[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Judgement [Starscream]

[Megatron]

Episode 3 | Week 4 | Day 7 | Closed

The sun began to fade behind an uneven, rocky horizon. In the warm afternoon glow, a pair of tall shadows trailed Megatron and Starscream as they arrived by the entrance to a Decepticon mine.

During their short walk, the Lord did not so much as glance at his oh-so-faithful commander. There was no sign of any emotion in the way he carried himself either, and he kept silent, locking away any glimpse into their purpose here from Starscream. Megatron knew such behavior unnerved the Seeker. Uncertainty gnawed at those who had secrets to hide—and nobody had more of them than Starscream.

His “loyal” Second-in-Command wasn’t told much before their arrival here either. It was a simple invitation to “discuss certain matters” away from their temporary lodging in Blackridge. But after so many eons of co-existing with Megatron, Starscream could be sure of one thing: this was not going to be pleasant.

The ingress loomed ahead like a gnarly, uneven maw. It was then that Megatron opened his.

“After you, Starscream,” he said with an incredulous level of courtesy, his voice carrying with it a rough quality that made Megatron sound ever-so-perturbed. Finally, he looked to the smaller mech by his side, eyes slanting into a watchful squint.

They weren’t here for the scenery; that much was obvious.

[Starscream]

In stark contrast to the Warlord, Starscream displayed far more emotion than he probably should. The brief walk was uneventful, which was to be expected - but it was the silence that plagued his mind the most. This translated into a nervous edge, and while the Seeker’s wings were held high, his servos fidgeted in front of himself as they moved - betraying his normal confidence.

The invitation to join Megatron here had come as a surprise - with little to no warning, nor time to really prepare. As such, he had no idea what this was truly about, and his processor raced over the details of their meeting just hours earlier, then drifted to events over the past few weeks. He’d done nothing that he could think of that warranted any sort of punishment in Megatron’s absence, at least nothing that the Warlord could possibly know about, yet the remoteness of the location - and the fact Megatron had summoned him personally, had him scared.

He’d remained focused on the path ahead as they moved, making a mental note of anything that stood out as to clue him in as to just where this was, though did spare the imposing figure of the Warlord a nervous glance every so often.

Pausing in his movements once the entrance to the mine was apparent, it was Megatron who spoke first, breaking the silence.

“Ah, right- yes, of course, Lord Megatron.”

He spoke clearly, trying to keep his voice level and calm. Going first was not the most ideal arrangement - having Megatron at his back as they moved into an unknown area that probably held minimal escape routes? Not exactly wise.

Though the same could be said if their positions were reversed.

Curling and flexing his servos, bleeding out the nervous tension, he would move forwards after a brief moment of hesitation, dropping his arms to his sides as he walked. Wings held in a more natural state, trying to keep his audials peeled for the familiar sound of transformation. Should Megatron want to finish him off - even if he couldn’t think of a reason why that would be the case? This would be the perfect place to do it.

[Megatron]

Megatron followed after Starscream, not too far behind. As they entered the cave, a few notable details would impose themselves upon the mind. Firstly: The surrounding area was rather dark. The only light came from the entrance, framing Megatron's and Starscream's silhouettes on the far wall. That was the second detail. This place was a dead end. Indeed, Starscream could look as hard as he wanted, but he wouldn't spot a single side corridor, and the main one ended a short distance from the approach.

But there was one more thing. It appeared as if this place wasn't always like that. Rubble littered the area, and indeed, if one looked hard enough through the darkness, they'd see that the wall ahead once housed a tunnel that had collapsed.

Megatron spoke again.

"Do you know where we are?"

His tone remained even and firm, much like his stature. Although, there was a distinct aftertaste of amusement behind it. Clearly, Megatron derived some modicum of enjoyment from watching Starscream fail at masking his insecurities. For one so clever, the Seeker often struggled to remain composed in his presence. Their time spent in the depths of space today stood as testament to the fact.

