know medical check-up. Though, you seem to know a lot of `stories´ and some interesting… `events´.”

He paused for a moment before his attention would shift back to Flatline. Oh he was curious now, angering Megatron and surviving their Warlords wrath afterwards was more than enough information to bait Blackframe into this story.

Any little detail, any little rumor which occurred around the ship was definitely worth looking into, sometimes the unimportant chatter could hold valuable info and could be used to solve a problem, or to learn from. If they were true or not wouldn’t be much of an issue since Blackframe was experienced in gaining information and data-picking them together, adding connections and clipping one event with another to puzzle through the maze with skillful care.

“Anyway, I can see that it doesn’t impair your function, but it does cloud your judgement. And since you won’t accept my assistance, I have to send `Knock Knock´ a message in order to take care of your injury, maybe a little kiss to the wound would heal it faster.”

If Flatline could mock over others, so could Blackframe. Adding some sarcasm to his words as he gave a faint wink in response, though as fast as it occurred, as fast it ended and he shifted his voice back to a more neutral tone.

“Though I also have to inform you that it is my duty to report any disruptions and suspicious activity directly to my superior, and yes, this includes your encounter with Breakdown…”

Noticing that Flatline wished to be sent on his way he would abruptly stomp his right pede onto the metal floor in order to gain the other mechs attention. A short `clang´ of the impact would echo through the corridor, not in a noisy way as he hadn´t put much effort into this action. He simply didn’t appreciate it to be `brushed-off´ that easily and would merely shift his weight forward, both of his servos now propped onto the hip as his elbows parted away and spread to the side, trying to block any escape routes that Flatline might could use.

“Don´t you dare rush off, but be my guest, chasing is always more fun!”

[Flatline]

Captain Sparklez!?

Flatline barked out a sort of laugh at this, the sound rough and ragged, but just as soon as it had started, it halted, his grin growing even broader which caused the fissure on the seam to edge apart a slight amount. Energon still beaded at the surface, though not enough to run or drain down along the seam towards his mouth.

"I will have to remember that one."

Low words, almost purred amusement, he didn't know if the medic would be appalled by such a nickname, or if he would somehow own it and remove all the fun from it by saying was 'Commander Sparklez' or other nonsense. Whatever the case, it brought Flatline amusement for the moment, laughter a rather rare find for him on the Nemesis. This amusement only faulted and faded some though, when the previously unknown mech actually was pushing him to seek medical help, and implied Knock Out could kiss it all better.

"He can kiss my exhaust."

Flatline wasn't typically so crass, finding such jokes tasteless as any idiot could make them, but it fit for the moment, and he found it amusing. To pair with this comment, his right hand flicked up into the air with a rude gesture, before dropping back down to his side. He may be acting overly casual now, not as formal as he typically found himself, but it didn't seem to bother him at this particular point in time.

"Report whatever, I don't have anything to hide."

He snorted, not finding any threat in the words. If Breakdown got in trouble for that? Well so be it! The brute deserved what was coming if Blackframe here dug up more information and snitched. It would actually be better coming from Blackframe, as he was an un-involved party. It was easy to brush off Flatline's complaints since it was well known they had a rivalry, but another individual's concerns...? Yes please.

The stomp on the ground caught his attention, his thoughts snapping abruptly down to the other mech's ped, before glancing up at his faceplate once again. Was this mech actually trying to hold him hostage here? That would get old fast. Flatline wasn’t looking to ditch him exactly, but he did have things to do. If he wanted to tag along for a bit that would be fine by him.

"Then chase away, because I need fuel, and can talk and walk at the same time."

He grumbled this, while his weight rolled to the side. Slender digitigrade limbs cut forward with careful strides, trying to maneuver around Blackframe's blocking stance to try to start down the hall at a casual gate. If the other mech tried to stop him again though, he would halt.

[Deleted]

Flatline was unmistakable a weird mech, at least in Blackframes optics. Not only because of his appearance, no, but furthermore because of his personality, not that the officer could judge this mech just yet, though the reaction to any comment and gesture he´d thrown at this particular individual caught him literally off-guard. He hadn´t expected to achieve a somewhat `casual´ reaction, nor to think that he would reply with a somewhat `civil´ tone as he´d always been more used to getting yelled at. But instead? Flatline had found some amusement out of his words and replied with no aggression or demand to get lost. Well, that was a first, if someone would ignore his grumpy self that was.

However, as Flatline stated that he had nothing to hide and did not care of what would be reported left the officer with a baffled look upon his faceplate, asking silently of what the frag was going on and not really believing of what the other just had said, though remaining silent.

