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Who: Dreadwing & YOU
Where: Nautica's crash site; Camp Decepticon
When: After Nautica & Tarn are beat up by Megatron
What: Dreadwing finds Nautica's wrench & later works on his explosives hobby
Warnings: Melodrama

FOR ANYONE

Dreadwing had been spying on the Autobot Clinic. It was a prime target if they needed to make a strike against the Autobots, not to mention a stockpile of supplies that would benefit the Decepticons, since Spinister's attempt at thievery proved unsuccessful. With a more strategic plan, with more information on who staffed the clinic, they could undoubtedly pull off greater success storming the building as a group.

There was however, one problem with his plan, and that was the increased activity after Tarn's frankly overzealous run in the white sword wielding Autobot.

He was about to give up his position to avoid being caught by the agitated Autobots when he overheard an interesting bit of news that none of the other Decepticons in his band knew about. That Megatron had attacked an autobot. The little purple autobot he'd run into earlier scavenging for parts, specifically. It stood to reason she had been on the trail of something useful, a lead Dreadwing was more than happy to follow up on.

By air it hadn't taken long for him to locate where she had been attacked, and thankfully Megatron had long since abandoned the site. Dreadwing landed next to the hole in the building, picking his way through the rubble on the off chance the autobot had dropped anything useful.

Like the surprisingly high tech wrench she had when they first met, and was lying on the ground amongst the rest of the debris waiting to be picked up.

FOR THE CONS

Since Tarn's recent defeat at the hands of the autobot Megatron, the air about the Decepticon base had been noticeably more tense than usual. With one of the strongest amongst them incapacitated, Dreadwing had been sticking closer to their current headquarters, but there was only so much that could be done at this point without risking an attack from the Autobots, or even Starscream and Megatron, who were no doubt prowling around.

With little else to keep him occupied, Dreadwing had claimed a space in one of the larger rooms for weapons maintenance. It was a routine that he found relaxing and productive, and had already dismantled and cleaned his laser cannon and polished his sword. At this point the workbench was covered in wiring and tools, building control modules for explosives to pass the time, each more elaborate than the last. The piece he was currently working on was turning into an increasingly complex arrangement of trick wires and dummy leads as he worked, stopping occasionally to switch tools or dig through his pile of salvaged parts.

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Starscream has also been peering in on the Autobots from time to time, but through sheer paranoia has avoided crossing Dreadwing's path. Until now.

Not far from where Dreadwing has landed, Starscream is trying his damnedest to blend into the surrounding scenery and not make a peep. He'd just been minding his own business when his audials had picked up on the sound of an approaching aircraft, and he'd nearly had a spark-attack when he identified who was the source.

As Dreadwing rounds a corner, the seeker wedges himself in a little dark nook between two piles of rubble and prays to the powers that he absolutely does not believe in, that he wasn't spotted.

Starscream's attempt to go unnoticed was good, but not perfect. Dreadwing paused in the process of picking up the wrench, hearing something, or someone, moving behind him. He was too close to the Autobot base to take any chances.

With the wrench in one hand it would be difficult to use his laser cannon, and so instead drew his sword, stalking toward the direction he thought he'd heard the noise.

From his hiding spot, Starscream contemplates on how he could, perhaps, do the right thing to try to convince Dreadwing that he really has turned over a new leaf and try to talk his way out of this. Reveal himself carefully and peacefully and not start shit.

But that only crosses his mind for about two seconds because one, it would require Starscream to be actually sorry for the pain he's caused Dreadwing with his actions, and two, it would require Starscream to have faith in people, which he doesn't. So as soon as the other jet starts getting a little too close to his hiding spot for comfort, he starts looking for other ways out. Doing his best to keep quiet, he starts pawing at the wall that he's backed against, thinking that perhaps he can move some of this rubble to create an alternate exit and escape out the back.

Rounding the corner, sword raised in preparation for a fight, Dreadwing had been expecting an autobot, certainly not his sworn enemy.

"Starscream."

