[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Sic Semper Tyrannis [Starscream]

[Coldwind]

Episode 3 / Week 1 / Day 2 / Open (Please Ask!)

The vistas offered by Steens Mountain were one of the few sights on this miserable planet that Coldwind did not hate. While the twisted, evil maze down below was not sightly by any means, up here, it was almost peaceful. Wide, far-spanning fields, chasms, and peaks covered in sparse grass and moss; relentlessly whipped by gales.

And where there were gales...There was also chill.

Coldwind stood silently at the precipice of a massive flattop, overlooking the surrounding area. She had chosen this spot well. Not only was it a great place to keep tabs on the territory, but it could also double as a remote and isolated runway, perfect for Seekers.

Which was precisely its purpose today. Events had transpired in the last few months that required a firm and resolute plan of action. However, Starscream offered no such thing as of now. Either he kept his cards so close to his chest that even Coldwind needed to be in the dark this time around, or he simply grew complacent in his bid to fill Megatron’s proverbial shoes.

The femme hoped neither was the case, but if she had to make the choice, the former would be preferable. And that is precisely why she insisted on meeting here. Privacy was a scarce resource among the Decepticons and Soundwave had his eyes and ears in every corner. If Starscream was to define his intent and designs to Coldwind, it needed to be done in a way that minimized the chance of attracting the Spymaster’s attention.

For this purpose, an obscure set of coordinates was chosen and Coldwind departed a few hours ahead of Starscream under the pretense of a patrol. His alibi would have to be different, of course. Perhaps an afternoon stroll; a chance to spread the wings he loved so dearly. But no matter the excuse, the timing or the place, true concealment was never guaranteed. This was but the most cautious course of action, which did not make it fully foolproof, flawless, or immune to infiltration.

But idle paranoia did the Vosnian little good in these times. Even if she and Starscream were to be caught in some compromising plot, there were always ways to bend the truth. She had taken to trusting her superior in that one, single regard. He was ever the best liar around.

And so Coldwind waited until the iconic hiss of his engines drowned out the howling squalls. It approached from behind at terrific speed and grew louder with each passing moment. Few things in this world made such rancorous noise.

Then it stopped; abruptly and without warning.

The iconic tone of transformation replaced roaring engines for an instant before she could finally hear the thin pitch of stilts hitting the ground behind her. On that note, Coldwind turned around and crossed her arms.

She greeted Starscream with an intense gaze before taking a quick glance at the steep cliffside. Such heights would give humans vertigo, and she’d wager that quite a few Cybertronians as well. Callously, a thought crossed her mind. One of these days, she would have to dangle somebody off a cliff just like this. Dramatic as it was, the Seeker could scarce resist playing with her prey.

“Careful, my lord...It is a long way down,” Coldwind simpered. The attitude and the way she said so implied that the meaning behind her words was not quite literal, but rather an allegory related to Starscream’s current position.

The throne of a tyrant was indeed a mighty high seat to fall from.

[Starscream]

Aaah, it was good to fly again.

As much as Starscream enjoyed the new location of the Decepticon headquarters, it was no Nemesis. There was no flight deck to escape to, or anywhere even just to really stand and feel the wind against his wings. Blackridge had been expanded upon, the claustrophobia had lessened, but it was still underground. Confined, almost - with Soundwave seemingly watching his every move.

Or, so he could only assume.

The Spymaster, with Starscream’s help, had re-linked their satellites in Earth’s orbit, and from there? Had set up a security system in Blackridge to keep an eye on the day to day activities, the comings and goings of their forces - and who even knew what else.

Which meant Starscream had to be especially careful as of late about not only who he spoke to, but what he said.

Not that he worried too much about certain things, he was the leader of the Decepticons after all. But Soundwave had a knack of listening in at the most unfortunate times, and he wasn’t sure which rooms had been bugged. Plus, deep down - Starscream knew that one day Megatron would probably show his face once more, meaning everything he did - or more importantly, said - could be used against him at a later time.

