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]

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!]

[ex_dishonestly997]

No, we can't.

[listens patiently, at least until the All Spark comment, at which point he leans forward and looks more curious than ever.] What happened, exactly?

[sparkless]

We found it. [At the time he'd been unsure it even existed, but this was all about making himself look good in front of another Starscream. So, no need to mention that.]

Unfortunately, the autobots interfered. And Megatron was conveniently not around to assist at the time. [Because Starscream had blown him up.]