Fracture
Cadet
In These Shoes? Okay!
Posts: 57
|
Post by Fracture on Feb 5, 2012 16:38:35 GMT -5
Fracture was waiting there when Starscream arrived, and she offers him as sloppy a salute as she knows he'll let her get away with. Then she peers at the little human he's carrying around.
"The Titans were more colorful," she pronounces.
|
|
|
Post by Starscream (Movie) on Feb 6, 2012 17:42:38 GMT -5
If Starscream killed Shockwave now, people would think he was a coward. Can't have them thinking that.
Rook doesn't know that he's keeping Lyzack from bowing, or he would be horrified at his breach of etiquette. As it is, he simply executes an elegant bow himself from her shoulder. "Welcome back, Lord Starscream."
The jetformer gives Fracture a look with narrowed optics, trying to guess whether that poor excuse for a salute implied disrespect, or just a general lack of discipline. Either way, it'll have to been seen to. He's going to have to run a tight ship, now that there's barely anyone on said ship.
"Decepticons, this is Shockwave," he announces, holding out Victoria in his palm. He has been turned into a human, as have the majority of our comrades, it would seem. We are all that remains."
|
|
|
Post by Victoria Raines on Feb 8, 2012 22:04:36 GMT -5
Victoria nods at the assembled group. Rook is the only one she knows. "What Starscream says is unfortunately correct. I would recommend contacting those on Gillanan and any away teams you may have to determine the area of affect."
"I would caution against letting certain individuals know the extent of the problem, however."
|
|
|
Post by Crankcase on Feb 10, 2012 12:40:09 GMT -5
While Crankcase doesn't openly snort in his disbelief – that pile of flesh is Shockwave? – he makes no overtures of recognition or acceptance in the matter, either. It's far easier for him to simply dismiss the insanity out of hand at this point than to marvel at how little sense it all makes. He tunes out the woman's voice as well, focusing on Starscream instead.
If this, he thinks, is all that remains of the Decepticon forces, it is a sad day indeed.
|
|
Lyzack
Rookie
Babysitting tiny evil dinosaurs since 1990.
Posts: 139
|
Post by Lyzack on Feb 10, 2012 21:53:20 GMT -5
All of Lyzack's four optics open wide, and her wings twitch. That is Shockwave? They are to follow a human? She thinks that she may die of shame. Why didn't Starscream just leave that thing where he found it?
They are all that remains? Lyzack is unsure what to feel about that. She is not particularly attached to anyone here.
Lionessbreast, meanwhile, watches Victoria like a cat watches a mouse.
|
|
Fracture
Cadet
In These Shoes? Okay!
Posts: 57
|
Post by Fracture on Feb 11, 2012 15:56:25 GMT -5
Fracture tilts her head down to look at Shockwave. Then up to look at Starscream. Down, up, down, up, her expression becoming increasingly dubious and confused.
"If it's Shockwave, how come it's got two eyes?"
|
|
|
Post by Starscream (Movie) on Feb 11, 2012 22:49:48 GMT -5
Starscream has worked with small forces before. And that time he didn't have sleeper agents among the insects just waiting to be rediscovered.
The jetformer rounds on Fracture, grabbing her around the neck and lifting her off the floor so they're face to face, his optics boring into hers. "Is this a joke to you, Fracture? Given how my day has gone so far, I am not in a jesting mood," he growls, dropping the smaller Decepticon.
"I'm assuming command," he continues, as though he didn't just brutally manhandle a subordinate, "Shockwave will continue to serve in an advisory capacity. And yes, I'm sure beyond a reasonable doubt that this is Shockwave. We've reason to believe the Autobots have been similarly afflicted as we have.
Crankcase, I'm tasking you to hunt down and terminate any . . . 'humanized' Autobots you find. Rook, you'll be searching for our own forces."
His gaze drifts over Lyzack, then back to Fracture. "I'll figure out what to do with you two later."
OOC: Physical expression of displeasure with permission.
|
|
|
Post by Victoria Raines on Feb 12, 2012 22:10:55 GMT -5
Shockwave watches quietly- and with approval- as Starscream claims his place as commander with an act of swift violence. This is why she did not present herself months ago, or try to regain her position. She has not the ability to keep the more... erratic element quelled.
"I assume my quarters and labs have long since been... examined, but if I might be allowed some moments to retrieve some items. I will need to return to Earth fairly soon," she says.
"Rook, we can collaborate. I have resources that will hopefully make finding the rest of our people easier."
|
|
|
Post by Crankcase on Feb 19, 2012 10:33:48 GMT -5
At his orders, Crankcase seems to shift without moving so much as a finger; his plating ripples, lifting and resettling in a wave that travels from his shoulders to his feet, and he growls in anticipation, flexing his hands and rolling his shoulders as though to work out kinks that aren't there. He is a predator given leave to kill, and he immensely, wordlessly pleased with his task.
"As you will, Lord Starscream," he murmurs.
|
|
Lyzack
Rookie
Babysitting tiny evil dinosaurs since 1990.
Posts: 139
|
Post by Lyzack on Feb 19, 2012 12:53:06 GMT -5
Lyzack watches sidelong as Starscream puts Fracture in her place. She makes a mental note not to be the least bit forward or rude. Clearly, Starscream will not tolerate it. Lyzack feels somewhat perturbed to be lumped in with Fracture. Yes, Lyzack admires Fracture for her boldness, but right now, being grouped with someone who has just been physically disciplined by the acting Emperor of Destruction is perhaps not the safest group in which to be.
Trying to decide what to do is difficult. Deciding anything doesn't come easily to Lyzack. She has always had Esmeral bearing down on her and screaming at her the moment she did anything incorrectly by Esmeral's standards, which were arbitrary and often cruel.