Which meant leaving the confines of Blackridge every now and then.

It happened so rarely - Starscream had found himself being a rather hands-on leader, or at least - he never really left Blackridge for too long. As a Seeker, it was borderline torturous at times - he lived to fly, and craved that freedom that he couldn’t get anywhere else.

Today, he’d found rare reason to slip away. Coldwind had approached him earlier - a hushed meeting, a few hissed words. They needed to talk, but not in Blackridge. She’d left long before he had, timing their departures separately as not to draw suspicion, but- them both being away at the same time was probably cause for suspicion enough.

Her reason? A simple patrol. Easy enough to handwave a report about how she found nothing of interest. Easy enough to act like her absence was legitimate and to not draw unwanted attention from Soundwave.

Starscream, well - he had to be more careful. Thankfully though, with the breaking of the truce three months earlier, came the hustle and bustle of the war machine once more. Those eyes that watched him with scrutiny had other things to attend to.

He’d played it smart, leaving Blackridge long after Coldwind. The coordinates had been chosen, but he would not go there straight away. That was just asking for trouble. He did all his best thinking while flying, and so that was what he did.

He flew. Processor racing with all the things that had been done thus far, and yet needed to be done.

He held this planet with a certain contempt, but from up here in the Mesosphere even he could admit there was a certain charm about the blue and green marble they called home.

He didn’t alert Coldwind via comm to let her know he was in approach, simply spiraling down in a controlled flurry as he made his way to the coordinates. There was no attempt to silence himself as he plummeted, the familiar whirs of transformation heard as he landed gracefully on heeled pedes behind the femme.

His gaze was equally as intense, but for other reasons - glancing quickly over his shoulder to be certain he was not followed. That Laserbeak was a pest, and annoyingly small, and while it was probably just paranoia, he was wary.

For now.

Coldwind’s words made him chuckle lowly, and he’d stride forwards toward her. He wasn’t careful with his movements, full of confidence - a touch of arrogance, even. Heights did not scare him, not those of this cliffside, nor those of his current - and rightful - position.

“Indeed it is. Your metaphor is not lost on me, why do you think I am meeting you all the way out here..?”

Stopping a few paces in front of her, he would smirk, helm crooking up just slightly to look her in the optics.

“So, why did you have me come all this way? Aside from the obvious…”

Even though he was not followed, that did not mean they were safe here for long.

[Coldwind]

Arrogant already? He was the Lord for a few months, buried some civilians, and it all went to his head. How very Starscream of him. Though, to be frank, the Lieutenant expected nothing less. Predictable though his vanity may be, Starscream was efficient, and most definitely not a fool.

But by his leave...

Coldwind raised a brow and cracked her neck. In response to such a motion, its inner contraptions loosened with a taut snap no sooner than she cast a gaze back at the steel-clad tyrant. She had the look of a person thoroughly unimpressed.

“To discuss the future,” Coldwind replied promptly, without preamble or pretense. The less time they spent here, the better. Keeping that in mind, she turned to face the cliffside once more, taking a couple of steps towards the very brink.

“Your future,” the Seeker continued as her wings spread wide, “and my place in it.”

"Lord Starscream, you have a loyal asset in me, and I will not see it wasted on guard duty. Surely, it comes as no surprise, when I say that your position is bound to be tumultuous going forward."

The point had not been articulated subtly. Starscream, for weal or for woe, now placed himself and the Decepticons onto the cusp of a new chapter. He needed allies and resources; a power base that would not fail him even should Megatron return. It was the perfect opportunity for the flier to secure her position.

With her piece said, Coldwind, heedless of danger, vaulted forthwith into the abyss.

It did not take long then, and the routine melody of transformation tolled a second time. To its song, Coldwind’s body changed shape in an instant. Her torso spun around in a graceful manner unbefitting her monstrous size, and the many meshes comprising her robotic form curved and bent into shape.

