[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Return to the Frontlines [Open]

[Deleted]

- Episode 3

-Week 3: Day 4

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~Location: Unknown Space

A good soldier follows orders, even if they feel it to be a waste of their abilities or feel they could do so much more, all lingering thoughts are left to the drowning silence of acceptance for their leader’s means and methods are not for the soldier to question if they are for fighting for the same cause, the same ends the same destiny. An asteroid field’s peaceful swaying among the infinite space was quickly disturbed by the roaring of a projectile hurling through its boundaries, a jet narrowly avoiding the giant boulders that obstruct its path one at a time, diving and weaving effortlessly through space before setting upon a small moon. The jet appears to have no intention of slowing down, angling itself to brush across the surface,its nose mere meters away from the crater covered rock beneath it a series of shifting gears, and parts morphing around its body, transforming itself into a large metal behemoth that smashed its foot directly into the rock below him with such speed that he himself created a small crater of his own. As small particles of dust float towards empty space, two crimson lights pierce through the veil of mist with thunderous footsteps. The pair of eyes contained a large navy blue body with flashes of gold trimmings that glitter in the sunlight, the Decepticon...Dreadwing.



He observed his surroundings on the small moon a small hint of sorrow falls upon his face, this planet reminded him of the once beautiful landscapes of Cybertron that were decimated into a dead wasteland, such feelings are quickly shrugged off, for he came with a purpose. Ejected from a small compartment at his side was a device of sorts, a tracker with a gridded display with a wave that blasted outward from his own location, the Seeker observed the screen hoping for a blip to be detected he began his walk across the barren moon. He had little time for thought, his full concentration set upon the mission bestowed upon him by his Lord and Master Lord Megatron, a piece of a weapon that could turn the tide of this conflict. Lord Megatron referred to it as the ‘Mortillus’ Hymn’, entrusting Dreadwing as one of the select few to search the galaxy for its pieces for they were all lost. Before the Seeker lost himself through his own thoughts, finally a loud beep noise emitted from the tracker, his optics shot down towards the small digital screen with a groan of relief, he aligned himself so that he was on a straight direct oath to his objective, finding amidst the numerous craters caused by asteroid debris another more longitudinal hole, one that is more reminiscent of a ship crashing, a large continuous stain as something had grinded across the surface at great speed.



Dreadwing’s optics widened, his face dropped from his content scowl, his eyebrows raised, catching the view of a long abandoned Cybertronian ship. He quickened his pace significantly to a sprint before his body shifted once again, transforming itself into his human jet mode blasting off rapidly until reaching the wreckage, quickly shifting back into his mech form to examine the damage further. The ship itself had rested here for many eons, despite the density of oxygen on this moon being significantly less than any inhabitable planet, the hull had rusted completely leaving little means to identify if this vessel belonged to friend or foe, but in this day and age what was considered either of them anymore.



He had lost his focus once again, snarling to himself for being so distracted he quickly retracted his Plasma cannon safely stored on his back, reaching round with his clawed hand to bring it into a firing position, the cannon begin emitting a sound reminiscent of an engine starting before a crimson bolt of energy erupted from its barrel, directly impacting the side of the hull piercing directly through it creating a large enough hole for Dreadwing to even fit through. Disengaging his cannon, Dreadwing cautiously enters the fallen ship, the interior enveloped by a thick mog of darkness with only the brief illumination of swaying cables dangling from the very ceiling and the brief ray of sunlight piercing through the makeshift entrance created from his blast.



Minutes pass wondering the halls of the Cybertronian ship, with what hallways and rooms were still accessible that were not already buried beneath the hard rock, or lost elsewhere other than the prime collusion point. The giant mech’s crashing footsteps broke the silence as they clanged and thudded against the metal floors, finally making it to a barely functioning Teletran, its screens flickered and buzzed, emitting scrambled instructions and procedures in a desperate attempt to stay operational finally identifying Dreadwing’s arrival, a small scanner like device emerged from behind the primary screen, shaking violently in itself to keep steady before finally giving way, falling limp as it disconnects from the rest of the Teletran thudding to the floor.



