[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Missed you Bae [closed | Starscream]

[Starkrieger]

Week 3 | Day 1 -  AM 
Starscream's Office

---

How he missed the thrum of the Nemesis' engines. 

Bridging directly to base only lead from cold, lifeless rock to more on the other side.  The energon mine he'd been stationed to oversee would hardly be missed, least of all for its lack of proper cleaning facilities.  Flicking a wing the flier's gaze briefly lost focus as he shifted attention to assessing how it felt.  Thank Primus, he wouldn't be greeting Lord Starscream like some  ground pounder that'd rolled around in this planets filth. Still, determination and diligence were no substitute for a wash rack.  

"Danke,  Sweetspark."  A passing remake leveled at the Vehicon who'd bridged him over, a playful dimming of optics concealing his hesitation.  Both sets of his wings drew back at the  transition from an open space to a corridor.  The readings had already begun their assault on his processor.    

Floor, wall, wall, ceiling, ceiling, ceiling... By the Pit he needed to concentrate on something else. Claws tightened against the datapad he carried, the report that was due with the change in overseers.  Krieg doubted the information would be exciting, data to be handed over to Soundwave to track productivity and yield.  Boring, so long as the numbers were up to snuff, which they should be.  Krieg smirked lightly to himself, his EMF lightening at his own amusement at the thoughts running through his processor.  Of course the numbers would be good,  the deposit was found by the Commander himself, if the workers were kept on task and their well being was attended it took care of itself.  

If Starscream was sensitive, he might not need to be alerted to Krieg's arrival.  His mood had spiked  with anticipation, a hint of apprehension prickling the current.  It was good to be back with his own kind, but there was also rumors that had circulated among the mining drones.  Regardless, Krieg pinged the leader's comm with a simple request for entrance. 

Drawing in a steady intake, Starkrieger's wings slipped toward their 'at attention' position, cutting off whatever access might be had to reading his emotions.  Processor slipping into its military discipline, he was ready to wait for the Commander, however long was required. After all, he was a busy mech. 

[Starscream]

Oh how quickly things changed.

Megatron had effectively abandoned them once more - leaving with very little warning on what Starscream considered to be a fool’s errand. While the Mortillus’ Hymn was a formidable weapon to be certain, it had no place here on Earth.

The Decepticons had scrabbled up from nothing after the fall of the Nemesis, and it was only through Pyrotech’s generosity they had somewhere to even call home. Through non-stop work they had quickly made something from almost nothing, and while it would never come close to their floating fortress? It made do.

Starscream had led them to prosperity, with an abundance of Energon at their disposal. While mining efforts had considerably slowed in recent days, they still lay claim to many mines on the planet. Most of these operations were well situated, with little need for supervision - some of the newer ones, however, needed a watchful eye on things.

That’s where Starkrieger had come in - once the Nemesis had fallen, some of those who could not assist with construction were sent elsewhere, with the other Seeker tasked with overseeing one of the newer mines.

But with Megatron gone once more, with strict orders left to continue searching for pieces of his pathetic weapon, Starscream deemed it time for Krieg to return. Another Seeker - another flier, well, he was far more valuable to the Decepticon cause here at Blackridge, rather than deep within a mine babysitting Vehicons.

The summons had gone out earlier that day, with no set time for the other Seeker to respond as long as it was sometime within the next few hours.

Starscream’s attention had been on a datapad, so any signals or signs of Krieg’s arrival went completely unnoticed. He was focused on the task at hand, swiping a claw down the screen, occasionally pausing to hum quietly in thought before continuing. 

A ping over his comm caught him momentarily offguard, and he’d turn his attention toward the door with a scowl. There would be no ping of acknowledgment in return, and for a few moments it seemed as if it’d been ignored entirely - before almost without warning the door would swing open, Starscream peering slightly downward at the other Seeker, datapad still in servo.

“You made good time. In future, though, you’d do well to knock.” a gentle scold. He didn’t appreciate being pinged unnecessarily.

