( Exposition )

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( Private to Liege Maximo )

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[Everybody else: ]
[The video opens to Starscream grinning in a dark, somewhat poorly lit place.]

Some of you might be wondering after my absence. [Of how long, he's uncomfortably unsure.] Well, rest assured, Haven, my time spent away has led to great accomplishments.

[The camera pans out as Starscream presents this with a grandiose gesture. Straightening, he thumbs a button on a device in his hand and the glowing lights instantly shut off. The camera pans back to Starscream, following him as he moves away. ]

While under the radar, I've been busy creating this. Allow me to present to you: ~a fully functional groundbridge~.
[Smugness levels are off the charts]

Yes, that's right, in this cave, using little more than a box of scraps, I've been able to engineer an incredibly sophisticated piece of machinery. Now, I might be a genius, but it was certainly no small feat given what I had to work with. And yet, here we are.

Should any of you want to use my bridge, know this: admissions is hardly free. But~ I'm sure with enough begging, we can work something out~~. I --

[Off screen there's a flash of light, and the very distinct sound of a groundbridge activating.]

I'll call you back.

[Perceptor's been trying to keep his head down, metaphorically speaking, since (re)arriving. He works best these days when he can sit back and observe for a while before making his move.]

[Unfortunately, he is still lacking a lab, and there's really only so much observation the scientist can make before even he gets bored. Those who know him best may note a certain air of restlessness about him as he cues up the link.]

[To everyone else, he looks the same as always - stoic with a faint echo of cross.]

What supplies are in the greatest need?

[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.]