“You do not need to identify, nor address yourself, I only need you to show me what I require.” Dreadwing’s booming deep voice erupted in greeting, the Teletran fell silent simply operating the flickering fading screen “Display the last recorded cargo log.” Teletran attempts to search through its data archives retrieving the last report the small ship ever had recorded. “La-la-la-la~ record-rd-rd-rd Mortil-...Hy-...” Those words form a grin of excitement over Dreadwing’s face. “Is it here?!”



"Mor-us Hymn...incompl-ete-ete parts-...divid-. Warning, restricte-..acce-”


“I am Captain Dreadwing of the Decepticon Energon Seekers, I have the authority.” His voice boomed once more with a growled snarl, he was growing more and more inpatient as each second that was wasted going through useless protocols the quicker the Teletran was to shutting down, permanently, without it his mission, his time wasted flying through the galaxy would all go to waste it would be for nothing only to return empty handed to Lord Megatron, his Lord would never see Dreadwing as a respectable and resourceful warrior if even a simple errand resulted in failure.



“Access. Acce-ted, piece found with surviv-..opening charg- pod.”



“A survivor?” Dreadwing’s entire concentration suddenly shifted, for it was not only the approval of Lord Megatron as his sole driving motive, there was another. Dreadwing shared a very special connection that not many Cybertronians could even comprehend, Dreadwing was one half of a twin spark, two Cybertronians that shared a connection with one another, and the Seeker had one in the name of Skyquake. The only reason Dreadwing left Cybertron was in search of his twin, a mission that still drives him to discover his twin’s fate. A wall begins to descend into the ground only to completely collapse out of its frame crashing to the ground revealing a cylinder like pod, although made from glass the entirety of it was covered with a brown coloured dust, a testament to how long this ship had remained crashed, forgotten to time until now. The glass slowly slides open, Dreadwing rushing quickly to see what could appear on the other side as a completely rusted Cybetronian falls before the Seeker, its body barely connected together, its identification almost impossible.



Dreadwing rushed down to the body checking on any signs of life or even similarities in its chassis however, no connections were made, this was simply a Decepticon soldier that fallen long ago. Beside it was a large metallic crate, Dreadwing dared not pry with his own eyes to its contents but understood its significance when he noticed the branding of the Decepticon emblem etched into its side that illuminated in a violet haze. The Seeker stands back to his feet reaching for a compartment around his waist that opens up to reveal another portable device, this was intended for communications, displayed on this device was a small targeted section of the planet Earth which a small antenna on the mobile device began synchronising to in the same beeping motion. Soon enough a swirling vortex sprung to life directly behind him, its bright colours being a huge contrast to the rusting dark metals around him, the Seeker hoists the rather large crate over his shoulder moving towards the vortex disappearing into it as it closed into nothingness, leaving the graveyard to rest floating for seemingly forever, a mission was completed but no joy, no sense of accomplishment was present on Dreadwing’s face only content, for finally he could return to his kind, to his lord and master Megatron.

[Starscream]

On the other side of the swirling vortex, the sparse emptiness of the Blackridge Hold control room was there to welcome the returning Seeker.

Though, it wasn’t entirely empty. Starscream found himself at the control terminal, long taloned digits poked at the keyboard, optics focused on the screen itself which displayed a simple wire mesh diagram of the Nemesis. The image displayed had been sectioned into various areas, with several of them blocked out in red.

A wing twitched idly as the bridge opened across the room, almost in tired irritation at the all-too-familiar noise disrupting the quiet - though the silver Seeker did not turn his full attention to whoever it was that was arriving. An Eradicon - or Soundwave - had obviously approved the bridge, and as such Starscream did not pay it much heed.

Not much had changed in Dreadwing’s absence - with the majority of the expansion of Blackridge Hold complete, namely sleeping quarters for those who were not Vehicon troops and more storage areas - the Control Room looked the same as when he was here last. Another monitor had been added to the terminal, no doubt salvaged from the Nemesis in the past week or so, but that was the only real major difference of note.

[Deleted]

The bright green swirling vortex of the space bridge remained silently open for a time, the distributed silence that filled Blackridge Hold the noise of combustible energy colliding together followed with the figure of a large chassis of the Seeker Dreadwing emerging from the bright emerald light, his figure large enough to cast a shadow over the illuminated area from the Space bridge before it disintegrated into nothingness.

