[ti]Ep 3.5[/ti]Fallen Stars [Closed]

[Starscream]

Episode 3.5 | Week 1 | Day 4
Very Early Morning
-

“There will be no room for uncertainty when we strike and dire consequences await those who would threaten our unity. Be they Autobot, human—or Decepticon."

It’d been but four days since Megatron had returned, and two since Starscream last had words with the Warlord directly. While the majority of their Leader’s drivel from that meeting had been forgotten, it’d been the last sentence that the silver Seeker found himself unfortunately dwelling upon, and the orders given to him just days prior.

Tasked with searching for their missing CMO, he’d utilized that excuse - or would, should he have been seen and asked - for leaving Blackridge Hold this day. The sun had yet to rise over the Steens Mountains, though the telltale song of morning birds meant it was not far away. He’d left the base on foot as to keep his absence mostly off record, and had been quick to shift into his altmode and effortlessly spiral up into the Stratosphere unseen.

From there, he had flown. Mostly to stretch his wings and clear his processor for the hours ahead, though partly to dwell on the previous few days and all that’d come with them. The sheer terror he’d felt at the Warlord returning only to corner him directly in an abandoned mine, to the words at the meeting that… while had not been aimed specifically at him, had certainly been intended for him to note.

Then, his thoughts had drifted to the day prior - and the sorry state of their remaining Medic. A cruel test of worth, one that Flatline had fortunately passed, though seemingly at the cost of more than they realized.

Megatron had truly lost his way.

Now more than ever, Starscream needed those on his side whom he could rely on. Though with the Warlord having a near-constant presence at Blackridge Hold, opportunities to reach out to those of interest were few and far between.

So he would make his own.

Slowing his throttle some, a quiet ping was sent to someone in particular - with an order to meet at his current coordinates, or as close to them as possible - and, importantly, to do so undetected. How sad it was indeed that it was neither of his Trinemates that he thought to reach out to first, he realized - though even though he had the best interests at heart with what he had planned, he doubted neither Skywarp nor Thundercracker would listen to him.

And so, he would wait for the one who would.

[Starkrieger]

Four days, four fragging days. That’s how long Knock Out had been gone, and the time since Megatron’s speech. Uncertainty lodged firmly in his mind, neither knowing what had become of the missing CMO, nor when and how the warlord would drop the hammer.

The darkness of pre morning dawn offered a gentle cloak for his mostly black frame, while he trusted the speed of his model to blur revealing signs of the white, or bright red. Organics optics were notoriously lacking, from what he heard.

Starkrieger had left base hours ago, likely unnoted other than possibly by Soundwave. Would the Spymaster think it particularly noteworthy? Probably not, since Knock Outs’ disappearance, Krieg’s antics had been absent more than they were present within the confines of Blackridge. Perhaps it was a blessing that he had approached the Spymaster about their CMO; no doubt, his absence could have easily been interpreted as avoiding Megatron’s orders, instead.

Dropping low, so his additional sensors would rake along the landscape, the Seeker steeped in his own frustration. Until an officer gave him direction, there was little more he could do than blow off steam, and hope to get lucky. Officially? He hadn’t been assigned any such task, but then, soldiers weren’t always the best at waiting around.

He didn’t expect to find anything in the wilderness of Oregon, so why come this way? A question that loomed in his processor, holding back a flood of others, that even flight would not release. Thankfully, he would be spared the risk of further introspection.

A ping, a command immediately snapped his focus back to the external world. The coordinates were meaningless for him, but the general direction and vague distance was enough for Krieg to get a start.

He rolled sharply, first left, then swaying into a roll right, as if to vent out excess energy, before beginning his ascent. It was unlikely any were watching, but if they were, there was no reason not to give the appearance that he was merely taking a moment to 'mix it up', nothing out of the ordinary. He climbed higher, heading for the signal, before sending a return ping, a wordless offer of his own position, as the two Seekers narrowed down one another’s location.

When Starscream came into view, he slowed, an easy roll offered in silent greeting. The junior flier weaved and angled, adjusting his flightpath to join the Air Commander. Assuming near standard formation at Starscream’s left, the lone flier dipped lower and deviated from the mark, showing deference towards the position that should be taken by the other’s Trinemate. Krieg would not take such liberties to assume that place, nor disrespect the absent Trinemates, not without justification.