Forget the wrench. The tool went clattering to the side as he gripped his sword hilt with both hands, lunging at his fellow decepticon with a roar. At this range it was nearly impossible to miss, but luckily for Starscream, Dreadwing had had the past week to think about this moment. and Starscream's death wasn't everything he wanted from the

The blade came down, piercing straight through one of the seeker's ridiculous wings. With all of Dreadwing's weight behind the blow, the sword lodged itself into the wall behind Starscream, pinning him in place.

"So you've chosen to save me the trouble of hunting you down myself."

At the sound of his name, pronounced with such loathing, Starscream had whipped around to face his attacker with a garbled squeal of sheer terror.

The next thing he knows there's an agonizing pain in his wing, and he's quite literally pinned to the wall behind him, like an insect in a display case. So much for avoiding shoot first, ask questions later policies; from here on out, in the future? That's going to be his only policy.

That is, if there's a here-on-out for him. Starscream is painfully aware of just how cornered he is at the moment.

"No no no, Dreadwing!! Dreadwing I implore you, I was just minding my own business, our paths just very unfortunately happened to cross- There are so few Decepticons on this planet, we should- You needn't do this!" The seeker pleads, voice reaching an absurdly high pitch, stumbling over about three different approaches to trying to talk Dreadwing down at a single time. Starscream's claws clack against the surface behind him as he presses back against the wall, like he's hoping it might swallow him up to somewhere safe.

"ENOUGH!" Dreadwing snapped, interrupting Starscream's plea.

"Listen to me Starscream, and listen well. Before I end your miserable existence, I require information that only you possess." He reached out with one hand, grabbing Starscream and dragging him closer along the sword, metal screeching as the blade dug deeper into his wing.

"You are going to tell me how to find Skyquake, once I return to our world."

Starscream looks downright affronted, in addition to terrified. He yowls horribly, the joint of his wing creaking as it's pulled from both ends.

"How should I know- I mean-" he shakes his head, flustered and venting hard. "Why on earth would I tell you that if I know you're just going to scrap me once I do!?"

His grip on the other bot tightened in frustration, but he had been expecting such a question.
"Unlike some, I find no pleasure in the torture of my enemies. That does not mean I will not make an exception for one such as you."

"You can either answer, truthfully, and I promise you a swift and painless end, or" he slammed Starscream back into the wall with an audible clang "I will see to it you suffer every injury that befell my brother under your command."

Edited 2015-02-20 23:42 (UTC)

Starscream grunts when he hits the wall and blinks back at Dreadwing owlishly. "That's your best offer?!" His tone is so hysterical that his voice sounds like it's in danger of cracking, so it's with a great amount of effort that he tries to sound less panicked (and fails): "Here's an idea, why don't you let me live, and then I help you locate your missing twin in person to show you how truly, truly sorry I am for the pain I have caused you and we let bygones be bygones??

A moment passes, and he nods fervently, as if his glowing enthusiasm will help sell the deal.

Dreadwing's response was a long and unimpressed glare. If Starscream truly believed he could talk his way out of this, he was sorely mistaken. That act didn't work in the arctic, and it certainly wasn't going to work here.

"If you had any remorse for your actions, why, in the supposed years you have lived since, did you not see fit to restore Skyquake to his proper rest yourself?"

The honest answer is that he just doesn't give a fuck what happened or is still currently happening to Skyquake's shambling corpse, but obviously he isn't about to tell Dreadwing that.

"By what means!? The Decepticons lost the war, and then I was left to fend for myself on Cybertron with no access to a space bridge, or any other resources aside from my null ray blasters and my own cunning! It's not exactly a quick flight from there to Earth and there was hardly any time to deal with such tr- such matters in the time between your own demise and Megatron's fall!

He intakes air deeply and ex-vents again, shuddering a bit. "I regret my actions but you must understand that comparatively, correcting them wasn't exactly top priority at the time!"

