video; locked from Prime!Starscream

[redshirtrobot]

[When the video comes on, Fracas is shifting on his feet, only pausing to rub the back of his neck and let out a reedy laugh. He coughs when he finally gets control of himself, then claps his hands together and mutters to himself before speaking up.]

S-so, uhm. I... I guess everyone's noticed the new Starscream. Well, he's the Starscream from my world. More the point, I.

I need help.

He can't know there's a Vehicon here. That I'm here. I will end up dead again and I-I don't... I don't want to die again. There. There has to be some way to keep me completely off his radar, right?

... ^Right?!

[Fracas's voice cracks for a moment without him even realizing it.]

S-something. Anything. I just. I can't. I r-really can't.

Please?

[He could not possibly look any more desperate and pathetic, even if he had a lip wibble.]

Comments

[redshirtrobot]

W-well it's not like I'd just let him. But he... he was Megatron's second and I'm...

[He stops himself just short of saying 'cannon fodder'.]

... I'm not that good.

[noparachutes]

Fracas if you lacked skill I would not be wasting my time.

[redshirtrobot]

I.

[That stops his panicking pretty well.]

... thank you.

[noparachutes]

Now do pull yourself together.

[redshirtrobot]

Y-yes.

I'm sorry, Shockwave. [Starscream just makes him freak out. A lot.]

[noparachutes]

I expect actions not apologies, Fracas.

[redshirtrobot]

Of course, sir.

[noparachutes]

Fracas.

[Fracas how many times has he told you that you don't have to call him sir.]

[redshirtrobot]

... frag.

[He suddenly started having one of those days, that's all.]

[noparachutes]

[If he had a nose he'd probably he holding the bridge of it and shaking his head. What is he going to do with you, Fracas.]

Do you require highgrade?

[Look, this is him being supportive.]

[redshirtrobot]

[Get him to not shake like a leaf when his Starscream is mentioned.]

... Maybe a little.

[Highgrade is an acceptable form of support.]

[noparachutes]

[If Starscream tried anything he'd be there to back you up.]

I shall go obtain some then.

[redshirtrobot]

Thank you. Again. And sorry. Again.

[Someday he will finally stop saying these two things. And someday he will manage to beat something that isn't a giant centipede. Today is neither of these days.]

[noparachutes]

Fracas, stop apologizing.

[Well at least he knows what the next lesson needs to be.]

[redshirtrobot]

Okay, okay... Apologizing done.

[For now. Who knows what he'll feel the need to apologize for in the future?]

[noparachutes]

Try and keep it that way.

[redshirtrobot]

I'll try.
No promises, though.

[noparachutes]

Noted.

[He'll just sit and have highgrade with you and hope it doesn't happen again for a while.]

[redshirtrobot]

Good. I wouldn't want to disappoint you.

[Maybe he will try to explain his worry in a slightly less screamy manner while they do.]

[noparachutes]

[He'd appreciate that.]

See that you don't.

[redshirtrobot]

[He figured as much; he at least owes Shockwave that much for his near-hysterics.]

... I won't.

[noparachutes]

Good.

[redshirtrobot]

I'll. Try to explain all of this. If I can.

[noparachutes]

That would be appreciated.

[redshirtrobot]

I figured it might be. And since I... freaked out at you and all... I owe you one.