::My wings are yours, My Lord:: He greeted in that familiar formality that he often favored, respectful, but with a hint of warmth that pure military semblance didn’t allow for. Whatever the purpose of this rendezvous, Starkrieger found reassurance in the Commander’s presence, a much needed respite from his directionless wandering.

[Starscream]

The almost immediate ping of affirmation was unsurprising to Starscream, and should he have been in his root mode it would’ve no doubt been met with a gentle smirk of amusement. What was a little unexpected was the location of the other Seeker upon that reply. He had not been at Blackridge Hold according to the data given - and while it was of no real concern, he wondered just what Starkrieger was doing out and about so early.

He knew the other Seeker held an affinity toward their missing Medic - it’d been more than evident when they’d both been stuck in the Medical Bay after their unfortunate run-in with Optimus Prime. The fact logs showed Krieg had been on the search the very night Knock Out vanished showed just how much it meant to him, as well.

Perhaps he was out looking for the cherry-red mech again - only with the actual intention of doing so, unlike Starscream who was merely using his absence as an excuse. Four days had passed since Knock Out had been last heard from, and with Flatline’s mental state teetering on the edge? The sooner they got their CMO back, the better.

Ah, but his capture - or death, they hadn’t quite worked out which one it was yet - was not the reason for this impromptu meeting, and as such, no questions were asked as to why Krieg was on patrol as he waited for him to arrive.

Drifting almost absently, with no real care put in to find any sort of speed, he slowly closed the distance between where he currently was, and where the other Seeker should breach orbit according to his current location and pace. The wordless pings were appreciated, giving him a chance to mull over his thoughts in the momentary silence, even despite the data being sent back and forth.

It did not take long for Starkrieger to appear a short way away. While the atmosphere was littered with debris such as human satellites, with the majority being far above where he currently was, they’d become nothing more than background noise - and as such went mostly ignored. But movement?

That, he did notice in an instant.

While he would not return the roll upon getting a visual of the other Seeker, he would tilt ever so slightly in a silent greeting of his own, and to of course acknowledge the other mech’s presence - continuing at his current, almost languid pace as Starkrieger fell into line beside him before falling back into standard position.

::I appreciate you arriving so quickly.::

Just as Starkrieger found reassurance in his presence, so too, did Starscream in the other Seeker - even if his tone was as formal as ever. While they had not interacted much in terms of conversation, mostly due no doubt to the ever-watching eyes and ears of one in particular, his mannerisms at the meeting, and actions in front of Optimus told much as to where his loyalties lay.

Starkrieger was on his side - something that he unfortunately found himself questioning even with his own Trinemates as of late. Yet despite this confidence he held toward the other mech, he wouldn’t ask him - at least, not yet - to assume position alongside him. No, he was far more careful than that, keeping his guard up.

It was then that he would speed up just slightly. It was a casual pace, all things considered, though held with it a silent urgency of wanting to keep moving.

::I trust you were not followed?::

[Starkrieger]

:: If any took notice of my departure, they should have lost interest long ago:: He offered honestly, neither a hint of defensiveness nor condescension. While he might not know why Starsceram was concerned about anyone noting his absence, or their meeting, he understood that sometimes there was a need for discretion. If this was a matter that the other Seeker wanted kept from others, there was likely a good reason for it. Still, he wouldn’t deceive him. Having left hours prior, he hadn’t exactly been looking to see if he’d roused interest.

::There has been no sign of a tail:: Further assurance, as he followed the Air Commander. Approaching most Decepticon’s with such an opening ran the risk of putting them ill at ease. Those who feared or worshiped Megatron would have been on high alert. Those naive enough to believe there would never be call to question, or conceal one’s self from leadership might have become anxious with confusion. Starkrieger was neither of those things. It was easy for him to accept the summons, and answer his Lord without feeling pressed to push the other mech into revealing his aims.

Whether Starscream had a destination in mind, or merely intended to keep them moving hardly mattered. The purposeful pace of the flight was sufficient to soothe any restlessness that recent events caused, while not being so pressing as to override an openness to deeper matters. He maintained it with a calm, respectful patience. It would be impolite to rush his Lord, or demand answers of him. Starscream would speak when it suited him, and his soldier would be ready to heed him.

