[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Quarry [ Closed | Downfall ]

[Breakdown]

Timeline: Week 2 | Day 4

To start at Blackridge and move to Africa

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     Everything was strange now. An accidental meeting had compromised everything. He just didn't realize how bad it was until he had needed to face their Warlord. In the back of his mind he had recalled his meeting with Bumblebee and had been a little concerned that he'd been monitored by the eyes and ears of the Decepticons. However, in the coming days he hadn't been talked to about it and nothing seemed to have arisen so he was almost certain he was in the clear. However, Megatron was notorious for biding his time and finding the perfect opportunity to reveal his hand. The paranoia laced mech was one that was almost feared into submission under Megatron. He knew what power the other possessed, and when he was in his presence, even the voices that usually riddled his thoughts would go silent. The one time he would have preferred to hear them and they always chose that opportune moment to abandon him. That silence was more unnerving than anything else.

     Breakdown had reported his findings from his previous days of scouting to Megatron, and that had been more than just a little bit uncomfortable, especially knowing the dangers that he faced if his Warlord knew or found out about his unscheduled meet up. Thankfully it seemed he didn't get questioned, as he had already been sort of a fidgety mech when standing before the might of the Decepticon army. A shift of weight, a clench of his servos, a slight turn of his helm where he wouldn't make direct optic contact. Those were his usual displays and made sure not to hide them or risk rising suspicions.

     Peace Through Tyranny. That was starting to make his frame crawl.

     The report had been given. That was the end of it. Megatron could do what he wanted with the information and Breakdown's part was done and over with. Leaving Megatron’s overbearing presence was the most relieving ease of pressure that he had ever experienced, and each time he endured those cold red optics on him the only thing he had to look forward to was getting away from their sight line.

     The next cycle Breakdown was in the medical bay going through his usual routines. After making sure all the equipment was where it belonged and was thoroughly checked for issues that would render them useless, he'd move onto the more pressing tasks. As usual, he'd take on the task to check on maintenance reports of the Vehicons to see who was scheduled to be looked over. Several hadn't been in for their regular check ups and they were apparently still online, so it was up to him to go with the datapad and remind them. Knock Out was busy with who knew what and he didn't bother to comm him, as this was just part of his dailies so he didn’t need to report in to the CMO what he was off to do, so he gathered up the datapad and left the makeshift medical room to seek out the Vehicons he needed to gather up.

     Maybe afterwards he would check up on the location. It was such a thankless job down there...

[Deleted]

Just a moment prior Downfall had found himself standing in front of their leader, his presence was overwhelming, just like before; where many of their crew had gathered to introduce themselves in front of him. And just like before Downfall had felt honored, blessed even to be considered important enough to stand in the same room as their lord and savior.

However, their conversation had been short, but he did not mind, after all, he could understand that there were many other important things to take care off as well. The green jet had never been one to lead, but rather considered himself to be a loyal follower, he preferred it that way as it made things so much easier.

Now, after what had been done, Downfall strode through the carved out corridors, heading straight to his destination point where he assumed his soon to be partner to be.

It was, thankfully, not that difficult to gather a strong lead of his whereabouts. The Vehicon troopers certainly knew this mech by name, knew his location and certainly were more than familiar with his occupation and function around Blackridge. Though, as much as the Vehicons knew about him, Downfall on the other servo knew only rumors and stories. Still, if one was known in such a way, it was most certainly because one had established a certain reputation... if it was a good or bad one he did not know, and would not judge.

Blackridge was expansive, large like a labyrinth, and while one could easily navigate around it with the right tools, Downfall could not and stuck to the more populated and important areas such as the control room, living quarters and medical bay in return. He never traversed far after an unfortunate incident as the memories were still fresh and deep and he wasn't keen on repeating said incident so soon again.

With heavy pede falls he wandered along the corridor, straight up heading towards the entrance of the medical bay in hope to find the one he was looking for. But as fate had it, he would not have to wander far before a dark hollow shape came into focus, slowly but steadily forming an image that was neither Vehicon based, nor based around one of their commanders.

Slowly the green jet would stop in his movements, carefully angling his frame so that he wasn't straight up facing the other. It was done so in order to prevent any threatening display, he certainly was not interested in accidentally challenging the other due to his mass and size in any way.

“Pardon my interruption, sir. But may I ask you a question? I am currently looking for a mech designated as Breakdown, do you posses by any chance information about his whereabouts? It is of utmost importance.”

His voice was held low and calm, yet laced with a heavy Russian accents, deep and rolling on some parts of his sentence.