Stepping aside, he would gesture toward the inside of the rather modest office. The room itself wasn’t much to look at all - on the far wall was a monitor that was switched off, in front of this sat a simple chair and desk. The desk was littered with datapads and a half-empty Energon cube. There was a chair on the near side of the desk, which was no doubt what was being gestured toward. There were no fancy decorations, save for the same familiar amber lights that were scattered throughout Blackridge hold.

It could probably be considered ‘cozy’.

“Well, come in. I suppose you heard the news?”

Probable time for gloating that he was in charge once more coming in 3, 2…

[Starkrieger]

He maintained his position easily, the structure of his stance helping to keep his focus away from the stone that surrounded him. For Kriege at attention was no different than at easy, physically just as natural, even comfortable in its own way. It allowed his processor to remain focused on what mattered. That focus was doomed to fail it seemed. He'd never expected his superior to actually come to the door. Wings twitching back on reflex, there was a break in his hold on his EMF field, brief as the widening of his optics. Was this the Commander's way of trying to throw him off balance? A way to cleverly assert himself perhaps? Krieg wasn't sure, but it wasn't the time to dwell on Starscream's methods, and let his processor start to wander.

"Noted. Apologies sir." He drew his chassis up, recovering his attentive state as he held his gaze. No offense was taken, as the soldier returned the possible dominance display with dutiful submission. Yet, despite the firm, respectful tone he addressed the Air Commander with, there was a hint of something else. Krieg was rarely shy about letting hints of his disposition slip into even the most rigid of titles, when he thought he could get away with it. Here, without others on hand to judge the exchange between them, he allowed a subtle warmth into the 'sir'.

Granted entrance, there was hardly a pause while his optics slipped from the held gaze to take in the other mech's frame. Not inappropriate, not yet anyway, an instinctive analysis on the build, weaponry, assessing the type of flier such a form suggested. It was no more a conscious sizing up than the the way his wings angled subtly toward the Commander as he passed. The room took secondary notice, aside from the confirmation from his proximity sensors that there was now at least some measure of space around him. Thank Primus.

"I've heard a great deal." Though he assumed a place at the chair, he would not sit unless Starscream himself took up a comfortable position. He'd been taught not to be overtly rude, and would not seat himself while his betters stood. Besides, having his aft planted was a quick way to relax his sense of propriety, but maybe that was the point. If Starscream did choose to settle himself, or lean against something in more conversational fashion, he'd take the offer. He had nothing to hide.

"Perhaps you would care to enlighten me, My Lord? " His wings hiked, subtle though it was, as he waited. The important question left hanging for Starscream to confirm or deny. Was the title still, or rather once again, appropriate to use publicly for the Commander? Rumors about Haven and the dissolved cease fire could wait. Megatron and whatever ridiculous doomsday weapon the Vehicons had been talking up were inconsequential if the guy had wandered off again.

[Starscream]

Starscream briefly nodded at the apology given, looping both arms behind his back as he waited for the other Seeker to step inside the room. His overall posture was rather relaxed, all things considered - his wings did not seem overly tense, nor was his form especially rigid.

This would change for a flicker of a moment, though, as the other mech seemed to be almost sizing him up in a way. There was a gentle flutter of his wings, which hiked up just slightly as he narrowed his optics, watching as the other mech passed,

Only once Starkrieger had made his way into the room fully did Starscream relax once more, sliding the door closed as he turned on his heel, following the other mech.

Making his way to the other side of the desk and carefully setting the datapad down, he would quirk a brow at the fact Starkrieger had yet to be seated. At least he knew his place, and had some sort of grasp of basic manners.

Easing into a sit, for formality sake more than anything else, he would gesture once more to the other Seeker and the chair, hoping he would do the same.

“Have you now?” a curious purr. Word traveled quickly around here, especially among the Vehicons. But then again - he wasn’t exactly sure which rumor or fact had been talked about this day, as they were no doubt rather numerous.

There was no correction on the word ‘Lord’, even if Megatron was still around, he wouldn’t punish those for calling him by what he knew was his rightful title.

“I suppose we’ll start with the most important thing, which relates to why I summoned you today.”

He wasn’t sure just how much Starkrieger knew of Megatron’s initial arrival and the talk of rebuilding a weapon, but given that their Warlord had abandoned them again on another foolish quest just this morning? Well, word spread quickly - but probably not that quickly.