As he awaited further details, he monitored the space around them, and watched the Earth below. How odd it could be, to fly over a planet so full of life as their own was dead. At times, Starkrieger wasn’t sure what was more troubling, being stationed on some shell of a planetoid, as lifeless as he’d heard their home world now was… or a reminder that once they too had had a place in the universe. Now, they had nothing aside from what they preserved by sheer will; their identity, their loyalties.

As long as he could fly, he would follow his Lord.

[Starscream]

“-they should have lost interest long ago.”

A quiet hum of absent thought was the only vocal response at first, and again the silver Seeker found himself wondering just what Starkrieger had been doing outside of Blackridge Hold at this hour. Not that it mattered, it was a blessing in disguise that he had left Blackridge of his own volition, and so early at that.

He was certain the odd Vehicon or two would’ve noticed, if only because it was a little outside the norm - though they most likely would not have paid it any real mind at all. The act of leaving alone was not suspicious in itself, and Soundwave was the only one of note that they should be worried about, though even then… he wasn’t particularly concerned.

They both had valid reasons to be out here, after all.

::Yes, well let's hope that continues to be the case.:: he spoke, finally, after Krieg followed up with further affirmation - his reply paired with a gentle chuckle. He’d been on high alert since his departure, though there had been a sort of thrill in leaving the base on foot only to spiral up into the nothingness of the sky above - a momentary, fleeting sense of freedom, almost. Megatron had returned, and with it came the unfortunate familiarity of an oppressive air, making him tread and act carefully in all that he did - or at least, more so than usual.

Trying to relax some in the simple pleasure of flying, he let the silence linger for a moment as they moved over faraway continents. He’d called Krieg for a reason, though found himself almost hesitating to speak about what that reason was now that he had opportunity to do so. Trust was hard-earned, and while he was more than aware the other Seeker was nothing but loyal to him and him alone based on prior words and actions, experiences with others - particularly those that were supposed to be on his side - had him ever wary.

::Tell me,:: he started, breaking the quiet. ::What do you think of the Mortilus’ Hymn?::

He made no motions of veering off course, giving the impression they were heading nowhere in particular as they circled the planet that they currently called home.

[Starkrieger]

Calm, despite his drive to find Knock Out, and the storm that raged within his processor and spark, Starkrieger felt calm. Things had not proceeded as he’d intended. The mech he flew with had interfered with his plans, circumstances had further pushed him. True, Starscream had been his Lord since the beginning of the War. They’d all faced a choice and he had made his, to answer the call to arms and fight for his people, as was the duty of a soldier. However, 'lord' had existed merely as a matter of title,  inspiring a fealty born of tradition, a symbol. It was only after he had come to serve under the Air Commander and began to know him, that Starscream had truly become his lord, his commander...his leader.

His sensors easily picked up on every change, making an effortless task of matching the senior flier. He remained ready for the moment he decided to speak, not sure how… as wrong everything had become throughout the war, the other mech's presence helped to right it.  It was a truth as concerning as it was oddly soothing.

Whatever he had thought the officer would ask of him, the topic that was broached was not at the top of his list. A click passed between them in silence, as the Seeker prepared himself. While Starkrieger was not a mech to deny his stance for his own gain, he did recognize that such a discussion might not go smoothly. Motivation and conviction were sometimes enough to divide mecha, even when a consensus was reached.

::Truthfully sir?:: It was rhetorical, the pause that followed merely for pacing, and perhaps to allow the him to sort through his perspective. ::I never cared for needlessly destructive weapons:: Starscream had, as far as he was concerned, already granted him leave to speak freely, or as freely as one could ever speak. With choice came consequence. ::...and as I understand it, when they've been used, we have always lost far more than we could gain.::  The tone had dipped, subtly, there was a weariness there, but it hid behind a the emotionless tone of discipline. He’d been off planet for the loss of the Allspark, and later Cybertron, but none had been ignorant to these events.

::Best case scenario? It’s a waste of time and resources.:: Worst case? … Inferior though the native species was, he didn’t care to eradicate them, or destroy another sentient’s home-world… not to mention the potential to lose the energon sources.

::I recall that you have your own misgivings:: He extended that opening, not having forgotten their previous conversation. At that point, the opinion might have only been vented frustration, or something more; whichever the case didn't matter.

[Starscream]

As they moved gracefully in flight, Starscream couldn’t help but think back on his first meeting with Starkrieger here on this planet. It’d come shortly after Megatron had left them - again - for his own delusional needs. Back then, the other Seeker had seemed less than impressed with their Warlord’s goal - and while he could only assume that opinion hadn’t changed in recent days, what with Megatron’s return, he felt it prudent to check in again regarding it.