Emerging from the canyon, a navy J-20 blasted heavenward and disappeared beyond the cloud barrier. The roar of its engine was unique, rumbling, and deep, but also aided by thinner sounds which were produced by a mighty tempest of wind resisting the jet’s massy form.

If they were to confer at length, the way Coldwind intended to, the Seekers could scarce afford to linger on the ground, much less in their robot modes. They were a conspicuous eyesore for any human unfortunate enough to wander this far. Or, even worse, a stray Decepticon out for a poorly-timed jaunt.

She hoped that Starscream would not only understand but follow suit as well.

[Starscream]

There was a gentle hum of thought as Coldwind cracked her neck, Starscream not copying the motion however, merely folding his arms loosely across his chassis as he waited.

Whatever she had wanted to talk about was clearly delicate enough that they did not need attention drawn to it by those that lingered at Blackridge Hold - and even those that did not. Soundwave did not need to be physically present to be listening in, and that was something Starscream knew well.

A quirk of his own brow was given at her response. The future? How apt.

What came next gave him pause, especially that last part, and he’d narrow his optics. On Cybertron she had been nothing but loyal to him - by his side, a bodyguard of sorts. You did not get to the position Starscream did without making more than a few enemies along the way, after all.

So it made sense she wanted a part in the future he was to provide for the Decepticons, with more of a part than what she had at present. He still had enemies, that much was certain - but also the benefit of showing he was more than capable of leading the faction into a new era of prosperity, thus quelling any wayward urges to see him offlined.

Or, so he could hope.

“I see.” a short response, indicating he’d heard and understood her words. Given the lack of constant threat here compared to Cybertron, it was understandable she was growing bored of her position.

Bigger and better things, perhaps?

A conversation such as this would be better had on the move. Signals could be tracked, and should their double absence rouse suspicion it wouldn’t take long for Laserbeak to linger somewhere unnoticed. It seemed Coldwind knew and understood this risk, and just like before when they’d originally left the safety of Blackridge, she departed first.

Once she disappeared beyond the cloud barrier, would he follow.

Elegantly, he would dive from the cliffside - wings flared to the sides, catching the wind as he fell. Ever the show off, he would wait until the last possible moment before his frame would twist, transforming with grace in a fluid motion before the sound of a powerful jet engine was heard as he pushed upwards, spiralling into the sky.

It didn’t take him long to catch up to the femme, his speed and skill surpassing most Cybertronian - flying came as naturally to him as breathing to the human pests, after all. He would fly at her side, keeping a comfortable distance between them. A moment later, a single click would be heard as he opened the private - and more importantly, encrypted - commline.

::Before we begin, I must ask- when you say tumultuous, do you know something I do not, or are you merely bringing my attention to things that I am already aware of?::

He knew that the longer he held this position, the greater likelihood that someone would step out of line to try and overthrow him. He did not invoke the same level of fear that Megatron did, and knew it would only be a matter of time. As things got better for the Decepticons, as did their comfort levels - Starscream had steered them through turbulent times indeed, doing the hard part, getting things stable once more. He’d done his part, he’d been useful, now would be the most opportune time for someone to try and claim all he’d done and achieved.

Had that already begun? Starscream was ever paranoid that there were those that conspired against him, but things had been especially quiet as of late with everything going on. Those few Eradicons that were loyal to him had reported no whispers of anything amiss - had he grown complacent in these past few months, not seen something that he should’ve that Coldwind had?

No…

However, it seemed the way she had phrased the previous sentence had seemingly struck a nerve and put him on the defense. Deep down he knew that his days as Lord would not last, given Megatron’s demise had not been confirmed.

Meaning that those who were loyal, well - he intended to keep them around for the fateful day that he would need them, and those that weren’t? Well, anyone could be swayed.

[Coldwind]

Talking over an encrypted frequency still had its hazards, but much less so than lingering in the vicinity of their base. Starscream and Coldwind both were aware of the stakes and risks involved in all methods of communication and the occasions on which they were used. This was simply the safest option.

