[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Wakey wakey, rise and shine... (Bladewing/Knockout)

[Knock Out]

Ohhhh, right…

He’d mentioned he’d been with someone. Wait, he wanted to go and find him right now?! Knock Out continued to gawk some. The absolute nerve of this new Seeker was something- holding up both Soundwave and Starscream?

Not the best first impression after that whole bending-the-knee thing!

Another half step aside was taken away from the Seeker, as if distancing himself from any trouble that Bladewing may be in for suddenly halting things.

“A-Are you sure? He could’ve landed anywhere on this planet. Surely getting your wing repaired fully first will help in the search for him?” he added, fingertips pressing together nervously, trying to be at least somewhat helpful in getting things moving toward Blackridge.

[Starscream]

Well, this was terribly awkward.

Keeping his gaze on Bladewing as he spoke, Starscream would motion with one servo toward the Spymaster at his side. A gentle movement, as if to silently tell him to close the bridge. Even though they had an excess of Energon, leaving the bridge open while the other Seeker explained the situation was nothing more than an unnecessary waste.

Plus you never knew who was watching.

“Is that so…” he didn’t sound terribly impressed, hooking both arms behind his back as his wings twitched idly in mild irritation.

“Bold of you to want to rejoin our ranks without your Neutral partner’s input. What if they oppose the idea, mm?”

Even though he’d initially been annoyed by the hold-up, the more he thought on the situation? The more he preferred this. Should Bladewing have rejoined their ranks, only to falter and change his mind should his partner not wish to join with him? He wouldn’t have had access to Blackridge Hold, nor anything that could reveal where the Decepticons were on this planet.

Not that it’d really matter if he did. He’d be easy enough to track down, Starscream was sure.

Drumming his talons along his arm, he would narrow his gaze into a scowl at Knock Out, before his attention shifted back toward Bladewing.

“How long will this take? You are aware of who you stand before, are you not?”

Had his processor been damaged? Would he have wasted Megatron’s time like this? This was borderline insulting, and his only saving grace was the words spoken earlier - and the fact he was a Seeker.

Another gentle tsk, he would unfold his arms, letting them hang loosely at his sides.

"I can only assume you know your companions signal, makeshift or not. Should you give that information to Soundwave, he can make this process far faster..."

Peering over his shoulder, he would nod at Soundwave - giving him the go ahead to get this over and done with.

[Soundwave]

Soundwave watched as Bladewing further elaborated upon the situation, bringing up a concern that was very much valid in some ways, while also problematic in others. He wondered how long the Seeker had intended to hide this fact, not being forthright with this information. While he had mentioned such a thing to Knock Out, it was omitted once the two Commanders entered the scene, leaving them in the dark with what was a rather important detail. It would likely have come up during the screening process, yet that would have been after Bladewing was within Blackridge. Even though he wouldn’t know their location once ported in, it was still not the best scenario should his friend refuse to play ball.

"He only has a makeshift one so I can locate him."

With a gentle turn of the helm Soundwave glanced over when he sensed movement out of Starscream, watching the idle flick of his claws that acted as a wordless command. The intent was picked up, and the displayed coordinates and data would shut off, dropping the inky black visor to darkness along with cutting off the Space Bridge. The entire portal collapsed with a hiss, its thrown light vanishing from the immediate area, and bits of dirt and dust that were being pushed around settled once more with light clicks. After the persistent growl was silenced, Starscream's words would sound that much more clear and pointed, no longer part muddled.

"I can only assume you know your companions signal, makeshift or not. Should you give that information to Soundwave, he can make this process far faster..."

As much as Soundwave and Starscream may clash at times, they could also think along the same paths, and this moment was one of those scenerios. The Seeker plainly spoke the same concerns that the navy mech had, and offered a solution that was very much valid. Or... it was valid so long as they were within a radius of where this new mech's companion may be. If he was close enough, Soundwave's satellite array could possibly pick up on their signal to help them zero in upon their location, just as he did to find Skyquake. For the sentry however, they had an area to search, an idea on WHERE he was. Should this unknown entity be too far away, more powerful tools back at Blackridge would need to be utilized.

Should Starscream still be willing to help.

Soundwave continued to wait and watch, ready to get to work should Bladewing have anything to offer him to get things done and over with. He had more important business he could be tending to, rather than hunting down some Neutral that could denounce the plans of their comrade. This irritation was lost to the outside world however, the navy mech continuing to stay diligent and serve their current False Lord.