“As of today, I am once again in charge of the Decepticons - albeit temporarily.” there was a touch of sorrow to his tone instead of the familiar smugness that normally would’ve come with such a sentence, but it was quickly brushed aside as he continued. “Megatron is on yet another nonsensical mission off-planet to retrieve pieces of his precious weapon, leaving me to continue our efforts here on Earth.”

The animosity was practically dripping from each word, yet unlike before when he’d been in charge, he had been given a directive to follow. Soundwave would be watching his every move, and so he would - for the most part - cooperate with Megatron’s wishes.

“As a Seeker, you are obviously far more use to me in the skies instead of supervising our mining endeavors.” a long, taloned claw would tap the desk in absent thought. “How did that go, anyway? I trust things went well, given I have not heard of any bad news?”

A slight sidestep in topic, but given the deposit had been one that he himself had found? He was especially invested in how things were going and would take any and all positive reports.

[Starkrieger]

Starscreams movements exuded confidence. It was steadying, perhaps soothing in its way. Even that quick hiking of wings didn't throw off the over all demeanor of the leader in Krieg's mind. Though it was instinct to size up fliers, he should have restrained himself. The Commander hadn't chastised him, so he accepted the older mech's grace in overlooking the slight. That didn't stop the subtle angling of his wings towards the body that moved around him. For Kreig, it was no different than his optics following the other, attentive as was his Lord's right to expect of him.

Seating himself just after the Air Commander, Krieg maintained the formal position of his wings initially. Then the purr of those vocals started to have an effect. He was a sucker for a pleasant voice. No, no, he would stay focused. Unfortunately, Starscream tore through his resolve when he continued to speak.

Tipping his helm to the side, the junior flier straightened at the mention of news, but that brief sorrow in the officer's tones undid him. Wings that settled more at ease, didn't refrain from trying to pull back at Starscream's shift into anger. His optics narrowed as he continued to listen without interruption. The hold on his field was slipping, irritation rising in him, in response to the change Megatron caused in the mech before him, but for the moment he held his glossa. Despite the emotions running high, he had gleaned some useful information. Megatron had returned, but had run off yet again. The confirmation of the weapon wasn't missed either. Seems there was truth to at least those rumors. Yet it didn't seem the absent lord accomplished much if the one most privy to the endeavour had no faith in it.

His ire settled with the transition of the conversation to the mine. Starscream's mood returning to an appropriate disposition assisted Krieg in leveling out his own emotion. Still, an impression had been made, regardless of the warlord's lack of presence, or maybe because of it. Krieg was taught that one could learn a great deal about a mech by the actions of his subordinates.

"Of course sir." Leaning closer, he closed the distance to offer the datapad as was proper. He didn't expect more than a glance, if that. "As to be expected, the deposit you located provides ample raw material, and the workers remain accustomed to the standards your leadership instilled in them." Starkrieger didn't use a flattering tone, for him it was a statements of fact. Starscream had set everything into motion; he had merely kept an eye on the proceedings. "I believe I refrained from doing anything stupid enough to sabotage your mine." It was his turn to purr, the corner of his derma shifting into an easy smirk. A little bit of self deprecating humor to lighten the mood, signaled his relative confidence in the numbers.

"My Lord, if I may ask... " The pause was brief, Starkrieger straightening as he prepared himself for possible backlash. His optics, as usual, would not deviate from his superior's. He knew Starscream often preferred subtlety and tact. Krieg was capable of such things, but tended to take the direct approach. The Commander might not appreciate being rushed. "What problems have arisen due to Megatron's return?" No title was used, while Megatron's designation was offered respectfully, his tone wasn't neutral, it was icy. His left claws flexed, restless with imagined rebellions and laxing productivity, eager to know what was needed of him to secure Starscream's success.

[Starscream]

As the datapad was offered out, Starscream did not move. At least, not at first. A lingering second, then another, he finally reached over and across to take the small device, leaning back in the chair and turning his attention briefly downward, optics scanning over the display and the various graphs and symbols contained on it.

