video;

[ex_dishonestly997]

[Broadcasting perched on an outcropping over a lava flow, seemingly sounding unbothered by the misstep into a sideways universe--first rule of Decepticon Club is never let em know you're scared.]

So, this looks like Cybertron--actually, a lot like the one I just came from. But from my recon, it's either a time, a space, or a time and space displacement.

Little bee, are you here? [elaborating] I'm looking for an Autobot named Bumblebee. About this high--[indicates short, midchest height]--gold, kinda stout. I'll also accept Metalhawk, Wheeljack - Soundwave? How about Prowl, with my luck he's here. [Bueller?]

--For the rest of you, my name is Starscream. Maybe you've heard of me. [and he's smirking a little self-indulgently at the thought. No matter how dangerous or inconvenient it might be to be preknown in a brave new world, it's nice to be important.]

I'm here to help.

Comments

[sparkless]

Another blocky red and white one? I'm going to have to start assigning you numbers.

[So this is the one Wheeljack was talking about. Some big government official who's become all cozy with the autobots. Yuck.]

[ex_dishonestly997]

Blocky, huh. [This pile of boxes vents a little huff of amusement] I agree the designation thing is going to be a problem, but we'll work something out. There's got to be enough discrepancy between our worlds to distinguish us.

[friendly overtures are a go] I'm not going to make any assumptions cast in iron, but are you Megatron's second in command?

[sparkless]

I'll leave you three to fight over the nicknames. [Because he fully intends to keep his own.]

Are there any of us that weren't? [At least the others weren't that pathetic.]

[ex_dishonestly997]

Either we all get nicknames or none of us do--and you'd be better off letting me pick, if you heard what the other one was suggesting for you and the fourth.

I was. Emphasis on past tense.

[sparkless]

I'm sure it was an uncreative jab at my paint-job. [Everyone around here seems to be stuck on his colors.]

And I'd be better off picking for myself, obviously. Can't leave the decision in the hands of a cheap knock off. [Snort]

Have a falling out? Or did you just decide you liked Autobots better? [He hasn't been Megatron's second for a while now either but that's besides the point.]

[ex_dishonestly997]

Got it in one, spunky.

[he doesn't rise to the knock off bait, opening his hands in a whaddyagonnado kind of way] Be my guest.

He vanished, actually. Highly mysterious circumstances.

[sparkless]

Spunky? See, this is why you are not allowed to pick anything.

[Grin] Doesn't sound mysterious to me at all.

[ex_dishonestly997]

Alright, alright. I said I'd leave it to you, didn't I? I'm confident you'll pick something amazing.

[a thoughtful flicker of a smile in answer to that grin.] His fall seems inevitable in every universe, Commander.

[sparkless]

Of course. I'm thinking something like 'Autobot Sympathizer' for you. Too long?

[The use of his title gains you a little proud flick of his wings.] Naturally. Something to do with there always being one of us around to trip him, I'd say. [Snicker]

[ex_dishonestly997]

I'd prefer "diplomat". And the war is over, so there's nothing to sympathize with.

[his optics gleam at that wing-flick, adding thoughtfully] Who is your FirstForged, Starscream?

[sparkless]

You sure you wouldn't like 'Sell-out'?

And over, huh? That didn't stop us the first time. [Losing doesn't count if you don't give up.]

... [Grimace] It isn't hard to guess.

[ex_dishonestly997]

I'm leading the Decepticons. [he sounds totally smug rn] And doing a pretty good job of it, too. Working on the housing issue, right before I got brought here. I'm not asking for Lord, of course. I'm a duly elected official.

Extinction's not my scene, Commander.

Not Liege Maximo?

[sparkless]

From all the autobots you've been talking to, it sounds more like you're working for them.

Housing issue? They kick you off Cybertron?

[Snicker] 'Duly elected official' sounds like settling to me.

Please. Like I would bend a knee to a mech with a pompous title like 'Liege'.

[ex_dishonestly997]

Let's not get into a feedback loop about this. [his smile's a little thinner] And, no. It's complicated--but suffice to say our Cybertron isn't currently much older than this one.

So who, then?

[sparkless]

Should I even bother asking how that happened? [He'd probably just be bored with the answer.]

[Folds his arms] It starts with an M and includes the word 'tron'.

[At first it seemed like a cruel joke to him- but if someone was eventually going to end up on top around here... it was actually a safe bet to stick with a bot with Megatron in his name.]

[ex_dishonestly997]

I wouldn't, it's a long and science-ridden narrative.

Oho. Now that is interesting.

[he grins] Why don't you tell me a little more about yourself, Commander?

[sparkless]

Best you keep that to yourself then. [Science was very much not this Starscream's area of expertise.]

It's actually been rather boring. He has yet to even notice me. [Which actually kind of aggravates him- even while it was possible it was better that the First Forged ignored him.]

[Oh hey, a subject he actually likes to talk about.] What do you want to know? I'm sure you've already noticed that I'm extremely good looking, talented, and a more than capable warrior.

[ex_dishonestly997]

You should definitely try to get his attention and tell me how that goes. [he doesn't even sound goading.] I'm planning on meeting mine as soon as possible. Knowledge is power, and all.

Naturally. [what individual with his designation wouldn't be?] How'd your military career go?

[sparkless]

I'm working on it. And that it is! Honestly, I perfer pure power but... can't really afford to be picky right now, can I?

[He takes a moment to appreciate that this Starscream at least knows to offer the proper respect.]

Excellently. I was the youngest Commander to be promoted to Second. I was also chosen to accompany Megatron on his flag ship in search of the All Spark.

[Yay for omitting every failure ever!]

[Cutting into all your conversations- Perma Audio]

[my_own_trope]

It appears we share our patron.

[ex_dishonestly997]

[having been spying on observing his other conversations, he doesn't find that altogether shocking, but he's srs intrigued.]

That makes us neighbors. Should I pay you a visit--Commander?

[my_own_trope]

Well aren't you forward. What's the matter, didn't want to take in the sights first?

[ex_dishonestly997]

Starscreams take priority. It's a new rule, I just made it up.

[my_own_trope]

And all alone?

[ex_dishonestly997]

Even if Bumblebee was here, I wouldn't bring him. He'd spoil the mood.