[ti]Flashback[/ti]The Heroics of Starscream and Jetfire [ Starscream ]

[Jetfire]

Zeminad - Pyrox Cluster - Milky Way
Some time before the war...


Jetfire was dying.

He was freezing, alone, and dying. And, perhaps to a lesser extent, disappointed in himself about it.

Because in a way, it was by his own hand that he was helplessly dying alone, freezing. He had imagined it differently however, in moments where his own mortality had flashed before him. The hotheaded Senate Guard or enforcer, finally fed up with some Seeker's cries for equality. The enemy ace, managing to get behind him and shred his wings with an isokinetic burst missile. Skywarp, finally teleporting into the wrong place at the wrong time.

All of these would've been preferable deaths to what Jetfire feared was coming.

Zeminad had been picked out as a possible Energon source for some time, though it had been a few cycles between discovery and survey, on account of the storms. The Seekers had been having a run of good luck thus far, being able to stay just ahead of any unfavorable atmospherics, though base camp was moved frequently, and the scans were often short and shallow as a result. Just as camp on the northern shelf was being packed up, Jetfire had detected a rather promising deposit at the northern tip of one of the southern continents. The threat of an impending snowstorm hadn't deterred him from attempting to make the trip, however. He could break mach 3 in atmo. He could outrun a little cold air.

To his credit, Jetfire had actually managed to locate a sizeable deposit. However, his joy had been soundly tempered by the fact that he was freezing, alone, and dying.

Having underestimated Zeminad's ire, the storm hit Jetfire sooner and harder than expected. The storm winds had obscured his visual scanning, resulting in the Seeker snagging a cliff wall. Then another, and another, before finally smashing through a frozen lake to top off his little failure party.

He'd dragged himself from his first would-be tomb in order to stumble to another would-be tomb, a Seeker-sized cavern overlooking the lake. Doing so had taken most of Jetfire's remaining strength, and the cold, coupled with his wounds, was swiftly sapping the last of it. The emergency beacon went up, and at last Jetfire resigned himself to his unfitting but deserved fate, his life now in the servos of someone else. Hopefully someone more careful than he.

He sat slumped against the cavern wall, the lights in his optics wavering, hoping that careful, heroic someone would arrive in time.

[Starscream]

Jetfire probably should’ve been back by now.

Yet Starscream wasn’t overly worried by his absence. This planet was treacherous with its fast moving - and unpredictable - storms, but for the most part they had done well to avoid the majority of it. They’d managed so far to stay one step ahead of the turbulent weather, both through flying and relocating, and even though moving camp ate into valuable time that could’ve been better spent searching for Energon, they were sure the eventual payoff would be more than worth it.

The time to depart had come again, and with practised familiarity, the meager base camp had been packed away save for a few pieces of vital equipment - usually left till the last possible moment to move.

::If you’re hoping to avoid the majority of the work, you’re in luck.:: an amused chuckle followed the gentle tease, though there was no annoyance to his tone at all.

Unaware that his comm had been met with nothing but dead air due to storm interference, Starscream would lower into a crouch as he secured one of the many crates filled with their equipment.

While there had initially been some mild concern about Jetfire leaving on his own, it hadn’t been enough to warrant checking in. The other Seeker was a skilled flier indeed, so it was assumed he would report back should the deposit need further investigation.

Pacing some, Starscream would turn his gaze to the sky - wings shifting behind himself as he walked, trying to keep moving against the biting chill of the air. His processor wandering some, wondering if they’d find a substantial amount of Energon here on this wretched planet.

His thoughts were quickly cut off by a familiar - and almost spark-wrenching noise. An alarm blared from one of the nearby machines that had yet to be packed, signaling that an emergency beacon had been received.

Jetfire.

Snatching one of their basic medical kits, Starscream broke into a run. Heeled pedes moved effortlessly on the icy ground as he jumped and shifted forms, spiraling up into the sky in a hurried, frantic motion as he began making his way toward his fallen friend.