He could hardly fault him. Starscream had every right to be nervous—now more than ever.

[Starscream]

The surrounding darkness of the cavern was expected, if frightening. He’d gathered from the lack of noise upon their approach that this mine had been long since abandoned, and the hope of there being any lighting within was practically zero. Though, the absence of illumination didn’t bother him.

What did bother him was the fact that this was an obvious dead end. The caved-in tunnel meant that the only way out was to go back the way they’d come - well, that or frantically somehow dig through the wall itself which… wasn’t happening.

Staring forwards while he attempted to gather his thoughts, he could either focus on the rubble and the dead end before him, or the ominous silhouette of the Warlord behind him - his immense form blocking the majority of what little light remained from outside. Both were equally terrifying in their own way for separate reasons, though he opted to look just a moment longer at the debris, deciding it the lesser of two evils.

With Megatron to his back, his servos had raised again in front of himself as he fidgeted - processor frantically going over even the most minute of details that’d led to this point. While he had invoked some obvious annoyance from the Warlord earlier this day, it wasn’t to the point of warranting an execution. He’d done nothing wrong! Yet this was the perfect opportunity for Megatron to dispose of him. From there, all he’d need do was cave in the entrance and that’d be the end. Nobody - well, except probably Soundwave - knew they were here. They wouldn’t know where to look for possible remains, should there be anything left.

Wings wilting some at the oppressive and claustrophobic ambiance of the cave itself, he gasped out softly as Megatron spoke again. A question was asked - and it was one that he… did not know the answer to. While he oversaw and was acquainted with many of their mining operations in Megatron’s absence, this particular location was not familiar to him.

Swiveling around on his heel to face the Warlord, his gaze would immediately drift upward to meet his optics. A quick shake of his helm, he lowered his arms again - mentally making a note to keep them by his sides and to stop fidgeting, though his unease was evident in his wings which still hung low at his back.

“N-no, Lord Megatron. Should I?”

His voice not quite a whimper, though it was hard to remain composed when everything about this situation looked so incredibly dire.

[Megatron]

The warlord's optics locked with Starscream's as he turned around. At first, Megatron stood tall and dignified, letting him scramble for an answer. Even one such as Starscream would not dare lie when cornered like this, or so Megatron hoped. The Seeker did feign ignorance many a time to save his Spark in the past. It was simply for the best to let him trip over his words instead of coercing the truth out of him.

For all his intelligence, Starscream often forgot that Megatron didn't need to be present to know about current events. But maybe he honestly did not know where they were, so it was fortunate that the Lord of the Decepticons did.

"Is that so?" He asked as if offering the Seeker one brief chance to reconsider, only to take it away with a swift follow-up. It would appear the question was rhetorical in the first place.

"Then allow me to elucidate," his optics widened as Megatron took two thunderous steps closer towards his second-in-command. His figure blotted out the light, leaving the smaller mech submerged in his shadow entirely.

If he wanted to eliminate him, he could without breaking a sweat. But instead, Megatron leaned forward, imposing on what little personal space and nerve Starscream had left. His red optics shone brightly in the dark. As soon as his monstrous form moved into position, Megatron raised his voice.

"This is the mine where Soundwave ordered your lapdog to terminate a Decepticon traitor—a traitor, I am told, you allowed to live," his words were as gravel in the wounds. Rough, loud, unmistakable, painful. The sound of "terminate" echoed with a particularly horrifying emphasis, as if warning Starscream of the things to come.

While he spoke, Megatron raised his right arm for emphasis, stopping short of hitting the Seeker in his frantic face. Yet just as quickly as it was about to strike him, it fell back to the warlord's side.

Then, he queried, "Have you anything to say for yourself, Starscream?"

He did not disengage or move back, letting the pressure rise rapidly, observing intently what the other mech said or did next.

