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Post by Victoria Raines on Jul 30, 2009 19:15:44 GMT -5
Shockwave finishes securing the tainted energon in a locked cabinet in his quarters. He shall have to speak to Mixmaster about how long the mix can be stored without adverse effects.
A fresh- and untainted- container of energon is brought out from another cabinet and placed along with appropriate receptacles upon a side table. While Shockwave does not have a need for refreshment at the moment, one of the visitors he will have over the next while might. He would not wish to be thought of as an miserly leader, after all.
He settles down comfortable into one of the chairs near the table, stylus clicking lazily through files on the datapad resting on his thigh. Things have proceeded according to plan. Now there remains only to make this as painless a process in general for his people.
He glances up at the door. Scourge should be here shortly. The tanker is always prompt. Occasionally worrisome, but always prompt.
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Post by Sable Conolly on Jul 31, 2009 20:41:55 GMT -5
Scourge is perhaps, if anything, too quick to arrive. Perhaps he was already en route. Perhaps he just so happened to be in the area.
His demeanour, however, is entirely calm and professional. He looks as relaxed as he ever does, not too eager, maybe even a bit bored, as if there is nothing out of the usual now.
The door opens for him, as if he is expected, but of course, he is. Scourge salutes and holds it, waiting for the formal reply from Shockwave, rather than just informally dropping it. He greets politely, "Sir. Congratulations."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jul 31, 2009 21:17:35 GMT -5
Shockwave actually returns that salute, though it is far from the crisp and formal motion of Scourge's. Easy, brief, almost negligent, as if he has long been tired of- or unused to- such shows of respect. This does not mean Shockwave does not appreciate the gesture, however.
"Thank you, Scourge. Please, be at ease and seat yourself, have a bit of refreshment if you like. We have much to discuss."
Shockwave waits for Scourge to either get comfortable or not, then asks, "What would you do with Starscream were you in my place?"
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 2, 2009 11:01:33 GMT -5
Scourge steps around the chair from the left and does seat himself. He stretches and leans back in the chair for a moment, looking up, a casual move that gives him a great view of the ceiling, just in case Shockwave's keeping ninjas or anything interesting up there.
He shakes out his head, to get a better look at the rest of the room and where the exits are, before assuming a prim, proper seated posture, back straight as a column.
Scourge does not reach for a drink.
He has no idea how Shockwave took out Starscream. In fact, he has no particular idea that Starscream is still alive in any meaningful way. Sure, Scourge heard Starscream on the radio. Like Shockwave couldn't pop a voicebox out of someone, hook it up to a computer, and have it read a script.
Scourge has been useful to Shockwave, but he could certainly be next on the axe list.
Shockwave's question is a difficult one, and he has to wonder why Shockwave is asking it at all, when Shockwave summoned Scourge here under the pretence of talking about promotions. Does Shockwave just want to see how Scourge's mind works, or is he actually fishing for ideas?
Scourge folds his hands juts under his chin thoughtfully, and he replies, "If I was you, sir, I would know how I dispatched Starscream, and the method I used would make a big difference in how I treated him after."
"I am going to assume," as loathe as he is to assume anything, "that Starscream is, to a cursory appearance, alive, since something that seemed to be him spoke on the radio, and you wouldn't have allowed that to happen if you didn't at least want to maintain the illusion of Starscream being alive. Though he may well be dead inside for all practical purposes."
"I have to assume," argh, again, "that you've done something to Starscream to make him docile enough to make leaving him some semblance of life an acceptable risk but not so docile that he's completely useless. A fine line, there."
"So I am guessing," must get someone on finding out what actually went down, "that if I was you, I would would want to keep Starscream where I could see him. I would also want to keep him busy. Exceptionally busy. So I would give him rank. Yes, it could backfire, if he builds a powerbase, but the day to day grind of dealing with problem troopers and the machinations of the Autobots and Maximals," and whatever, "is wearing. Also, rank would salve his pride, to some extent. I would put someone between me and him in rank, however. An obstacle. A buffer. A roadblock. Someone he has to go through before he gets to me."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 2, 2009 14:46:11 GMT -5
Sorry, Scourge, no ceiling ninjas. Though Shockwave will be sure to be on the look out for some!
