[ti]Ep 2.5[/ti]The Cruel and the Credulous [Closed]

[Optimus Prime]

Episode 2.5 | Week 2 | Day 7

Days bleeding into other days, time slipping between fingers like sand... It was hard to really get a grasp and a feeling of security when events were flicking past like a shoddily drawn flipbook. It would be one thing however, if it were mere tasks around the base. Repair this, look into ordering that, file paperwork to submit to Fowler for a a new water heater or a replacement generator for the one that was lagging behind and causing intermittent issues... Those were manageable, troublesome, but far more tolerable than what was being contended with at present. A disease, a defector, a Truce being put on the edge, teetering back and forth ready to topple down to shatter and bring the war back into full swing... It felt like their concerns with MECH were being sidelined, the base that should’ve been infiltrated by now continued to work and create future problems they would need to traverse and face later on.

So much was going wrong, so much was being flung into the air, and now more than ever Optimus was finding himself wishing that everything would just...

Stop...

A moment of peace, a moment where the world could go still and new threats did not rear their heads. For every hurdle that was overcome, like the hydra of lore and myth of this world, it was reborn anew twice as dangerous as previously faced. He needed stillness; he needed to find balance, but even now despite being injured, tired, and overworked in stress from the actions of his own team, he had to buckle down and trudge forward through the trials with his helm held high and psyche unshaken, starting with the video recording from Skirmisher's point of view of events that'd transpired earlier in the day.

It took a minute to get the energy to even cross this hurdle however, retreating from the main corridors, pulling away from the Control Room and public areas, disappearing into the back wing of the personal quarters where he shut himself away into his room. Here, using the computer terminal, he brought up both recordings, and placed them side by side on the screen, synchronizing them so that he could take in what was going on from both perspectives, and look for discrepancies or issues that could be seen between them.

Optimus was not a slow observer. With his past job as a Monitor he had overviewed countless hours of data and recordings to be filtered away into the Hall of Records. A constant flow of data, flickering past and needing to be tucked away appropriately... and while such a job was lifetimes away, some things were never truly forgotten, allowing him to compare and process what was going on when he focused, especially in the shut off location where he needn't listen to others talking or the children running past on the catwalk.

The event with Windshield was a mess.

There was no better way to describe it.

The arrogance of both sides was nauseating. Everyone believing they were doing what was right, some trying to help, but their ideas of help skewed and mutated like a cancerous growth, bringing forth more harm than any kind of good. Starscream was being flippant and passive at once in an odd combination. He did not demand Windshield be given over, almost baiting the two Autobots to take the Decepticon, while Windshield was cast around like an object of conquest instead of a living Cybertronian. Botched field medicine, Whirl claiming the mech was a prisoner with zero prompting, saying Starscream couldn’t have him, Soundwave silent as ever simply watching with a steady hollow gaze...

When it was all over, and everything fell into nothingness, the Prime starred with his singular tired optic at his own reflection in the black monitor in the darkened room.

They were in so much trouble here, the Truce was as good as terminated by their actions... shamefully aggressive to a temporary ally, and denying allowing Windshield to make his own choice until it boiled over and emotions were kindled. Things felt stilted and awkward, like people were not listening to one another and... there was no real good way to describe what he witnessed other than a cluster of madness and insanity, ending with him having to come after the fact and pick up the pieces.

There was no time to fully process and come to terms however, he had to address it.

Activating a communication line, Optimus connected to a secure channel aimed at the Decepticons, leaving the visual feed blank so it was audio only at this point. He did not need, nor want them to see him as tired and beaten down as he was with his injury, choosing instead to work vocally only, which he gathered together well. Speaking with the all too familiar power of the Prime, Optimus sent the connection clearly.

::This is Optimus Prime, I need to speak to Megatron::

[Starscream]

There was nothing like the vast nothingness of Space to clear one’s processor after dealing with the incompetent.

