[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Incongruous Implications [Closed]

[Starscream]

Week Three, Day Three
---

Starscream found himself pacing the empty Control Room.

Once again he’d been placed in charge of the Decepticons, once again he had been left to pick up the pieces while their Warlord gallivanted through space on some pathetic mission to locate pieces of his precious weapon.

There had to be more to it than that. Megatron had been so certain the pieces had been scattered here on Earth, yet no sooner had he arrived to regale them all with the news, had he abandoned them once more.

There was no word nor mention as to how long he would be absent, no time frame - only that he would one day return with that which he sought. While Starscream doubted very much it would be three years like the first time he had departed in search of his army, the unknowing had certainly put a stop to the majority of his own schemes.

If only for the time being.

The gentle tap of heeled pedes echoed softly throughout the stone room, pausing only as he stopped moving to spin on a heel and continue back the way he’d come. Arms looped at ease behind his back, the Commander seemed to be waiting for something - or someone.

An idle glance was given to the monitors, which displayed a topographical map of Iceland, before his gaze drifted down to a rather rough-looking object that sat atop the console. It looked more like a prototype than anything of actual importance, yet it was one of the most valuable possessions here at Blackridge. Or, it was if Megatron was to be believed.

A scanner to find the scattered remains of the Mortillus’ Hymn.

After an initial ‘test’ with Flamesnort and Vega a week ago, several tweaks had been made to the device, honing it just that little bit more now they had successfully located a portion of the weapon. He wasn’t exactly sure just what work Soundwave had done on the apparatus to improve it, only that they were overdue to find another piece of the Hymn and even though he considered it a waste of time, he would not stray from his orders.

Two summons had been made for the task this day. One to Breakdown, who he knew would dutifully assist without much objection due to an owed debt. The second had been to Starkrieger, a Seeker that Starscream had met only briefly, yet was curious as to his skills in the field after being tasked with overseeing some of their mining efforts. 

Breakdown’s lack of flight capabilities shouldn’t be too much of an issue, and he was sure that between the two of them they could make quick work of finding another piece of the weapon.

Now all he had to do was wait for them to arrive.

[Starkrieger]

There was nothing gentle about the sound that mimicked the Air Commander's out in the halls. There was something in the solid resonance of a well placed heel that harkened back to an order, and discipline that seemed almost Primus' ordained to strike a chord with the spark. Krieg had learned to appreciate the smart metallic 'clomp' from a mech that had had far greater mass to issue it. That didn't stop him from a slight emphasis in his gait to nicely project, using the self-regulated metronome to pace his steps. Not to mention, it was useful to focused his processor when passing through tight corridors

Flying patrol the previous day should have helped quell some of his excess energy, instead it'd only bolstered his restlessness. Krieg had yet to properly settle himself to adjust his recharge cycle, but still carried his wings aloft, his optics were sharp while, his field buzzed heedless that it potentially came across as a lack of experience.

What's the worst that would happen? Words, impressions, even records were meaningless in the field. Results proved ability and worth.

Coming to the control room, a visual sweep immediately identified Starscream's solitary presence. There was an instant in which his wings hitched higher, the absent grin he bore augmented by an equally brief quirk at the corner of his derma. Whether it was noticed or not was purely up to coincidence, the gesture even further from his conscious mind than way his primaries then dipped in deference to his superior.

"My Lord", he greeted in that warm way he could wield a title, as if invoking the other's designation, for all that he had yet to indulge in such familiarity. As he approached, his wings stretched out to transition into a proper height to be at attention, albeit loosely so. It assisted in reigning in his field, his pedesteps lightening either by design or due to his focus shifting debatable.

Optics settled on the device with keen interest, secondary wings slowly angling back as his gaze lingered. A seemingly insignificant thing to be reliant on. Was there a backup? How ease it would be for it to become damaged or lost to them, especially if the Autobots showed up.  

Not on my watch. A quick prayer as much as it was a vow.