He just hoped that whatever had happened? That he was not too late.

[Jetfire]

Jetfire was imagining the specifics of the legendary dressing down he was going to receive once he'd been recovered. Though it was an unpleasant exercise to some degree, it was a far better alternative than contemplating the reality of being unable to receive that scathing criticism. He'd earn every word, no doubt. With the chilling touch of death creeping ever closer, Jetfire was even looking forward to being read the riot act. It might warm him up, at the very least.

It had been very nearly an hour since he'd hit the lake, already wounded from the cliffs just moments before. His situation hadn't improved much since then. As there was little else for him to focus on, his pain was all that occupied his attention, yet even that was becoming strenuous. He was definitely still dying, without a doubt. Aside from feeling a little crunchy, Jetfire must've nicked something in his internals somewhere.

Wonderful, he thought.

Medical kits were heavy, surgical kits even heavier. So naturally, he'd elected to travel without either.

Another fantastic bout of foresight, Jetfire.

He could almost hear it in Starscream's voice, despite whatever distance was between them.

For the first time in almost an hour, Jetfire glanced down. He was absolutely covered in frost, slowly congealing into a proper sheet of ice. Grunting, he attempting to gently reposition himself, if only to crack a bit the cold coating off his form. The ice cracked, perhaps a bit too loudly for Jetfire's tastes, as he moved, indicating he'd already built up a healthy sheet.

Not good, he thought. But at least there's still plenty of daylight left.

Like it would do him any good sealed away in a cave. At least it might make the journey back to camp more bearable, if he ever made it long enough to take that journey.

[Starscream]

It was only a matter of seconds before Starscream reached an acceptably fast speed - probably a little quicker than what could be considered safe in these conditions, but he had no time to lose. Tapering out his ascension spiral and leveling out, he would start heading in the direction of the beacon - and right toward an oncoming storm.

Rushing on this planet was a danger in itself, the fast moving storms a hazard with both the severe lack of visibility and the weather itself. The fact they’d caught Jetfire off guard had the silver Seeker on edge, and he was especially wary as he moved through a flurry; trusting in his own skills as he fought against the high winds.

The only saving grace to this entire situation was that it was still light out. Not that he’d rule out searching for Jetfire in the inky black of night, but this - storms aside, anyway - would at least make things a little easier.

Trying to remain focused on the task at hand, he couldn’t help but wonder what state he’d find Jetfire in. Would he even still be alive? Bitter cold like this was especially harsh on Cybertronian frames, especially if they ceased any sort of movement for long periods of time, and he could only hope that the other mech was hanging on - wherever he was.

These thoughts were abruptly shattered by a sudden jolt of movement, tilting harshly to narrowly avoid a sheer cliff face that seemingly came from nowhere at all.

A gentle growl, a silent reprimand and reminder to remain focused - Starscream would continue on.

Moving through the worst of the storm and into considerably clearer weather, it did not take Starscream long at all to see the frozen lake and the rather telling hole that seemed so very out of place. Paired with this being the general area of the distress beacon and-- 

His spark lurched, and he would immediately ease into a sharp dive down toward the lake itself. If Jetfire had fallen in there - if he was still in there - then all was probably lost. Any trace of tracks, both from dragged pedes or any spilled Energon had long since been lost in the shifting winds and snow.

Shifting forms and landing with care, as he did not want to meet a similar fate as his friend, Starscream would cautiously move toward the edge of the jagged hole.

Unable to see much of anything, he would quickly and frantically cast his gaze toward the nearby surroundings. Wondering if the other Seeker had somehow made it to safety even despite things looking rather bleak.

“Jetfire!!”

Both servos moved to cup his faceplate, trying to amplify his voice as he yelled the other mech's name. The single word was laced with fear, a worry that he had arrived far too late to save him.

[Jetfire]

He'd miss going to space, most of all.