Flying was a freedom that was gifted to many who were fortunate to have the right frame type, but to Starscream, it was so much more. Not confined by atmosphere like most, and with the skills he possessed? He truly was limitless as to where he could go. When he could go? Now, that was another story - at least in recent days. Things had been so hectic as of late that he’d barely found time to stretch his wings, let alone take a moment for himself to fly.

Hectic was a blessing, though - and while he missed being able to preen and stand atop the flight deck of the Nemesis, it was a luxury he could do without while he held the position of Lord of the Decepticons. His attention and focus had been getting the Decepticon forces resituated after a rather unfortunate accident with the Nemesis. But with the bad, came the good - and things were going very well indeed.

Energon production had been in full swing due to the loss of their Flagship. Troops that had been scrabbling to find place in Blackridge had been shifted and relocated to the many Decepticon mines that littered this planet. The Truce was being taken advantage of - with no fear of Autobot’s attempting to ambush and infiltrate the mines for their own gain, they could mine unhindered and without worry. It was probably a little unfair, not using the Truce for its intended purpose of negating their common enemy - but when such opportunity had been presented, it would be foolish not to use it to gain an upper hand.

Not that they needed it.

They may have lost their Flagship, but it hadn’t slowed their progress any. A minor setback and nothing more. Megatron may have needed the ship to feel he had an advantage over the Autobots, but Starscream?

No.

Pushing effortlessly forward through the icy void, he wouldn’t stray far from Earth’s orbit - still very much in range of communication lines, ready to swirl into a descent at a moments notice should he be needed by Soundwave. He had, after all, effectively ditched the Spymaster in Nevada earlier this day.

What an absolute mess that had been. He’d gone into the situation expecting to retrieve a stranded Decepticon and departed alone in a flurry of agitation, completely mindblown at the sheer ineptitude of the Autobots that’d been involved. From how they’d both argued with him, to completely ignoring each other when they were supposed to be on the same side, to the strange attempts at first aid - it wasn’t worth the time nor hassle of sticking around to make them see reason or sense. He’d already put far more effort into the whole thing than was worth, and he was frustrated at himself for allowing it to go on as long as he did.

There had been no word from Soundwave, and so he could only assume that things had gone smoothly in surrendering Windshield to the Autobots. It really was touch and go there as to the other mechs fate - with one Autobot insisting he was a prisoner, the other insisting he wasn’t. Whatever the case, Windshield would’ve been taken by now, and Starscream found himself rather indifferent. Maybe the impromptu surgery on the other mechs T-Cog would render him useless, giving Starscream something to hold over the Autobots and the Truce that was somehow still holding together, even as fragile as it was.

The fact he’d been taken was a strain in itself. A hairline crack that could fracture further, depending on how things went.

But it was not these thoughts that Starscream found himself with, no - he had other things to concern himself over. Megatron was still missing, and while his absence was something that Starscream relished in, the fact he had not been slain by Starscream’s own hand meant that these days of glory were presumably numbered.

All the more reason to get this MECH situation under control - to eradicate them would be to do what Megatron could not, and Starscream wasn’t about to let that opportunity pass him by.

A crackle of static. The comm-line clicked to life then - the voice unmistakable. He’d been expecting Soundwave, a report of the situation, but this…

Oh, this was good.

::Need to?:: a low chuckle followed, my my - whatever it was, was probably bad if Optimus Prime was asking for Megatron personally. Maybe Windshield had perished in the hands of those two Autobots…

::Maybe I could be of assistance, given I know what this is probably about…::

[Optimus Prime]

It was true that he was calling on a general line on one of the open Decepticon's wavelengths, easy to capture and easy to pick up on by the other faction, but Optimus expected the communication to be transferred and connected to their Warlord rather readily without delay. That typically was what would happen with Soundwave manning such stations. There not even being a passive indication the silent mech had answered before transferring... but instead, what he got was another individual speaking, which wasn't bad. Perhaps a confirmation of the transmission, a request to hang tight while being transferred... but instead he got a true interception. Starscream appeared to be trying to root his heels down and take charge of the situation, something Optimus was not terribly keen to have to traverse.