[Breakdown]

The bruiser looked up when he heard the heavy footfalls headed in his direction. When he spotted the large mech ahead of him, he figured that he would just continue past him. Instead he stopped and turned slightly sideways, indicating that he was allowing Breakdown to go on ahead. That was certainly strange, considering that Breakdown’s position in the hierarchy usually meant that he was supposed to stop for everyone else. So either this mech didn’t know just how the hierarchy worked around here yet, or he had other intentions.

When the other spoke, Breakdown realized he was looking for someone and needing help finding him. Rather, he was looking for HIM and didn’t know what he looked like. If he’d felt bothered enough Breakdown could have continued on his way and told him he didn’t know where the mech was and not tell him that he was the one he was looking for, though there was another reason behind why he would do that and it was rooted within his current paranoid thinking.

The mech knew his designation but he hadn’t said why he was looking for him in particular since no one other than Knock Out or the Vehicons ever sought him out. Had Megatron found out about his meeting with Bumblebee and had sent this mech out to question him over it?

No. Breakdown knew their fearless leader better than that, even if he hadn’t had much direct interaction with him. Megatron would want the answers given to him directly so he could try to detect anything that he would have deemed suspicious and to root out the possibility of any treacherous act. If he suspected anything he wouldn’t send someone else to handle a traitor- that was a privilege he would have liked to handle himself if just to make an example of him to the others. That was unless he had ulterior motives such as trying to kill two birds with one stone.

Finally an answer. “Yeah, that’s me.” He responded as he normally would as not to draw attention to any nervousness he may have about this encounter. “Just on my way to perform some routine check ups on some of the Vehicons. Was there something you needed?” Though his words were straightforward and to the point, he wasn’t rude about it. He just stood there, looking at the mech, waiting to see what the other needed.

[Deleted]

As the other responded, Downfall listened.

Good! It appeared his search came sooner to an end than first anticipated. It somewhat freed the big flier of having to scout out further areas of Blackridge Hold. It was a very welcoming relieve and his shoulders sank in just a bit at the realization.

No, he certainly wouldn't have had liked to traverse deeper into the labyrinth of corridors because of this. But thankfully the information one of the Vehicons had granted him were correct, and he'd found the mech just in time.

“It is my pleasure to meet you then, Breakdown. My designation is Downfall, and I have been send by our lord and savior himself.”

He spoke in a polite manner, dipping his helm in respect.

“Your expertise are required. I have been tasked to inform you of a mission.”

Then, the big green jet moved, slowly turning again to face the blue one head on. A faint flicker of his wings was made in turn, before they would settle behind his back again.

Downfall was tall, heavily armored and stacked with dangerous weapons and explosive that rested at his frame and wings. He easily towered over the other, in size and mass. And it became even more apparent as he closed the distance between them, taking a few well placed steps one after the other. He was a behemoth, a bruiser just like Breakdown himself, and perhaps just as gentle.

His steps and approach was slow, hinting no aggression or evil intent.

“According to Lord Megatron, you have seized an untapped energon mine somewhere on a foreign continent named 'Africa'. It is now our mission to establish camp, and transport any necessary equipment over to that particular mine. You have been chosen to lead said operation, while I offer my services as your humble assistant.”

And with that, Downfall would fall quiet, helm casting downwards to await further commands, or to answer further questions should any arise.

He, however, was ready for department, yet would wait patiently until Breakdown would be able to process everything and officially start their little adventure.

[Breakdown]

      "Inform me of a mission?" Breakdown was both confused and curious about that, considering that he hadn't heard anything about going anywhere on any mission. He listened as the newly introduced Decepticon explain why he was seeking him out. While it seemed he wasn't here to remove his spark, it was still a rather questionable task that was being presented to him. Megatron was choosing HIM to lead the operation? Breakdown hardly had the pedigree to be given such a responsibility, as he figured the chain of command would have been more wanting to have that claim on a new energon mine- especially Starscream.

     Set up the camp.
     Lead the charge.
     Gloat about how he's the best and brag about the discovery as he commands the Vehicons to begin their ritualistic tasks of mining the deposit.

     That was the order of the  Ritual of Starscream

     The fact that it was being given to him made him wonder if there was something going on, or if the others were just so busy with other tasks that this was far too mundane even for the likes of their SIC.

     Once Downfall finished his speech, Breakdown let out a small grunt. He had to play it normal, which was as simple as being the idiot everyone thought he was.

     "Sounds like fun. Alright. Downfall, was it? Well, first we're going to need to round up some Vehicons to go with us so we can start. I was just on my way to perform some routine check ups on a few of the troops that haven't arrived at the medical bay yet. Come with me. We'll get these done so we can include them on this task, then we can be on our way."

