The Knight And The Lieutenant (Private/invite)

[Shadow]

After quiet a time had past, The dragon going through decontamination, drying up and making sure the crate was untampered with before leaving. Shadow had yet to be be given an audience or a debriefing, thus the predacon had simply spent time adjusting and learning the layout of New Kaon, mostly via holomaps. It wouldn't do to waste energon walking around and Shadow certainly didn't want to make it difficult for her superiors to locate her when the need arose. All the while the medium sized crate was carried protectively and with care, as she was nothing if not serious about any task she was charged with even if it may seem... trivial. Not that she thought the mission given to her by shockwave was trivial, just that any mission given regardless of how important it seemed must be of some value to the cause.

Shadow had been about to browse a nearby console to view the historical records, see how long she had been in stasis-lock, when one of the Eradicons arrived. "Captain Shadow of The Nocturne, this way please." He said curtly to which the black femme nodded and followed him as she was lead down the corridor, it seemed the time for her debriefing was finally at hand. She expected that someone not too high up would be the one to be meeting her. The higher chain of command was far to busy to be bothered with such things. They stopped in front of a room and the Eradicon motioned for her to wait as he entered...

(OOC: Feel free to enter any way you like and spoof the Eradicon.)

[Axios]

Starscream took a deep swig of the high-grade cube he held between two talons. He needed the buzz to stay his building stress. Though he had been pleased by the good news he had received earlier. A new Decepticon had joined the ranks, an experienced captain at that. A Predacon captain. Of course, he would not treat with her unless she came in clean. He would no longer deal with untidy mechs as had been the case with that Combaticon. Receiving the alert that she was clean and organized, he had sent an Eradicon to bring her into his private office for a debriefing. Apparently her cargo had been top secret data straight from Cybertron that could help the Decepticons finish this petty battle the war had become. He was still pouring over some data on the screen before him when the Eradicon arrived into his office. Without turning, Starscream addressed the drone

“You may leave now.” He motioned with his hand “Shadow, enter” One last gulp from the cube and he turned to face the mech. The towering, black femme was indeed as intimidating as Starscream had imagined. Never growing an affinity for Predacons, they always rubbed him the wrong way. They were an ancient race, from far beyond the Golden Age. It was only recently through Shockwave’s intellect had they resurfaced. Starscream figured this femme must have endured for quite some time since he had not heard of her being another one of Shockwave’s pet projects. If she could have survived this long, she might be very handy indeed. He procured a data pad from the desk behind and readied it to take down any useful information.

“Let’s get started, shall we?” Musing over the femme and data pad, he drew in a quick vent

“I am Commander Starscream, Megatron’s right hand. I understand you have some crucial data to share with us.” He quickly peered down at the pad.

“Hmph. It says here you went MIA eons ago. Care to share what happened?”

[Shadow]

As she was called forth into the room, Shadow was impressed with the fact that It was Starscream himself that decided to debrief her. Instantly Shadow bowed down to one knee and kept her optics to the floor out of respect. "I Am honored that Highlord Starscream of Vos wouldst debrief me personally." Shadow stated humbled in the presence of her superior, before getting started. "Yes, of course Highlord... I deliver onto thee mine charge from Lord Shockwave." The black femme stated pushing the crate forward for the Lieutenant to open and inspect. "After the departure of The Nocturne, our vessel came under fire from an Autobot vessel of great size. The Nocturne fought well but alas, we took heavy damage before... escaping. For it was our orders to keep you Lord Shockwave's cargo out of enemy servos, had it not been I wouldst fought to the bitter end." She stated a bit bitterly as she recalled the battle. It was apparent that this predacon hated running from a fight.

It didn't help that it was one of her less proud moments and she hoped her superior did not think she was a coward for such an action. Regardless Shadow proceeded. "The communications had been rendered uttered unrepairable as well as our engines. Life support was intact and many of mine crew opted for stasis to conserve resources. We drifted for vorns until I too was forced to go into stasis and rely on the ship's life support systems. I know not how long, but eventually The Nocturne lost all power and I came out of stasis to the ship crashing into yonder planet's orbit. I secured the cargo and left before the ship crashed and was soon greeted by Sir Swindle and brought here, Highlord." The Captain of The Nocturne finally concluded, leaving out her meeting with Kickback and Coldstart as unnecessary information that likely the second in command already knew, or simply didn't care about.