::Because this pertains to the Truce, and its continued existence, I believe Megatron is most qualified to make such decisions::

Optimus was under the impression that trying to rationalize and debate what had occurred with Starscream was a waste of breath. The second in command had not orchestrated the Truce in any real way, and likely did not hold as much power over its continued function as he would otherwise want. Should news have gotten back to Megatron, then speaking here was a waste and he might as well dig his heels down and demand being transferred, but... that brought up a good question...

Had Starscream told yet...

...Or was he going to use the event as leverage to get something?

Soundwave was much more likely to have told the Warmonger, the type to inform everything when it was needed, but even then there was a question if the information would have been told yet if Megatron was occupied with something else of more importance. Perhaps Optimus was quick enough. It was almost too good to be true in a way however... to imagine he had pacified Skirmisher and Whirl fast enough, got Windshield taken care of, and relocated back to base in time, but... it was a hope, one he now held onto with a curled fist as the thought settled down in place.

::That said, I aim to discuss Windshield's decisions, and the poor judgment of my Autobots::

A momentary pause, the Prime's single tired optic opening to look at the screen in front of him that displayed both videos that were currently paused.

::I have reviewed the recordings::

[Starscream]

::Oh really now...::

The response was flat, and one of utter unamusement. He may have been in his alt-mode but the sneer could be heard through his tone.

::Given that I was present for the majority of the interaction of which you are so worried about, I believe I am the most qualified to discuss the outcome of what happened back there!:: annoyance then, a growl of frustration, he pushed forwards through the vast nothingness - increasing his speed but making no motions of descending down and back toward Earth.

Even with Megatron being missing for so long, it was something that hadn’t been advertised or confirmed to the Autobots. Even though Starscream wanted nothing more than to boast and gloat about his rightful new position of Lord to the other faction, strategically it would not work in his favor should the Autobots learn of the truth. Things were good for the Decepticons - even with the loss of their ship, Energon production had been in full swing now they had no worry of the Autobots raiding their mines, and Starscream intended to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Even with the Autobot’s doing what they had.

Something that Optimus said then made Starscream ease back on his speed, not to the point that he was drifting - but… what was that? Windshield’s decisions? Primus, what’d happened in the few moments after he’d departed the scene?

::His decisions regarding what, exactly? If he acted out of anger toward your Autobots, it is only because of their sheer stupidity! As he was horribly injured and barely with it, though, I can only assume something else has happened?::

He wouldn’t blame Windshield at all if he’d finally found the strength to fight back. From the fusing of a wound with glass to the tinkering of his T-Cog right there in the open - it was barbaric, even by his standards.

If Optimus had seen the recordings - he surely hoped the leader of the Autobots would not hold blame against Windshield for whatever had happened…

::Ah, good- so I do not need to fill you in on things, then.::

Not that Optimus would probably believe his word.

He’d wait to hear what Optimus had to say before deciding anything else, including where to go from here. As far as he was concerned, the Truce hadn’t been fully compromised - but, given he did not know all the details of the situation, that may change in an instant.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus stared at the two paused recordings, silently thinking for a minute on how he could even traverse this next situation and how he could even remotely reply to Starscream's questions. How could he even try to formulate that the Decepticon that was effectively tortured and KIDNAPPED now wanted to join their faction? How could that even slightly be said without sounding like a very poorly orchestrated cover-up? It was fact, it was truth, Optimus saw it with his own... eye... but that didn't mean that it sounded right, and chances are it would need a much longer explanation to set the stage. He couldn’t just declare Windshield was changing factions, for that added to the abduction theory and implied they were forcing the mech to work with them, or who knows what other nonsense could be spun to paint them as the villains here... but Optimus was not one to be overly wordy, and every moment lost was possibly deadly to the arrangement between factions.

"Upon notification, I reported to an offsite location to take command."

Thinking back to the moment he found out, Optimus could almost feel the anger that had overcame him biting and nipping at the edges of his mind once again. He had been so frustrated, so unhappy, and so stressed that it shattered much of his control and it was a miracle he handled things with the poise expected of his rank like he did. He took this kindled anger, and quietly shoved it back down and to the side, keeping his voice steely calm and straight to the point.