The flicker of irritation in the other mech’s field as he’d filled in some small details was not lost on him, although he would not draw attention to it. No, his gaze remained on the information displayed on the screen, reading at a glance everything of importance. The rest he would pour over in detail once this meeting had concluded, but for now? Things looked good.

“Well, I am sure having supervision helped remind them, thus making things run smoothly.” he chuckled, setting the datapad down on his desk as his gaze shifted up, making - and holding - optic contact with the other mech as he spoke. While he was positive the Vehicons could simply get on with a task once it’d been assigned to them, given they were for the most part drones, having someone there to oversee - and a Seeker at that - probably helped them remain on task at a level that was above average.

A gentle quirk of his brow at the mention of sabotage, he tsk’d, leaning forwards some, propping an elbow casually on the desk.

“If you had, I’m sure I would’ve found out by now.”

Even though Starkrieger was assigned the role of overseeing things in that particular mine system, there were those above him that would also check in on their progress. Soundwave watched with diligence through comms and various reports - anything even slightly off or out of place would’ve been enough to warrant a visit from either himself or Starscream.

As the other mech eased onto another topic, Starscream would shift just slightly, easing himself so he was sitting up straight in preparation for whatever was about to be asked of him, resting his arm atop the desk now. There was an idle twitch of his wings at the movement, almost as if he was expecting this to drag out with some stumbling over words. What did the other mech want, he wondered. A favor, perhaps?

He was pleasantly surprised to find himself not waiting long at all for the answer to that question. Instead, a question was asked of him - one that was direct, and to the point.

His lip twitched, a gentle smirk forming as he eased back in the chair once more, looping both arms across his chassis.

“As much as I would love to sit here and tell you everything that has gone wrong since his arrival, things have- ah, not moved much at all. The first efforts in locating and securing a piece of his precious weapon only began mere days ago.” his voice was level as he spoke.

One claw tapped at his arm. Idle irritation, probably, but at least he was talking to someone who would listen to his grievances.

“While that was successful, having that be the first - and only - mission of its kind since Megatron returned? It is simply not good enough.” his voice had lowered, almost into a growl. “Now, with him abandoning us once more to search the depths of space - alone at that - I have to oversee our efforts in searching for more of his weapon here on Earth.”

That tapping had become idle scraping, scratching some at his silver paint to the point it seemed he didn’t realize he was doing it. Another flick of his wings, definite agitation coming into play as he gave up on keeping them steady.

“What good is a leader who arrives with grandiose plans, only to leave again moments later! While I had focused on our mining in his absence, and expanding upon Blackridge Hold, at least things were moving forward. Under my rule, we almost took out Optimus Prime! We do not need this weapon-” he almost spat the word in pure disgust, his voice rising some as he uncurled his arms, jabbing with a furious point at the desk as he continued “-to finish this war!”

[Starkrieger]

Starscream seemed to like to make him wait, a power play perhaps? Well Krieg wasn't bothered, hierarchy was important, and as far as the other knew he was the same as the majority of Megatron's reprobates. Of greater interest was his Lord's mannerisms. He was an animated mech, the way he moved both powerful and graceful, subtle and bold. He was different from the leader he'd once imagined himself serving. Still, he was paying attention as he observed. His derma lifted easily as he was indulged, and reminded free reign was ever an illusion. Understandable, it was best to keep the Spymaster in one's processor.

Ah, but there was also business to attend to. Unfortunately, that wasn't nearly as pleasant as the company. Starkrieger had thought he'd be ready when he asked about Megatron. What he heard, however threw him. Optic ridges drawing together, his wings angled back. Really? He would have figured the warlord's actions would have been substantial, even if counterproductive.

His gaze remained steady, and had he been a different build, it would have likely caused him to miss the cues, the fidgeting, his wings stiff and restless, the scraping of paint, paired with half consumed rations. Even before Starscream's shift into more emphatic vocals, Krieg's wings lowered in subconscious assurance he was no threat. The frustration pointed to the same conclusion. He was stretched unreasonably thin.