[Deleted]

Downfall listened, carefully observing the other for any hints of emotion, body language even. Yet, there was nothing- nothing other than a normal greeting and the ever so casual voice that accompanied the big blue mech.

Granted, the green jet didn't know much about Breakdown, other than just rumors. But it was almost as if he had been prepared for this mission long before Downfall informed him of such. The precise way of his talking, the organized pattern of his thoughts within just a few seconds were evidence enough to know that this was certainly not his first mission regarding an untapped energon mine.

However, once silence had befallen the two mechs, Downfall offered his new team member and partner a nod of understanding.

“Of course. Please, lead the way, I will follow.”

It was spoken with the same amount of politeness, accompanied with a small shift of his posture to make room for the other so he could walk unhindered.

There was nothing more to add, as Breakdown seemed to already know what they needed- and where to find it. The Vehicons were great help, he had to admit, and without them their forces would no doubly be at a disadvantage.

What kind of check-up Breakdown had to perform, however, was still a mystery to the flier, but given the circumstance he'd been assigned to assist their CMO, Downfall could only assume it had to be some sort of medical issue.

Hopefully it wasn't something serious?!

“I apologise for my curiosity, sir, but may I ask what kind of check-ups you have to perform beforehand?”

A simple question, one Downfall hoped wasn't too personal, nor invading Breakdowns privacy. He could understand that some individuals didn't like to be questioned, neither on personal level, or on work relatable things. Yet, if he knew what task may await them, he perhaps could adjust and even assist the blue mech should there be the need for.

But for now? Downfall would wait patiently so his partner could call the shots.

[Breakdown]

     Breakdown walked with the larger mech behind him, looking down at the datapad. He needed to know who he was supposed to check out, which was easy for him since all the Vehicons could be identified by him just by their looks or voice. He spent enough time with him that he knew them like he knew the back of his helm. 

     Downfall's question didnt' take him by surprise outside of the very polite way he was asking. Usually someone would have been frustrated over being delayed in something, especially with putting the Vehicon's well-being over prioritizing 'go do this mission you were told to do'. 

     No point in making a big deal over it.

     "Just the normal stuff like what you and I would do after a mission." Breakdown didn't know if that was a good enough answer to be honest. Knock Out didn't really do scheduled maintenance checks on him since he knew that sort of stuff made him uncomfortable to begin with and since he was always around, if something was off the medic would be able to spot it right away. He had to base 'normal' off of just what he knew from those who came in to see Knock Out when they first arrived or after a battle. The things that were constantly gone over during those exams were what he considered part of the routine, as well as the things he checked the vehicons over for.

     Probably wouldn't hurt to elaborate, just in case the other wasn't aware of what this check would entail and saved another question. 

     "You know... the typical stuff. A lot of the ones I'm checking on are miners or guards, so it's just checking for damages that need repair, making sure all fuel levels are within acceptable ranges- that sort of stuff. It's nothing serious nor should it take that long. The hardest thing is finding everyone. Sometimes they get so caught up in what they're doing that they don't have time to head over to medical to get a once over so I go to them. Worse thing that could happen is that they're assigned to posts and this list isn't updated on their locations. From what I see they should be here in base, but I'm sure you know how well that works out most of the time." 

[Deleted]

Walking behind and after the blue mech, Downfall kept his strides in pace with the other one's- not that he was a fast walker to begin with, but keeping track of it felt like a good idea at this point as he listened to the explanation given.

“Understood.”

Short and simple to the point. Downfall understood what Breakdown was saying, at least the general idea of his task made sense. It was, however, a little worrisome that many of the troops just 'forgot' to take their medical appointments serious when they had to. It was, at least in his opinion, counterproductive to send extra staff out to 'remind' them or to even take full scaled private visits in order to get them back in a functioning condition- but as always, it wasn't his call to judge.

How long this extrusion would take was of no concern to him; he had done his job and informed Breakdown of a mission that had been giving to him by Megatron himself. Should there arise any complication of why or what would take them so long to accomplish it? It was Breakdowns responsibility to explain that to their Lord.

“I do not wish to question your expertise in such an important matter, but why does the medical staff send out personal to see our fellow comrades instead of calling them in?”

Again, it was counterproductive to send out staff which had to snake their way through endless hurdles in order to reach and find the individual they were looking for. Especially as the other had just confirmed that not everything was updated regularly and that errors could arise while doing so. However, Downfall kept his frame moving and would follow Breakdown regardless of his side quest.