Just in case.

A lot had changed between then and now, though it seemed the other Seeker’s loyalty and opinion on the barbaric weapon were two of the few things that’d remained unwavering. His words were met with a gentle hum of both approval and agreement, though he wouldn’t interrupt the other mech as he spoke.

He let the silence linger for a second after the opening had been offered, taking a brief moment to mull over the words spoken.

::That I do.::

Venting out a gentle sigh, he tapered off with a quiet, almost tired chuckle. They’d been unable to speak freely at Blackridge Hold - even in Megatron’s absence at the time of their first meeting, as Soundwave was a constant, if mostly unseen, presence. Nowhere was safe, and while he had managed to get away with much in recent weeks, as Starkrieger would soon come to learn, the opportunity to speak openly was rare indeed.

Though even now while they had some relative freedom, he found himself hesitating in his words. Where they were going would be different, but even up here away from the rest of their forces, he couldn’t help but feel like they were being watched.

It was a ridiculous, yet lingering thought at the back of his processor.

::We will speak more of it once we reach our destination. Fly with me, would you?::

An invitation of his own, the words paired with a gentle tilt of his frame as if to indicate what he meant - allowing the other Seeker to assume position beside him, should he wish.

[Starkrieger]

Approval, the gentle sounds over the comm suggested he would not have to worry about offending his Lord with this view point. That he could risk it so readily was, perhaps, a marked difference between the two of them. Krieg remained unaware of the struggle that was currently going on within the Air Commander, one that involved feeling trapped by insecurity, unsafe to speak in a way that the soldier had not experienced.

True, there had been posts where he had elected to stay quiet, and to avoid notice of command he didn’t trust. However, that had been a matter of practicality, of not wanting to be offline or dragged down due to meaningless stupidity or amoral cruelty . Starkrieger, as a soldier, had long reconciled his calling to be terminated in the line of duty, and having maintained his low rank, had nothing personal to lose. He could afford to be bold as it suited him, and was subdued by his will alone… And yet, though fleeting, early life continued to influence his perception. His awareness that, for a leader, nothing was simple began with Sol’s training, and had only been honed since. That Starscream wasn’t rushing to reveal his concerns was expected.

A chuckle, off in tone with a subtlety that muddled meaning, lodged itself into his processor, striking a chord. It served as an ideal transition into Starscream’s words. Still, even as it resonated with his spark, he hesitated. The invitation evoked longing, to have a place beside his leader, to find validation in his function, as he once had. However, the same shared weariness was also a reminder…
The war had been long. He had endured, but others had not. When each patch ripped away, flayed old wounds deeper than they had been, what sense was there in repair?

And yet...

The tip of that frame before him did not leave much room for him to deny His Lord, not because Starscream pressured him, but because Krieg, while intelligent, was driven by emotion over strict reason…It felt wrong to choose the coward's way, and withhold that support for his own comfort.

Slowly, he closed that gap, dipping the wing closest to Starscream in respect as he accepted the offer... and the mech that had issued it. What could he say in return to the overture? Nothing came to mind, so he fell back on his knack for wielding formalities to touch on emotions one was not supposed to speak of. Over the comm, his voice would come across more softly than before, as he resolved to take a chance on trusting that this Commander would not be lost. He was created to risk everything for his leader, who was he to deny Starscream his spark?

::My wings are yours::

[Starscream]

As the other Seeker eased into position beside him, Starscream settled into a comfortable silence. He felt no need to reply to the other mech’s words, seemingly content in his presence. The Earth moved below them, with billions of lives going about their day-to-day tasks, unaware as to just what flew above.

From this height - one that wasn’t anything spectacular - the marble-like planet was peaceful indeed. The thick clouds moved gently, lazily almost - occasionally blotting out the many scattered cities as the light of dawn finally reached the furthest coastlines below.

Part of him felt remorse, almost, that it was not his Trinemates alongside him in this moment. This feeling was fleeting, however, for did not truly need them - though it certainly put into perspective just how time had unfortunately been unable to mend their differences, even now when he needed them most. Skywarp, he was sure, would’ve been fine at his side, and would’ve no doubt made the task ahead a damn slight easier to achieve. Thundercracker, though… well. Starscream may have had good intentions, but his brother did not see them. Refused to.