Growing concern for his leader had kept his field relatively level, rather than feeding off the mounting aggression on the opposite side of the desk. That was until two words left the other mech's derma. '...at least'. His optics narrowed, wings trembling as they fought between wanting to raise in agitation, or remain low in respect. He waited for him to finish, or maybe it was merely a pause. No matter, there was an issue that needed to be addressed.

"My Lord", his volume dropped as he tried to control his EM output. It wasn't an easy battle, sitting reducing his instinct to assume a formal stance to physically restrain himself. Starscream was not Solarwind, but by The Thirteen he was his Commander. "I will not abide you belittling your accomplishments. There is no 'at least' in regards to your efforts to keep your troops from expiring. " It was one thing for the rank and file to fuss. As they say, the real trouble was when a unit no longer bothered to complain... But for him to appear to so casually accept such derisive attitude towards his contributions?

"It is a blessing that you are capable and conscientious enough to see to our needs. That those privileged to serve with you have forgotten what war can really be is irrelevant." Primus knew, Starkrieger, shuffled through posts, was well aware what happened to units serving those either unable or unmotivated to ensure that their mechs were fed and sheltered. He'd seen ground models expire from the elements, and too many fliers brutalized because they couldn't find the strength to flee from savage Autobot ground-pounders. Perhaps it would anger the officer to be spoken too in such a way, but Krieg would endure his punishment for speaking out of turn. The mech before him was of greater import than whatever suffering his sharp glossa earned him.

"As to Megatron", he sneered, wings bristling. That Starscream demonstrated meticulous care over his mines and the hold suggested where the derogatory mentality originated. "What can be expected of a showman combatant, who has no concept of community or sacrifice?" Cold, judgmental, Krieg's wing flicked, dismissive of the mech that had cost them all so much. "He is still a gladiator, performing for the crowd in his mind. If not for military builds taking up his cause, his memory would have been buried by the council long ago." Was he being unfair to someone he hadn't met? Probably, but function wasn't fair, and planet snuffing warlords playing at leadership didn't classify as warranting protection, not by his creed.

[Starscream]

The calmness and gentle motions of submission were lost on Starscream in this moment. Quickly becoming riled by his own annoyances toward Megatron, blinded by almost everything else - yet thankful to have been able to speak so freely about it, even if some of that was nothing more than his words getting away from him.

There was a flicker of regret, however, once he stopped speaking. He did not know Krieg well, only that he was a Seeker; one who had not fought the order to oversee some of their mining operations. Had he said too much? Was this mech a Megatron loyalist like so many here at Blackridge? Even despite everything Megatron had done - or not done as the case may be - he was followed without question.

He was not deserving of that absolute loyalty. Not anymore.

Yet Krieg’s field remained level. He was quiet, letting Starscream finish, letting him have this brief moment of silence. These were always the moments that were the most dangerous- yet nothing about the other mech gave away any sort of threat or cause for concern.

A slight wing twitch at being called Lord- he couldn’t help but wonder if that was because he was technically once again in command, or because Krieg knew how to placate him. Or, maybe it was genuinely out of respect.

He couldn’t tell.

Easing his arm back to his side, he would shift his weight, standing a little straighter as if trying to regain some of his composure that’d slipped. Listening to the other mech as he spoke, relaxing just slightly at the words being said.

He- wasn’t quite sure how to react. Such praise was a rarity indeed, and for a moment he wondered if Krieg was trying to gain something in being so quick to jump to his defense. For all that Starscream had done for the Decepticons, it was truly a thankless job, one that - at least in his case - came with very little respect.

Narrowing his optics, he warily listened, although would nod.

“Yes, well, if only the majority of our forces saw it like that.” his tone had softened some since his outburst, matching the calmness of the other mech.

The bristling of wings was not lost on him at the mention of Megatron, nor was that sneer. His own expression relaxing, his guard dropping.

“Megatron has lost his way, nothing more.”

That was something he would stand by, and while he knew that the majority of the Decepticon forces would continue to blindly follow, the fact that there were those that had started to see through the act was… promising.

“While I do intend to play nice and go along with finding pieces of this weapon, it is a pointless waste of our time and resources.”

The fact Megatron had abandoned them to look in the depths of space was proof enough of that- how could they rebuild something if they did not know the entirety of the pieces were here on this planet?!