"Ratchet reversed as much of the damage as he was able, whereas Windshield expressed a kindled desire to join the Autobots."

Flat, cutting, no beating around the bush. While he was going to add more to strengthen this statement, it sounded awfully 'convenient' as if it was a ploy to keep Starscream from speaking to or being able to see his soldier again. Optimus was not one to try a ruse so transparent however, and his desire to keep the Truce functioning was all the more reasoning for him to not be trying to pull a 'fast one' on someone who was overly skilled in picking out lies. Starscream was clever, intelligent, and dangerous, and Optimus did not have the silver tongue on that level to attempt something so brash like this when so much was at stake. That is, if it was a ruse... while in truth, it was poorly timed truth.

"He did not take kindly to the perceived abandonment."

A pause.

"Ordinarily, Windshield would be relinquished back to your command after repairs were concluded, but understandably this changes the outcome."

It would have been so much easier of Windshield simply attacked them, and they had to restrain the mech to prepare him for transport back to the Decepticon's care. Offer compensation, offer apologies for what had happened, and understanding to the injuries obtained... and they both move on their separate ways. But now, they were tasked with this odd dance. Trying to find compromise, trying to find some kind of balance. Really, if you assume Windshield was an Autobot from the beginning of the situation, than it was simply an exercise in madness that Starscream and Soundwave had the displeasure of witnessing. So it didn't really affect them in any way. However, taking into account the transition happened mid way, it fouled things up.

Optimus braced for what would undoubtedly be a retort of doubt and incredulous disgust.

[Starscream]

There was a moment of silence then - it didn’t last long, but it did seem to linger. Optimus had seen the footage, and while he knew for a fact Soundwave would’ve already sent his version of events along to the Omega Base, Optimus had specifically said recordings meaning there was more than one.

Not that Starscream was worried about the events shown from an Autobot point of view. The Autobots had been so very in the wrong on more than one count - and both recordings showed as such, which was probably why Optimus was having to pick and choose his wording carefully.

The Truce was a delicate thing. It wouldn’t take much for tempers to flare, for someone to snap and strike at the other faction, thus severing the terms of the ceasefire. So far, it’d been held - it’d been shaky at times, he was sure, but it’d held.

Could these events make it crumble?

If Starscream was feeling particularly venomous, it could. But for now, he’d listen to what Optimus had to say.

The first words were a disappointment. An offsite location? Tsk. Figures. Even despite the Truce, Starscream was always looking for the advantage. The location of the Omega Base - the Autobot Headquarters - would be the figurative cherry on the cake for the Decepticons under Starscream’s rule. That location was worth more than any Energon mine they had access to, but it seemed that it was still out of their grasp.

His flying pace hadn’t changed any - still a casual pace through the inky void. He’d give an affirmative hum in response to Optimus’ words, but not much else, letting the Prime continue.

At least Ratchet had been there - if Windshield had perished because of the actions of the other two? This’d be quite a different conversation. Then, there was mention of Windshield himself and-

Starscream hadn’t seen that coming.

::He what?!:: a squawked response, a rumble of a frustrated growl - he pushed forwards, accelerating once more. This was all so very convenient. Had they put him up to this? Had they made him switch sides in exchange for medical aid?

No - it didn’t seem to be.

Perceived abandonment.

He barked out a laugh then, spiraling some and lowering his altitude - not enough to breach the Stratosphere, but he would hold at this level for now.

::Abandonment? Oh please… You saw the footage yourself, Optimus - he was to be taken as prisoner and nothing more, your Autobots seemed rather insistent of that and who was I to argue with their inept handling of the situation. I assumed once he was repaired and your Autobots got a slap on the wrist or whatever punishment you do over there, that’d be that.:: 

He didn’t sound impressed, the sneer behind his words no doubt felt over the comm link. 