[Axios]

Such deep respect towards Starscream came to him as a great shock. Never before had such a high-ranking Decepticon willingly humbled themselves before him. As such, he gaped at the Predacon for a few awkward kliks as his processor reeled trying to comprehend. Realizing how ridiculous he appeared, he quickly regained his composure and blinked his optics rapidly. The she-Predacon had already impressed him with her prehistoric chivalry but these tales of her fending off a large Autobot ship took the Energon gummy. Nodding slowly as she continued her story, he appraised the crate before him. A tentative talon outstretched to caress the cool, metal box. He hadn’t the inkling as to what was inside and was cautious to just rip it wide open. Detecting a slight hint of resentment in the femme’s voice about losing the battle, Starscream dismissed it with a supercilious wave of the hand

“Oh, forget the Nocturne. That battle was eons ago and even if you lost, you fulfilled your mission in its entirety.” He patted the cargo box in an effort to seem harmless to the femme and allowed a small smile to creep across his face

“What matters is that you demonstrated utmost loyalty by undertaking your orders without fault, even under threat of death,” Hidden away in the recesses of his mind, an idea slithered in. This Predacon was no doubt highly loyal to the Decepticons. However, was she just as loyal to Megatron’s leadership? If she proved wavering in her support, winning her over as an ally would be indefinitely helpful to the Seeker.

“We-no,-I congratulate you on your success. Welcome to New Kaon.” With a voice as smooth as honey, he made a small bow to offer his “genuine” gratitude.

[Shadow]

If the predacon had seen this awkward scene she may have questioned it, but instead she had her optics averted as was proper custom for a knight when dealing with someone of such high rank. This was not to say she did not listen intently. The silents was a bit awkward and she recalled Coldstart's problem with understanding her. Perhaps this was the case with Starscream and he was having a bit of trouble with her older cybertronian dialect? Before she could attempt to ask if something was amiss, Starscream spoke again.

"Eons, Highlord?" Shadow asked looking up at the seeker for the first time since entering the room. Had it really been so long since she entered stasis? A look of surprise clearly on her faceplate. "Y-yes, of course, to do less would be a disgrace to the cause." She replied still shaken by the news. "I-I forget myself, Thank thee O' Great Highlord Starscream." The dragon stated bowing her head once more. It was not proper to meet the optics of a superior of such rank unless granted permission to do so. "If thou wouldst grant me permission to speak, Highlord Starscream, might I ask what the status of the war is in my absence? I have learned little upon my arrival." Shadow stated, humbled by Starscream's praise, after all he was second in command of the entire Decepticon Army, such an honor could only be topped by Megatron himself.

[Starscream]

“You…weren’t informed?” Starscream contemplated slowly. How unusual that the newly awoken Predacon was not told of how long she had been in stasis. He figured it was another communication flaw he could attribute to their illustrious leader. Bringing the data pad higher to get a better look, he brought up the file on the Nocturne.

“Let’s see…ah, here it is. Yes, it appears we lost contact with the Nocturne...” Astounded by the number before him, he took a pause before continuing

“50 million years ago.” He looked up at the femme, expecting shock and awe. 50 million years was a long time even for the long lived Cybertronians. No doubt the Predacon had little to no idea as to what had transpired in the years she was in stasis. He didn’t want to overload her processor with too much information to take at once, as he felt Predacons were nearly beasts with small computation powers.

“I assume you will want to know what has happened while you slept. I don’t have the time to bother you with the details, but I can give you a summary,” Turning, he walked back to his desk and placed the data pad back in its charging port. Planting his servos on the desk and venting slowly, he continued.

“As you probably know, Cybertron is lost to us. But be reassured, we will retake it. You may be wondering why we have taken up claims on this filthy organic rock.” Facing the femme once more, he folded his servos behind him

“The Autobots and their leader are here as well, and so we followed. As it turns out, this rock is actually the debris laden corpse of the Chaos Bringer himself. Lord Megatron is always after more Dark Energon reserves, so it works out.” The last statement had an underlying tone of bitterness, but he made no glyphs or fields to show it. Though he disdained from organic life, the thought of Megatron corrupting another planet with the foul substance fed the fire in Starscream’s spark.

“The past few months have been…interesting. Lord Megatron had reclaimed the Omega Keys and travelled to Cybertron, aiming to restore it but only ending up cyber forming the very fortress you stand in before the cursed Autobots interfered.” Knowing this was already a lot to figure out for a Predacon, he paused his speech. He sighed

“Any questions?”