Not just for the silence, though it was certainly a factor, but because of the raw possibility it afforded. Problems back home, or problems anywhere for that matter could only pale in comparison to the sheer size of the gulf that enveloped them. One could see it as a matter of perspective, of one drop losing itself in a stream, or a river, or an ocean. Jetfire supposed that any body of water larger than a puddle could accommodate the metaphor, but none would be appropriate in scale to truly represent how he felt about the possibilities that the unknown could bestow upon a mind, especially ones often too stuck to the ground to see how things looked from above.

In many ways, that's where he now found himself. 

Hope was still there, though its relevance was dropping along with the temperature. The storm had grown faint, perhaps indicative of its passing. Though it would make any potential rescue all the more easy, Jetfire had oddly grown fond of it. The cool, distant sound of winds ripping across the tundra echoing through the icy walls of the caverns had at first been an unpleasant reminder of his predicament, though now he could only hear it as a chorus; nature's final dirge.

Until it stopped, that is.

Jetfire had hardly registered the change in volume, as he was more preoccupied with matters such as dying alone in a cave.

“Jetfire!!”

Oh. Hold on one moment...

Just a second.

Ah.

It was help.

Not just any help, mind you. Jetfire's mistake had been colossal and spectacular enough to warrant only the most impressive of rescues. Not the Special Tasks and Rescue force however, no. No no.

It was a thin, whip of a mech who Jetfire had come to respect, understand, and trust, albeit with a rocky start. Where he might've (comparatively) faltered in the height department, he always made up for it with sheer heart, determination and intellect.

It was the only other Seeker as crazy as Jetfire (perhaps even more so) to attempt a flight straight through a Zeminad blizzard.

Said Seeker was no doubt about to give him the dressing down of a lifetime, one they'd both agree he deserved. Provided he was able to get Jetfire back on his feet.

He had hope again, though, as he knew who it was.

It was his best friend.

His Amica.

Starscream.

Judging by his tone and volume however, Jetfire would wager that his best friend hadn't a clue as to his current whereabouts. Undoubtedly, that would complicate things. He doubted he could belt out a response from this far back in the cave, but he knew something that might just carry the message far enough. Jetfire raised his left hand. 'Raised' was not the best descriptor to the shaky ascent his hand was doing, but it's what was attempted. He held his servo flat, folding it into one of his cannons to the staccato of cracking ice.

Jetfire held his cannon up to the ceiling.

Bad idea. No. Try again.

And try again he did, thanks to a quick bout of critical thinking. He lowered the charge of his weapon to an appropriate, cavern-roof-preserving level. Jetfire clenched his fist, or rather, performed the mental equivalent of clenching his fist to fire.

BLAM

BLAM

He'd had a third in mind, but his body had soundly told him 'no'. His weapon arm fell back down to the snowy floor, managing to drag itself back into its original configuration with some protest. Compared to his friend the snow storm, both blasts were rather loud. Jetfire had every faith that they would carry straight out the caverns mouth.

Hopefully to where Starscream could hear them...

[Starscream]

Frantically swiveling on a heel once he’d called the other mech's name, Starscream would once again peer down into the hole of the frozen lake as if desperately seeking answers, or at least some sign of the other mech. His processor racing, wondering how he’d even begin searching the depths without succumbing to the biting cold himself - or what he could even do if he found his Amica.

He couldn’t have been too late, the moment the distress signal had been received he had moved immediately, yet the lack of any visual or any real sign at all save for this foreboding hole had him fearing the worst, and he couldn’t shake the very real thought that he’d run out of time.

What if Jetfire had managed to get the signal out moments before being overwhelmed by the cold? What if that’d taken all his willpower and strength and he’d been unable to hold on?

A growl of frustration that tapered into a whimper of absolute hopelessness, he would slump down to his knees, wings sagging forward as they twitched behind himself, trying to keep them moving against the cold. He’d do absolutely anything to get his best friend back, even if it meant going in after him. Time was of the essence, and if he didn’t act fast, then--

BLAM

BLAM

The first - and sudden - noise that cut through the oppressive silence caught him unawares and made him flinch, but it was the second that pushed the silver Seeker into a hurried scrabble to get to his pedes once he realized that he- he recognized that sound. While he didn’t see for certain which direction the cannon fire had originated from, it took only a fraction of a second to work out it’d probably come from the nearby cavern.