But it was no matter.

Seemingly satisfied with where they currently were, the silver Seeker would abruptly shift without word nor warning - spiraling downwards in a dramatic descent toward what looked to be nowhere in particular. As they made their way through the clouds toward the Earth, tall spires of misshapen rock would immediately come into view, along with vast mesas that sprawled out for what looked like miles. Scattered boulders littered the ground in various sizes, though there was minimal to no vegetation to speak of.

Slowing his speed, he would move at an unnaturally low height, veering around pillars of rock as they closed the distance toward wherever he had in mind.

It would not take Starkrieger long to see where they were going.

Jutting out from between two of the larger mountains was a glint of dulled metal, barely noticeable with the early sun - shards of recognizable Cybertronian build standing out sharply against stone. The majority of whatever it was, was hidden among a larger mesa aside from these telltale angles, almost as if it had crashed and skidded to a stop deeper within.

The front of whatever the immense construct was could not be seen, as if it had been disintegrated by the impact with the mountain - or missing entirely.

Still no words were spoken as he moved to a height that was more than comfortable - with the familiar sound of transformation sounding a moment later. Landing with a graceful thud once he had shifted forms, heeled pedes would slam into dusty ground, pebbled rocks rattling at the impact.

With a flick of his wings, Starscream eased himself up into a stand, turning to look at the other Seeker.

“Do you recognize the ship behind me, Starkrieger?”

It did not matter if the other mech did, or did not - though he would watch him closely to gauge any sort of reaction toward what he was currently seeing.

[Starkrieger]

As the Air Commander indulged in introspection, his soldier kept his processor rooted in the present. Even at their current altitude, the sensation of flight registered against his frame. Conditions of the space around them were monitored. Data and sensory input helped occupy his thoughts, distracting him from matters best left buried. While Starscream boldly stood alone, the younger flier was unable to reconcile that decision. No… Starkrieger needed the mecha that weren’t flying behind him, but circumstance offered no alternative…

He would continue to fly, and to fight, so long as his spark pulsed... but that didn't change his need.

At the close proximity, each signal and return signal was readily picked up from the mech alongside him. It wasn’t difficult to track the other Seeker. His systems had been designed with such a task in mind, whether in rending another from the skies, or providing defense. As Starscream dropped, he pursued seamlessly, Spiraling along the same axis, opposite his Lord. This would have put the ranking mech in a ‘defensive spiral’, had they been engaged in hostilities, and should one be curious of the outcome of such a scenario… Starkrieger was built for agility, but lacked the thruster control the other had mastered, as the Air Commander pulled out of the dive, the less experienced flier overshot the mark. Only marginal, but then, Starscream hadn’t been trying to shake him or drive him into the ground.

The deviation in altitude was corrected, as they skirted the terrain, naturally he fell back into formation, neither discouraged nor slighted. Their flight path dominated his attention… that was, until something huge.. And definitely not of Earth came into view. The ship, for it could be nothing else, had seen better days. What luster her plating might have held was long broken down and smothered by dust, leaving the impression of archaic ruins.

As transformation was initiated, he followed suit, his usual hesitation to touch ground absent, as maintaining position took precedence. Built stockier, with larger pedes, his landing was harder, not as refined, but was no less coordinated. Despite himself, he glanced over the wreckage. His faceplate betrayed little emotion, not because he was guarded or put off. On the contrary, Krieg was openly intrigued.

It wasn’t every day one came across a Cybertronian vessel. The moment was brief, movement catching his attention, prompting a move to raise his visor, a servo electing to do so manually. In a way, the act was a sign of faith that Starkrieger would take for granted that Starscream knew they would not be attacked here, and that he would trust that judgment. Despite the implications, his attention was easily redirected to the unknown ship, once he'd been granted leave.

“No sir… other than it being one of ours.” Curious though he was, a subtle tip of his helm indicated the return of his optics, to meet the other’s. It was obvious he was brought here for a purpose, but he didn’t have enough to go on to ask questions.

[Starscream]

Glancing over his shoulder briefly to look at the wreckage, he would turn to nod at Starkrieger as he replied.

“That it is. The ship before you - or, half of the ship as it may be - is the Harbinger.”