So, the two of them soared through the clouds while they deliberated. Being on the move afforded at least some comfort. Comfort that was quickly ripped away from Starscream as he once more gave in to paranoid musings. Coldwind simply meant to pull attention towards the facts, but as was his wont, Starscream’s devious mind already worked a step ahead, assuming a conspiracy was afoot.

::Nothing quite as drastic, my lord. I simply look at the facts as they are. You are not possessed of Megatron’s considerable sway, and many do not trust your intentions—no matter how hard you labor.::

She paused for a moment. It felt like stating the obvious. Surely, Starscream was aware of his shortcomings. However, the purpose was not to simply remind him of them but to put pressure on him. Coldwind wanted to make certain Starscream felt like she was needed. That he required an enforcer to secure his position. This was simply one way she tried to reinforce that idea.

::And, of course, there is always the possibility of his return. Part of the reason why I dragged you all the way out here was to make sure you had contingencies in case our beloved founder cheats the odds once more.::

::I’ve read some interesting reports. Dark Energon, an army of the dead. His schemes are no small endeavors. Who is to say his shocking disappearance is not simply another one?::

An ichorous chuckle grated through the comms. Coldwind’s sense of humor was a dark one, and she could not help but amuse herself at the thought of her next sentence.

::Unless there is something you would like to confess in me…::

She never for even so much as a second dismissed that Starscream could have played a hand in whatever happened to Megatron after the crash. But she also knew better than to pry the answer from him with Soundwave around to listen. And even then, there was never a guarantee that he would disclose the information to her. Being Starscream’s lackey did not make her exempt from suspicion.

After all, a good few Seekers disappeared to guarantee his ascension. She knew that much.

[Starscream]

::Unfortunate, but true.:: he growled ::I can count on one servo those that are loyal to me, and even then I am sure it’s temperamental at best. Even after everything I have done thus far for the Decepticons!::

It was the sad reality of Starscream’s reign. He had the drive to get things moving, and once things started? They showed no signs of slowing. Energon production was at the best it had ever been since they’d arrived on Earth. Blackridge, a location that’d started out as little more than a few vacant rooms made from stone and little else had been expanded upon quickly, and while it would never be the fortress they deserved - it was more than what they’d have if Megatron were still around.

They had a functioning outpost. More Energon than they’d ever seen. An attack had been made against the Autobots- one that’d almost worked. He’d lifted them up from practically nothing with the Nemesis being destroyed, and yet the loyalty he so rightly deserved was not there.

He could feel his lines almost boil some with annoyance just thinking about it. His intentions - this time - had been good and with the faction in mind. Megatron had lost his way with the direction he was taking the Decepticon forces, and Starscream had intended to steer them back onto the right path. To end this war once and for all. Yet it was Megatron who still, even in his absence, held the most followers. Their loyalty unwavering even despite everything.

He lingered behind Coldwind some as they flew. As they were going nowhere in particular, he didn’t mind her being ahead for now- knowing he could easily surpass and overtake her should he need to. Plus this way he could keep an eye on her, and the distance between them meant it wouldn’t draw quite as much suspicion from below.

::Contingencies? I’m insulted you even had to bring them up… Of course I do, Coldwind. You forget who you’re speaking to.:: he droned this, although he sounded slightly amused - tsk’ing softly over the comm line.

::As for things to confess, please,:: he scoffed ::If Megatron had truly perished, do you think I’d be sneaking away from Blackridge to discuss him with you? The only thing I have to confess is probably common knowledge by now should you listen to the whispered rumors of the Vehicons, in that Megatron is no doubt still out there somewhere, wasting time with some elaborate and pointless scheme to rid the world of the Autobots.::

The unamusement was practically dripping from his voice.