Nothing to hide? Everyone had at least something to hide or a tiny little secret that they would like to keep hidden, be it personal stuff or simple knowledge of something else. Anyway, many things had changed, he had to admit. It wasn´t like on the last ship he´d boarded and it was hard to get used to it, to accept the fact that here on the Nemesis things would be handled differently.

And the next statement that had been thrown out followed shortly after and would abruptly pull the black and white mech back to their current state of events as now things had gotten even more complicated to comprehend…

`…need fuel, and can talk and walk at the same time.´

Was that some kind of invitation? Why in the name of Unicron´s aft would this mech now invite him to a drink, or even suggest that he could accompany him?

There wasn´t much time to puzzle through it as the other began to maneuver his way around the `road-block´ he´d set up, though in return Blackframe would make no effort in stopping Flatline from doing so and simply moved his own frame aside so the taller mech could pass without any interruptions.

“Oh? Okay, well, yeah, mh, uh? Sure I guess a drink wouldn’t hurt. I think.”

Still slightly confused he would accompany the other mech shortly after, strolling beside him and trying to shake the awkwardness out of his system.

“Soo, just to get that straight, you´re not mad? `cuz I kinda expected… well, yelling and telling me to get lost, I guess. Though, I´m not complaining but yeah, I´m really confused. But okay, okay let´s forget about that and focus on the more important things, I would like to know more, about everything, like… I said before, you seem to know some stuff. So care to share?”

How very professional!

[Flatline]

As neurotically anxious and paranoid as Flatline could be, he could also be observant and could pick out things from others. His nervous attention to detail, and complete lack of trust with Blackframe, made his ((presumed)) intentions well known to him. Power, greed, intimidation, trying to throw weight... it was the Decepticon way! And deep down was a want of everyone no matter what faction you championed. Or so, that was what Flatline believed.

"Do you want me to be mad?"

A challenging tone. Red optics shifted down to the side to look at Blackframe while he said this, the tiny pinpricks of white piercing intently as if trying to look right through him. It somewhat amused Flatline, on how quickly the other individual backed down. But... as with any thing in these situations, it could be for two vastly different reasons. The black and white mech may be truly caught off guard that he didn't react the way he wanted him to, or he was playing confused to try to make himself seem less intimidating, to make Flatline lower his guard.

Flatline would play safe while judging Blackframe because of this, assuming he was more dangerous than he let on until he would know more. With this, he continued down the corridor now with no obstruction. Each footfall made, caused the pronged hoof like peds to click sharply down against the ground, accenting his rather distinct stride while he maneuvered in the direction of his choice.

"We are all after power. You just believe acting how you did, will force passivity in others, or aggression."

A roll of the shoulders, Flatline shrugged, eyes closing a moment since he knew the path ahead was perfectly straight.

"Or it is my assumption..."

A sort of knowing smirk pulled back upon his mouth then. Really? This person was asking about 'stuff'? Could he be any vaguer?

"I know many things. You will need to be more specific if you want me to speak in detail. But there is still much I cannot share with some... newcomer..."

Bait, a challenge. He knew that if he added that end bit slapped onto his statement, it would probably rile up the mech, and he was counting on it. Trying to poke around his personality, trying to get a feel for how he thought. Would this individual accept that some sciences were above whatever rank he was stationed at now, or would he get moody and try to manipulate and figure it out? It was a 50/50 chance! Fun.

While Flatline said this, his eyes opened again to look ahead, his gaze fixed upon the long hallway before them. He made sure to keep Blackframe somewhat in the corner of his eye, in case he decided to completely freak out or something. While Flatline was no fighter, and would do very poorly defending himself, he was still speedy under duress, and he would try to scuttle out of the way if he had to.

[Deleted]

Blackframe's nervousness slowly faded as Flatline began to speak. The words burned in his audials like fire and his focus snapped back immediately, bright red optics meeting another pair, staring back as fiercely as he'd been addressed with.

Was this mech challenging his luck? Was he really trying to seek a fight?

“If you want to give me a reason to introduce you to the floor, go ahead.”

He offered with a warning tone. Yet, he knew that even if he would win this one, he would loose so much more, and in the end it didn't matter how the outcome, his defeat would be assured.

Shifting his gaze lightly lower, the fissure that crept alongside Flatline's optics was hard to miss as it still hadn't been taken care of and reminded the officer that this individual already had been in a fight, and being wounded. It still concerned him and annoyed him at the same time, questioning silently the sanity of this mech and wondering why he was so persistent to NOT get it repaired. It couldn't be because of his hate towards the red medic, or could it?

“Nevermind...”

The quiet respond quickly followed after as he vented in exhaustion. Shoulders slightly dipping down and helm tilting to one side before breaking away completely.