What is on the ceiling though is a very lovely, very intricate light fixture composed of low-level LED lighting, carefully soldered metal and visible (and highly attractive) circuits. At the center of the fixture is the head of Emirate Xeon, optics glowing brightly.
Scourge's search for exits will show but two: the one he entered through, and one upon the far wall. Scourge might note that while the desk beyond the seating area does have a few items of a scientific bent, the room is very neat, well-appointed, and...actually quite comfortable, both in layout and appearance. A far cry from the sparse sleeping area Shockwave had used off his lab on Gillanan.
Shockwave's reasons for asking such a question are three-fold. First, to determine Scourge's attitude about the matter as a whole. In that, Shockwave is satisfied. The tanker seems accepting, and even at ease with the changeover. A sham, possibly, but Shockwave doubts it. Scourge has been both an asset and a help to Shockwave in the past months, though the gunformer is not so foolish as to think Scourge actually harbors true loyalty to anyone but himself.
Secondly, Shockwave wishes to determine if his methods had been circumspect enough that even the head of intelligence had been blindsided. Thirdly, well, Shockwave wishes to test Scourge a bit.
And Shockwave is most pleased with the tanker's answers and behavior all around.
"He lives," Shockwave says, "And will continue to do so. As mentioned, I do not waste the useful. Starscream is too much the self-serving coward to do anything at this point which may bring deadly harm upon his person. Later perhaps, when the pain and embarrassment of this day has faded, may be another matter, but I am prepared for such a betrayal, in any event. Better prepared than he was, I must say."
Shockwave shifts a bit in his chair, makes a few more notes on is datapad, and then looks over at Scourge.
"You make a good argument for allowing him rank, one I, myself, have already considered. He shall be what he once was: Commander of our aerial forces. There is to be some restructuring, you see."
He tilts his head, one headfin flicking back as he studies Scourge. "However, my options in some areas are quite limited, as there are few with both skill and leadership talent to speak of among us. Nor am I particularly worried about declaring a single second at the moment. I am used to acting without one." And he is. He had no successor on Cybertron, no second to plot against him.
"I do, however, need someone to oversee our ground forces, someone able to coordinate not only units within that large grouping but someone able to work with Starscream and his units as well. Someone not easily intimidated. Someone who has shown loyalty and deserves better than mere command of a division that frequently fails to show him proper respect."
"What say you?"
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 2, 2009 18:25:11 GMT -5
Scourge brought that corpse to Shockwave, as he recalls.
Scourge brings Shockwave dead things.
And somewhat mangled versions of Ultra Magnus and Bonecrusher.
When did Scourge become Shockwave's cat, anyway?
Scourge is going to assume that head up there has security cameras and recording devices inside it.
The other door does not look so useful to him as the one behind him, but he keeps it in mind, in case of emergency. In case of emergency, Scourge also keeps in mind busting through a wall, the ceiling, or the floor.
Pain. Hrm. Was violence used, then? Scourge could just ask Starscream, but he has a rather bad feeling about that.
Scourge replies bluntly, "I say that you're talking about a lateral move, sir."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 2, 2009 19:41:48 GMT -5
Shockwave likes his cat. Muchly
He just wishes his cat wouldn't drop snarling bundles of beaten bladey Transformers on him while he sleeps.
Scourge could ask Starscream, but Shockwave would recommend against it. Even if Starscream answered, the Seeker is likely to turn the full force of his anger against the first person to cross his path.
Of course, Scourge could just ask Shockwave. Pleased as Shockwave is with the tanker, he might just answer.
"You would consider moving from command of a small group to over half our forces to be a lateral move?" Shockwave asks, "I suppose it could be construed as such, depending upon one's point of view." The datapad and stylus disappear now and he settles his elbows on the chair arms, hand cupped over the tip of his canon. He gazes impassively at Scourge for several long moments.
"Do you want to place yourself between myself and Starscream, Scourge?" he asks softly.