“I do hope you will humor me in assisting in the search, however.”

Anything to show that they were ‘behaving’ to avoid the scrutinous gaze of Soundwave during Megatron’s absence. What better way to do that than with a competent Seeker.

[Starkrieger]

Krieg didn't miss the narrowing of optics. It was at such times he became irritated with the way Decepticon 'culture' had infected every aspect of their lives. Perhaps it was merely suspicion, displeasure was another possibility. If not for the ridiculous standard of backstabbing, a rank-and-file, addressing his superior, should be able to count on open, clear communication when he had acted out of turn. He wouldn't have retracted what he said, nor would he grovel to gain favor lost because of his conviction. Still, it was nice to know where one stood, and what price was to be paid for ones choices.

No doubt, the mech across from him experienced greater difficulty. In a proper military a decent commanding officer should be able to take the loyalty of his soldiers for granted, instead of having to concern himself over who was looking for ways to undermine him. At worst, Starkrieger could be offlined, but how did that differ in threat to any aspect of function during a war? Conversely, Starscream stood to lose substantially. Regardless, it seemed, he wasn't put-off enough to outright call him to order. Whether he took the words of support to spark was out of Krieg's servos.

His optics sharpened at the mech's defense of Megatron. It wasn't an actual defense of course, rather, a smoothing of Krieg's blunt statement. Politics, a constant necessity for a higher up, something he didn't envy. The corner of his derma twitched upward, his wings relaxing into their natural position, as he leaned back.

"You're more generous in your opinion than I", he spoke easily, processor assessing the likelihood that Starscream was 'correcting' him to encourage tact. "Perhaps, one day, we will find ourselves at liberty to debate the matter at length." Now obviously not being ideal. He'd been allowed some leeway, but there were official reasons he was summoned. Discussing the non-resident warlord's nature wasn't among them, at least he didn't think it was.

"As you command my Lord", there was that undertone of familiarity that he so naturally slip into a title, not quite to the level of equating it to endearment, not yet. He raised his servo to absently wave away concern. "You don't need to ask for my obedience sir. So long as your orders aren't indecorous..."  Though, from this particular officer, he wouldn't mind certain improprieties. For a nano-klik he considered suggesting it. It was a bit soon too test Starscream, but then again, what could he do compared to what Lockstep's had? She'd risen the bar on that score. For this round, tactics won out, as his processor switched gears on his response. There would be plenty of opportunity to trip up his silver plated Air Commander with inappropriate advances later.

"Besides, I'm a soldier. ", he adopted a flippant tone, rather than the suggestive invitation his lord had narrowly avoided. "We excel at wasting time and resources." He settled his right servo on the desk as he leaned forward subtly, wings slipping back, before he added in stark contrast to his previous jest. It wasn't his typical hunt, but his field hummed with excitement, restless in the face of a pending assignment within reach. "When do I start?"

[Starscream]

Starscream’s posture mirrored that of the other mech. Relaxed, wings twitching with languid movements, almost as if trying to bleed off some of the exasperation from moments earlier. Body language went a long way, and while he did not really know Krieg, the brief moment of regret had since dissipated. This was certainly going far smoother than his conversation with Thundercracker just a day earlier…

As the other Seeker spoke, he listened, looping both arms behind his back and picking idly at his thumb claw.

“Indeed I am. Then again, you never know just who is listening in.” his words a gentle purr, followed by a low chuckle- a warning, almost, to be discreet. The ease of which the other mech spoke of Megatron was something he could almost admire, if it wasn’t for the fact it came with great risk and therefore could be considered so very foolish. Starscream was careful, cautious- overly so, but it was needed.

Even though he was currently in charge? He knew better.

While there were those that followed Megatron blindly and without question, he was sure that there were those that had begun to finally remove the wool from their eyes. To see Megatron for what he really was, to start questioning his ideals and motives that’d strayed so far from the glorious days of Cybertron and the rise of the Decepticons.