Dreadwing's expression grew more and more incredulous as Starscream spouted his stream of excuses, because there was one very important piece of information amongst the rambling that he hadn't expected to hear. As much as he wanted to believe the seeker was lying, even he couldn't have come up with such a farfetched story as all this, surely not with his life in the balance. Dreadwing quickly released his grip on Starscream, drawing his hand back in shock.

"What do you mean, the Decepticons lost the war?"

Starscream grunts and tries to find his footing when Dreadwing lets go of him, a task made more difficult than it should be by the fucking sword in his wing.

He groans, shaking his head pauses before answering; mostly to get his bearings, but also just for dramatic effect. "I mean exactly what I said. We made a final push to take both Cybertron and Earth from the Autobots."

Another pause; this time there's actual regret in Starscream's eyes. "Despite my best efforts, Megatron... was slain, during the ensuing battle."

"That is....surprising to say the least, but ultimately changes nothing of current affairs," he replied slowly, brows furrowed as he worked through the implications of Starscream's claim. Perhaps this was true, what would come to pass, but after this nightmarish universe who could predict the outcome that would result in their original worlds. There was no predicting what would happen upon their return, if such a thing turned out to be possible. When he spoke again, it was clear that a trace of his usual surety was lacking.

"Regardless of how your future played out, as far as I am concerned there remains a grave injustice that needs to be corrected. Now tell me how to locate Skyquake, where ever it is you've trapped him." He stepped closer again to loom more effectively, losing patience with this whole scenario. Why could nothing ever be simple when Starscream was involved.

Edited 2015-02-21 03:38 (UTC)

Well, it was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Starscream, trembling and desperate, is increasingly aware that he has no deck left to draw from. With his back literally against a wall, the seeker sees little choice but to do what he does best: he makes his reputation as a coward work to his advantage.

As Dreadwing advances and is focused on stepping up his looming game, Starscream shrinks down in fear. It seems like he's struggling to find another excuse, mouth flapping open and shut uselessly while he splutters. Without warning, one viciously clawed hand lashes out to gouge deep scratches across Dreadwing's mid-section. No matter how much or little the wounds manage to distract his enemy, Starscream only needs a split second to wrench the sword out of his wing with a snarl and make a break for freedom.

NOT TODAY, DEATH.

Dreadwing reels back with a grimace, wincing from the sudden pain. He could see drops of energon on Starscream's claws, but he was too enraged to care about the damage now. His only concern was keeping Starscream from escaping again.

With a damaged wing Starscream would have trouble getting airborne, but Dreadwing wasn't about to depend on the seeker being grounded. On land Dreadwing had the clear advantage of size and he intended to make use of that. He didn't even bother collecting his sword before rushing the smaller bot and tackling him to the ground.

While he would prefer to finish this matter with the proper ceremony it deserved, the sword wasn't Dreadwing's only signature weapon, and he'd had weeks to prepare some new explosives. Before Starscream could try and escape again Dreadwing shoved one of them on Starscream's back between the wings, reinforced clamps piercing through the armor plating so it couldn't be easily torn away. It wasn't pretty to be sure, but it was as effective as any he would have brought with him.

With the bomb in place Dreadwing rolled to his feet, detonator already in hand. The wounds in his side were dripping energon but he was doing his resolute best to ignore the pain.

Starscream goes down with a squawk, and feels a fresh surge of horror as the explosive latches onto his back.

In a moment he's on his feet as well, stooped over and venting hard, an ugly grimace smeared across his face. He eyes the detonator in Dreadwing's hand up with a mixture of terror and suspicion.

Both wings twitch erratically, like something is snapping in him. "So that's it then!?" Starscream barks, incredulous. "You're just going to blow me up? What happened to locating your precious twin?" he sneers. He doesn't sound anywhere near as threatening as he would like and taunting is likely to just get him into even more trouble, but in this situation he doesn't have much of a solution for avoiding getting blown to smithereens, other than to keep stalling Dreadwing for as long as possible.

"You'll notice your spark is still online. You still have a chance to do the honorable thing and tell me what I wish to know."