A step back would show cowardice. Staying where she is somehow implies that she is with Fracture. Moving to the side might just upset Fracture, and Lyzack does think Fracture is pretty neat when she's not offending the officers. Moving forward would be bold. Boldness is not rewarded. Lyzack just saw that. Hiding under the floor panels or up in the ceiling would just be ridiculous.
Her wings twitch. Lyzack has to do something. She takes a tiny step forward, all four optics cast down at the floor, and salutes again, and she forces her voice not to quaver as she hails, "Hail, Starscream, Emperor of Destruction. Thy will be done." Hopefully, that is not offensively bold, just appropriately obsequious, affirming that the moment Starscream has an order for her, she'll do it and that she acknowledges that Starscream is the acting commander.
If she ends up on the floor for this with a foot on her neck for her impropriety, Lyzack is going to seriously contemplate never saying another word and spending all of her time cleaning out the closets where no one can see her.
|
|
Fracture
Cadet
In These Shoes? Okay!
Posts: 57
|
Post by Fracture on Feb 19, 2012 14:22:50 GMT -5
"No, Commander Starscream!" Fracture barks out, accent and intonation parade-ground perfect Cybertronian Defense Force. She clangs against the deck when Starscream drops her, not even trying to catch herself. Only when she's down does she pick herself back up.
You might suspect Fracture gets this kind of treatment reasonably often.
She tries to figure out what lesson she's supposed to take from this while Starscream hands out orders. She settles on 'don't ask questions about Starscream's pet human'.
"Yes, Commander Starscream! By your command!" Fracture thumps fist to sigil in a parade-ground perfect salute.
|
|
|
Post by Starscream (Movie) on Feb 19, 2012 20:50:51 GMT -5
Starscream looks down to regard Shockwave. "Yes, Scourge had quite a time dealing with your holographic avatar. Which reminds me, you weren't here for the debacle with Overlord. I'll make sure you get a complete copy of all the data. Your expertise on the matter would be invaluable."
Rook nods low enough to be almost a bow, hands clasped at his waist. "I look forward to working with you, Madame Shockwave." The Predacon Diplomatic Manual states that this is the correct form of address for someone male who has had their spark placed into a shell of the opposite gender in order to save their life. Rook figures that's the closest thing he's going to get out of the various forms of etiquette he has memorized.
Starscream notices that miniscule display of emotion from Crankcase. Decepticons aren't given to overt displays of emotion in their home reality, unless it's anger whilst fighting or jockeying for dominance. It pays to learn to read the subtle cues people do give.1 He responds in kind, the slightest rearrangement of facial plates, a shifting of stance. The jetformer is pleased that Crankcase is eager to kill for him.
He blinks at Lyzack, turning to regard her. "Commander or Lord Starscream will suffice. Or sir," he says. Emperor of Destruction is . . . well, it's a bit much, isn't it? His shoulders aren't nearly spikey enough for a title like that. Now, something like Prince of Shadows he could deal with. That's much sleeker. "Lyzack, you'll be the one to pull the files on Overlord and otherwise get Shockwave up to speed."
The jetformer didn't lump Lyzack and Fracture together because he thinks they're similar. He just honestly hadn't figured out what to do with them yet.
Fracture gets a curt nod. As long as she continues to tiptoe carefully around Starscream's massive respect issues, he will continue not to brutally murder her.
1. See also: Wreckage
|
|
|
Post by Victoria Raines on Feb 19, 2012 21:42:16 GMT -5
Victoria raises an eyebrow at the groups reactions. Well, well, this is going to be an interesting tenure of office for Starscream, isn't it? He has a hunting dog, an impudent car, a self-serving spy, and a subservient jet as his troops. What troops the newly crowned "Emperor of Destruction" may persuade to his side will remain to be seen.
She nods at Rook's respectful address. The crow will be an asset. her gaze shifts to the teal jet. This one bears examination. "Excellent. If you have no immediate tasks for this one," Victoria points at Lyzack,"I believe I could make use of Lyzack as an aide de camp."
OOC: heading towards wrap and/or spin off threads?
|
|
|
Post by Crankcase on Feb 27, 2012 21:07:55 GMT -5
Ordinarily, Crankcase would leave as soon as orders were given; that was as good as formal dismissal in the old days, before this ship and its crew. He remains in place just in case there is more to be said, but he clearly yearns to throw himself into the hunt. His gaze flickers toward the door and his hands flex at his sides, aching for the weapons he isn't holding.
He wants to kill people.
|
|
Lyzack
Rookie
Babysitting tiny evil dinosaurs since 1990.
Posts: 139
|
Post by Lyzack on Feb 27, 2012 21:51:22 GMT -5
Calling Starscream by his name just seems rude! Lyzack makes a mental note to call him Commander or Lord and is ashamed of herself for not magically knowing that is what Starscream wants to be called.
Her orders... well, Lyzack is used to orders that make her unhappy. She gives no outward indication of her displeasure. She'll do it, and she'll do it well. It is actually strange for her to even realise that she is unhappy. Lyzack tries not to be self-reflective, because she tries hard not to have a self in the first place.
It is an order from her Lord. She should be happy that he even deigned to be in the same room as her, let alone speak to her. It just concerns Lyzack when a Decepticon warlord starts bringing home pet humans and letting the pet humans boss around his robot troops. Next thing, Starscream is going to be telling the Autobots that he is only raiding Earth to feed his family, not because he just happens to enjoy slitting throats.
In other words, Lyzack stands around and does not do much. She salutes again and says softly, "By your command, Lord."
|
|