::All we have to do is bide our time. Hopefully before Megatron returns, I’ll have put an end to the Autobots once and for all.:: his tone shifting, words a gentle purr - obviously Starscream had plans in the works, and if his smug tone was any indication? The plans were very good indeed.

[Coldwind]

::I most definitely did not forget who I have the pleasure of dealing with, Starscream.:: 

She retorted on a more personal note, casting off titles and pretenses. It was a subtle reminder spoken in a plain, baiting tone. Coldwind just wanted to make sure that her lifelong superior did not forget how quickly the tides tend to turn—and how his schemes are wont to crumble when they might have once seemed perfect if only due to Starscream's own arrogance and complacency.

This, however, did not seem to be the case now, which gave Coldwind some small amount of comfort. She just needed to know that when the time to act came, Starscream would be ready to do so. He certainly spoke like he was ready, and so she didn't inquire any further as the two of them darted above a sprawling, rocky landscape. Sometimes knowing less meant gaining more when it came to certain plans.

But when Starscream changed the subject to Autobot extermination, Coldwind's interest was sparked anew.

All we have to do is bide our time. Hopefully, before Megatron returns, I’ll have put an end to the Autobots once and for all.

::And if you do not, we will waste another century chasing comets.::

A blunt admittance that Coldwind did not favor Megatron's machinations over Starscream's. Sure, she might act the part of a mindless sadist in the public eye, but just between the two Seekers, she every bit favored organized murder on an industrial scale—much more so than Megatron's foolish gambits. The warlord's latest failure only stood a testament to their inefficiency.

And speaking of failures...

::We've already missed once at Haven. Another opportunity might not come soon enough.::

Ah, yes, she would much rather get out there with an army of Decepticons at her back than put all her hope into dark sorcery or another doomsday instrument. What good is a hunt when one no longer enjoyed the simple things? Was efficient, ruthless conquest no longer enough for Megatron? She did not understand.

Starscream had to do better than that.

[Starscream]

::Good.::

A purred response, he chuckled lowly to himself. Coldwind needn’t have worried herself with his plans for the future or any lack of security in their positions; what with Megatron not being confirmed as perished, Starscream was trying to keep two steps ahead at all times even despite the fact he was currently Lord of the Decepticons. Like most of his personal schemes though, he would hold them close to his chassis - especially now that all attention was on him and his own focus was elsewhere.

Coldwind was one of few who were loyal to him over their former Warlord, even despite a slight mishap with her being stranded on Cybertron, and Starscream would be more than generous to those who served him without question when the time came to make a choice.

He resisted the urge to pull ahead of the femme at her comment, lingering back.

::All good things take time. I suppose you can be privy to some of the things going on…::

He was so very proud of this little scheme, even if it hadn’t required much thought on his behalf in getting things started. It’d been a simple case of him being there at the right place, right time - with a few comments here and there which only added to a situation that seemed to play out all on its own in their favor.

He’d still take all the credit, though, even if he hadn’t exactly been lavished with any praise thus far. Then again, it wasn’t like many knew of it - it was something to keep quiet, one wrong move or accidental comm, and the entire thing could unravel. Soundwave knew, as did Knock Out should things go awry and the person in question had to be picked up in a hurry and repaired.

But he trusted Coldwind.

::A few months ago, a Decepticon infiltrated the Autobot ranks. The situation was quite fortunate…:: he chuckled, before continuing.

::The Autobots and their incompetence were actually the reason for me calling Optimus to Haven. And yes, while that event didn’t go exactly to plan, I know it is only a matter of time before this infiltrator works out the location of their base. In the meantime, he has made himself useful in other ways with much-needed intel...::

He was almost giddy, in a way. Never before had an infiltrator made it this far. Makeshift had the unfortunate luck of being called out rather quickly and offlined in a rather gruesome display, but Windshield? He’d been around the Autobots for months, now - slowly earning their trust and reporting back when he could with any information that was deemed important.