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 2, 2009 21:34:07 GMT -5
The cat would not be the cat if it was always endearing. There is a mystique and reputation to maintain. Consistency and reliability are for dogs.
Scourge shrugs and points out, "Knowledge is power." Also, nuts. He had just started to really work on his division! He thinks he had really made a point to Barricade when he dealt with Bonecrusher. Scourge will have to start entirely over, and he'll have more people to wrangle. Shockwave will be keeping him busy, not just Starscream.
But that's probably the point.
Scourge sighs and looks weary, perhaps older than he actually is.
Does Scourge wants to be a roadblock in the way of Starscream? Ever fending off Starscream's deviousness? On the surface, the answer seems like an easy 'no'.
But Shockwave wants it, after a fashion, doesn't Shockwave? Shockwave's perfectly willing to put up with Starscream's treachery, because... what? What makes it all worth it to Shockwave? Because he genuinely feels he is the best one to lead?
Because power is an answer in and of itself?
His optics narrow, and his antennae flick back. "To divert Starscream's attention from you to me, you'd have to give me something that Starscream wants. He is a mechanism of taste and discernment, in his way. I might want what he wants." Might Scourge ever. "But that would depend on the nature of the job, really."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 2, 2009 22:47:36 GMT -5
Shockwave's optic brightens a tad. "Oh come now. If what you most want is not to be sitting in my place, Scourge, then I have given you too much credit these past months."
He sounds far too happy about this idea, really. Not amused. Happy.
"Were I to name a second I would prefer it not be either of you. But if I must choose between you, then I would choose Starscream. For I know his ways, I know his thought patterns, and I can better circumvent his attempts. Plus, I do not consider him as anything above most here; that is, a tool to be kept in best order so that it might perform its job properly."
"But some are more than tools. They are valued, trusted after a fashion, assets, possible equals...ones who I would greatly prefer not to be set in opposition to, you see."
Besides, if Starscream and Scourge are equal rivals, then they should be too busy getting in each other's way to be much of a threat to Shockwave.
"But I do not intend to choose."
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 3, 2009 18:40:00 GMT -5
Scourge's fingers flex, the well-oiled pistons sliding with barely a sound.
They have been taken from different time periods and places, and they have ended up here. The theory is that different realities happen when a subatomic particle goes right, rather than left, and if it turns left...
But there has to be a beginning to it all. A single, unified reality, if time goes back far enough.
If there is a way here, there is a way there, too.
Anything that existed in the very beginning would be a universal constant in every reality, when they split.
Being a universal constant would be nice, wouldn't it?
His optics stay narrowed. "I think that if I told you what I really want, that I would be so foolish would be a bigger disappointment to you, sir."
Settling for just leading the Decepticons would be, well, settling. Egomaniacal delusions of grandeur are part and parcel of Scourge's heritage.
Is Shockwave implying that he doesn't know Scourge's thought patterns? Scourge's head tilts slightly to one side.
He repeats, "Lateral move. So. If you want me to work with him, what have you done to him? I wouldn't want to accidentally slip whatever leash you've got around his neck, sir."
Yes, Scourge is so thoughtful, looking out for Shockwave, that way.
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 4, 2009 12:27:16 GMT -5
Ah, but Shockwave did not settle for just leading the Decepticons, either. He led his world, and if things in his reality continued according to his plans, Shockwave would lead the universe.
Too bad they will not.
Shockwave also does not know Scourge as well as he would like. He feels he has a good insight into the tanker, but nearly so much as he does into Starscream. Scourge, for example, would not have fallen so easily into Shockwave's trap. But there are other traps which may have been employed to better affect.
He leans forward, elbows on his thighs, "It is quite unsettling to you, not knowing, is it not? That something of such significance could happen without your knowing beforehand." Again with that pleased tone.
"Starscream expected a challenge, something overt, either in public or private, and he intended to rely on his null ray when I inevitably challenged him. It is a difficult weapon to circumvent, and in my current situation, even I would fall to it eventually."
"Perhaps, too, he hoped to rely on the loyalty of those whose duty it is to be loyal to the faction, not the leader of the faction."