However, he did not backed down just because he felt intimidated by the taller mech, nor did he faltered in his confidence of winning the fight. Though, starting a fight with a non-combatant, a scientist could result in a serious conflict, and Blackframe did not wish to face the consequences so soon after his arrival on the Nemesis.

Being pulled out of his thoughts by the next statement, he could see where this conservation was going and would start to walk alongside Flatline, keeping up with the pace that had been set.

“I'm not after power alone since it's only the ability to take control over events and others, but I do seek authority and knowledge, 'cuz this is where true power comes from. It lies within it and gives you the ability to adapt to events and maneuver your opponent if control is taken out of your servo. You may have power and control over a weapon, but how good of a use is this weapon if you don't know how to use it?”

Blackframe had payed attention to the words Flatline had used, and he had payed attention in which manner the sentence had been spoken, and all in all? It was more than obvious that this mech planned something, or at least tried to! The sheer attempt to gain his attention by luring him in Primus knew what, left the officer with a deadpanned look upon his faceplate as annoyance crept over his frame.

The other mech truly held some confident in his own abilities and seemed more than capable of playing a game the officer was way more than familiar with, and accepted the challenge.

“First of all you `Grumpy Shrimp´, if you try to bait, do it right, okay?  And second, yes, thank you, just arrived on this fragging planet five days ago, go figure. But you know? `I don't have anything to hide,´ those were your words, remember? You should ask yourself first if you truly `Can't share´ or just `Don't want to share´... So which be it?”

He would throw that back without any shame or hesitation.

Information that was only forbidden to be known by newcomers? And newcomers only? That sounded like a game of patience, which Blackframe had at least some of it as he could wait till he would loose the title of a newcomer and get fully integrated into the ships society and crew, which he bet wouldn't last too long, especially should others arrive. And with a shrug of his own shoulders he would turn his attention back to the data pad, turning the device online and starting to type with quick and fluent movements, trying to hold it out of Flatline's view as best as he could while listen to what the other would have to offer.

[Flatline]

"So few value knowledge in such regards, many believe brute strength will earn them clear passage to grand goals."

It was a flat statement, but one that held an underlying level of approval behind it that crept into his words. It seemed he and Blackframe agreed on the concept that power could be found by knowledge and what one could learn, more so than the physical strength needed to throw someone's weight around. Cunning and sly intelligence could be plenty dangerous in its own rights, as long as you were in a position to use them properly, and not thrown to the metaphorical wolves in the equivalent of a pit fight.

Flatline wouldn’t comment further on that, simply focusing in on the words that followed with care. He would try to read between the lines; try to learn what he could about Blackframe and how he carried himself. There was definitely a degrading attribute to it all. Was the other mech simply saying such nicknames to have fun and did it with a dash of provocation? Or was he trying to antagonize or belittle to chip at an individual's patience? If Flatline let it bother him, he knew that he would be showing weakness, so he ignored the nickname entirely despite being irritated to be compared to a shrimp.

"I have nothing to hide in regards to the dispute with Knock Out. I know I am in the right, and you can root around all you want there. However, I work for Commander Shockwave, so let's just say... much is beyond your pay grade."

A snorted remark, paired with a grin. It peeled his lips back across a broad maw, exposing the gnarled dental plate that looked chipped and twisted on its lower edges to make his teeth appear almost sharpened. The grin also tugged a bit on his freshly patched injury, causing it to split a bit further and bead Energon across the lower part of the break. These tiny drops of Energon, collected together some, before running in a thin line down to his mouth, to paint a thin blue streak.

"This ship is the primary hub for the Decepticons, and houses an array of weaponry and technology to keep it well ahead of the Autobots. Many projects are running at any given time, sourced by any of the commanders, or our Lord himself."

An info dump, Flatline was only going to disclose what most would be able to find out with ease, unless Blackframe asked directly. He knew better than to speak of more delicate subjects without prompting, for it would give the other mech an 'in' to pry and try to get more data on any given subject.

"If you truly are going to work with security, you will need to learn to differentiate the Vehicons and Eradicons from one another. You will likely want to speak to Breakdown to help with that, he is our resident 'clone whisperer' it seems."

A flippant tone, sarcasm and irritation, when Flatline said this, he flicked a hand through the air dismissively, rolling his eyes.

"Scuffs, dings, re-painted patches... that will be their nametags."

[Deleted]

The corridor was blunt as it had been just a few minutes before and did not differ from the rest of the ship, flat and straight with some additional supports that lined at the outer wall. Some lights spread across the ceiling and emergency lamps flickered at the floor below on either side, same old setting. All in all Blackframe began to wonder if there would be any portion of the ship that would look somehow different, or at least had some color scheme that would clash with the rest of the Nemesis.

Maybe, perhaps a room painted in pink?