::This does indeed change things. So. Where do you wish to go from here?::

A flat, and to the point question, putting the ball into Optimus’ court, given he was the one dealing with not only Windshield, but the two Autobots who had put him into this position in the first place. He had no love nor time for defectors, and if it were up to him? Well, Windshield wouldn’t be with the Autobots for much longer.

Would the Autobots take him in as one of their own? They were probably far more welcoming to the idea than the Decepticons would ever be, and it wasn’t like Windshield had proved himself or shown any sort of usefulness to the Decepticon forces…

Still, though, Starscream couldn’t help but be disappointed at how quickly the other mech had flipped.

Maybe there was more to it.

[Optimus Prime]

::Abandonment? Oh please… You saw the footage yourself, Optimus - he was to be taken as prisoner and nothing more-::

::Indeed. I question Windshield's perspective, given injuries obtained::

Windshield seemed alert, he seemed to have his wits about him, and he had some very good reasonings on why he would consider a faction change... but in the end, he was an injured mech, waking up on an unfamiliar world after a failed mission and near death, harassed by an opposing faction, and perceived as being abandoned by his peers. That sort of trauma could skew anyone's perception for a good long while, and lead them into making more impulsive decisions that could land them somewhere they truly didn't intend to go.

::That said, I will continue to offer safe haven while he recovers::

It did not matter if Windshield would eventually choose to return to the Decepticons or not, what mattered was keeping him in a safe and secure environment for him to recover, and try to find whatever truth that may lie beneath the silence. Self reflection, some records and data logs offered to catch him up to what was going on in the war while he slumbered beneath the Ark's crumbled remains... He would be well tended to, and Optimus would not apply pressure or try to manipulate to keep him on their side. The transition did feel a bit abrupt, but impulsive decisions often could be sourced of years of discontent that lay beneath the surface, so it was so very hard to say what was truly going on in the mech's mind, and the Prime was ever accepting of such changes.

::Should his desire be ill founded after he settles, he will be returned to your care::

Making his intentions clear, Optimus then moved on, focusing in on the final question from Starscream on what would happen next.

::That is why I sought contact::

A momentary pause, as he articulated his thoughts, thinking back to the Truce he had written out.

::The Truce's original form denounced that anything not outwardly addressed could be discussed in a neutral environment. Given Windshield's situation fell into this category, and the fact my Autobots breached the Truce itself, we must reaffirm, reformat, or dissolve the arrangement::

Something not said lightly at all, his tone to the point and no nonsense.

Optimus did not want the Truce to fall apart. They were weakened, they were unstable, their team was scrabbling to gather up and try to find unity and fuel, while the Decepticons were going strong as ever. If the war were to flare up again, they could be clipped down at the first major conflict as soldiers were too exhausted to put their all into it. However, if the truce were dissolved, then the first thing they would do is raid a Decepticon mine, and take the energy they needed desperately, at a rather notable risk.

::This requires Megatron's input, as he proposed said Truce from the onset::

[Starscream]

::As do I.::

A growled response. He wondered if there really was more in play here, with the ‘abandonment’ being an excuse for cowardness and nothing more. Why would he switch factions so readily? It wasn’t like he had anything to offer. He didn’t know of the fate of the Nemesis, nor the fact Starscream was now rightfully leading the Decepticons. He had no knowledge to bargain with, no reason for them to even keep him around except out of the goodness of their sparks, given they’d injured him horribly.

What a stupidly thought out plan on Windshield’s part. All the more reason to let the Autobots keep him.

There was quiet then, followed by a hum of thought.

::My care?:: he chuckled lowly, it tapering off into a smug rumble of a purr.

::For his sake alone, I hope he sticks with his decision.:: blunt, to the point. Should Windshield wish to return to the Decepticons, he’d have to prove his worth. Optimus had mentioned an offsite location, and so Starscream could only assume Windshield was being held there. Meaning no information could be gained from him on his relinquishment, meaning nothing of value to bring back to even *begin* begging to be brought back into the fold.

Talk about putting yourself into an awkward situation, Windshield.

