[Video] In the Junk Pile

[dirge]

[When the camera clicks on, all that's visible above a mound of junk is a pair of yellow wings. They twitch, wiggle, and then suddenly go straight as someone murmurs something that sounds like Oh, yes. That's lovely~.

The junk shudders and then explodes outward as Dirge climbs his way out of it, shaking off random scraps.]

Another day, another new world! And this one is so full of things just lying around...

[He's holding something that looks like it could be a mangled old gas mask, pinching experimentally at the long tube hanging from it.]

This place is mine now, understand? I've marked it. [He gestures and the camera swings to the word 'DIRGE' spelled out in old cans.]

So stay away. [The screen is obscured by a pointing claw, then narrow red optics, and then....just junk. It seems he's gone back into the pile.]

Comments

[dirge]

Useful is one thing. But I'm a clone, not a machine you can just put pennies into and expect me to keep running. That's a bad deal- you were just hoping I wouldn't figure that out.

[Working for Megatron has taught him just enough about what he should be expecting as an employee. And once Dirge learned there was a whole lot more he should be demanding? That was the end of that.]

How about you strike a deal with me or I take out your optics? Is that enough of a payoff? [His claws tap menacingly at Swindle's windshield.]

I want to know exactly what could replace a giant Starscream clone.

[youhavebeenswindled]

My, you've certainly done a lot of growing up haven't you?

[Swindle was really hoping that he wouldn't have to do this. But hey, if he's got advantages, then he should darn well use them.]

Hmmm you've always liked my optics, haven't you Dirge?

[He wiggles an arm out and reaches up to touch Dirge's chest, they being close enough for him to accomplish this. His voice lowers suggestively and a sly smile creeps across his face.]

Fact is Dirge... I can still give you things you can't get yourself~ Three stellar-cycles is no replacement for millions after all.

[The hand slides slowly down Dirge's chest, his smile widening.]

I think we can still benefit each other.

[dirge]

[To hear Swindle say that- it almost makes Dirge proud. But he knows the salesmech isn't complimenting him. He's also not being intimidated and that's a problem.]

I- Oh... [In fact, he's being the opposite of intimidated. Dirge shivers, his wings fanning out. That tone of voice and that smile, silently promising him everything he wants. At least for a night.]

....W-what kind of things?

[He finds himself asking, leaning closer as Swindle's fingers slide down his cockpit.]

[youhavebeenswindled]

Use your imagination~

[Swindle rather he doesn't though, but he's started this so he might as well find a way to finish it. The clone is falling for it beautifully, so Swindle decides to push a little further.]

Now how about we talk about we talk about making a deal, hm?

[He slides his fingers back up Dirge's chest, up over the sparkchamber, until he touches the clone's chin. It's a bit of a reach for him, Swindle being rather small in comparison, but he does manage.]

You know you want me... to be your employer again.

[dirge]

[That is a dangerous thing to say to Dirge. Especially since his imagination is so... expansive. His optics blank a little as his processor runs through a few choice scenarios.]

A deal sounds....good.

[His engine purrs loudly at the gentle caress. No one has treated him like this in a long time. No one has wanted to.]

I do want you. [That last part snaps him out of it a little bit.]

But you aren't going to give me what I want, are you? You've done this to me before.

[youhavebeenswindled]

Well, you can assume that you'll never get anything and never get anything for sure... or you can come with me and certainly make it more of a possibility.

[Keeping one hand on Dirge's chin, he allows his other hand to creep up over the clone's chest, resting lightly over the spark chamber. Swindle, on the whole, is about as interested in this sort of thing as a penguin is in advanced physics. Doesn't mean he can't or won't use it to his advantage though.]

You know that I like to make things interesting after all~ It's your choice.

[With that, he withdraws slowly, allowing his hand to linger over the sparkchamber before pulling away.]

Feel free to shoot his aft to hell

[dirge]

[Swindle's proposal makes sense. Dirge is no stranger to gambling in the hopes of a big pay off. Everything is just so inciting and despite being on his own for three years, the clone still doesn't have stellar control over his greed. The all-spark fragment warms in his chamber under the salesmech's touch.]

You really are the master at this, aren't you?

[The one thing he DOES know, is Swindle himself. This is nothing more than a sales-pitch, a really really good one, but in the end? Swindle is just going to take something from him.]

....I have a question. Why should I gamble on possibilities... [The point of a claw creeps up to touch just beneath Swindle's chin.]

...when I could just take what I want from you?

[youhavebeenswindled]

[Swindle can sense danger here, but rather than look afraid, his grin gains a nasty tinge to it. He is not an easy 'Con to scare.]

Because I can make you regret it~

Besides, you know that it's better to go for the long-term investments than the short-term. Anyway, now'd be a good time to let go of me.

[There's a click and suddenly there's a gatling gun pointing out of Swindle's chest. He wastes no time firing at the Clone while twisting away and activating his negatronic force field. While he certainly doesn't have much of a chance of fighting Dirge head-on, his weapons are top-of-the line, and his body is practically bursting with them.

He smiles and points his scatterblaster at the clone.]

How about you leave and think about my offer hmm?

[dirge]

[Dirge knows he has the advantage of strength over Swindle, but something in the other's voice clues him into the fact that he still might be in trouble. Swindle never says things like 'I'll make you regret it' unless he means it.

The clone is so close he can feel the displacement of air as the gatling gun emerges, his optics widening as he recalls that particular weapon. The force of the point-blank blast knocks him backwards a few steps, shattering his cockpit and leaving scorch marks all over his abdomen armor.]

Guagh!

[By the time he's recovered enough to even look up, Swindle has a nasty looking gun pointed at him and a force field protecting him from any more attempts at physical harm.]

..... Cheater.

[He mumbles, feeling like a huge idiot for forgetting Swindle's arsenal. Not only has he lost the salesmech, but also his dignity. And he'll need new glass for his cockpit now too. He's starting to understand it probably isn't worth it to try attacking Swindle head on anymore.

The clone shuffles to his feet, wincing as shards of glass tumble from the ruined pilot's seat. Transforming is going to be too painful, so he ignites his heel thrusters with one last glance at Swindle and takes off.]