His left claws flexed causing the Seeker to shift his stance before the officer. Slipping his arms casually behind his frame, Krieg let them hang low, chassis spread by the weight of his limbs. Clasping the wrist of his armed side in restraint, he issued a succinct dip of his wings, silent apologies for his display of poor discipline. It wouldn't do for the enroot soldier to find fault in their superior because of him.

[Breakdown]

The sudden summoning from Starscream had been unexpected, but Breakdown didn't drag his pedes to respond to it. He made his way through the corridors, being mindful to pay attention to where he was going so he didn't get himself turned around.

Something was up- he'd been feeling it for several days now. Things were getting odd again, with an unsettling air in the facility that threw up all kinds of red flags. It had been making him uneasy, and that unease was rubbing off on the Vehicons. Where they used to welcome his company ( which was where he spent most of his time since it was the only place he could go and not get himself lost finding ), now they paced around and watched him at all angles as if they expected him to lash out at them at any moment.

At first he had thought it had something to do with the virus he had been infected with and them still not being entirely convinced his tempter was completely under control again, but not long ago things had been fine so that idea went out the airlock. No, this was something else. Breakdown lacked the capacity to come to a conclusion immediately so he'd been tossing ideas around to himself in a 'throw it at the wall and see what sticks' type of way. So far nothing had worked.

When he arrived, he spotted the two seekers in the room. Starscream he knew, the other he had only been around briefly during his arrival check up. Breakdown didn't pry into the business of others or trying to find out who he was working with. He was at the bottom. The only thing he needed to know was when he was given an order, he just his head down, his mouth shut, and did as he was told.

"Commander Starscream," Breakdown said with a nod as he approached the two. Seekers weren't Breakdown's favorite classes, with their frail looking frames and imposing talons that could dig into metal. There was always something... disproportioned about them in that way that made him wonder if they would blow away in the wind or break in half if they hit a tree. No way any of them would survive one of his punches without serious damage.

His attention went from Krieg to Starscream, as he silently waited to see what this was all about. He was starting to figure out why the base was the way it was...

[Starscream]

Starscream was not left waiting long before the sound of approaching footfalls drew his attention toward the doorway. He could tell just by the noise alone that it was Starkrieger who would be arriving first, his frame not quite as bulky as Breakdown.

Not that it was a race, but it was these tiny details that he paid attention to and made note of.

Casually looping his arms behind his back, he would swivel on a heel to face the approaching mech. He stood tall, proud - yet his wings were at ease, relaxed behind himself. The only time they moved, and it was a gentle twitch at that, was when Starkrieger had stepped into the room itself.

The grin was indeed noticed, yet would go unmentioned. A bob of his helm at the greeting, a feeling of mild content at being called by his proper title.

“Starkrieger.”

His chin tilted up some at the sound of heavier, more familiar footfalls approaching. The bigger mech’s gait was slower than that of the other Seeker, and Starscream’s gaze would once again drift toward the doorway.

His wings moved again - this time as Breakdown spoke upon his arrival. Not quite so gentle this time, an obvious shudder of irritation before they eased upright, although were not fully flared.

He wouldn’t correct the big blue mech on his mistake - knowing the Control Room was under surveillance. Megatron had not perished, and so the title of Lord did not rightfully belong to Starscream, even with their Warlord’s absence.

“Breakdown.”

An eased bob of his helm, he would take a gradual step back so he could address them both at once.

“As you are both more than aware, Megatron has once again- departed off-planet.” a quick glance was given toward one of the rocky walls, as if searching for a camera. He wanted nothing more than to air his grievances once more, state the truth - that Megatron had abandoned them and he wanted no part in this, yet he would behave.

Turning his attention back to the pair, he would continue.

“His quest to rebuild the Mortillus’ Hymn is ongoing, and while he has opted to continue his search elsewhere, we mustn’t give up our efforts to locate the pieces here on Earth. Starkrieger, I spoke briefly with you two days ago in regards to this mission. Breakdown, I am trusting you will get yourself up to speed as I explain.”