Hauled over his shoulder was the large crate, his cargo, his mission the one thing that meant he could return to his kind and no longer dread the endless silence of his own thoughts and the vastness of space, the giant Decepticon slammed his cargo onto the metallic floor of the base, the crashing of metal upon metal ringing through the audio receptors of all that were present. He raised back to his full height, clutching his wrist joint system, rolling it slowly from pressure caused by the heavy object, a slight grin was present on his face, expecting perhaps a few familiar faces or at least an entourage of Eradicons to greet him upon his return, or even the prospect of any other surviving Decepticons that had found their way to this tiny rock of a planet, yet there was nothing was only met by the same silence he had thought he would have escaped from.

He peers around the empty control room, reminding him of the eerily similar atmosphere he had recently felt aboard the abandoned ship, until his optics finaly locked to…-him-. Of all Decepticons he had to reunite with first, there he stood, Starscream, his grin quickly shifted back to his usual scowled face, his teeth only slightly gritted being visible from merely one corner of his mouth. His loud thunderous footsteps clash against the floor, gradually approaching Starscream with a scowled glance. “Starscream…” he grumbled out in a harsh disappointed voice, but still attempting to remain as civil as possible stopping mere meters away from the small Seeker Commander in comparison to his own.

[Starscream]

Starscream’s attention would remain on the monitor, assuming that whoever it was that’d arrived would depart shortly into the corridors of Blackridge Hold to go about whatever task they were on. Optics narrowed into a frown, he zoomed in on the wireframe of the Nemesis, namely the area where the engine had been - the area blocked out in red.

With a sigh, he would type something - making a note, only to flinch suddenly as something heavy slammed onto the floor behind him. His wings hiked upward in alarm and he would swivel on a heel to face the offender. He had half a mind to shift an arm into a blaster to shoot whichever moronic Vehicon had dropped something, though could only gasp at seeing who it actually was.

Wings settling some behind himself, he would stand up a little straighter as the other Seeker approached. His own expression shifting into one of more neutrality, though it was almost a frown.

“Dreadwing.”

A touch of discontent to his voice, though he too, would remain civil.

“I assume you have found a piece of the Mortillus’ Hymn.” a servo would gesture absently to the crate, though he would keep his gaze on the other mech.

[Deleted]

Dreadwing's towering presence loomed silently over Commander Starscream, his attention shifted towards the control terminal, his long curved blade like eyebrow raised in curiosity upon his optics seeing the glorious warship of the Nemesis staring back. Its schematics on display, his optics squinted to perhaps learn of whatever his scheming Commander had conjured up this time, perhaps something to gain even more favour from Lord Megatron.

"That is not your place to make such assumptions, You are not who I received my mission from, with due respect." His words were spiteful through the façade of a civil soldier.


He turned his head down to meet Starscream's crimson optics, His statue would remain the same, his shoulders broad as his chest was puffed out almost in a gesture of dominance or perhaps to demonstrate the pride the Seeker carries himself with, none would be able to tell for Dreadwing was not one for socialising. He was a soldier, a warrior, his words would be spoken on the battlefield, to issue orders or to face a worthy adversary in the heat of battle, everything Starscream would much prefer to stay far away from, at least from his experience. Even just his idling thoughts brought resentment out through his continued tensed face with a irritable twitch that could have easily been cause from the lack of use from it over the past week, but it was clear to Dreadwing it was something else entirely.

"I am to make my report to Lord Megatron and him alone, where is our master? I wish to seek an audience with him."

[Starscream]

The screen held little to no clues as to any thoughts or schemes going on in Starscream’s processor. By all accounts, it seemed the Commander was simply working, checking on the state of things on their fallen ship and nothing more. The multiple squares of red did not bode well, though given the lack of real reaction from the Seeker? It can’t have been too severe.

While Dreadwing loomed, the slim Seeker did not cower - having no reason to fear his presence or attempt at posturing. His own posture was proud, though certainly more relaxed than that of the other mech.

The reply to his comment made him grumble quietly under his breath, lip twitching some in mild annoyance.

“With all due respect, it was a simple statement.”

A gentle sneer graced his features as he kept his gaze and attention on the other mech. Though, it would soften into somewhat of a smirk at the mention of Megatron. Both arms easing behind his back, he would chuckle lowly.