Thank Primus…

The thought crossed his processor to switch forms in an attempt to save some time in crossing the frozen lake, but he’d already broken into a sprint across the ice before he was even aware he had done so. With little regard for his own safety, he moved with urgency until he reached the mouth of the cave, sliding to a staggered stop. He would then move into the cave itself, albeit with more cautious footing.

It did not take him long to spot the other mech - hard not to see him, slumped against the wall like that - and he would rush over, pulling the small medical kit he’d grabbed earlier from his subspace.

“Jetfire!” his voice not quite so frantic - or as loud - as his previous yell, yet still with an obvious edge of concern as he moved to kneel beside the other Seeker, servos moving almost on autopilot as he fumbled to open the medical kit, keeping his gaze and attention on his friend.

“I’ll save my justified nagging for later, in the meantime you better stay with me - alright?”

He was relieved that the other mech was still alive, yet knew damn well they weren’t out of the woods yet. With the temperature dropping and the medical kit only having a limited amount of supplies, Starscream knew he had to do what he could.

[Jetfire]

Hearing the sound that pierced his audials just moments after firing was the most terrifying part of the whole ordeal. Silence. It was a casual reminder that his attempt was futile, and that the spark-rending silence would continue. There was very little that Jetfire ascribed absolute certainty to, and even now, with his compatriot within reach, he still dreaded that unfavorable possibility, regardless of how remote it might be. Thankfully, Jetfire didn't need to wait all that long for his fears to be put to rest. For the moment, at least.

The distant sound of footfalls cutting the snow and ice began, then grew in intensity until the echoes off of the cavern walls were heralding his savior's arrival. Jetfire pulled his optics up from the floor to take a look for themselves, thankful that he still had the energy to do so.

“Jetfire!”

"Hello.." he managed to whisper out, politely, but still echoing the pain and difficulty that came with too much exertion. His frame was largely intact, albeit cracked in several areas, not to mention some noticeable bending to his right wing. He was far from being completely disassembled, at the very least. An attempt was made to push himself further up along the cavern wall, though Jetfire's actual movement fell short of what he'd been intending, merely slinking up a few inches from where he sat.

Jetfire's optics trailed Starscream as he moved to kneel down beside him. The medical kit was a welcome sight, as well. "Oh... as present circumstances have no... doubt shown, I've every faith... that I've earned that... hgh... nagging."

No use protesting it, especially when he agreed.

"As I've concerned myself with fighting to stay alive, already.... I'll... be doing my best to remain as I am. Not to worry..."

He wouldn't protest any action Starscream would take, especially with that medical kit of his, considering he wasn't of the mindset or capability to debate how thorough his best friend's prior medical instruction was. However, another thought quickly zipped to the forefront of Jetfire's attention, one he felt he should voice. Especially considering that it was the central reason they both were out here, now.

Jetfire struggled, but he managed to lightly grip Starscream's leg as he sat beside him. His aim wasn't precise, or particular, though. He had a point to make. "...now, before you say anything. I'm not about to justify my actions here."

A slight pause was had, if only to let the implication sink in.

"But, I believe I've justified our presence here..." Unfortunately. "One of the southern continents. I found it." Payday. "The storms must've skewed our initial readings..."

"It's massive, Starscream. It was much larger than I would've projected. Thought..." he winced, the pain flowing back in. "Errngh... thought it might've earned us a few nods, back home..."

[Starscream]

The whispered greeting did not go unnoticed. With it, came a feeling of what could be considered almost relief, if only because the other Seeker was still alive. Yes, the shots fired were evidence enough of that, but it was the actual sight of him, paired with the fact that he was talking and able to communicate that gave Starscream some solace in this moment. A million things had rushed through his processor as he’d made his way here - none of which were particularly pleasant, and while his Amica looked to be in pretty bad shape, the damage could be fixed.