It did not take a genius to work out what was going on, and while he was aware that Breakdown was a little slower on the uptake - then again most soldiers were, it seemed - he was certain the other mech would have no issue with what was to be asked of him.

Gradually twisting, not quite turning his back on the pair, he would shift his attention to the monitor that displayed a topographical map of Iceland, servo absentmindedly drifting to rest on the prototype-looking scanner.

“A piece of the Hymn has possibly been located somewhere in this area. While we do not have an exact location, Soundwave has greatly modified one of our scanners to pick up on the weapon’s signature.” a clawed digit would gently tap the device in question, just in case they did not get the hint. “Do note the range and accuracy is… still a work in progress, and because of this you will have to actively search - probably for some time - before it shows a reading of any kind.”

Clawed fingertips would curl around the scanner, picking it up before turning in full once more to face the pair.

“It goes without saying that you need to take the utmost care with the device. It is at present the only one in existence, and while it can withstand day to day usage, do not go crushing it or throwing it around.”

A pointed glance was given to Breakdown at that, servo unfolding and offering the scanner out to him. Being a Grounder, it made sense for him to hold onto the device should Starkrieger opt to fly and put himself out of range for whatever reason. 

Although, that was something they could work out amongst themselves. 

“Do you have any questions before I open the bridge?”

[Starkrieger]

His partner had arrived, or so those heavy pede-falls suggested. Releasing his armed servo to let the limbs fall at his sides, his chassis drawing up into a more formal stance. It was tempting, so very tempting to look, or at the very least, to angle his sensors to focus on the larger mech. His wings were practically itching to move, as Breakdown stepped into range and started registering. Optics narrowing briefly, the Seeker remained focused on Starscream, ignoring the siren's call of his own processor. It wasn't easy for one so reliant on sensory input, but there would be time to indulge later.

If he'd allowed his attention to waiver, he'd have missed the way their superior's wings bristled at Breakdown. Was there something about the Brawler himself that warranted such a response? That it related to the choice in addressing his lord hadn't yet struck him as a likely cause. Regardless, without thought, his wings dipped before the display of disapproval and challenge. It was inconsequential; a token gesture of 'no contention'. Yet, had Starkrieger noticed it, he might have been bothered by how he continued to subconsciously assure the ranking Seeker of his willing subjugation. There was danger in so attaching one's self to a leader too quickly.

It was fascinating how the more experienced Seeker so easily finessed a situation. He seemed genuine in his devotion to their errand, and it's value. He doubted he would be so consistent at being... well... a politician for lack of a better comparison. He wouldn't judge him negatively for; after all, Solarwind had been delving deeper into that world, and had intended to train him to navigate it as well. It was only because of the war that he enjoyed the luxury of engaging such tactics solely at his discretion, rather than necessity. A luxury The Commander could ill afford.

Ah, but his lord wasn't the only subject worthy of his attention. When the flier's back was turned Krieg's optics focused on the map, noting key features he would use to orient himself. Secondaries angling, he continued to study it, even as the device was handed to Breakdown, his wings only twitched absently at the movement at the periphery of his vision.  By all accounts he was taking it no more personally than he had when he was stationed to oversee the mines, or given the current assignment.

"What is the effective range of the device?" It was a boring question. His spark favored asking about the likelihood of Autobot interference, and preferential treatment of said interference. That, however, was not the right avenue to focus on. Slipping into the easier role of just some thickheaded grunt wouldn't serve in this circumstance.

[Breakdown]

    Megatron had left them... again? The bruiser was starting to wonder what their warlord found so interesting in whatever elsewhere world that he ended up spending his free time there instead of here when there was a war going on. Had something happened? Had... Starscream done something?

     The way that the Commander moved and looked at the walls was not lost to him. They all knew that Soundwave was everywhere, even if he wasn't physically present. That was the benefit of being the eyes and ears of the Decepticons- you were always under his watchful eye. If Starscream slipped on something and arose suspicions, the spymaster would be on it. From what Breakdown could gather, this departure hadn't been his doing and though the circumstances probably weren't ideal to the Seeker, he didn't doubt for a moment that the self proclaimed Decepticon Leader was not a little bit tickled at the fact he was in charge again.