[Shadow]

"F-Fifthy million...!" The predacon uttered in shock, her vocalizer having as soft gasp as she spoke. Shadow had known it had been long but she hadn't been prepared for that. It was no small wonder her unit offlined, and the Nocturne's systems had failed. She was surprised they had lasted as long as they had. She quieted however when Starscream spoke once more, a summary should do well enough. "Thank you, Highlord Starscream." She stated in reply, knowing this was not something he was obligated to do, but giving up his own time to do.

"I did not, although I had suspected that things mayhap gone thus." The Knight stated showing a hint of foresight, that the possibility had occurred to her that they would loose Cybertron one day. "Dark Energon... I see." The dragon stated in an almost saddened tone showing that she held no fondness for the substance and though she would not say so openly she felt it hindered the Decepticons more than benefited them. She was not one to oppose her Emperor however, and unless de-throned in combat, Megatron was her Emperor.

"Thee Omega Keys are not myth then? And What of the knave Autobots, licker's of the foulest slag in Quintessia that they be? Surely Emperor Megatronus has not allowed such foul treachery to Cybertronian kind go unpunished?" The black femme asked as she kept her help to the floor, realizing that by "interfered" the Omega Lock was likely lost as well as all hope of saving their home world, let alone creating a new home world. Her tone showed frustration at not having arrived sooner, perhaps if she had their may have been something she could have done, however small. The she-predacon's frame was tense and she clinched her talons in noticeable anger at the Autobots but seemed to keep herself in check.

[Starscream]

Though the femme did not express her emotions through her fields, Starscream could tell she was irritated at the loss of the Omega Keys and potentially Cybertron. The Seeker himself was quite frustrated at the turn of events. He could not for the life of him figure out why members of his own species, though opposite faction, would sacrifice their home planet for the lives of adolescent organics. It only further drove the Seeker’s hatred for the Autobots. What was that awful creed Prime recited constantly? Freedom was the right of all sentient beings? The thought of allowing lesser beasts the same rights as Cybertronians was mind boggling.

“Yes, as it turns out, the Autobot’s esteemed leader places more value in the insignificant lives of organic brats than our ancestral home,” Starscream sneered as he allowed his field to emit waves of aggravation for a split second. It was a rare occurrence for him, he hardly ever showed his true field and this event only further solidified his anger. However, something about this Predacon caught his attention. At the mention of Dark Energon her tone had shifted. Starscream could not place it exactly, but it sounded forlorn, as if the femme knew of the unforgiving side affects of its use. It amused him that for once he encountered someone with the same opinion of the substance within the ranks of Earth’s Decepticons. Most were afraid to speak out against it, others worshipped its life-returning powers, and few simply didn’t care.

Gears clicked in his mind and an idea formed. The Predacon obviously hasn’t been around for long to witness current events. She had no idea of the rashness of Megatron’s actions, the folly he was leading the Decepticons too. Should she be formed parallel to Starscream’s priorities, she may inevitably help him secure the leadership of the Decepticons. She had the aptitude, being fiercely loyal. But her attitude toward Megatron hinted she had a deep devotion for him. All Starscream had to do was rattle her cage and blame Megatron. Putting on his most dramatic emotions and body language for flair, Starscream spoke to the femme

“Lord Megatron was too…occupied in his quest to attain more of the Dark Energon than to rally the troops and prepare an invasion force. The Eradicons grow restless, our blades grow dull. I fear if Lord Megatron keeps this endeavor up, the Autobots may soon achieve a head start against us…”

[Shadow]

The aggravation radiating off of the seeker wasn't missed by the Predacon. She herself had grown accustom to keeping her fields contained as Shockwave looked down on emotions as bothersome. Thus Shadow had kept use of her fields to a minimum as not to upset her superior. "A sad state of events to be sure, Highlord, that A prime would choose to forsake his people, all the more reason he was unworthy of being a Prime." The black femme stated flashing her field briefly to express her detest of Optimus.

Still, the dragon listened as Starscream continued, speaking of their leader's choices which he did indeed see as poorly made. "I... I see... Tis not the place of a mere knight to speak out on such matters... However if I might speak freely, Highlord Starscream?" Shadow asked her field displaying concern as did the tone of her vocalizer.