[Deleted]

Starscream's words of him being bold to assume his partner would just be as Ok with joining as he was had struck a nerve. Unfortunately the other seeker was right. While he would be happy to serve his Skylord again he had an incling that Blue wouldn't share this feeling.
A thoughtful expression began to show in his frame language. How could he have forgotten to think about asking his symbiont first, if he'd be OK with this? Normally he wasn't that inconsiderate, especially in regards of Blue. He blamed it on just having woken up from stasis.
Unfortunately he couldn't back out of the whole pledging allegiance business anymore, without not only losing the respect of Lord Starscream but also leaving them completely on their own without a shelter in foreign, partially hostile world and without any contacts. Bladewing was being realistic: They most likely wouldn't survive very long like this. He would have to convince Blue that this was the best option, at least for the time being, if - when he found him. There was a slight twinge in his spark.

"He shouldn't be too far away, he was within my cockpit, when we arrived here.", Bladewing explained, hoping he was right since he didn't really know anything about ground or space bridge portals, especially instabile ones.
He felt another, stronger twinge pulling at his spark indicating a cry for help from his symbiont's spark. Bladewing's whole frame language got somewhat restless in response. He didn't want to anger the gathered Commanders by being unseemly but he really needed to find Blue before his symbiont would run out of energon.

"I'm very sorry for this delay, Lord Starscream." He then said directly addressing the other seeker now. His wings were lowered and canted forward in an apologetic gesture.
"And I normally wouldn't have asked for this. But my partner's time is running out. I was found with critically low energon levels, but my partner's frame is much smaller and he had fewer energon stored."
He felt yet another twinge at his spark, much stronger as the last one, urging him to come to his symbiont's aid. It took much effort to refrain from touching his cockpit where his spark was resting beneath, but there was still a nervous twitching in his wings.
"All I need is a moment of concentration, please."

[Knock Out]

There was a sense of dismay as Soundwave closed the portal home- Knock Out peering at the space it’d been only seconds earlier. While he wasn’t thrilled to have his excursion cut short like this- after all, he hadn’t even gotten to race yet! Getting back to Blackridge and getting back to work would probably be in his favor, given he’d been caught out and about by two of high command, no less.

At least any ire would be directed at Bladewing, rather than himself, however. Or so he hoped. Not drawing any attention to himself he would remain quiet, behaving.

What a waste of time this was turning out to be, though.

He’d stand quietly and watch, gently shifting his weight as he waited to see what would happen.

[Starscream]

A low, frustrated growl rumbled in Starscream’s throat as his wings twitched in idle irritation. Unlike Soundwave, his mood was far easier to read through body language alone.

“You’d best hope he isn’t. Soundwave and I will not be waiting forever.”

Even though the offer had been extended for Bladewing to rejoin their ranks, this whole situation was becoming more annoying than it was worth. Was this maybe a further delay to get out of being spoken to by the Spymaster?

“You would think such a crucial detail such as a companion would’ve been mentioned far earlier!” he growled, gesturing wildly at this, another betrayal to his ever lessening patience. Another glare was shot in Knock Out’s direction, before his attention shifted back to Bladewing. He did not have TIME to stand around and wait for the other Seeker to find his missing partner- they should’ve been back at Blackridge by now. He had a faction to lead!

Even the apology didn’t seem to placate him any, and he did not respond with anything more than a sigh.

“If his time is running out, why do you not take me up on my generous offer to have Soundwave locate him. He is the communications officer, after all - and can no doubt pinpoint the location far faster than whatever it is you are currently doing.” a flippant handwave was given at that as he peered at Bladewing, wondering just what it exactly was he was doing to find this missing partner.

“If we do find him, do note that he will be subject to interrogation - just like yourself.”

That of course would only be the case should he wish to rejoin the Decepticons. If he didn’t? Well… they’d deal with that when the time came.

[Soundwave]

Soundwave's earlier plan was starting to unravel with every fleeting moment that passed. Bladewing's unquestioned devotion, his pledge to Starscream... how quickly he had gained the False Lord's favor... it had been the crux and foundation to what would happen next. It meant everything to the following plans, and was the reason the unknown mech would even be granted a false shaky welcome within the fold. The location of Blackridge was something that would have been revealed anyway in some way or another if Starscream were to rake him beneath his claws to be a manipulatable pawn.

Now... Starscream was getting irritated.