"I see you didn't get the memo. Our Lord has abandoned us once again. Should you wish to seek an audience with Megatron, you best turn around and go back the way you came. He is... elsewhere. Flitting around in space doing who even knows what."

Wings flaring slightly outwards, he would continue.

“So, for whatever it’s worth, you may not have received your mission from myself, but for technicality sake here at Blackridge, given the absence of our Warlord? I am once again in charge.”

A touch of smugness to his tone that couldn’t be helped. He knew full well that would be the last thing Dreadwing wanted to hear, especially upon his return - yet here they were.

[Deleted]

"What?!"

Dreadwing's face dropped from his usual content scowl into a snarling angered beast, his statue changes from a prideful soldier reporting to his Commander into staring into the eyes of his enemy. All he had worked for, all he had went through only for it to be snatched away from him at his triumphant return back into the fold of the Decepticon cause.

A flood of emotions raged through Dreadwing's processing unit, of anger, confusion, shock, disbelief, how could his master leave once again, how could he "abandon" the Decepticons or even go missing, there was no other Cybertronian other than Optimus Prime himself who could even match the might of Megatron. Distraught at his own abandonment Dreadwing slumped down in posture morning over the loss, until he sees...it.

The slimy smirk that arose upon Starscream's face, his calm yet satisfied demeanour on reporting of Lord Megatron's disappearance with not a tiny hint of sorrow or disappointment, the joy that came across the Seeker Commander on emphasising his own return to command over the Decepticons. Dreadwing's emotions finally all reach a similar conclusion, a unified cause to them all, "What did you do...". With blinding rage his metallic claws quickly crunch together into a fist with a loud clank, Dreadwing tilted the top half of his body over Starscream slamming his foot onto the ground to get even closer to the Commander looking for any justifiable reason to claim his spark in the name of treason but he needed to be sure with absolute certainty that is suspicions were true.

[Starkrieger]

If the mecha inside the control room were alerted to his approach, it might have been from the sound of his pedesteps in the halls, not as intentionally loud as they had been the day prior. It was possibly the only warning that could have registered, aside from the small framed Seeker rounding the corner. chassis high, though his wings were snapped tight against his backstrut.

“My Lord”, his voice carried strong, hard, but not because of Starscream. While they may not have noticed him before he'd entered, it was likely clear that he had been fully aware of them. It was not the silver Seeker his gaze sought, nor some clueless wide eyed, lost look that met the object of his focus. Optics flitted to wings, armor, weaponry, assessing the unfamiliar frame of the hulking blue menace.

Unknown Seeker, large build, similar in stature and armor grade to Solarwind. That indicated slow, wide turns, far reaching in servo-to-servo combat, heavy hitting, and he was grounded. Best course of action? Take out the legs, to give his Lord time to act as he would… Then, if the threat remained, lure the fragger into the skies where Krieg could do precisely what he was designed to… mangle precious wings, bring aggressive Seekers down...defend his superior.

“Is there a problem?” His right servo was occupied, balancing a cube of energon at his chestplate, his left claws were free. They twitched and stretched, ready, as it was that side that bore his weaponry, something his target would no doubt notice, with two of his missiles proudly mounted on his arm. That Dreadwing was massive, and sported a Decepticon sigil that suggested rank was noted, but Starkrieger was not phased. If not for the base interior restricting him from flight, his wings would have been high, and bristling in unspoken warning.

Starscream was HIS lord.
Horns was fragging with the wrong officer.

If the interloper did not move to offer additional aggression, and the Air Commander didn’t order him to ‘address’ the problem, Starkrieger faceplates would shift into a smirk so similar to his usual, playful expression, if it hadn’t curled into a near sneer, those optics still keeping close tabs on Dreadwing. His wings, at least, would lift marginally, as he drew closer. His intention was to artfully slip the cube onto the nearby terminal Starscream had been working at, further solidifying his support of the senior flier. What plans he had made as he'd gone looking for the Commander were put on hold.

It was so disappointing...almost as disappointing as this fragger forcing him into quickly coming to terms on how deep his loyalties ran.

[Deleted]

It had been a normal cycle so far. Normal, routine- helm-achingly boring. Even Bait had called it a day and retired to his docking station, choosing to sleep the time away and let his partner deal with it. It was that bad.