     ... Ah, so that had to have been the trigger for he irritation.

     Breakdown didn't ask questions because he knew better. Asking the wrong thing could lead to trouble and he never knew what would set Starscream off. Sure, he could take the lanky little flyer on and probably do a bunch of damage with one hit, but it wasn't in his nature to bring about unwanted attention. He preferred to linger in the shadows where he went unnoticed and slipped under the radar of most, either because they assumed he was too dumb to figure things out or was just very aware of his place on the food chain. So he just paid as close of attention as he could to what was being said, only to be caught almost off guard by the next action from the Seeker.

      As he was handed the device, the bruiser took it in his grasp with such gentle care that was almost comically out of place for how clumsy and outright large his servos and frame was compared to the instrument he held. It could have been crushed under one digit, but here he was, handling it with that knowledge and making sure not to screw up before the mission had even started.

     "No questions, Lord Starscream," he said, correcting his earlier mistake and hoping to gain at least one good grace.

[Starscream]

As Breakdown took the device, Starscream would loop both arms behind his back. A flicker of concern at passing such a delicate object to the bigger of the two mechs, even despite his initial reasoning for doing so, but Breakdown certainly had more to lose than the other Seeker, and so he hoped this alone would be enough for him to treat it with utmost care.

A gentle hum was the only initial response to the question that’d been asked, and he’d turn his attention to Starkrieger.

“Regretfully, not very far at all. With each piece found, more information is uploaded regarding the signature of the weapon. Meaning the more pieces we find? The easier our search will become over time.”

Easing one arm from behind his back, he would gesture to the monitor, although would not turn fully to look at it.

“While we can safely assume a piece has fallen in this general area, the device won’t activate until you are within three miles of the debris - and even then, it won’t direct you to its location.”

In such a remote area it may prove challenging to pinpoint any fragments of the weapon. However, he trusted these two to succeed.

Another glance was given to Breakdown, although it was certainly more neutral compared to the look he’d given moments earlier - no doubt due to the correct title being used.

“Ah, so you are a fast learner. Good.”

Turning fully then to the console, it did not take him long to input the coordinates. A second later the familiar sound of a bridge spiraling to life would echo throughout the control room.

“I suggest you search on foot.” these would be the only words of advice he would give as he waited for the two to depart.

---

The first thing that would hit the two mechs as they made their way through the swirling vortex was the change in temperature. The open air was crisp and clean, with a biting chill. A stark contrast to the warmth and almost stagnant air of Blackridge.

The second thing they would notice was how they seemed to be truly in the middle of nowhere. Vast, green fields, scattered with boulders of varying sizes, with snowcapped mountains peppering the horizon. Even despite the desolate landscape, with its lack of trees or any real foliage to speak of, there were traces of humanity. Scattered worn down wooden fences, eaten through with rot in parts, evidence of rough hiking trails that’d been carved into the landscape with well-trodden paths.

The sound of rushing water could be heard nearby, although there were no streams or rivers within their immediate view.

Once they were both safely through, the bridge would close almost as quickly as it’d been opened.

The device was silent.

[Starkrieger]

Three miles? Regretful was an understatement. Such a distance meant it’d be down to dumb luck or, a long and thorough search. They’d have to be methodical or risk passing right by their target, and as the device offered no direction, they’d have to use their processors to zero in on it.

Starkrieger absently dipped his helm in easy nods, acknowledgement of Starscreams’ words, of his understanding and compliance. Subconscious, fairly standard, until the interaction between Breakdown and Starscream. So, it had been the use of the Commander title? His wings twitched faintly, restrained by his awareness of the other soldier. He’d file that bit of information away for later consideration.