At that instant, every doorway that was being opened up to the Neutral slammed shut with a resounding bang. Every opportunity, all the favor he managed to get... all the checkboxes he marked to run through the test with flying scores, were now invalid. Plans were being re-calculated, planned anew to take into account the fact there was another individual, and their goals and ambitions could be drastically different. Bladewing would be relocated elsewhere to find shelter, and be interrogated with no threat of discovering their new outpost. Bladewing, and of course his little companion in tow.

If they could find him.

At Starscream's irritated words about Soundwave's help, the navy mech turned his helm slowly to peer over. There was no expression to be seen, nothing to read upon his faceplate. Simply a devoid darkness framed by purple armor and sharp edges. Despite this fact, there was almost a glare, the angle of his helm dipping ever so slightly to use perspective of the helm crest to create a 'v' of a frown.

Soundwave didn't care what method was used. He didn’t care Starscream's offer was snubbed, for there was always a question if it would even work to begin with. He'd need a proper signature, to be within range, and the individual in question would need an open signal pulse to even detect for example. He couldn’t just get someone's signature then beeline towards them with minimal effort, even with the strength of the satellite array. Should Bladewing have disregarded the offer because his method would be more reliable? Then that was what needed to be used. Not pushing his assistance as if he could magically fulfill any request simply because he was the Communications Officer.

This glower was fleeting, minimal, a flickered movement that could easily be missed by the silver mech, before the screen canted back to peer upon Bladewing and Knock Out.

[Deleted]

Scrap. The whole thing was going south pretty damn fast. If just Soundwave wasn't here. It wasn't that he wanted to betray his Skylord or keep vital information from him, but there were things he didn't want Soundwave to know. He trusted the spy about as far as he could throw him.
Once again he asked himself why Soundwave of all mechs had become Starscream's Intelligence and communications officer when the seekers had so much more trustworthy mechs like Bitstream or Hotlink, who were just as good at their job as Soundwave. But with all the time that had passed, maybe they weren't around anymore… Which would be a shame…

He gave the silent mech a wary, distrusting look, before turning back to Starscream.
He had to put things right. But right now he didn't have the time. He just would have to hope for such an opportunity later - when his symbiont was safe and Soundwave wasn't there.
"Of course my Lord. I'm sorry." Bladewing said sincerely.

He then closed his optics and turned his concentration inward opening the bond between him and Blue as wide as he could.
With a keen the seeker staggered, when he finally felt a response from his symbiont's dying spark, so weak it was just about to start to flicker. But now at least he knew Blue's location.

Bladewing opened his optics and ran over to an unassuming spot some hundred meters away and started digging. Everything, apart from his symbiont, forgotten for the moment he used his clawed hands as showels and frantically dug a hole into the ground almost an arm's length deep.

[Knock Out]

Knock Out stood quietly, gaze drifting between the other three mechs. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the pressure that Bladewing was under right now. Not only due to the panic of not knowing where his missing partner was, but also because Starscream was quickly losing his patience, and Soundwave was…

Being creepy quiet as usual. Still, though, Soundwave was scary at the best of times, and now he was being made to wait as well. Not the best first impression, but maybe the two-for-one deal of a Seeker and a cassette joining the Decepticons would be worth the wait?

His attention shifted to Bladewing, watching the other mech. For his sake, he hoped the Seeker could find his companion. Even if it did mean that there would be more work involved for himself if he was as injured as Bladewing had made out.

Maybe he’d just need some Energon and be good as new, but he doubted it.

There was movement then, and Bladewing ran. He didn’t run far, which made Knock Out quirk a brow some in curiosity, and as much as he wanted to go over to either help or watch, he would remain standing where he was.

“Did you find him?”

[Starscream]

Starscream shifted both servos to his hips, a clawed digit tap-tapping at his frame, trying to bleed out more of that irritation he felt.

He did note the wary glance in Soundwave’s direction by Bladewing, and while deep down he truly understood why the Spymaster was not being utilized to help assist, if they were to join the Decepticons? They had to get used to the navy mech being present.

Even Starscream did not trust Soundwave. Yet he was an important asset to the cause.

He turned his own attention to Soundwave as the other mech moved - assuming that some sort of message would be shown on his visor, almost as if believing the Spymaster had somehow already pinpointed where Blue was. But the only movement was the slight dip of a helm, which Starscream took as a show of annoyance.

He grumbled under his breath, wings twitching some behind himself as he looked back at Bladewing as he spoke.