[Starscream]

As their optics met, Starscream felt himself shrink inwards. Instinctively hunching, not standing up quite as straight nor tall - yet not quite cowering. It was a sign of submission, a silent plea for their Warlord to have mercy.

Despite the fact his arms were now securely by his sides, his slender digits were still moving. Gentle flexes and curls, picking at his thumb claw as he desperately tried to get rid of the nervous tension that wracked his frame. A feat that was proving to be impossible given the uncertainty of what was happening and what was to come next.

Why was he so worried? That he did not know. To his knowledge he had done nothing wrong, yet to be alone with Megatron in an area outside of Blackridge was almost like a death sentence. Even though he knew the other mech could’ve obliterated him with ease should he have wanted to - having many chances already this day - the fear at the realization that it was still an option was lingering at the back of his processor.

As the Warlord spoke, his lip would twitch - an indication, perhaps, that he was about to find another answer, though he was denied the chance to speak as Megatron spoke again, moving further into his personal space as he revealed things further.

Taking a half-step back, his wings wilted further behind himself. He knew not to move too far back - after all, he had nowhere to run, but the movement was out of terrified instinct - unable to stand his ground. What little light he could see from the entrance to the cave was immediately blocked by the immense figure, casting him in dark shadow - and as much as he wanted to look away? He couldn’t.

Optics widening some at the realization of just where this cave was as Megatron revealed it, a nervous, stammered whimper escaped him. While he had played a part in stopping Coldwind, it had been from afar.

He couldn’t help but flinch at the movement from the Warlord, silently chastising himself a moment later for letting his normal confidence drop so quickly into this current frantic and almost desperate state.

The follow through - the strike that he expected? It did not come, and yet it was too late - he’d flinched.

“A t-traitor my Lord? You must be mistaken! They pledged their loyalty to the Decepticons upon our aid! Soundwave was tasked with overseeing their re-entry into our ranks, and to gather information - I did not give him the order to command Coldwind to attack them!” his voice raised in pitch, a squawk almost - optics not leaving that of the other mech.

“I was not shown evidence of them betraying us, Soundwave acted on his own volition! Attacking one of our own before they’d had a chance to reintegrate and prove themselves!”

Lifting both servos, clawed fingertips would press against each other nervously. He knew full well what Bladewing had said about Megatron, and knew the likelihood of Soundwave passing that information along was high. He never expected Bladewing to be brought up again after his apparent escape, to the point he’d almost forgotten about him entirely.

“They're as good as dead at this point - we both know that the likelihood of anyone surviving on their own is slim!”

[Megatron]

Few things in the universe made Megatron genuinely infuriated. Starscream's pathetic excuses were high on that list. However, after the passing of eons, the warlord had grown numb to his constantly regurgitated drivel. It was this reason alone that kept Starscream from becoming a smear on the cavern walls.

"No, Starscream, we both know that is not true. He pledged his loyalty to you," Megatron bellowed, his deep voice rumbled with an echo only such a place could provide. At the same time, he leaned even closer towards the nerve-wracked Seeker, well aware that it tore him up inside to be mere inches from certain death.

"You accepted him into the ranks in my absence, subverting my authority, in full knowledge of his refusal to recognize my leadership," the Decepticon Lord howled again. His arms swung out in a volatile fashion, head skipping back and forth with every word so that Starscream would memorize it through fear alone.

"And worst of all," he was not done yet, "you nearly allowed this rogue element to roam within our very domain."

Then there was a click—a loud, sharp noise.

Megatron leaned back, finally letting some of the light in through the gaps between his arms and legs, but only just enough to allow Starscream to witness that his blade now stood fully exposed at the barrel of the fusion cannon.

He pointed it at him, slowly, deliberately.

"Shall I punish you in the same fashion you should've punished Bladewing, 'Lord' Starscream?"

And then, Megatron let the question linger, watching, expecting Starscream to make further excuses in an attempt to muddy the situation. Those tricks would not avail him today; this was no mere oversight.