At least he was alive. Thank Primus for that. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if- no, no. Focus.

The single word was laced with pain, and it was this that made Starscream glance down to look at the medical kit. His blind, scrambled fumbling had gone nowhere in his panic, and long digits would ease open the small latches as he turned his attention and gaze back to the other Seeker.

“Oh, that you have.” a chuckle followed the words, though it was weak and probably betrayed some of the worry he was feeling as another glance was given to the small box of medical supplies.

Well, there wasn’t a whole lot in there. Emergency Energon rations, some basic pain suppressants, some expanding-foam type substance, no doubt used to temporarily fill in large gaps and wounds. Mesh patches, what appeared to be some sort of tape and some basic cleaning supplies - probably for getting grit or other debris out of scrapes.

Furrowing his brow, he would look to the other Seeker’s wing. He wasn’t sure what - if anything - he’d be able to do for that. Try and ease it back into position and pray to whomever was listening that this rudimentary tape could hold while they flew somewhere safe? That’d probably have to do. All he knew was they couldn’t sit still for long, Jetfire was already partially frozen and if he’d been just a few moments longer…?

He didn’t want to think about it.

A gentle scoff was the only response at being told not to worry. An eased movement, he would twist the cap off the expanding foam. The wing would have to wait for the moment, though the cracks could at least be patched somewhat.

As Jetfire’s servo gripped his leg, he would pause - glancing down, then back up to look at him. His mouth opened, as if about to quietly protest, though he would quickly relent with a rumbled sigh. Nodding, he would listen.

A twitch of his lip, he smiled at the words. Ah-ha! So they were right. All along there had been this feeling that they were simply looking in the wrong area, that the measly amounts of Energon couldn’t have been all that was here. That somewhere on this wretched planet was something worth the effort, the risk to their very lives.

And Jetfire had found it.

He was quiet a moment, unmoving as he sat awkwardly with the syringe of foam in one servo.

“Are- are you sure?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t believe the other mech, but it hadn’t quite sunk in yet. While any sort of lucrative find wouldn’t have meant much at all if Jetfire had perished, now that they had a general idea of where it was? They could go together.

A shudder wracked his frame, not noticing how cold it truly was until he’d been still for a moment, it wrenched him back into the moment and it was then he would lean forward, starting to apply the foam into some of the larger cracks, hoping there would be enough to cover them all.

[Jetfire]

"Positively," the he replied, the word ringing with more certainty than anything else the pair of them had said so far. Though Jetfire had no desire to use his bountiful finding as grounds to permit his little excursion, or any future excursions, it did bring him some small measure of comfort knowing that his near-death experience had served a purpose. By Primus, he'd never hear the end of it if he'd passed away from his injuries, after only leaving little more than a false positive reading for the rest of the survey team to follow.

He needn't concern himself with such thoughts anymore, though. Still, Jetfire had a bad habit of looking on the dimmer side of things. Blind optimism was not to be trusted, though ruthless pragmatism still ate away at his spark over time. Thankfully, the bright side of things had arrived along with Starscream, for the moment at least. Getting home in his condition would certainly be an undertaking.

Jetfire's expression seized up as his friend began to apply the sealing foam to his wounds, snapping him out of his brief train of thought. It wasn't a downright painful sensation he was feeling, though it was more than unpleasant enough to elicit a strong cringe. "Gchh... hha.... so..." he began, deciding that the best way to cope with the sensation was not just by talking, but by teaching.

"Did you know that... mmmnh... we aren't built with pain recep--," he paused to grit his denta as Starscream filled a particularly deep breach. "---pppptors inside our bodies?" He had to thank Ratchet later for providing him material to use up on his coping mechanism. Regurgitating facts was quickly becoming a favorite. "They're only present on the, very surface, of our frames. If we had any--... inside of us, we would be innnnn--!" Another deep crack sealed, forcing him to ball up his fist and slam it into the ice beside him to manage it. "--constant AGONY, from both the mechanical friction and heat build-up...!"