At least the apology seemed sincere.

“Yes, well, do try to hurry up.”

Some of his irritation had dropped, no doubt due to the fact that Soundwave was frowning at him. Even with the damn faceplate revealing nothing, he knew.

Another wing twitch, another tap-tap of a claw. They weren’t kept waiting much longer, as Bladewing rushed forward suddenly and moved to a spot not too far away, and began digging desperately.

A small hum of amusement, paired with movement of his own - Starscream would walk toward Bladewing at a languid pace. There was no offer to help the other mech dig, he was far too content to stand here and watch.

“Knock Out, I hope you have some Energon ready.” he purred.

[Soundwave]

Bladewing's distrusting look, the gaze of one who didn't favor him very much... Soundwave didn't really care. Not many 'liked' him, and he was accustomed to that without the briefest of glimmers of resentment. He was not here to make friends; he did not walk Blackridge lonely and seeking approvals. He did his job, and he stuck to it to the best of his capabilities. It was this trait alone that kept him in his role despite Starscream's own wariness of him. His skills, his dedication, and his ability to monitor others and keep tabs on internal threats made him valuable. He did not run off for entertainment like Knock Out did, nor let himself be distracted when a true task was put in place.

He was difficult to replace given current rosters.

So, Soundwave was held at arms length, likely just used as a pawn by their False Lord. So long as the Decepticon Cause kept trudging forward to their ultimate goal however, he did not mind. As such, he didn't pay heed to the look from the new mech, merely continuing to watch with a calm idleness... that is, until Bladewing faltered. This made Soundwave's helm crook down ever so slightly once again, focusing in on what he was doing, to try to see what had gone wrong, before his frame eased in a turn to watch as the Seeker bolted towards were his partner must be.

While the unfamiliar Cybertronian dropped down to start to dig at the ground, Soundwave watched for a brief moment before turning with a crook of the helm at Starscream. A silent question, wondering if the other mech planned to follow, or merely watch from a distance. The query did not go unanswered longer than a flicker, as their current Lord started to casually stride the short distance without any haste or real concern behind his movement. The moment Starscream began this approach, Soundwave would follow suit, a plastic like clip of the dampeners in his limbs, paired with the crackled crunch of the ground below.

Whether or not the other mech would stop, Soundwave would continue forth further, eventually intending to stand right nearby where Bladewing had knelt. Whoever this unknown Cybertronian was, waking up in an unfamiliar place would be alarming alone. However, waking up to see not only his companion but Soundwave himself? Well... it would more likely than not catch them off guard so much so there would be no attempt to quell or stifle a reaction. No guard, no false responses loaded in the metaphorical chamber... it would be a PURE emotional reaction that was bound to tell him much about this unknown entity.

Soundwave did not expect a warm welcome, and was ready to try to dodge if a gun was suddenly drawn upon him... not that dodging projectiles often went too well.

[Deleted]

Bladewing's wings were flared protectively as he quickly widened the hole. He moved his frame so that he was positioned between Soundwave and the hole. He was thankful for Starscream to keep his distance. Soundwave however didn't have this curtesy.
Bladewing flicked his wings in irritation. He didn't want to have Soundwave anywhere near his symbiont. Especially not in such a crowding fashion.

Only moments later he was able to pull out the small and fragile frame of what looked like a once blue and silver humanoid minicon or cassette, sporting strange spikes at his lower arms. The poor creature was in a really bad shape with sand clinging to him and clogging his vents. His finish was attrited in several places and it didn't take an expert to see that he was just barely alive.

Bladewing turned over to Knock Out.
"Please help him." He pleaded in a desperate voice. His frame betraying his worry and desperation. He didn't want others to know about his connection to Blue, especially not someone like Soundwave. It was dangerous to have other people know about their connection, since it could be easily used to blackmail them.
Scrap! They'd been able to keep this a secret for a few thousand years, just for it to be revealed by their fall through the unstable vortex.

[Knock Out]

Knock Out was content, for the most part, to stand all the way back and simply watch from afar. He didn’t want to get in the way for one, nor did he want to be asked to help dig in the dirt. The dust was already bad enough to begin with, without him being within close proximity.

Only once Starscream addressed him did he move, shifting his weight some awkwardly. He did have Energon, always carrying with him an emergency supply - although he’d given the majority of it to Bladewing already. He hadn’t been aware there’d be another injured Cybertronian, the fact he’d even found one out here was a rarity in itself.