That would seem odd, yet would make the perfect residence for someone special.

Gloomy and dark seemed to be their theme, and he liked it, for someone who roamed the darker side of the surface it did not distract the black and white mech, nor made him feel uncomfortable. Yet it was somehow boring to see the same old walls and the same old design in each hallway, and even the science wing did not disappoint; gloomy and dark with the same lighting that fell across their frames... like they had before.

Being pulled out of his thoughts, Blackframe did not look up at Flatline as he spoke, instead he continued to type upon the lit up screen in his servo and listened with care.

“Careful Flatline, I'm starting to like you.”

The officer remarked jokingly and would nod in approval.

He had to agree, they surely had at least one thing in common, the desire to learn. To seek knowledge. And because of the very same reason Flatline already had stated, Blackframe eased in his stance and tried to relax. There was no reason to hold any grudge against the weird mech as he didn't seem to be after oppression, yet alone to seek power by brute strength.

However, Flatline's next statement let him raise his optics off of the screen in order to shift his gaze back to the taller one.

“Awesome!, guess that's settled then.”

He cheered happily and could not believe what he just heard.

After all the talk and misunderstanding they had, Flatline surely wanted to share the encounter he'd faced not long ago, and if that was truly the truth, Blackframe would not let that opportunity slip through his servo.

“You tell me about your little adventure in detail and I'll shove it back into Breakdown's face at some point, mh, maybe Knock Out's too. YEAH! That's a great idea, I like that. But let's grab some drinks first and head back to your lab, so we can gain some privacy... And get yer face fixed. You really are in need of a Make-over.”

A short glimpse at the other one's face would be enough to witness the leaking energon that painted a thin blue line across Flatline's face, and with a frown of concern Blackframe would point with one digit at his own face, or rather visor in order to try to indicate the blue liquid that ran down on one side of the seam.

The wound on Flatline's face did not broad well in his opinion and he had no idea why it bothered him so much as he couldn't care less about someone else' well-being, yet alone appearance. But one thing was for sure, the silver clip needed to be gone.

Blackframe was no medic, but even he could see that this had been added into the wound at some point of time, by the scientist himself. Why, or rather what Flatline had driven to such an action... to actually mess up his own face was still a mystery to him, but as long as it stayed into the seam, it could not heal.

Lowering his servo again he would continue.

“Though, my job is none of yer concern, but don't worry about the purple drones, useless as always. No need to difference them, one is always dumber than the other. But I do like the names, gonna remember those.”

[Flatline]

"Heaven forbid we be on amicable terms... that would be a travesty."

A fun sort of teasing response to the threat that Blackframe may be starting to like him. It was amused sounding, pitching back some sass in return. Getting any form of an alliance out of someone on the Nemesis, was never a bad idea. If it was this easy to get on his good terms? Than so be it. Flatline doubted any sort of 'friendship' would be started so easily though, being mindful of things that could go wrong. However, instead of going wrong, the new mech seemed to get more excited as if Flatline had just offered him the key to the Control Room.

Breaking his attention from down the hall, the black and red mech stared back at Blackframe with a bit of confusion in play, and a tiny dash of alarm mixed in for good measure. He was uncertain what he had said that would entice such a vibrant response, but evidently he had not only gotten on his good side, but somehow made an ally out of him in about... ohh... ten seconds flat?

Already this newcomer was poised and ready to turn against Breakdown and Knock Out with no evidence other than Flatline's own opinions on the matter. The idea that a security mech could be so easily swayed, just didn’t line up properly. Was this a trick? How would it be a trick? Eh... Flatline chose not to look too deep into it right then, labeling a small caution glyph to the encounter and listening to what Blackframe had to say in full.

Again he focused on his injury, and Flatline's smirk faded a bit.

"My face will be fine, it is a fresh injury, it just looks worse than it is."

A grumble of annoyance, trying to cast that aside.

"It will be hard to see names when you are looking at security feeds, but eh, what do I know? I am just a scientist, not aiming to be security director."

A sideways swipe, giving his unfiltered opinions, before they rounded a corner. The new hallway they just entered into, was far more lit compared to the previous one. It was still rather dim however in the grand scheme of things, differentiating only a minor amount, but in the darkness of the ship, it was notable. The hall was larger, one of the main pathways that lead to most areas of the ship on this level. It was once here they would see a few Vehicons working and going about their ways.

A patrol here, a guard there, one room was being protected by two Eradicons, one on either side of the heavy metal doorway. They did not look up or regard Flatline or Blackframe, simply keeping to their post while others moved about the path on to whatever task they had to accomplish for the day. Flatline did not favor this part of the ship, it was noisier and in the active hours it was a pain. But... he had to come down here to get fuel, which wasn’t too much further ahead.