Another pause, but this time from Optimus. He listened to the words that followed, and would once again ease back on his speed. Well he didn’t see that coming, and given Optimus’ tone it was not to be taken lightly. The entire Truce could be nulled because of the actions of those two Autobots, and while they had enough resources stockpiled to not worry? He wanted to milk this for all it was worth.

If he was in his root-mode, he’d be smirking - a smirk that’d quickly and unfortunately dissolve at the mention of Megatron.

Another frustrated growl, this time it was not broadcast over the comm. A moment later, and he would shift forms, the momentum pushing him forward toward the purpose of this flight into Earth’s orbit.

A Decepticon satellite. He’d land gracefully on it, with a gentle flare of his wings as he settled.

::Megatron is far too busy to be involved in petty rabble. I will, however, have Soundwave pass along the footage of what transpired to him,::

Maybe.

Pulling a datapad from his subspace, it didn’t take him long to have it linked up with a simple wire to the satellite. Since the crashing of the Nemesis, nobody had re-established contact with the many satellites that littered Earth’s Thermosphere and beyond. They pinged uselessly at the Nemesis itself, receiving no contact and being of absolutely zero use. Not many had the means to switch them over and check they were still in working order, hence the delay in getting around to it. It’d been this task that Soundwave and Starscream had been working on in the moments before intercepting the original signal from Windshield, and it was a task that Starscream would carry on alone.

::Unless you want to meet him directly at Haven on Neutral ground.:: he droned ::In which case I will let him know. Did you have a date in mind?::

He waited a moment while the Datapad flicked to life, and from here it would be as simple as redirecting the satellite to talk to Blackridge, rather than their befallen flagship.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus had plenty of his own personal thoughts and opinions on Windshield's situation, and at first he felt almost compelled to contest Starscream's retort on how he hopes he sticks with his decision with an implication of dire consequences should he not. Stress was a very potent motivator to drive someone off course... but alas, in the end, Decepticons simply had a far different way of looking at things, and Windshield may be locked to his choice even if he truly finds out he did not agree with the Autobot way and eventual goals. Whatever the case, he had to let that subject drop to the wayside, instead focusing in on Starscream's following comments.

This entire conversation felt skewed, or slightly off. Something about it wasn’t lining up properly, and Optimus was unable to put his finger on exactly what it could be. The more Starscream spoke and intervened, the more the Warlord was brought into things, the more odd things sounded to the Prime.

On one hand, Optimus thought Starscream was intentionally hiding the scenario from Megatron, using it as a bargaining chip to ask something of the Autobots as a whole, or manipulate Optimus himself. This thought was where his processor went first; bracing himself... putting himself on guard to stomach and throw aside whatever kind of prideful retort or request of arrogance may be asked... It had not been terribly long ago when Starscream had actually demanded Optimus kneel before him as a qualifier to even begin considering ending the war, back when Megatron was believed deceased after the Space Bridge explosion. This is the type of pompous retort he was expecting. Some kind of manipulation that, like the kneel, would not be honored. But now... it didn’t appear Starscream was going to hide the events, and was now playing messenger?

Why would Starscream play such a secretarial role?...

That is where things seemed a bit off. While the silver and red mech was the Second in Command, having all capability to do such tasks to aid their leader, it didn't feel particularly normal for him to manage events and approach Megatron on his behalf. Optimus would ordinarily be tasked to speak to the Warlord himself, not jump through some hoops that Starscream typically viewed as being beneath him to organize and put together, potentially throwing it to someone else to line up if it had to be done. Unless of course Megatron was unavailable.

Where was Megatron.

A single cold blue optic stared down at the terminal's screen, looking at the active connection intently as Starscream asked if he had a particular date in mind. A brief pause... a moment where Optimus considered his growing thoughts on the scenario, before he flatly replied, his voice maintaining that serious overtone from before.

"Sooner rather than later."