As a bridge was pulled up and the dismissal, of sorts, was issued, the Seeker straightened his posture, wings stiffening at attention to issue a salute. It was then, finally, that he acknowledged Breakdown, turning his optics to the grounder. The corners of his derma twitched into a hint of a smirk, his optic ridges raising briefly waiting for indication of the mech’s intentions. If allowed, he would walk beside him, pacing his steps to match the heavy hitter. If not, well he’d follow behind easily, any relative position could be used to establish advantage. Krieg had every confidence in holding his own, regardless of Breakdown's size and disposition.

Once they emerged, his chassis relaxed a little, but his wings were the real tell. Stretching and angling slowly, the Seeker took no small delight in being out of the base. Drawing in a slow in-vent, he cleared the stuffy atmosphere that had saturated his system with crisp air. While the Earth’s sun warmed his sensors, he scanned the area, visually picking out the features of their surroundings. They were here for a reason.

Remote, few obstacles to impede their search, but also lacking landmarks to help track their progress. The signs of human life had his secondary wings drawing back. Not isolated enough, they’d have to keep an eye out for unwanted guests. Oh well, that was true anyway, Autobots presence on this planet and all.

“So…” There were a number of ways he could initiate the exchange, Krieg had four options on the tip of his glossa, each offering a distinct impression. He turned to his companion, frame facing his head on, as optics sought Breakdown’s. The patch would be ignored, his gaze neither adjusting to study nor to avoid.

“You taking charge of this thing?” His tone was casual, easy going. Yet his servos settled firmly on his hips, his chassis drawn high as his left claws, the side that bore his armaments, flexed. Breakdown had his full attention, as Krieg looked for signals that his message was received. He offered the chance at leading the mission without contention, but there would be no dipping of wings or clicking of heels.

[Breakdown]

     Breakdown felt his annoyance level rise when Starscream belittled him with the snarky comment about being a fast learner, but he pushed it down and stopped himself from showing it on his faceplate before it had a chance to surface. Last thing he needed was to entertain the acting Commander with a visible emotion he knew he couldn't act on. He didn't doubt that most of the ship would love to hear of Breakdown finally allowing his fist to meet the faceplate of the Seeker, but that was not his place to do so. Bottom of the food chain was where he remained, mingled in with the Vehicons. It wasn't a terrible place to be, considering that meant he wasn't monitored as much as others. As long as Starscream thought he had him over a barrel, he was clear of scrutiny. At least for a little while.

     When no questions were asked from the other Seeker, the two set off on their little mission adventure. It was still odd not doing these with Knock Out, as was the usual for them, but the cherry red medic was busy with other things and the further separated he was...

     Perhaps it was for the best.

     When they emerged from the vortex, Breakdown right away looked at his new surroundings to get an idea of what they were working with. While the area was more or less desolate and devoid of any real tell-tale landmarks, he toook in the sights as he would any other. Sights like these he enjoyed, if for nothing more than the quiet where he could gather his thoughts and-

     Starkreiger's words broke the silence but he didn't immediately turn his attention on the Seeker. Instead he looked down at the device in his servo, making sure it was actually on and wasn't putting out any hints to what direction they should go. Breakdown was used to the tedious scouting from when they had to seek out Energon deposits, and those were about as precise with finding as this weird thing they were on the hunt for now.

     "I figure that'd probably be for the best," Breakdown finally responded afterwards. "Since ground level is probably where we need to be, I can scan down here until we need to get to higher elevations where I can't reach. Also, that way if you feel like you need to go up and get some fresh air feel free." He had heard the distinctive sound of the moving wings from the other, and figured he was either uncomfortable or stressed and assumed that giving him an option to zip around and fly would at least settle any nerves he may have being on the ground. He hadn't taken to understanding a lot of the emotions expressed by fliers, but he did know the important ones by working under Starscream, such as anger, calm, and 'get out of the way because something is about to be thrown'.

     "Starting here and sweeping back and forth will probably be the best. Once we get a hit we can mark it then walk a three mile radius until we are on top of it."

[Starscream]

Any momentary silence was quickly broken by the familiar sound of a comm clicking to life.