"And so I chose to be subtle. For the next while, he must rely upon me to remain free from the most excruciating pain, to be able to use his weapon, to be able even to move. So long as he tows the line, he will be able to function mostly as normal. Such dependence will foster an even greater hatred, yes, but it will also foster caution. For while he may guess as to how I managed such a thing, he cannot guess what other methods I might be willing to employee to keep my position. Or what I might next do to him."
It isn't quite the answer Scourge wants, not just yet.
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 4, 2009 14:12:57 GMT -5
Scourge does not perhaps make as good a use of his troops as he could, and while he's working on that, they're no longer his troops, anyway.
Maybe he's upset that he didn't foresee this. Or maybe, maybe Scourge is worried that Shockwave's going to use the same thing on him.
Scourge considers Shockwave reply, and he points out, "There are an awful lot of ways to put someone in disabling pain." The number of ways that Scourge could implement with his bare hands alone are staggering. "But you haven't explained which one you used, sir, so I really cannot guarantee that I won't accidentally nullify whatever you're using on him."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 4, 2009 16:28:52 GMT -5
"Unless you have a hidden talent for chemistry, you need not worry about nullifying anything, Scourge. Though I would suggest not accepting any refreshment offered to you in Starscream's quarters or from his tray," Shockwave says, negligently waving away the tanker's concerns.
"You will recall how Needlenose could not transform when you first arrived? Some additives to fuels can have long reaching affects on the systems, and cannot be removed even with a systems purge. And even then, the damages done to one's parts may require extensive and invasive repair. Quite a lot of trouble to go to, when one's fuel just might be tainted again, would you not say?"
The datapad and stylus reappear and Shockwave asks, "Do you wish to continue overseeing intel yourself, or have you someone in mind who might make a good replacement?"
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Post by Sable Conolly on Aug 4, 2009 21:21:36 GMT -5
That is a challenge, Shockwave. Scourge cannot let a challenge sit.
He'll have to find himself a chemistry tutor, a reasonably discreet one.
So sometimes overly dark youths go sulk in shady corners and listen to edgy music when their pride is pricked. Sometimes they go looking for an education instead. That is what separates Scourge from Starscream and Shockwave, anyway. Starscream and Shockwave are both scientists!
Okay, so Shockwave is implying that he did something to Starscream chemically. A poison. Shockwave is implying that this poison is still effective in extremely trace amounts. Starscream either didn't notice it or was forced to drink.
Holy Vector Sigma. Scourge's circuits crawl under his armour. He's never been one to over-drinks, but drinking anything at all carries a lurking terror about it now. There has to be some way he can learn how to check his energon, right?
Antennae pinned back, he tries to keep his attention on what Shockwave is asking him, instead of fretting about his next meal, "Ah..." Well. More troops would be nice, but maybe they'd be a bit more than he can really handle, at the moment, if he's going to be busy trying to figure out how to Not Die Horribly Of Poisoning. "...Barricade! But you'll get Frenzy, too. They're a package deal, I think."
Yes, Barricade and Frenzy, too, can enjoy the wonderful wonder that is worrying about poison in their energon!
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Post by Victoria Raines on Aug 4, 2009 23:14:59 GMT -5
If Scourge were not worrying about tainted energon, then Shockwave would be most unhappy. The tanker had persisted in pushing for information- an expected and admirable trait actually- and so Shockwave gave it, after a fashion. Just enough information to make the tanker wary, to show how easily such things can be done and yet, to also warn Scourge that crossing Shockwave is not recommended.
Of course, if Shockwave did not value Scourge, did not trust him after a fashion, the tanker would have gotten nothing.
"Barricade, eh?" Shockwave taps his stylus on his thigh, then shakes his head. "He would not be my pick. While he is certainly capable, and Frenzy does provide an advantage, Barricade is also possessed of a certain...independence. It serves him well in his function, but I am unsure how well he would handle being tied to a command position."
"And the disadvantages his partner brings outweigh the advantages in my view. However, you have worked with him for several months now. I shall reexamine my options and take your recommendation under consideration."
He almost sounds as if he means it.
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