Based on the size of what remained of the stern, the Harbinger would’ve been quite a sight to behold while it was whole. A similar class vessel as the Nemesis itself, it was a miracle that it hadn’t been spotted given its location, even as out of the way as it currently was. The bow was mysteriously absent - with no telltale trace of it nearby.

While it did rest somewhere on this planet, its location and contents were far too valuable to speak aloud or even simply fly to without proper precautions in play. It was no matter, though - for it was this half that was needed this day.

Turning, and easing into a walk toward the imposing husk of a ship - he would continue.

“To put it simply, it does not exist. A secret known only to privileged few. I’ve been storing things here - with the help of another. Things that Megatron so dearly wants, so I trust you will not breathe a word of this once our business has concluded. Not even to the one who waits inside.”

Discussing the matters of this day - even in idle passing to one another - could mean the end of them. He was taking a significant risk in bringing Starkrieger here. Not only because the other Seeker could’ve been followed by someone unseen, but because - while he could sense the other mech’s loyalty and found himself trusting of him - he had been hurt before.

It should’ve been one of his Trine here alongside him, ideally, however even they were seemingly not worthy of this secret.

As they moved closer to the ship itself, the immense size would immediately dwarf them - the vast, angled shards loomed overhead, drowning them in cold shadow. There was no time for basking in its shade, however, for they had work to do.

Being careful with his footing as he climbed up a rather precarious-looking ramp, one servo would lift to gently touch against cold Cybertronian steel, almost as if looking for something. It did not take him long to find purchase on whatever it was, and with swift movement and a hefty slam, he pulled open a hatch, shaking forth some dust that’d settled.

“Unfortunately due to the way it currently sits, we need to climb up and into it from this angle. I trust that will be no issue?”

It shouldn’t be a struggle, all things considered - it’d been something he’d done probably hundreds of times at this point. The incoming claustrophobia was something he despised, however any uncertainty or fear went unseen as he pulled himself up and into the decrepit remains - not giving the other Seeker any choice but to follow.

[Starkrieger]

It didn’t take a genius to conclude the hidden tings were parts of Megatron’s fancy new… reclaimed doomsday weapon. Still, as Starscream spoke, there was no widening of optics, Krieg’s wings remained calmly in place, as he took it in stride. It was simple for him, as a Seeker, he had never been a Decepticon. He wore the sigil, he would obey Megatron, but both were because his Lord deemed it so. Did he feel comradery with the Cons he served alongside? Absolutely. Were there Decepticon generals he would have died for on their own merits? Yes. However, this did not change that his first loyalty had always been to Vos, to the Seekers, and to the Winglord. If Starscream decided Megatron was out of line, and action needed to be taken…. It would take an act of Primus for anyone, aside from his own conviction, to convince Starkrieger that his Lord wasn’t justified.

A military could function no other way.

His derma set in a firmer line, understanding the severity of the situation. Megatron's speech had made it clear, no amount of justification was likely to sway the end result, should he become aware of this. He offered a gentle dip of his helm, a nod of affirmation that he understood, accepting Starscream’s terms and potential consequences. For a smaller act of rebellion, or in opposition to a lesser threat he might have been cavalier, but not with this. Fanatics were deadly, coupled with a Megatron sized frame, and centuries of being left to run rampant as he saw fit...

One might have thought the trial of putting his head on the block would have been distressing. For Starkrieger, it was nothing, everything he was was meant to be risked. From the trivial thin coating of finish, to the intricate network of his sensor array… even his false spark. Such an undertaking hardly fazed him. Starscream, however, wasn’t done with him it seemed.

Wings drew back marginally at the indication of how they would enter.  Before he had a chance to think about what he would be climbing into, the Air Commander was on the move. He was correct about one thing, the climb itself wouldn’t be a problem. Claws meant to latch on to wings easily found purchase in the plating.  Moving without opposing G-forces trying to throw him was sparkling's play, but as they entered the structure, and the world closed in around them, his vent caught.

Where a functional vessel would send reassuring pulses with the thrum of it’s engines, the reminder that they were in the skies, the dead husk of the Harbinger only promised a tomb of rocks and metal. He couldn’t think about that… or the similarities between a fallen ship's structure and towers reduced to twisted waste and despair. No, he couldn't fall into other times and places

Pings, the fragging proximity pings.