::Obviously it goes without saying that you are to remain in contact as you search - and I will periodically be checking in for updates on your progress. Should you locate the weapon piece and cannot retrieve it safely, we have Vehicons standing by ready to assist in excavation and lifting.::

Starscream had no clue how big the debris would be, but plans had been made should it be of an awkward size. Of course, they actually had to find it first.

Another click as the line went silent.

((You guys can go ahead and RP amongst yourselves, and consider Starscream out for now. Wander around and chat, I will pop in on occasion to let you know if they are getting any closer/other random events!))

[Starkrieger]

Canting his helm as the comm came through, Krieg stilled on instinct to focus on his superior officer's words. Reaching out after they left? That was an interesting choice, but ultimately one that Starkrieger figured didn’t matter. Maybe The Commander felt the need to remind them that this was serious? Fair he supposed… though he did wonder which of them he was concerned about.

More importantly, Breakdown didn’t seem to even catch that he was prodded, nevermind show signs of being domineering. Perfect, he might be able to work with this mech without a revolving battle of wills between them. That the big guy hadn’t directed much attention toward him was equally assuring.  This wasn’t the halls of the hold. He wasn’t trying to provoke the brawler for his own amusement. Low reactivity to his antics was preferable in this case.

“A considerate suggestion”, he purred, wings relaxing as his frame wound down from its previous display. He hadn’t expected such awareness of his model's needs. “I’ll give it some time, and then check the perimeter for unwanted guests?” The lift to his vocals was intentional, after all they both had agreed, Breakdown was in charge here. Much as he would love to just fly around until he was needed, his Lord probably wouldn’t approve and, sadly fliers in the air tended to draw attention. Taking off and landing risked exposing their efforts, not to mention the possibility of crossing into monitored airspace. Best not to take too many chances, or at least to stay grounded while whatever notice the bridge drew faded into obscurity.

“Mmm, marking the location will also enable us to alter our strategy to triangulation, should we come into range on a trajectory that doesn’t include its center… clever of you to think of it. “ The nonchalant manner in which he spoke was matched by the way that Starkrieger settled his servos behind his head interlocking the digits as he arched his backstrut, stretching as his wings continued to soak in the pleasant atmosphere, and ample space. Breakdown's demeanor had gone far in settling the Seeker.

Following alongside the larger mech, he cast a curious gaze at the device. They'd been told it wouldn't indicate direction. He assumed that meant it wouldn’t indicate proximity either, but perhaps he was wrong. If it was indicated, well that would make things easier. No way of knowing until they got in range, and they observed its behavior.

The device only held his focus briefly, his optics shifting to what part of the other mech’s faceplate were within view. Fortunately, he favored the left, if he wasn’t assuming point. Convenient, Breakdown wouldn’t have the unnerving sense of an unknown mech on his blindside, and Krieg was able to keep his partner on his unarmed side, safer from any inadvertent obstruction of his line of fire. While that did run through his processor, the flier was more interested in what expression he had to offer.

“Word is you’re spoken for.” Casual, his words lacked the typical suggestive undertones, but that didn't mean his intentions would be beyond reproach.

[Breakdown]

    "Word is that we are on a mission to find a weapon part. Last time I checked that didn't require my personal business to be brought up."

    Though the words would have been considered rude, the tone that Breakdown used was more flat lined and even leveled in pitch with no signs of a snappy retort. Clearly the intention was to keep the Seeker focused on the task at hand rather than getting personal. Breakdown had never been one to share such things with others anyway. The thought of everyone spreading that business through the base amongst themselves was far less appealing. Of course it wouldn't take a scientist to figure out who he was with. Knock Out being harassed by the nosy ones wouldn't be very favorable either.

    "Whenever you feel the need to stretch your wings feel free. The higher vantage point will do us some good anyway. As you said- keeps us on top of things so we can be aware if we get some unwanted company."

    Breakdown never got the thing with having his feet off the ground. Even on the Nemesis, he preferred when he was able to have four weeks on something more solid and less moving. Then again, he was a grounder so it was probably just in his nature. Can't understand things that you never knew how to feel about in the first place, right?