Backwater had been on her way somewhere or another, mostly to project an ‘on-duty’ air. In other words, sniffing around base for something satisfyingly entertaining to her busy-body tendencies. She didn’t even have paperwork- just her pedes and the seemingly endless stone halls of Blackridge Hold.
Stone walls that- as she’d quickly found- carried echoes fairly well. Especially if near one of the hubs of the Hold- the Assembly Hall, around the Vehicon barracks, and the Control Room. Even then, the halls of Blackridge were rarely completely silent. Today however- there were voices over the usual muted din. Unidentifiable, indiscernible, but recognizable as speech nonetheless.

As the green femme padded past one particular corridor, an offshoot of her current hall, a particularly loud and clear ‘What?!’ had given her pause. It sounded like there was something going on, and while she hadn’t necessarily set out to uncover the source of the voices- she was certainly heading that way now. The thought of just leaving whatever, or whoever, it was to itself didn’t even cross her processor. She was off down the hall without any further hesitation, seeking it out like a bloodhound on a scent trail.

Backwater’s timing was on-point- a familiar set of wings disappeared into a passage just ahead of her as she rounded the bend. If that airhead Starkrieger was here, things were definitely going to be- well- not boring. Fliers were known for their theatrics after all. And, he provided an easy excuse. She highly doubted he was the only one in there- and her suspicions were confirmed as she stepped close enough to hear the last of his question. Problem? Yes please.

“Krieger! I was looking fer’ ya-” the scout called in, announcing her arrival by speech just the same as by her actual presence, and pretending she’d heard absolutely nothing- which was close enough to the truth. Who was there to meet her hidden optics as she glanced about the Control Room was another matter entirely, and her interest was officially piqued. Starkrieger had yet to really move from the doorway, which made sidling up beside him tricky but not impossible in her quest to get a good look.

“Ah, Lord Starscream, apologies. Didn't mean ta barge in.” She didn’t sound particularly sorry in her cheekiness, but nothing of her tone suggested a sneer or disrespect- Bac even paired her ever-present smirk with a dip of the helm. Her optics however, had moved to the absolute giant of a Seeker standing before the Decepticon Lord (why are they always tall!?). A blind mech could see the tension in the room- and it brought her a special kind of glee. She didn’t recognize them, but that was the case for most nowadays. Hell, she only knew Starscream from his reputation- and the occasional rumor or spotting around base.

Starkrieger didn’t count. She’d seen the mech altogether too much lately.

“Hope I didn’t interrupt nothin’.”

[Starscream]

The single word, paired with the slump in the other Seeker’s posture - ah, it only made Starscream’s smirk grow that much more. There was some sort of beautiful poetic justice in being the one to tell Dreadwing the good news. How delightful it was indeed to know the other mech had tried so hard to appease their Warlord on this fool’s errand, expecting some sort of praise and a pat on the back - only to return and find his precious Megatron gone.

This feeling of smugness was of course short-lived, and the smirk was quick to fade into the briefest look of panic as the other Seeker moved, looming over him. A momentary shift in attention was given to the other mech’s clenched fist, before he would peer back up at him, optics wide.

“N-Now now, Dreadwing-” he stammered, servos wringing together in an attempt to bleed out the stress as he took a somewhat awkward half-step back.

The sound of approaching footfalls were unfortunately lost on him. There were many troops who wandered these halls, to the point that it’d simply become ambient background noise.

“-Do you think I would be so bold as to remain here should I have done something? I’m telling you the truth! Megatron has abandoned us!” his voice rose some in pitch, almost as if he was trying to sound as sincerely hurt as possible by the fact.

The sound of another voice was quick to pull Starscream’s attention away, and he’d shift his gaze from Dreadwing to look at just who it was that’d arrived. Not one - but two others lurked in the doorway and were now laying witness to this conversation.

Thank Primus.

A nervous chuckle was the only noise as Starscream took this moment to back away from Dreadwing even further, wings flaring out as he regained his composure, standing up straight. While he was still wary of the taller Seeker to his side, his gaze had shifted to the two newcomers.

“No, no problem nor interruption here- I was just explaining to Dreadwing how Megatron has abandoned us.” he was quick to repeat and emphasize the word - oh how quickly his confidence had come back now there were others in the room.