He practically hissed the remainder of his speech now, the rest of the foam slowly sealing everything up. "And with all that, said, I am... eternally grateful to our creators for our intelligent design, instead of a design that created... us to be engines of walking pain."

Truthfully, it was more awkward and uncomfortable than it was painful. Jetfire was not looking forward to having to try and stand up in such a state, for that matter. At some point, toward what he presumed to be toward the end of the initial procedure, he laid his head back against the frozen wall behind him, quietly asking, and slightly pleading, "Are you, finished yet...?"

[Starscream]

The single word was more than enough confirmation for the silver Seeker to feel some sort of genuine relief. While they had not lost Jetfire to the elements, he was horribly injured - and at least this way, something good would come from it.

Though, he wouldn’t let his Amica venture out alone again for a while.

“Good. That’s- I’m glad. Shame it came at a cost, but…” he vented out a sigh, shaking his helm. “It could’ve been much worse.”

Focused - attentive - Starscream would work as quickly as he could at sealing up the wounds. While this method was merely a patch up, and would not really help in the long term? The foam would at least hold long enough for them to seek out an actual Medic.

A low hum sounded in response to the grimaced words, a quiet way of letting Jetfire know that he was there, doing what he could - and as fast as he was able. He wasn’t even the one injured, yet his own frame ached as he worked at patching the wounds.

While this cave was sheltered from the majority of the biting chill outside, the cold was still an issue - one that would become deadly the longer they lingered without moving. As such, Starscream’s delicate talons would tremble as he worked, though he was still so very careful with his application of the foam, given they did not have an endless supply.

Quiet, muttered - and frequent - apologies were given, especially with those deeper wounds, but he would continue unless Jetfire asked him to stop.

He would listen to the words spoken - thankful the other mech was still with him and talking, even if the uttered words were nothing more than random facts. Ah, Jetfire, never change.

“Mm, I suppose I never thought of that before - it does make sense though.”

What a horrifying thought. To consider that things they did not think about, such as shifting forms or even traveling could come with so much unnecessary pain if things had been even slightly different.

“Aah, the things we take for granted.” he smiled at that, though it was weak - his frame flinching some, wings sinking behind himself as the larger Seeker slammed a fist into the ice. Another quiet, earnest apology was given - one servo moving to rest carefully on the other mech’s shoulder as a form of comfort, though after a momentary pause, he would continue with his work as to not waste time.

With the majority of the larger, more serious breaches now sealed, he could only hope that the foam would do its job against the cooler air. It seemed to be working, thank Primus - as he wasn’t sure what to even do should it have failed.

At the question, he would give a solemn nod.

“Yes, well- at least the majority of the more serious lacerations. The smaller ones, mm, not sure we should bother.” peering at the small container, there did not appear to be much foam left, and he’d rather use it should one of the seals break.

“I’m more worried about your wing than anything else.”

Would Jetfire be able to fly out of here? That remained to be seen - though he was getting ahead of himself some.

Easing into a stand, he would offer a servo down to the other mech. Not that it’d do much, but at least he could try to provide some sort of assistance in getting him up and to his pedes.

“Can you stand?”

[Jetfire]

Jetfire hesitantly tested his current range of movement from his icy sit, flexing both arms, shifting his torso, angling his wing-

"HHHNG."

No, not the wing.

He didn't doubt the fact that trying to fly out of here in such a state was currently untenable. Jetfire would be more than willing to walk all the way back to camp if it meant letting him rest his wings. As for the rest of him, a quick assessment led him to conclude that he now felt squishy, instead of crunchy. Indeed, the medical foam had done the trick, and therefore, so had Starscream. Jetfire did however feel a bit like a box left on someone's doorstep. Immobile, and stuffed with foam padding.

"As am I. I am afraid we will have to make our return the hard way, as I'm not very keen on trying to slice through the wind like this."