::He alerted us to the Autobot raid on one of our mines - giving us ample time to evacuate the majority of the Vehicons stationed there. While they believe they had a victory, it was only because I allowed it.::

He had, of course, had to sacrifice a few Vehicons as to not arouse suspicion, but such losses were expected in war, and it’d been for the greater good.

::Patience is key.::

He had thought about being more aggressive with his demands of Windshield, trying to push the location of the Autobot base to the forefront - but Starscream knew that sitting back and letting things play out naturally was the best course of action here.

Even if he hated waiting.

[Coldwind]

Ah, there was the clever, conniving opportunist Coldwind put her faith in. She was not stupid enough to think that this was the only scheme Starscream had in mind, but it still comforted her that he still trusted his loyal brute with sensitive information. Good, good. This certainly made the decision to continue supporting Starscream in spite of their "misunderstanding" much easier. Of course, that did not mean she was not bitter still, letting out a popping grunt through the comms before taking a sharp turn—dipping below the cloudline for only a second to make it—before soaring even higher.

::Clever,:: she admitted. ::See that he applies himself and doesn't do anything stupid. It would be a shame if this one were to blow up in your face as well.::

Was that a joke made at dearly departed Makeshift's expense? Most likely. But mockery aside, having little sensitivity towards proper subtlety when it came to dealing with the enemy, Coldwind knew little about how a spy aught to conduct herself, but she knew it was a dangerous game to play. Truth be told, she did not have high hopes for this new player. Even if he did have Makeshift's abilities, he'd be treading on thin ice. And should the ice crack, the lake down below was a deep one indeed.

::But whatever the case, I hope you can leverage his results to impress the masses. (Or Megatron, should he made an unexpected return.) If any still oppose you then...Well, you have me now.::

Once Starscream commanded, Coldwind would do what she did best. Murder. The Seeker was a remarkably ruthless individual; a quality that she and others exploited many times to get results. Still, it could be a double-edged sword as the silver mech knew far too well. But when wielded correctly, she was a precious asset, especially in this broken, resourceless world.

[Starscream]

There was a gentle hum of curiosity as Coldwind suddenly dipped sharply beneath the clouds for… what appeared to be seemingly no reason. Starscream did not follow this movement, content to merely watch as he continued to linger above at a comfortable pace. Only when the femme reappeared a few seconds later did he incline slightly, and only after a moment at that. It did feel good to fly freely again after what felt like far too long, and he could only assume that Coldwind was simply stretching her wings now they weren’t being watched by a certain Spymaster.

::Indeed it is.:: he chuckled, only for that laugh to taper off at the ‘joke’ that quickly followed, and a rumbled growl of unamusement would sound over the comm.

::Yes, well- we learned an unfortunate and costly lesson that day. While Windshield is an infiltrator, he is not using the guise of pretending to be someone already known to the Autobots. He has already lasted far longer than Makeshift- not that that is anything to boast about.::

Annoyance made him surge forwards and upwards, and while he did not overtake Coldwind, he had considerably closed the gap between them.

Another plan, another failure. Just like Haven, it’d looked good in theory, only when the time to act had been upon them, it’d fallen apart. There were no reports of any fatalities among the Autobots after the Neutral Base had crumbled, and what little information they’d received from Windshield before he’d warned them about the raid on the mine? No permanent injuries.

Hopefully Windshield would gather information that could be used. The Decepticons had many advantages over the other faction, and yet even despite this- the hovel in which the Autobots lived remained undetected. Even Soundwave had been unable to pinpoint its location, and not for lack of trying.

Once they had that? The war would end quickly, he was certain.

::We’ll see about that… Although now you have returned, I would not be above using you to... rally some of the more stubborn among our ranks. Those who even despite everything I have done, still hold loyalty to Megatron.:: he hissed the name as he spoke, the disgust dripping from his tone.

::If that is something you’d be interested in, mm?:: a low chuckle followed these words. He knew he didn’t even have to ask, knowing Coldwind would jump at the chance to do what she did best.

All. Hail. Starscream.