“-and how I had nothing to do with his decision to put his precious weapon before the Decepticon cause!”

Turning to Dreadwing, there was the faintest glimpse of a smile.

“I am sure if you asked Starkrieger and Backwater here, they would corroborate with what I told you.”

There was a touch of smugness to his tone once more, but aah- that could not be helped.

[Deleted]

"Do not -DARE- utter that word again Starscream!"

Dreadwing's voices roared through the large room, his voice booming throughout the closest hallways, with all the spewing nonsense and deflection, excuses falling upon deaf ears he was certain Starscream knew exactly the word he implied, abandoned, it sent quivers of rage throughout all his servos already increasing the amassing rage that was taking over the Seeker's mind for just a moment Dreadwing considered finishing the Commander here and now to prevent any further treachery of scheme to only further his own gain with no honour or regard for what the -true- Decepticon cause was.

However their little confrontation was interrupted, his optics noticed the dark crimson pupils of Starscream had suddenly shifted his attention from him, his cowardly retreat like a cornered scared animal had a noticeable small smile in relief. Dreadwing finally turned his head to the entryway of the Control room, they had an audience, a Seeker casually strolling through the entryway, he dropped an energon cube on the terminal desk although his optics seemed transfixed upon Dreadwing as if analysing him, the unknown Seeker seemed no taller than the Air Commander, packing the same genre of weaponry however seemed to have more of a spine in the face of the larger presence before him.

The other, a small femme model far smaller than everyone present even far smaller that the numerous Vehicons that roam the base. Her demeanor seemed more of an audience member than an active threat in this scenario, he could only imagine the sheer shock she must feel seeing another that could look Lord Megatron optic to optic. His optics trail to them for a moment before returning back to his target, Starscream, the rage still boiled deep he gradually raised his clawed hand to reach to his retractable longsword, but with a growl of irritation he lowers it, his clawed hands uncoil from their clenched fist into a resting state.

Many thoughts and scenarios rushed before the Seeker’s mind, he could have easily taken Starscream’s life but as he holds all the cards? As he is by definition the acting Commander in Lord Megatron’s absence, with an entire base of potentially loyal Decepticons that follow the rank of command over the actions of a Seeker seeking retribution only on a mere hunch? No, that was not the way to prove his point or honour Lord Megatron’s vision, and despite his own experience with the Air Commander, he speaks -enough- of a truth that seems highly plausible. He diseganged himself but kept his position being mere meters away from Starscream.

”Your argument is...plausible. But if I am to uncover the truth behind your schemes, I will -not- hesitate to do what needs to be done.”

His optics narrowed upon Starscream, into two red slits that glared into his, there will be peace for now, he will conform but only as long as it takes until Megatron returns or the truth is revealed to him. He slowly backs away presenting the large crate

“There, you can deal with it as you please. At least we will be one step closer to assembling Lord Megatron's weapon.”


However their little confrontation was interrupted, his optics noticed the dark crimson pupils of Starscream had suddenly shifted his attention from him, his coward like retreat like a cornered scared animal had a noticeable small smile in relief. Dreadwing finally turned his head to the entry way of the Control room, they had an audience

[Starkrieger]

No problem?

Everything about the situation had Krieg’s wings itching for action. Starscream’s nervous chuckle put him further on edge. It affirmed his suspicions that the massive Seeker wasn’t simply venting, he was a threat.

Blueberry thought it was wise to go throwing his weight around, did he?
Let’s see how that extra mass does hitting planet side.

Oh, it would affect Krieg if he did manage to offline him, Horns being a fellow Seeker, but that would become an issue after the fact. He would come to terms with his actions, he always did.

Even the greeting from his favorite puddle skipper wasn’t enough to shake the state of his processor. His wings had risen higher, stiff and angled directly at the big mech, only the faintest twitch of his secondaries acknowledged Backwater, where usually his sensors would have drawn towards her, especially as she had approached from behind.

“Bac” the acknowledgement was delayed, and more serious than it should be. Any banter over her arrival, and her 'reason' far from his active processing.