Could he stand? Jetfire felt as though he could. Was he looking forward to it, though? Most definitely not. Whether or not his Amica had been thorough in his medical care, a bit of full-body movement would certainly highlight all of the spots he missed, and perhaps several of the ones he hadn't as well. Still, he would accomplish more through a spot of pain than he would if he continued to sit and stubbornly freeze to death. As it would happen, Starscream's offer of help was sufficient to rouse Jetfire from his little dilemma.

Clamp, his servo went, grabbing onto his Amica's.

"Let's find out, yes?"

And find out, he did. His free hand shot out to brace himself on the wall behind him, about as much as he could manage with his wings mostly in the way. Jetfire yanked his right leg back, crunchy but still mobile, and started to push himself up the wall. Feeling confident, he brought his other leg into play, slowly rising back up to full height. As predicted, his brief ascent left him fully aware of the damage to his frame, feeling as though only the medical foam was keeping him from peeling apart like a fruit.

But, by miracle or fate, he rose. He hadn't released Starscream's servo just yet, but he was upright, coated in spots of ice and foam. Shockingly, Jetfire had also kept most of his exertions and pained exclamations to himself this time, too. The odd hiss of air and gritting of denta was all he projected, if only to belie his pain.

After a moment on his pedes again, Jetfire lightly released his Amica's servo, once again feeling his full weight. Though honestly, it felt as if he were trying to lift two of himself just by standing up. He found it necessary to remain braced against the cavern walls, however.

"Right... I'm not eager to continue my stay here for much longer. How's the weather right now? You've made it here in better condition than I, so I would assume that either the winds have died down, or you're a much more skilled flier than even I give you credit for."

[Starscream]

At the pained outburst, Starscream could only give a quiet, sympathetic whimper of his own in return, his brow furrowed in concern. To a Seeker, their wings - and flight - was almost everything, and he couldn’t even begin to imagine the pain Jetfire was feeling. His own wings had wilted to their lowest point, an empathetic show, in a way, wishing he could somehow do more than what little he had to help.

“I’m sure the walk will do us good. It'll be ample time for you to tell me more random facts, I'm sure.” A gentle tease, trying to pull a smile from the other mech.

While he wasn’t a fan of the idea of making the way on foot, it truly would be for the best. Any strain on Jetfire’s wings - even something as simple as a short flight that normally would’ve been taken for granted - could worsen any injuries (if he could transform at all, given how bent it was), leading to a much longer recovery time. It simply wasn’t worth the risk, and while this planet was known for its treacherous storms, maybe luck would be on their side on the way back.

With the pockets of foam littering the larger mech’s frame standing out harshly against his paint, he did admittedly look a little silly. Though there were no smirks of amusement from Starscream, nor jokes made about his appearance or the situation as a whole. That foam - as ridiculous as it looked - was serving its purpose, and while the silver Seeker had no doubt missed some areas in his haste to get things patched up, the larger and more serious wounds were all seen to.

As Jetfire grabbed his servo, Starscream’s frame would tense - heels digging some into the floor of the cavern, bracing himself to try and assist. His own frame, and therefore mass, was much smaller than that of the other mech - though he would do what he could to keep both himself and Jetfire stable.

His own grip was tight, maybe a little too tight as he tried his best to remain upright and stable, countering any weight in an attempt to not get pulled over as Jetfire moved.

“Careful…”

Slow and steady was absolutely the way to go here, and he watched his Amica closely as he eased himself up, ready to rush forward should he need to and offer more aid. Thankfully, this did not seem to be the case, and as his servo was released he would ease his arm - albeit rather hesitantly - to his side.

“The winds had significantly died down by the time I arrived-” he would leave out the part where he, too, had almost scraped along one of the many sheer cliff faces, though that was partly due to his own scattered thoughts, rather than the weather itself.

“I’m sure by now the worst has long since passed.”

Until the next storm rolled in, of course, though hopefully they would be long gone from this area by then - or at least close to some sort of shelter.