She waited a moment until Starscream granted her permission. "I do not feel Dark Energon will benefit the cause but more hinder it. It may not be my place, and I will follow order regardless, but by thy words, our Emperor's actions are... troubling. Surely, he wouldst listen to thee?" The femme asked wondering if perhaps there was a greater reason for Megatron's actions, after all the ever logical Shockwave still followed Megatron, so there had to be something that was missing. As second in command, Starscream should have easy access to such plans, and, in theory, would be highly trusted. Clearly this predacon did not know much regarding Starscream, in fact her interactions with the decepticon leaders had been very sheltered with exceptions to Shockwave, thus her knowledge was her masters was vague at best.

[Starscream]

The Predacon’s statement on her opinion of Dark Energon slightly surprised the Seeker. Though he knew she already had disdain for it, he did not know of her strong negative feelings. What truly got Starscream was the fact this Predacon thought that Megatron would take his advice. Had he not considerable constraint of himself, he would have burst out laughing at the irony. Obviously she knew nothing of his failed coup and no one had bothered to tell her.

“Lord Megatron…listen to my council?” Starscream scoffed, mockingly bringing a servo to his mouth in surprised fashion.

“Lord Megatron would sooner shoot out his audio sensors than to listen to me,” He growled darkly. It was no lie. When was the last time his Highness had actually taken to heart any of the Seeker’s suggestions? He was becoming more of a stand in than actual second in command. At the start of the war, Starscream was always honest with the former gladiator. He counseled as best as he could and offered all he knew, yet it was not enough. Megatron cared only for his thoughts and ideas, and it was what made him weak. Inability to adapt your thought patterns almost always proved fatal. It was Starscream’s adaptability to change his mental attitude that allowed him to survive his rebellion.

“The only council our Lord takes is that of his own. And it is befuddled by Dark Energon…”

[Shadow]

"A sad fate to be sure my Highlord, wouldst that I could be of aid in redirecting our Emperor away from such an ill path, and by extension, the Decepticons..." Shadow stated with a shake of her helm a clearly distraught feeling in her field, coupled with a sense of despair. "But to oppose the Emperor would be treason... However if a wiser and more powerful Mech were to challenge the Emperor... No nevermind, it is not my place." The black femme stated, though hinted that she would be willing to support something of the sort and that her first loyalty was to the cause and not to Megatron himself.

"I do not suppose that thou hath any orders for me?" Shadow asked still keeping her helm down out of respect. A change in topic would be best to avoid thoughts that could lead to treachery. The predacon had no desire to turn against Megatron if it could be avoided, but with what his own second-in-command stated, she was no longer filled with hope for the Decepticons.

[Starscream]

There it was. The small hesitation at the moment she was about to denounce Megatron. It was all the Seeker needed to cement his final keystrokes in this plan. Seeds of dissent and unrest had already been planted within the Predacon. All Starscream had to do was to water those seeds with further doubt in Megatron’s ability and then nurture them with rumor and gossip. Then it was a just a matter of waiting for those seeds to sprout and grow into full blown rebellion. And Starscream was a master at waiting games. But if he further pressed the issue now it would only lead to overwhelming the femme. He had to drag this out and not act as if it were the only thing that mattered. It had to be brought up rarely, each time increasing in drama until the climax ended in her resenting Megatron.

“Excuse me for…getting carried away. Indeed you arrived just in time to help around New Kaon,” He said. Picking up the data pad once more, he checked what was needed to be done. A moment of pause as he scanned through

“Ah, here we go. An esteemed captain such as you should have no issue with this task. Troop morale is low after the defeat of the Autobots. They wish to do nothing more than to laze about and become full of bloodlust. I ask that you inspire them with whatever method you wish. Just get these scrapheaps working,”

[Shadow]

"Of course Highlord Starscream. Thy will be done." Shadow stated firmly, awaiting for dismissal. There was no argument or complaint in her tone. Simple obedience and loyalty to the cause and anything that served to further it. Once receiving the Air Commander's Dismissal, The predacon arose meeting Starscream's optic's for the first time, before saluting and turning on her peds. The dragon then walked out to fulfill the task set before her, she would have much to think upon after it was done.

Normally she had a confidant in her unit to discuss such concerns when they popped up like this, but with the fall of the Nocturne, her unit was no more and she was on her own. Or perhaps not, there was still one Mech she felt she could trust to help clear her processor of such doubts... She made a note to attempt to contact Lord Shockwave once she had a free moment.