He couldn't miss the movement of the larger Seeker's servo. Krieg had been in this war too long to not recognize a mech reaching for a weapon. He took a pointed step closer, into the flier’s space, his frame tense and ready. Dreadwing could strike quickly, and he had moved well within reach. Krieg would have to keep his wits about him to avoid falling victim to the other's superior strength. Unfortunately, Starscream was too close for him to move properly between the two, though if his Lord did so happen to accommodate, he would do precisely that. That the other mech came to his senses did not mean that Krieg was standing down. There was still a chance a sucker punch was plan b.

‘What needs to be done’.
That was an outright threat.

This fragger’s behavior betrayed what it meant to be a proper Vosian Seeker. There was a code they all should know, as trained military mecha. The position he forced Starscream into with his overt disrespect before the lower ranks was inexcusable. What if it had been a less disciplined 'soldier' who witnessed it? Even if Dreadwing favored Megatron, did he think dissent and power struggles were in their best interests?

“With all due respect… sir” A pause, which would be appropriate, if the bite in his tone hadn't subverted the spirit of the title. His vocals remained level and hard, as if he had every right to call him out. “Your time away seems to have dulled your sense of discipline and propriety." Since he decided it was acceptable to involve the rank-and-file in his blatant insubordination, Starkrieger would take that as leave to speak freely.

“If you do not care for the way our Lord has advanced in this militia, you should take it up with the mech that has set the rules he is adhering to." His helm tipped, chin held high in defiance. If he wasn't allowed to properly deal with the joker, he'd at least make it clear.  He was in no mood to tolerate some misguided fanatic's nonsense. 

“As to Megatron's absence, I suppose Lord Starscream is to blame...If he'd stop proving to be exceptional at running this faction, Megatron would be unable to attend to matters elsewhere."

[Deleted]

Well now, here’s a mech who needs a day off.

Backwater wasn’t the most loyal of Decepticons- she’d taken up the cause kind of like… another one of her jobs at the start. It had grown from that, of course. She’d never felt like she belonged anywhere as much as she had when a Lieutenant of her diminutive Seacon outpost. It had gone from a job to something she’d invested a significant amount of personal energy and interest in then- so of course she’d want to see it succeed!
However, ‘Cons came in all shapes and sizes and places on the spectrum between screw-loose fanatic and couldn’t-careless-canon-fodder.

As she watched this clodhopping giant of a landlubber mech absolutely go-off on their current leader, she pegged him as somewhere to the left end of that range. Mm. Far-left, probably. Personally, Starscream, Megatron, some random Constructicon bozo? If they did a good job, she didn’t really care much beyond. Usually Decepticon High-Leadership was a far-off concept where she had previously been stationed, so even being in the same room as the ‘Acting Lord’ was a thrilling change. Made the drama much easier to tune-into, and gossip was fresh off the rumor mill!

But that didn’t change the fact that some mecha- particularly the ones with wings and lines of jetfuel where the Energon feeding their processors should be- had very strong opinions about which branch of the same tree they'd perched on. Watching Krieg, who was very firmly camp Wing Commander, duke it out with this apparent-Megatron fan-flier?

Better than anything she could purchase a ticket to see back in the golden days of Archon.

“Ah well, it’s more than plausible- Dreadwing?” The slight pause to confirm that that had been his designation? A touch too brief to be considered anything sincere.

“Dreadwing, my mech. It's reality. Our good Lord Starscream has kept this base running like a’ well-oiled machine amid so much chaos and upheaval- as Starkrieger ‘ere said.” She motioned to the Control Room around them (as if the base still-standing was some grand accomplishment). While one might be inclined to say she was buttering it up- even mocking Starkrieger’s words- her’s were spoken with the intentional inclination of a flat, matter-of-fact statement.

“But ya wouldn’t know one way or another either ey? Y’er pretty late to tha’ party yourself.” It was delivered with a smirk and a vague motion of the hand- but Backwater was fully aware she was probably stirring some shit up. Although who knows? Maybe a joke could even lighten up a faceplate as dreadful as the blue obelisk's before her.

[Starscream]

Even despite the company that had graced their presence, the silver Seeker couldn’t help but flinch - albeit briefly - at Dreadwing’s roared comment. He’d obviously touched a nerve, and while he was not foolish enough to repeat the offending word for a fourth time, he hoped the fact it’d been said at all would cut the larger Seeker deep.