[Starscream]

It didn’t take long for the datapad to connect and link up to the satellite. Streams of text and glyphs scrolled down the small screen - data no doubt that’d been picked up by it in the weeks it’d been unable to communicate its findings back to the Nemesis. Transmissions - Earth ones, mostly. Soundwave would be able to scan through them with ease, pinpointing anything that could be of use - MECH reports, should they use the correct frequency, might’ve been picked up. Autobot transmissions, perhaps.

Starscream’s processor was on the task at hand, a long clawed digit tapped idly on the side of the datapad as it worked - waiting patiently for it to gather the needed data. After a moment, the scrolling stopped. Now, he could access the satellite itself - inputting new coordinates, Blackridge.

While Optimus mulled over the conversation and how it felt ‘off’, Starscream’s thoughts were on the satellites he had left to switch over to the new Decepticon base, knowing that Pyrotech no doubt had things handled in his short absence. They’d managed without the satellites themselves, but it’d been a hassle - and with things going well for the Decepticons now, there was no sense in keeping them effectively ‘offline’. Soundwave would have his work cut out for him in going through everything from each and every satellite, but he’d rather the Spymaster stay busy, leaving Starscream free to attend to other, more important things without the scrutinous gaze of the slender Mech.

With the new coordinates inputted to the satellite, he’d wait for a small confirmation ping-back, before removing the datapad and tucking it back into his subspace. A moment later he’d gracefully leap from the structure, floating for a moment in the empty void of space before shifting forms, accelerating and pushing forward with ease, on toward the next satellite of many.

Optimus was taking a moment to respond, and for a glimmer of a moment he wondered if the Prime had caught on that Megatron was no longer around. Not that it mattered.

The response came. Short, to the point. Full of seriousness that one would expect from Optimus.

::I’ll be in touch.:: his own tone neutral, calm. His processor working, like with most things, Starscream was twisting, scheming - how to gain an upper hand from the situation. This could be a chance to re-write parts of the Truce, a chance to take advantage of the Autobot’s kindness. A chance to change things for the better.

A smug hum, he was making good progress toward the next satellite. Flying at speeds he rarely got to on Earth.

::Was there anything else?::

As Optimus had been the one to make first contact, he’d at least grace the Prime with the gift of having the last word.

This time.

[Optimus Prime]

The reply was anything but reassuring.

Neutral calmness...

In truth, the statement and tone had nothing really wrong with it. Starscream was straight to the point, and was likely annoyed at the inconvenience this day was bringing on, which was more than understandable. He had to endure the chaotic events with Windshield and the others, and was probably frazzled from some of the exchanges. He also had to go speak to Megatron and relay a conversation like an in-between or 'menial' worker, but that was if Megatron was even available... The fact Optimus was not transferred to the Warlord upon his request kindled curiosity, and made him question just what was going on within the Nemesis. Was Starscream working behind his back, or was the other mech no longer around at the moment?

::Nothing further. I will await transmission::

Blunt.

The details of what was going on would need to be considered, and exactly who he brought with him would need to be considered as well. Before, when the truce was put together, Optimus brought Ratchet and no one else. They had both arrived unarmed, and the entire exchange had been organized beforehand to an extent, speaking with Megatron directly to orchestrate it. This time there was that buffer of Starscream however, and a couple extra Autobots to possibly 'check in' on Haven in general and report to the Control Room would be beneficial. Or was it being paranoid? A paranoia that could instill poor first steps to reaffirm the temporary alliance, making it doomed to fail from the onset.

Alas... the communications between Starscream were now concluded, and as the transition cut to an end, Optimus placed the edges of his palms along the frame of the terminal keyboard. With this new grip, his weight sagged down atop it, helm drooping lower in his exhaustion.

Perhaps clarity would come with rest.

Perhaps the Matrix would guide, and gift him a path to follow.

Or perhaps... luck and fate would intervene, letting everything fall down into place so he could see beyond the shackled cage he had got himself trapped within.

Rest. He needed to seek some kind of rest.

With a slow push, the Prime peeled himself away from the monitor, passing one final glance at the two videos on screen, before he turned it off. Turning towards his berth, he already knew he would be unable to find any kind of restful recharge this night.

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