[Starscream]

The emphasis on the word ‘you’, and the fact that Megatron had quickly encroached even more into his personal space made Starscream cower, shrinking back and recoiling some to further his submission. While his wings could not wilt any more than they already had, they trembled nervously behind himself, a physical display of the fear that’d only gotten worse within these seconds that felt like an eternity. His optics wide, darting frantically as he so desperately fought the urge to avoid eye contact with the Warlord and betray any further guilt.

Every so often, his mouth would twitch - almost like he wanted to say something, to plead his defense then and there, to give his reason for doing things the way he had. He knew better, of course, and would allow Megatron to finish speaking. The tell-tale click was a noise he knew all too well, and it was as the Warlord leaned back that Starscream would raise both arms further to preemptively protect himself from the anticipated attack. His posture still cowered, looking up fearfully - desperately almost - at the immense figure before him.

“No! I can explain!” he squawked “Y-yes, while he pledged his loyalty to me, you and I both know well that wouldn’t have ever worked in his favor! The moment you arrived back from your space travels he would’ve been forced into line! Another Seeker among our ranks - one with such usefulness - would’ve been an addition we so sorely needed! I was thinking ahead for the Decepticon cause!”

Stepping back cautiously and ever so carefully, given the complete lack of room to move, it was then he spared a moment - a brief one at that - to glance to the side of Megatron. Trying to work out if he’d even be fast enough to escape should opportunity arrive.

He was certainly faster than Megatron in flight, that went without question - though would he be nimble enough to avoid an attack within such close quarters?

That remained to be seen.

Settling his attention back on the Warlord, he would continue - voice still frantic.

“He was bridged directly by Soundwave, there’s no way he could’ve worked out the location of Blackridge Hold from that alone!”

[Megatron]

Soundwave opened the GroundBridge. But Megatron knew that it was not his intention to let Bladewing live—only Starscream's.

"Did he, now?" Megatron asked, "And under whose command was that?!"

His terrible voice boomed throughout the cave once more. The more excuses Starscream made, the less patience he had for them. As the Seeker continued to dig his own grave, Megatron took a single step forward, placing the tip of his blade right under his neck, not stopping even should he bring up his arms to guard it, cold steel inches away from cutting through a vital supply of Energon.

Megatron understood full well that given the opportunity, Starscream would try to slip from under his hand. Not today, not when he wasn't done talking. If the slender mech so much as tried to edge forward, he'd find himself bleeding out on the rocky surface. Right now was not the time for plans and schemes, only accountability.

And should Megatron detect no trace of it within the Air Commander, perhaps more drastic measures would need to be employed. But for now, he would be content with Starscream listening, even if it meant a breakdown after breakdown.

"The only thing you 'think ahead for' is yourself, Starscream."

He sternly corrected the groveling pile of deceit before him. The only reason Starscream was ever concerned with keeping things together was so that the troops would grow to love him for the barest minimum. Of this much, Megatron needed no convincing. True enough, Starscream's desperate struggle for adulation often led to beneficial conclusions—but not this time. Not this time.

"Fortunately for us, Soundwave recorded Bladewing's entire speech. So you can spare me the pretense."

The only one who would benefit from Bladewing's presence was Starscream himself. He could not bend his way around that. Which just left one final question.

"Tell me, did Coldwind act on your authority when she disobeyed Soundwave in these very corridors?”

A short pause followed...

“Choose your words carefully, Starscream."

Megatron's words were those of caution. He delivered the final sentence at a slow pace so that Starscream could understand how important it was for him to make the correct decision here. Yet even then, he did not abandon his unnervingly worrying tone.

[Starscream]

Starscream’s processor was spinning, trying to recall the meeting with Bladewing and the moments that’d followed, all the while trying to keep his attention on the Warlord before him.