Signals thrown from the walls and ceiling jackhammered straight to his processor.. And then there was the complication of scaling the warship. The strongest direction of his readings was right on top of him, courtesy of whatever the frag it was they were pulling themselves up by.  Knowing it wouldn’t be pretty, the soldier had preemptively clamped down on his field… but his hold was starting to slip. The static that started to spill out trickled, until it spiraled out of his control in a sharp spike. Starkrieger offlined his optics, faceplace pressing to the ship as his progress halted... Listening, he focused on the sounds of his Lord’s movements, and his need to follow.

The Air Commander had been here before, someone else had gone this way and was waiting for them in the interior. They were fine, he was fine. Overheating, his systems switched to bleed out excess heat, warming the air around him, and the plating he held fast to.   He couldn’t stay here, he had to move. He jumped on Optimus Prime's back for Primus' sake. How was he going to let a merry jaunt through a ship stop him? This would not be the way he failed his Lord. Bring his optics online, Starkrieger resolved to push forward, but there was little to be done about the state he was in… not until the worst of it was over

[Starscream]

While there were no obvious outward signs of hesitation as Starscream began moving up and into the wreckage, he found his vents hitching some - holding his breath, almost, as he pulled himself up. His wings were kept tucked tightly behind himself, quietly thankful for his slender frame. Even despite the fact there seemed to be ample room for mechs even bigger than the two of them, the claustrophobia as he moved up through the gap was suffocating - it was something he couldn’t quite get used to, even though he’d been here many times before.

Any unease would quickly dissipate, and in no time, he had made it up and onto solid ground - and just as quickly, his wings would flare out once more.

The ship itself would’ve been a glorious sight to behold in its heyday. However, time - and nature - had been cruel indeed. What was left was in a sorry state, though it seemed to provide ample cover from the elements. While there wasn’t quite the illumination of the Nemesis’ corridors, there was enough lighting - somehow - to keep them from being plunged into darkness.

The metal flooring was covered in a thin coating of dust, though there were apparent - and many - pedeprints that’d made their way through, most of which were recognizable as Starscream’s own. These ones were commonplace, it seemed - indicating how often he had come here, whereas the other set, belonging to whoever else was here, no doubt, had only one track - and it was down the corridor to a room at the far end.

The corridor itself was sparse of any sort of furniture or equipment, save for the overhead lights, nor were there any real clues as to just how the great Harbinger had fallen. There were several doors to one side of the hallway, though none of the prints in the dust appeared to have ventured into any of the rooms that lay beyond.

Glancing down the corridor for a moment - almost as if to check that everything was as he left it (even if there was nothing really in this part of the ship), it was the sharp, static-like tell of Starkrieger’s field that pulled his attention back and down to the other mech.

He wasn’t the only one who hated cramped spaces, it seemed, though he was sure it was a common source of apprehension for many Seekers.

As such, no jabs or comments were made about telling the other mech to pull himself together. He knew, and understood what the other Seeker was probably feeling - and instead would offer out one servo, ready to grasp and pull Starkrieger should he need the extra support in climbing up.

“Glad it’s not just me.” there was a touch of amusement to his tone, hoping to alleviate any concern Starkrieger may have had about letting his field momentarily slip. Starscream may have remained composed throughout the brief climb, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t hating every second.

“As Coldwind has not come out to greet us, I suppose we should go and find her.” 

[Starkrieger]

From his position, he could see that Starscream’s wings were lowered, but the senior flier’s discipline, and the assault on his own senses drowned out the hitch in his vents. It was easy to disregard it as simply moving the valued anatomy out of the way.

Starscream disappeared into the hall, signalling that the end was in sight, but finding the energy to make a quick escape wasn’t in him. This wasn’t rushing into the open, the amber lighting that teased through the darkness didn’t trick his mind into seeing hope.  Logically, there would be more space beyond; They were in a warship after all. Still, it wasn’t the light that helped motivate him. The figure above turned, and reached down to offer a servo. It took a click to register, the assistance hitting something in his spark that his processor couldn’t keep up with.

The Air Commander… was offering his aid. Empathy was rarely offered among Decepticons, rarer yet for it not to be hidden less compromising sentiments. The gesture was too valuable to reject or dismiss.

Reaching out, he took the offered servo, choosing comradery over misplaced pride or bravado. With Starscream’s help, he easily joined him in clearing the edge. Sharp upward spasms in his wings tried to clear the residual input that had been overwhelming his sensors. Even so, as his Lord’s words reached him, the corners of his derma twitched, returning a ghost of a smile, his wings settling to lower, not in shame, but in the humility of gratitude. Starscream’s easy humor was more reassuring and far less awkward than any sappy platitudes could have been.