Leaning forward, a taloned digit would move to scrape away some of the ice that hadn’t shifted when Jetfire had moved to his pedes. The movement was so absentmindedly done while his processor mulled over how best to make their way back on foot.

“As much as I’d like to get moving, are you sure you are alright to walk?”

The fact the other mech was still braced against the wall did not fill him with confidence though they, unfortunately, had no real choice but to start heading back - and soon.

[Jetfire]

As if he were a top trying vigorously to retain its rotational energy by standing furiously in one spot, Jetfire looked as though he were about to topple over to one side or the other. His pedes were on solid footing, but his kinesthetic systems were also having to process their share of pain. Both hands were out now, his digits twitching idly, in an attempt to balance himself without assistance from Starscream, or the helpful cavern wall. The worst was over, he thought. All he needed to do now... was just.... walk.

So, Jetfire took a step forward.

The instant all of his weight was shifted onto one foot by lifting up the other, a cascade of fresh pain rolled down his frame. It was like standing up for the first time all over again, which, now that he thought about it, was really all walking was anyway. Jetfire bit his glossa hard, however, as his amica was no doubt already tired of the desultory pain facts. Fortunate for Starscream, as Jetfire had become well versed in pain today.

"I am... not... enthusiastic about it... but yes, I believe I can walk."

Having to hobble on like this through the same blizzard that sent him into the lake to begin with was not a warm thought. But providence had smiled upon him in a small way, at least. The sinuous cliffs and canyons ran wild down south, while the rest of the way back was largely tundra by comparison. How infelicitous to manage to smash into a wall at the very tip of the desert. Bank left harder next time, Jetfire.

A few more steps forward were taken, not in any great hurry however, as Jetfire could still feel all the cracks and seams. The pain, while ever-present, had dulled after the first few articulations. He would be moving alright, though he would be privately upset about it.

"However, I'm... not averse to having you fly back first... to return with additional help, perhaps. I may be torn up, but I... believe you've done an adequate job of stabilizing me for the moment..." he commented. Even just a few steps back from death's door, there was nothing Jetfire wanted to be less than a burden.

[Starscream]

Starscream felt so utterly hopeless as he stood and watched the other mech grapple with finding some sort of balance. As much as he wanted to step in and help, even offering his own frame as something else to lean on - he knew that Jetfire had to do this by himself. Or at least this part, anyway.

Once they were in motion, the larger mech could indeed lean on him as they made their way across the frozen tundra - but it was getting to that point, getting past this initial shakiness and getting things moving that was the cause for concern.

So he watched, keeping quiet - a servo idly rubbing at his arm to bleed out some of the stress he felt merely by observing. He was ready to step in should it look like Jetfire was about to fall, if only to offer some sort of buffer between the larger mech and the rocky floor below.

Even if that probably wouldn’t end well for either of them.

The look of concern shifted into one of hope as the single step forward was taken. Even though he couldn’t even begin to imagine the pain the other mech was in, the fact he could walk at all was a good sign indeed.

It’d hopefully be the first of many - and while they would be slow going, progress was progress.

A brief nod was the only response to the other mech’s words, and as Jetfire took further steps, Starscream would follow. Keeping a short distance away as to not only give the larger Seeker room to move, but to keep an eye on him.

The gentle suggestion made by Jetfire was met with a scoff, Starscream’s wings hiking up some - almost in offense that he’d even dare say such a thing. A few hurried steps forward of his own were taken, overtaking the other mech so he could look up at him, optics narrowed into a gentle scowl.

“Fly back and leave you here?! Are you out of your mind?” both servos would gesture to the general area. While they were still in the relative safety of the cave, Jetfire would need to keep moving - which meant venturing out into the open.

Truth be told, it was a sensible suggestion. One that should he stop and think about it for even a moment, he would realize it was probably the best course of action. But the thought of leaving Jetfire- no, he wouldn’t do it.

Having already almost lost him once this day? He wouldn’t do it again.