Obviously, it’d been under his order that the bridge had been summoned, but it wasn’t as if Bladewing would’ve been allowed out of the Medical Bay until he’d been interrogated by Soundwave in full. There was no way he could’ve known where he was, nor where Blackridge Hold had been. They would’ve been safe - which was in part why he had given the command to begin with.

It was Soundwave who had moved both Bladewing and Blue. It was Soundwave who had acted on his own.

Opening his mouth to reply, a stammer was all he managed before he fell into a fearful silence as Megatron moved forward - closing the gap between them with a single, eased step. With this step came movement, and the chilling bite of a blade was felt against his neck before he’d even realized it. Tilting his helm ever so slightly, he stared upward with optics wide.

Slowly, deliberately, his arms would drop to his sides.

“That’s not true, Master!” his voice was shaky, though he did not falter. “The entire time you were away I focused on gathering Energon to help power not only the expansion efforts of Blackridge Hold, but working toward the recovery of the Hymn and the Nemesis so the Decepticons can thrive once more!” his voice rising in pitch as the desperation bled through each and every word. It was the only time he dared speak out of turn, though with a blade to his throat he felt he had no other option but to try and defend himself, as futile as the attempt may be.

He’d done so much more, of course - succeeding in planting an infiltrator among the Autobot ranks, who in turn had managed to befriend and capture one of their Medics. A bargaining chip, and a valuable one at that. But the Hymn - The Nemesis - those were far more important in this moment between life and death.

Of course, he’d done plenty for himself, as well. Megatron was correct in his words, which was why he’d been painstakingly careful with his own plans.

The mention of Soundwave would have normally been met with a roll of his optics. Of course the Spymaster had snitched that conversation - and he was certain the other mech had taken no time at all in relaying the entire thing as soon as he was able. Starscream had worked tirelessly since Megatron had left them once more, and that was what he chose to focus on!?

Any annoyance to this fact was not shown - his optics still wide in a panic as he held Megatron's gaze. What was he supposed to say? No, it was Soundwave who had changed his mind at the last second? Who else would have the authority to order such a thing?

Megatron already knew the answer.

“She did. If only because I was never made aware of the plan to eradicate them in the first place!” he stammered, wings fluttering some behind himself. “Should Soundwave have aired his grievances to me, I would’ve allowed it!”

Probably not the entire truth - however his voice was so desperate that it sounded at least genuine enough.

[Megatron]

There was a terrible ghastly silence.

There was a terrible ghastly noise—the sound of Megatron's voice. It rang with clarity and supreme judgment.

"Very well. I shall spare your Spark," the old warlord said with a sneer of cold command. The sword on his wrist disappeared in an instant, but he has not finish speaking yet.

"If only because presently, you are more useful to me alive than dead."

Starscream deserved some recognition. He did keep the Decepticons together during a crisis he could not have predicted. He even built an outpost. There were results, tangible evidence of his continued use. And for that reason—and that reason alone—did Megatron decide to save him from an early grave on this day. Yet even at the height of his mercy, the Decepticon Lord sounded a stern warning:

"But should you contact Bladewing or his companion ever again for any reason other than their immediate termination..."

With his arm still extended towards Starscream, the barrel of his massive fusion cannon began heating up, letting off an uncomfortable sizzling sound. Then it fired—in an instant, it cut through its target, leaving behind naught but a molten hole.

Fortunately for Starscream, it was not him, but the collected rubble at his back—only a twist of the servo away from his very chest. It was not him, but it could have been. It will be next time. That was Megatron's way of finishing the warning. No more words were said, at least not from the tyrant's mouth.

There was a terrible ghastly silence.

[Starscream]

The silence seemed to linger for an eternity. Red optics stared unwaveringly into purple as his gaze seemed transfixed on the Warlord, almost as if he was too fearful to look away - even for a second.

Then, a voice cut through that ghastly silence. The first two words were enough to make Starscream vent out a trembly - but quiet - sigh of relief. While his posture was still tense, he knew that at least for now? He was out of the imminent danger of what would’ve been no doubt a quick termination.