    As he walked forward he swept the machine back and forth with so far no success. He went in a straight line then turned and took a few steps to the left before pivoting and starting in a straight line that way as well. At this rate it was going to take forever to actually find anything- if there was anything here to begin with. For all they knew they were on a wild goose chase with no real outcome on the horizon, but he would stay as positive as he could and just use this as a chance to get out of the windy nonsensical halls of Blackridge.

[Starkrieger]

“Oh I doubt there’s much word on what we’re doing.” Yes, he was being obtuse on purpose, the amusement in his tone probably making that clear. “Unless you’re particularly popular.” He’d give the guy a break, and not make that suggestive, tempting though it was.

He was a curious mech, this Breakdown. Krieg wasn’t used to this kind of prodding being rebuffed without emotion, anger, irritation, at least a hint of warning. If not for the fact that he knew he played some role in the med bay, the Seeker might have wondered if this was his usual line of work.

“You know, if we succeed this could become a regular thing. How rude it would be if I never asked about your Conjunx, or checked on the progress towards your latest conquest... Whichever applies.“ Even as he spoke, the Seeker’s thoughts were elsewhere, quite a few ‘wheres’ actually, such as the device, that oddly shaped green organic mass, the horizon, and lack of signs there'd be a storm. Pity, he had yet to address the ‘little problem’, he’d identified while flying patrol.

No, he shouldn't start thinking about that. So, he nixed it in favor of a lighter subject. He considered Breakdown’s tone and the way he carried himself, gauging the likelihood the brawler would lose patience with him. His wings shifted from idle enjoyment to actively angling to focus on different readings. Sadly, aside from the strong life signal beside him, there was little for his sensors to lock on to..

Returning his arms to his side, he struggled to resist the impulse to take that restated invitation. He should wait longer, but the restated suggestion brought it to mind. Starkrieger dropped his visor to the active position, just in case something unexpected happened, or so he told himself.

“I suppose I should have asked you about your work life instead.” But he didn’t, not yet. Primus bless the poor ground-pounder, if he thought he had a prayer's chance of truly focusing Starkrieger. His processor was, simply, ill fitted to single menial tasks. He needed many working parts to remain fully engaged, but Breakdown was right about one thing. Flight did help. All the data he was currently collecting idly, became meaningful information to compile, process, and respond to. In a click he was tasked with more than cycles of passive search at ground level. But, the bridge had just closed… Oh frag it.

Breakdown had agreed scouting the area would be beneficial, and surely he had greater experience in conducting a mission on Earth.

“Back in a click, handsome. Enjoy the peace.” While it lasted. Putting distance between them, the Seeker jumped, engaging thrusters briefly, before the sound of transformation gave his partner hope for a moment to think without a pest in his audial.

That moment wouldn’t last long. It was only a solo flight. The discipline subroutines that would have overridden most self expression as detrimental were unlikely to trigger.

Aimed in the direction they’d come from, Krieg started on a straight path towards the edge of the search zone. Hopefully he'd be able to keep track of where he'd left Breakdown. He didn’t want to have to ping the mech for directions. Admit to some massive framed terra-bround juggernaut that the ‘fragile’ damsel might need an assist? Embarrassing, unacceptable.

Banking into a roll, he fired up his thrusters in a quick burst to burn off frustrations. Certain he was close enough to survey the perimeter, he changed course to run parallel to it...or to what he recalled from the image that had been displayed on screen.

:If a squishy does discover us, what's the protocol?: He broadcasted over a standard Decepticon com, short range to avoid inconveniencing anyone at base. His vocals lost the casual ease, replaced with serious neutrality. It was best not to commit an opinion on this topic until he knew the potential cost.

[Breakdown]

     If Breakdown was aware of the suggestive nature that statement towards his popularity could have been he definitely didn't show any signs of it, nor did he respond to the comment about 'conjunx or conquest'. While he and Knock Out's relationship wasn't particularly unknown to even the most dense around the base, they still kept it professional and under wraps. Answering anything about his relationship status would be crossing a line he just didn't feel comfortable venturing over. So his focus remained on the task at hand as Starkreiger continued yacking with his optic on the machine in his grasp as he held it as cautiously as he couldn't without chancing to drop it. Primus help him if he broke the device and had to return to Starscream to inform him that the mission had failed because of a bad case of oil slicked digits.