“I ah, I do, but not much.” he rubbed at the back of his helm some at this admittance. Hopefully what little he had would be enough to get Bladewing’s companion stable, should they find him.

Cautiously he would step forward, watching with quiet sympathy as the Seeker desperately dug. From up here, Knock Out could see well, and for a moment there it did not look good. The lifeless form of the tiny Cybertronian was pulled free, and the cherry-red mech would spring into action, quickly making his way down to the pair - dust and dirt be damned.

This had to be Blue. Bladewing had mentioned his designation long before Starscream and Soundwave had arrived, and while he never doubted the Seeker’s words, at least he had been telling the truth.

“Looks like you found him just in time.”

If Knock Out was worried? He didn’t show it. He may have been a priss when it came to his finish, with a flair of dramatics and overreactions - but when it came to business? He was nothing but professional - even with two of high command looming over and watching. His face neutral, betraying nothing as he pulled the emergency kit once more from his subspace as he dropped to his knees.

The same Energon syringe that’d been used on Bladewing was swiftly retrieved. Normally he would’ve taken it back to the Medical Bay to be either sanitized and repurposed, or thrown away entirely. But it wasn’t like Blue had the time to be picky about such things, and it did not take Knock Out long to find a main line, easing it from the the crook of Blue’s arm. What was left of the Energon would hopefully be enough, given the other mechs small size and frame - or at least sufficient to get him stable enough to be taken to Blackridge.

Using a taloned digit, he would carefully try to scrape away some of the dirt that clogged the vents - not having the proper tools to do such a thing here. With enough luck, the Energon would cycle through his frame and his vents would kick into action, dispelling the dirt without much hassle.

It was a waiting game.

“C’mon, Blue.” he muttered quietly, hoping that hearing his name would spur something along.

[Starscream]

Starscream kept his distance, knowing better than to crowd Bladewing as he dug. Watching with mild disdain, he would not speak further as his arms folded loosely across his chassis.

Quirking his brow at the sight of something among the dirt, everything happened quickly then. A plea, movement from Knock Out as he pushed into action.

The companion was far smaller than he’d imagined, and he’d cast a wary glance to Soundwave as if looking for signs of what the Spymaster thought, before looking down once more, idly tap-tapping a claw atop his arm.

To him, the tiny Cybertronian looked dead. They’d arrived too late, and nothing could be done. He would refrain from commenting, however.

Waiting and watching to see what happened next.

[Soundwave]

It was not Soundwave's intention to hover or loom, merely to observe, and as such as Bladewing positioned himself to wedge between him and his symbiont? The navy mech would ease back and take a couple steps to the side. He kept a respectful distance, not moving so far as to get a straight line between him and the new individual as if he were ready to strike. It was not his goal to snub the other's wishes. No. He let Bladewing remain within his path so that if 'decided' to approach further, which was not on the current agenda, he could protect his Cassette. What this ever so slight relocation did permit however, was for him to keep a visual, not wishing for his observation to be completely obscured.

The individual that was revealed was a more minuscule frame scaling. Modest, small, having been burrowed into the earth likely far easier than a larger Cybertronian may. His condition did not appear to fare particularly well, and given the lack of easily discernible wings he likely had less drag to even slightly slow his plummet to the ground. Soundwave was not profoundly concerned however, for Knock Out was nearby.

As careless and flippant as the red mech may be, he was good at his job, and should he have the supplies to do so? Well, there was a rather decent survival rate for the Cassette. If he could stabilize Megatron after their Warlord had been mutilated by a Space Bridge explosion, he could succeed here. Granted, that was also dependent on tools. If push came to shove, and if Starscream deemed it necessary, Soundwave could place them directly into the Medical Bay.

While machines were limited and battered, the Medical Bay had far more at hand to assist and keep an individual within the realm of the living. Yet, this was an unproven Neutral that had made absolutly no claim of devotion. As far as Soundwave was concerned, he currently held no REAL value despite being another soul to possibly return to Cybertron after one side won the War. One lost entity however, was not a true loss.

Soundwave would not mourn.

The navy mech continued to stand guard, gaze locked down upon the Cassette from his vantage point as his recording continued to catch every instant for the records. He did not move, did not shift his weight, arms remaining slack at his side with the twin shoulder flares angled slightly inward. It appeared Knock Out was doing... minimal effort... yet, this was, once more, not a terrible loss.