Ah yes, indeed, he was sure of it - but those that were against their Warlord knew better than to speak out, himself included, for the most part. Any grievances were better left unsaid, especially with the eyes and ears of the Decepticons lurking within Blackridge. While he was positive that this room was safe from any such devices for Soundwave to listen in, one could never be too careful. His office was a short walk from the Control Room where the navy mech spent the majority of his time and therefore probably out of earshot? He was wary. Paranoid? Perhaps. But with good reason.

Lips twitching into an amused smirk at discussing the matter at length, he could only nod as he replied, wings easing into a more natural position with far less idle twitching.

“Perhaps we shall. I’m sure after being stuck in the claustrophobia-inducing mines for so long, you are itching to spread your wings. As your Commander, I am interested in your skills. Perhaps an evaluation is in order.”

Any excuse to fly, he would take. Paired with another Seeker- one that seemed to have the same mindset, or at least could be easily swayed? Even better.

Unlooping his arms to rest gently at his sides once more, he could only quirk a brow at the comment about obedience.

“Good to know.” at least he knew his place. Shifting his weight just slightly, he would continue “I’m not sure what kind of orders you’ve been given in the past - or who gave them - but there will be nothing like that here.” calmly rolling his wrist, he would flex his fingers - before curling them gently and relaxing.

He wasn’t quite sure just what the other mech meant, nor did he really want to push the matter. They had more important things to discuss, and he would chuckle at the mention of wasted time.

“Ah, that you do. Some more than most.”

A hum of thought was the only response given to the question, as Starscream’s attention shifted downward to one of the many datapads that littered the desk. Swiping a clawed digit across the screen, it would blip to life, the screen illuminating.

“Soon.”

Ah, vagueness. However, he would gift the other mech with a few more details. Optics focused downward as he scrolled down various glyphs and walls of text until it seemed he found what he was looking for, a topographic map of the planet.

“You will be assigned a scouting route with Breakdown. The initial - and only search so far - provided not only a fragment of Megatron’s precious weapon, but helped refine our technology to help locate said pieces. While it is nothing compared to the accuracy we would have should we still have the Nemesis in our control, it is better than nothing at all.”

Swiveling the datapad around on the desk so the other mech could see, he had so helpfully zoomed in to a rather unassuming looking island in the Atlantic Ocean. Easing back into a stand, he would fold his arms casually across his chassis.

“Iceland. Small, unassuming, yet initial reports show there’s a possibility a piece of Megatron’s weapon landed there. Between the two of you, I am sure you can work it out.

However, as much as I would like to send you both out there now, Soundwave is doing some minor modifications to the scanner itself. Now that we know it works, he is making the device sturdier - I do not see this taking more than a couple of days at most.”

Venting out a gentle exhale of a sigh, he would continue.

“In the meantime, be sure to familiarize yourself with Blackridge Hold. Given your long stint in the mines, I can only assume you have not yet made your way around nor picked out a berth in one of the quarters?”

[Starkrieger]

Seeing the other mech relax, hearing him chuckle, soothed his spark. Not for the first time, a part of his mind was slipping into an occupation with Starscream that was, oddly, not standard inappropriate interest. His conclusion, it had been the right choice to not push his Commander. Witnessing his leader seizing a chance to be relieved of some tension proved to be a greater reward. That realization made the younger flier uneasy, his wings briefly wavering in an awkward flutter his field threatening chaotic shifts. Shoving whatever the slag had gotten into him deep down, he stretched the treacherous appendages to 'work out stiffness', to excuse his need to settle them and his field properly. Fortunately, there was something safer to dwell on than what skills Starscream had for throwing him off his usual game... again.

The vague nature of the timeframe, reminded Krieg of attempts to encourage patience in him when he was still a youngspark. He waited, right claw twitching, he took up the datapad after he'd give sufficient time to not 'snatch' it up. It was a practice in restraint to angle its surface in a better display of civility than his impulses might have dictated. As he looked over the screen, his wings made a slow ascent, his secondaries shifting at that same pace. Processor focused he quickly evaluated its content, before it would be impolite not to return his gaze to the speaking mech. He would follow up on this 'Iceland' while work on the device was being completed.