“At least you can count on me to make you look good”, he returned softly, with a hint of his own amusement. Regarding the ranking mech’s composure in the climb, and the better quality of his flying skills, both were admirable, and easier to allude to than the show of support from his leader.

Despite the lack of reassurance from an open sky, his wings had taken to the subtle angling they often favored, at ease enough to follow whatever stray reading had caught the attention of subconscious subroutines.

“The Heavy-hitter?” Confirmation, that was all that he sought, confident that he recognized the designation. They’d been assigned a mission with Captain Dreadwing not so long ago. Heavily armored, and equipped to put a hurting on mecha foolish enough to wind up in her crosshairs; in a confrontation, he'd be pressed to push his advantage before she landed a strike against him... Not that he intended to brawl with the femme. Much as he had assessed Starscream, it has hardwired in him, essential for the role he was designed to fill among their kind. This tenancy didn't just apply to physical strengths and vulnerabilities.

Falling into step, he maintained a place at Starscream’s left, as he had when they'd faced The Prime. Remaining concerns over their surroundings were assured by the mech's presence, and the distraction of analyzing how Coldwind fit in. Whatever the nature of the femme's ties to Starscream, it would seem that she had his trust… or was at least dependent upon him in some fashion. Whether this factored into the obvious tension between herself and Dreadwing. The Captain's misguided loyalties to the Decepticon Warlord damaged the unity of their forces, but that didn't mean there wasn't something more to it. Quietly, he filed these thoughts away, not yet ready to draw conclusions, and having no particular use for them.

[Starscream]

Tensing his frame as the other Seeker grabbed his servo - if only to brace himself for the added weight - Starscream would do what he could to help the other mech up and into the remains of the ship. The other half of the Harbinger was far more spacious, however its contents were far more valuable, to the point that only one other knew of its existence - and even they had arrived via bridge, as to remain unaware of its exact whereabouts.

There was a sense of relief now that the both of them were on solid ground, almost as if he was more than aware as to the apprehension the other mech had faced upon being met with the smaller opening - and once Starkrieger had settled, Starscream would release his servo, dropping his own to rest idly at his side.

The amusement in the other mech’s words was met with a gentle tsk, and he shook his helm.

“Please, it takes some getting used to. Though I’m sure in this ship's heyday, far larger mech than we have climbed through that space without issue.”

A quiet hum as he glanced at the gap in question.

“Not that it makes it any easier.”

He wouldn’t admit that to anyone but Starkrieger, and even then his voice was kept low - if only because he knew the other Seeker had shared his same fears. Seekers did not usually do well in small spaces, and he was certainly no exception. The only saving grace for himself had been that he knew exactly what was on the other side of the hole, and the knowledge that should there have been something - or someone - on the other side, Coldwind would’ve more than dealt with them before their arrival.

Moving a few steps, he would reach down to pull the hatch closed. The clang of metal as it secured would echo down the empty corridor, plunging them into further darkness as what little light had trickled through the space vanished in an instant - though he seemed to pay it no mind as he began walking - pleased that Starkrieger moved to walk alongside him.

The description of Coldwind was met with a gentle chuckle, and he’d nod.

“Ah, yes. I forgot you have already been acquainted. A mission with Dreadwing, no?”

He’d still yet to read the report from that, though the fact the Captain hadn’t brought it up to him personally meant that everything had probably gone as planned - or, it’d been a waste of time, as scouting missions often were.

Making their way down the corridor, Starscream would move past the doors that were seemingly untouched, before stopping in front of a door at the end of the hallway. This door had shown recent signs of being used, the dust in places had not been given chance to resettle.

Knocking only once with the knuckle of one clawed digit, if only to announce their presence, he would pull the door to one side, sliding it into the allotted space in the wall, before stepping into the room.

The room itself was seemingly being used as a storage room, though its contents were curious indeed. A mishmash of parts, no doubt recognizable as belonging to the Mortilus’ Hymn - some in a far better state than others, though they seemed to have been organized rather neatly, all things considered.

“You’ve been busy, Coldwind.”

He hadn’t quite spotted where the femme actually was, though knew she was in here somewhere.