While he knew Dreadwing would unfortunately always be loyal to Megatron, anything that would make him see the Warlord in a less than favorable light, or caused even the tiniest flicker of doubt in regards to his leadership? Well, that alone was worth it.

At the comment, Starscream would tsk gently. The tactician needed to work on his temper and tact, it seemed - as not only had he now threatened the current leader of the Decepticons within moments of his rearrival, he had done so in front of witnesses.

Witnesses who were quick to jump to his defense, it seemed. Ah, what a delight - and honestly a refreshing change from the norm. At Starkrieger’s words, and then Backwater’s that followed? Starscream would stand up a little taller. Prouder, with wings twitching ever-so-slightly as he moved to fold his arms across his chassis.

No motions were made to move closer to Dreadwing, however - seemingly content to remain out of possible striking range as he allowed the other two to speak.

“And there you have it.” his words were purred as he glanced Dreadwing’s way, a touch of familiar smugness to his tone before his expression shifted, frowning gently as he turned his attention to Krieg in particular.

“While you are both correct, Starkrieger, you were also out of line. You’d do well to remember your place here.” as unfortunate as it was, Dreadwing did - at present - outrank the other Seeker, and the comment about discipline (even if Starscream agreed) was disrespectful.

With that said, he would turn his gaze to the crate, nodding in approval.

“As I please? Oh how generous of you, Dreadwing.”

Another tsk, his lip would twitch into a gentle smirk - glancing back toward both Starkrieger and Backwater.

“If you two have nothing better to do, feel free to move that-” one arm would move to gesture vaguely toward the crate in question “-into one of the storage rooms. I am sure Dreadwing and I have much to discuss.”

There wasn’t a whole lot else to be done with whatever pieces of the weapon that were found and retrieved. While they could probably start rebuilding the cannon, they were still missing a large majority of parts and Starscream didn’t appear to have the time to give them much attention.

[Deleted]

Dreadwing observed carefully as another Seeker bridged the gap in between himself and Starscream, he stood at roughly the same height as the Air Commander with a slightly larger looking build but despite the similarities this one did not bring the impression of a whimpering coward. He stood tall in confrontation even with the large height difference, this one stood proudly in defiance. Dreadwing kept his stance side on to this new Seeker already looking from the outside in this could easily be seen as an attempt of treason if any wrong move was taken, he had to control his emotions for the time being no matter how tempted he was from making his message very clear. He stood almost motionless in his berating by this Seeker but through it all he felt no disrespect in his words or actions, instead he felt the complete opposite, he respected the nerve this Seeker had to not only stand toe to toe with a Seeker that was not only his Captain but also almost twice the size of him, much as he stood for Lord Megatron, this one stood for Starscream, the only error in his judgement.

As to not appear weak Dreadwing turns to face the Seeker, his brows tensed into a scowl trying not to let out a smirk or any ounce of visual amusement, his optics shoot towards the outright tiny Decepticon that stood in the Control Room, she -did- irritate Dreadwing...greatly. Where as the Seeker stood in the path of lawful, following regulations and upholding a sense of order that needed to be obtained, this one reeked of chaos, her attitude her words, her attempts to rouse something in Dreadwing where more enraging to him than her words themselves. She used the same smug smirk as Starscream would do but carried with a sadistic sense of joy no matter who she was targeting. She simply glared at her with his cold piercing crimson optics until his attention returned back to Starscream.

The audience present provided the Commander with power, with witnesses, with a justification to make anything a certainty with no question of the reliability, he could be made into a traitor with an entire base of Decepticons believing him completely. Even Dreadwing knew he could not escape an entire base of Decepticons or Autobots for that matter. Yet his face shifted from his scowl to that of...confusion. In this moment Starscream would simply revel in higher authority and power over another and yet he scolded this, Starkrieger, the other Seeker for his actions, Starkreiger, he would not forget that name any time soon. Dismissing the other Decepticons to continue their work until, there, his motive. Perhaps another mission planned for him to gain the upper hand perhaps a way to attempt to stray him from his loyalty to Lord Megatron, even with recent events he must uphold his true loyalty but respect the active Command for now. He continued to remain silent, but backed away from Starkrieger allowing them to follow Starscream’s command.