     The grounder ignored the 'handsome' comment, figuring he was just making another smart comment, as it seemed to be the norm for him. Duty called, and he intended to complete this one to the best of his capabilities just as he usually did. If they returned empty handed? 

     Well, he didn't know what Starscream would say if they did besides 'get back out there and don't return until you come back with what I sent you out to retrieve', or some such nonsense like that. Breakdown honestly tuned out most of what their self proclaimed 'Leader' said. 

     The silence that he'd been left with unfortunately didn't last long. Honestly the question did throw the bruiser a curveball he hadn't really expected mainly because it wasn't something he was used to answering for anyone other than the Vehicons. Didn't the Seeker already know the protocol for dealing with the Earthlings? Then his suspicions started to creep in and his optic narrowed slightly. Was it a trick question? This meager task that he could have and usually would have been sent on his own to take care of with the assist of a couple Vehicons, but he had been given an assistant out of the blue. Had Starscream suspected something?

     No. He was thinking too deep into it and he finally brought himself to answer before too long less he cause him to be suspicious.

     :: Same way you'd deal with 'em if they got in your way on the highway. If you can't dodge them, dispose of them. :: Oddly, some part of him felt odd saying that all of a sudden. Maybe Bumblebee had rubbed off on him. Shaking the voices from his conscience mind, he returned to his back and forth trek. 

[Starkrieger]

:Wouldn’t have pegged you for the sort to put it that way.  Mech who assists in the med bay, and all: Of course he’d noticed Breakdown. He was always hyper vigilant crossing the threshold into the medic's domain, taking stock of everything and everyone. If anything significant had taken place when he was first brought aboard the Nemesis? Well, his processor had been thoroughly fragged from being trapped in an escape pod. He hadn’t had the nerve to ask what had happened before the medic had restored him to a coherent state… but at least, the brawler had registered as a non-threat as far as he recalled.

Naturally, there were other matters he was aware of, such as his rumored closeness with the CMO. Thing about that was he couldn't assume, but he’d done his due diligence. If they got assigned together regularly, it wasn’t his fault if he didn’t politely inquire as to Knockout’s well being, since he didn’t 'know' there was a reason to…. Not that the heavy hitter would be safe from his general curiosity. Krieg could be tenacious when it suited him, one small brush off was no real deterrence.

Swinging wide, the perimeter he established started to resemble a compromise between a radius centered around his partner and the borders of the area, favoring Krieg’s concern with keeping the big guy where he could keep track of him. He'd maintain an altitude of 700 feet, placing the surface within range of his sensor array, without triggering proximity nodes.

Breakdown was gifted with an extended moment of peace, as the flier occupied himself with monitoring the landscape. He paid special attention to the worn paths here, the broken fencing there. Where they had been was a good indication of where they were going to pop up again. Advance notice would be best, as Krieg wasn’t in the mood to go… well squishing squishies.

The caress of wind currents against his sensors added fleeting thoughts of the meteorological data he’d been studying, while drawing his attention to their overall surroundings. Honestly? He didn’t understand why so many of their number didn’t like Earth. Alien though it was, the atmosphere ran pleasantly along the wing, and compared to asteroid pitted rocks? Signs of life were welcome over fields of mangled greying frames. It wasn't Cybertron, but he imagined the organics’ ridiculous, but intact cities would be preferred to the rubble left in the wake of war.

Primus, he didn’t want to think about that..

:Any luck?: Hopefully he didn’t startle the mech, after the prolonged comm silence, but he was a Seeker. Factoring in the fast pace flying, and processing, it was possible what had felt like ages, wasn’t nearly long enough for the groundpounder. Especially, if the shift to warmer vocals was picked up on as a warning that Breakdown might very well be facing another personal question if the Seeker was left to his own devices.