He started edging backwards, not taking his eyes off Starscream as he slowly retrieved his sword. He wasn't about to allow himself to be taken by surprise again.

"But don't think I will put aside vengeance for that, I'll do whatever it takes to find my brother with or without your aid. Even If it takes me a millennia or more to do so."

Megatronus hadn't really been doing much since he met back with Orion. Processing everything had proven to be fruitless; things just didn't make sense here. And there was still the issue of everyone mistaking him for someone else - someone dangerous. So he'd been laying low, waiting for a moment when he could find ways for things to make more sense.

Unfortunately, this was not that moment, as he'd just been scouting throughout these dead buildings for the umpteenth time when he heard a commotion.

"What's going on here?" Starscream -- Megatronus recognizes him. But who is this other mech...? Either way, he steps forward, trying to hide utter confusion in a grim expression.

Oh sweet merciful Primus he has to be the luckiest, most unlucky mech on all the Cybertrons.

Starscream's spark practically does a pirouette, he's pretty sure he could not think of a voice more welcome to grace his audials at this precise moment. Serious Deja Vu.

Then of course he realizes that this is the more even tempered, generally less evil version of Megatron and- well whatever, he'll take what he can get in this situation.

"Megatron-! us. Megatronus!!" Starscream exclaims delightedly, his relief palpable. The smaller jet is wearing the most pitiable imaginable, which only a mere fraction of it is an act for sympathy; the rest is, sadly, kind of just how he is.

"Praise the AllSpark, finally someone who can help. This lunatic-" he jabs a pointed finger towards Dreadwing- "is literally trying to murder me in cold blood!"

Dreadwing jerks around at the sound of Megatron's voice, sword up to block any imminent attacks. It was soon clear that this was not the Megatron he was used to, so he must be another alternate. Though any Megatron was a potential threat at this point.

"That you have the nerve to claim innocence is appalling," responding to Starscream's pitiful call for help before turning his attention again on Megatron. Megatronus, rather.

"This dispute is none of your concern."

Megatronus examines Dreadwing for a moment. Whatever was happening here really didn't involve him, but...

"This mech has provided me personal assistance in the past -- I'd like to know why he's being threatened, at the very least." After all, he still has some small amount of gratitude placed in Starscream, and letting him possibly get murdered wouldn't be a good way to return the sentiment.

"He's stuck a bomb to me!!" Starscream interjects frantically. As far as he's concerned there's no time for pleasantries here.

Dreadwing cast Starscream a sidelong glare, but he didn't take his attention off Megatronus.

"What transpires here is the result of Starscream's own actions. I seek only to avenge the death of one far more worthy of life." He replied through gritted teeth. Of course, of all the bots Starscream could possibly have fooled into helping him, it would be a younger Megatron.

Megatronus' attention is whiplashed between the emergency of Starscream's situation and wanting to hear just what's caused this altercation in the first place. Better make this quick, then. "And you can decide who's worthy of life?"

Pain radiates from Tarn's wrecked knee as he limps around the Decepticon base. Spinister had requested that he stay off it but his own stubborn pride and overwhelming urge to just move overrode it. The scientist was gone for now which gave him free reign without being scolded into returning to his medical berth.

Days have passed since his run in with Megatron, and while his body is on the mend he is still weak and disoriented from the pain dampeners. Everything seems to be on a tilt as Tarn stumbles into the common area, briefly relived that no one was around to see it. Light shines from down the long hallway where Dreadwing has taken up residence. Desperate for some sort of engaging conversation, Tarn uses the wall for support as he drags himself toward his comrade's chambers. He cringes as his wrecked joint shrieks as he puts a bit too much pressure on it. So much for a quiet and dignified approach. Surely anyone in the base had heard that.

Tarn clears his throat, "Dreadwing? Are you in there?"

Dreadwing glanced up at the sudden noise, glancing up and admittedly a little surprised by the company. The Decepticons were hardly a social sort.