"Of course." He assumed he would be reporting to the Spymaster. Regardless, wasting Starscream's time with pointless questions that would be answered in a few days didn't seem like the best note to leave on. Carefully replacing the data pad back on the desk, the Seeker stood, likely less subtle than his Commander had. The shift in conversation, and the other mech's tone seemed clear. This meeting was coming to a close. "Whenever the Spymaster is ready, I'll be on hand." His wings edged towards their formal position subconsciously acknowledging, Soundwave was not someone to take lightly.

"I haven't yet sir, but I'm sure I can sort out the details. You've got enough to concern yourself with, running an army." Besides, he'd suffered reassignment enough throughout the war to figure out how to work his way into a new unit. Find the guy that dealt with the personnel, if he existed, and throw one's self at his mercy. Not hard, just had to look for the mecha that had the deepest scowl at an unfamiliar assortment of plating walking into the room. That or charm his fellow rank-and-file into divulging.

Once Starscream had finished providing any additional information, or issuing further orders, he dipped his head subtly, wings and chassis lowering with the gesture. There was a time to acknowledge serious matters.

"In regards to an evaluation. I am, as always, at your disposal my lord." No familiarity or games, only the reverence that the title was designed to convey. It was an honor to share the skies with him, whether it was to fly with him, or by his command. He'd been taught to recognize the significance of flight with one superior in both rank and skill. Starscream could have delegated the task just as easily.

" I will take your advisement into consideration." He maintained sincerity of his tone with those parting words, as the Commander saw him out of the office. His survival instincts usually capped at the methods he didn't want his spark extinguished by, and combat responses. However, Starscream had decided to put forth the effort to warn him about the Spymaster. Krieg supposed he should respect that effort by at least entertaining the idea of using his processor more and his derma less.

---

Puppetting of Starscream with Ren's approval. Thanks Ren

[Starscream]

“I am sure either Soundwave or myself will be in touch, once he has finished with the necessary modifications.”

Once Starkrieger had departed the office, Starscream would be updating the various logs and rosters to show that he was actively working toward some sort of outcome here, if only to remain slightly under the radar from the Spymaster. His orders from Megatron had been to continue searching for pieces of the weapon, and while he did not fully agree with the plan? He would do as he was told.

For the time being.

It would be easy enough. Pick out pairs of capable Decepticons, throw the device at them which would hopefully get stronger and further attuned with each successful mission. Gather whatever pieces of this weapon they could find, and store them until Megatron returned.

At least it would keep Soundwave busy, or more importantly? Distracted.

Or, so he hoped.

As the datapad was set down once more, he would slide it closer to his side of the desk with a single claw, before powering it down with a gentle swipe of the same digit.

He could only chuckle lowly at the mention of running an army, tsking and gently shaking his helm as he turned his gaze back onto the other Seeker.

“Ah, if only. The only priority right now is locating pieces of this weapon- everything else is, unfortunately, under control.”

Everything ran smoothly for the most part within the Decepticon ranks, with rotating schedules and rosters, they moved and weaved between posts like clockwork. Of course, there was the occasional hiccup or straying from said path - when opportunity came knocking they would always take advantage - but everything had been ominously quiet and still from the Autobots, and while he’d heard reports of MECH taking one of their own? That’d been long since dealt with.

Alas, even though everything was always moving from an outsider’s perspective? It was agonizingly slow to those that paid attention. A gentle vent of a sigh escaped him. How much time would he have to waste on this matter? He was not sure, but as much as he’d rather be furthering his own advancements, he was playing by the same rules as everyone else.

“That being said, I am certain you are more than capable of acquiring a berth for yourself. I also suggest getting to know Breakdown, if you have not already met- given you will be working together in the coming days.”

As the other mech dipped his helm, Starscream would gently nod, his wings twitching ever-so-gently at the title he was called once more. It never got old, especially now with Megatron technically once again back in charge.

“For that, I will be in touch directly. I am curious to see your capabilities in the air, especially after being in the mines for so long, I am overdue for a flight myself - it would be as good a time as any to see what you can do.”

He would begin moving toward the door at that, with Starkrieger not far behind. At the other mechs comment, he would chuckle.

“See that you do.” a gentle purr laced his words as he eased the door open, letting the other Seeker depart, and closing the door behind him.

-Fin