“Oh thank you Lord Megatron! You won’t regret this!” he spoke quickly, voice hiking up while he scrabbled to find the words.

The mention of Bladewing was understandable - and wise. While the missing Seeker had not been a thought on Starscream’s processor due to more important and pressing matters, that did not mean he wasn’t still out there somewhere to assist the Second in Command at a later time.

Opening his mouth to reply to this with confirmation that he wouldn’t dare - the familiar sizzle made him pause, both arms flinging up in an instinctive, panicked motion in an attempt to protect himself (even if it would’ve done absolutely nothing). A shriek escaped him as his wings dropped low, hoping to spare the delicate limbs from any sort of harm, both optics closing tightly as he turned his helm away from the source of the incoming blast.

…

There was no pain rocketing through his systems. No blaring warnings from his HUD. No immediate stench of spilled Energon. There was… nothing.

A second passed. Then another.

He was still alive.

Cautiously - carefully - he would open his optics. His servos moved to gingerly pat himself down, as if checking that his frame was still intact. With a twitch, his wings would slowly shift into a more neutral position as he glanced over his shoulder to look at just what it was that’d been hit instead of him.

“Message received loud and clear, Master.” a nervous chuckle followed these words as he shifted his attention back to the imposing figure before him.

[Megatron]

He waited—lingered—through the empty gratitude and appeasement. This was not the first time. Megatron knew. He stood there, tall, at the entrance a while longer. Waiting for something. For what? Starscream would not know, would not understand. Yet all the same, the tyrant eventually stepped aside, gesturing with an open palm towards sweet freedom. Perhaps he had reconsidered something in that moment, something that his second-in-command couldn't be told, or perhaps it was something he would learn later.

He let this unease fester in Starscream for the time being.

There were more important matters to set into motion now. Very soon, they would all know—from the lowliest Vehicon to the very pinnacle of their powerbase. None would be unaware. As for the present? He waited for Starscream to depart, red eyes fixed upon his nervous form with lethal intent.

A warning unspoken:

I will not turn my back. You will leave now and you will obey.

Such were the orders which needed not be said, nor would the Warlord give voice to them or anything else. The weight of the matter would lessen should he engage in further conversation. Starscream was best left wallowing in the aftermath and it would not be until he exited that Megatron would follow.

[Starscream]

There was no immediate reply to his words, yet Starscream kept his gaze transfixed on Megatron’s optics while he waited, optics darting, almost as if searching for an answer before it arrived. While it was not hard to look at the Warlord, it was taking everything in him to hold the gaze, wanting nothing more than to avert and look away. The silence dragged, eeking just to the point of lingering too long - and yet still, there was no response.

At least, not out loud.

After what felt like an eternity, the Warlord moved aside with a single step, gesturing to the mouth of the cave and flooding the chamber - and the silver Seeker - with what little sunlight remained outside.

Starscream did not move immediately, as much as everything in him screamed to do so. Over eagerness now would not be wise. He’d drawn too much attention to himself this day, and the last thing he wanted was for Megatron to question why he was in such a hurry - his leniency could only go so far and it’d been tested much already.

The unspoken warning was heeded, and heeded well - and after a moment of gentle hesitation, Starscream would move forwards. His wings were still sagged as a show of submission, both servos held up with clawed fingers fidgeting in front of himself as he walked toward the mouth of the cave.

At least now he could see the exit. Even with Megatron at his back - a frightful thing indeed - being able to take in the sight of ‘freedom’ was relief all on its own. Far faster than that of the Warlord, every sense was on high alert as he walked, listening for subtle signs of impending doom in this moment where he felt like he had been spared. A weapon powering, the slicing of a blade through the stillness of the air. He was ready to transform and flee should an attempt on his life be taken here and now.

But it did not come.

While he had avoided termination in this moment, he knew and understood well that in the coming days, optics would be on him.

He would have to be careful.

-Fin