"Yes. Do you need something?" He put down what he'd been working on, turning to face Tarn, spotting the busted knee that had revealed his approach. Seeing Tarn in such a state was certainly a humbling experience, a reminder that the Decepticons were remarkably outgunned on this planet.

Tarn is a social mech. Unlike most Decepticons he is used to a sort of team environment. Leaning against the doorway he stops, venting a huff. The effort of just getting off the berth and walking down the hall was embarrassingly draining on his body. He covers his exhaustion seamlessly.

"Oh, nothing important. I admit i have been finding myself going somewhat stir crazy. One can only lay flat for so many consecutive hours without needing to get up and move." Nodding to the work bench Tarn regards the tangle of wires curiously. "What are you constructing?"

Dreadwing moved out of the way so Tarn could have a better look at the table without moving. He didn't consider it his place to criticize Tarn's decision to move with his injuries, at least for now.

"Merely expanding my armory. While I arrived with some explosive charges of my own, it has become quite clear that more sophisticated devices may be required. Finding materials has not been as difficult as I anticipated."

Tarn's interest is piqued upon seeing the array of weaponry on the work bench. Clearly he won't be going be going into battle any time soon. but the mere knowledge that Dreadwing is capable of building explosives and maintaining weapons pleases him immensely. It's always good to be around capable warriors.

"Ah, excellent, Dreadwing! If you require help gathering materials when I have recovered would be more than happy to assist." He hides a wince when he takes a step forward, stubbornly needing a closer look.

"The offer is appreciated, but this should be plenty for now." It was good to hear an appreciation for his work, but then considering what he had seen of some of their allies he wasn't sure it meant much. Speaking of weaponry, as Tarn moved into the room Dreadwing couldn't help but notice a definite lack about their erstwhile commander.

"Sir, if I may." Dreadwing didn't wait for an answer before reaching out, grabbing Tarn's wrist and gently turning his arm to see the replaced casing on the top of his arm.

"You had a mounted fusion cannon, as Lord Megatron does. Was it damaged in the battle?"

Tarn almost jerks his arm back when Dreadwing grabs it. He quickly realizes that he means no harm and relaxes slightly. That is, until his comrade opens his mouth again.

Something between rage and overwhelming sorrow hit Tarn as he just stares blankly at Dreadwing for a few moments. He opens his mouth a couple times in an attempt to speak.

"It was...destroyed."

He's just going to leave it at that.

"That... is unfortunate." He meant it, the fusion cannon had been a formidable weapon, and it's loss was quite a blow to their meagre artillery. Beyond that, he could sympathize with Tarn's situation. The sudden loss of power, finding oneself in a situation beyond your control, it was it was a situation no warrior should face. Dreadwing released Tarn's arm stepping back.

He turned back toward his workstation, resorting some of the raw components. There was no chance of building a fusion cannon, let alone even reverse engineering his own laser cannon. But there was enough for some more basic weaponry.

"I cannot build a replacement, but I can promise at least some additional weaponry by the time you are fully recovered."

With some more scavenging he could probably manage a pistol and some grenades, especially if he can locate a bunker or weapons store from this planet's war. The purple autobot's wrench he had acquired, currently sitting amongst his tool, would no doubt prove useful in such a venture.

"I would be thankful." Tarn murmurs. Nothing will be able to compare to his fusion cannon. His arm still feels too light without its presence. "Anything is better than nothing."

To be honest Tarn expects he will be laying low for a while after he is recovered, gathering supplies and materials and formulating some sort of plan of attack. There will be plenty of time to build a formidable weapon.

He sighs, leaning on the work bench as exhaustion from being upright crashes over him.

"What are they saying about what happened out there?" Surely his spectacular beat down on behalf of Megatron had stirred some sort of rumors. As it stands, Tarn is morbidly curious.

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I'm like falling asleep so lmk if this works or not I can edit later

Looks fine to me

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LMK if I need to change this for any reason

Likewise let me know if this needs correcting

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