Ch. 195
"Shockwave, how much damage was caused?"
The purple mech's optic flashed as he read off a datapad, "Predaking's kennel door will have to be replaced entirely. He and Starscream are currently wandering on the second level. They are being monitored closely by our forces and are ready to move in for detainment upon your request."
Megatron glared back at his science officer from the front of the command deck, "And what is my dear Starscream doing?"
Shockwave glanced back down at his datapad before answering, "... He appears to be giving Predaking a tour."
The warlord looked pleasantly surprised, "Not trying to escape, is he?"
"Apparently not, my lord," the purple mech responded, "Predaking may have destroyed his kennel escaping it, but he would not dare allow your second to leave the ship. His orders were to protect him, first and foremost, and to keep him contained here upon your vessel, my liege."
"Then perhaps my second has finally found clarity during his separation from the rest of the crew," Megatron mused, strutting to the command deck exit, "Shockwave, accompany me in joining my dear Starscream, will you?"
Shockwave hummed lowly and bowed, "As much as it honors me that you wish for my presence, my liege, I am needed elsewhere. Your gestating Predacon clones will be ready for activation soon. I only bridged back to the ship to update my reports manually and complete my mandatory check in. Predaking's actions only delayed my departure."
The warlord hardly seemed bothered as he passed his science officer, "Then return to your work, Shockwave. And inform me as soon as my new Predacons have shown signs of consciousness. I intend to be there when they awaken."
The purple mech nodded lightly, standing up straighter as his leader left and he was able to collect his thoughts. A final glance at a security monitor that was trained on Predaking and Starscream's movements made him pause, the odd feeling of concern begin to well inside him. But he crushed the emotion quickly; feelings had no place in his work, nor function.
Starscream pouted angrily at his wrist cuffs, glancing up at Predaking, "So, where exactly are we going?"
The Predacon rolled his shoulders as he walked along, a long and lazy growl escaping him. This left the seeker to speculate the response he had been given with some difficulty.
"Ahh... if we're just stretching our legs," he murmured, "we've done a very dangerous thing in doing so, haven't we?" he gestured lightly behind them, Vehicon guards evident in matching their pace some distance back, "We should have taken the opportunity to escape, not draw attention to ourselves if only to sight see."
Predaking gurgled a soft noise. He didn't seem bothered by enemy presence nor the gentle gait at which he was taking in the ship on his own. Starscream knew the beast was growing far more intelligent with every passing moment. Was this just another hidden tactic Predaking would be waiting to use later? Was he strategizing an escape in the future by making the pair seem harmless now? The seeker began to slow in his steps as he thought harder. He couldn't believe he was wishing, asking, even begging Predaking to transform; at least it would have helped with communication.
The Predacon chuffed a small 'yip' as the silver mech fell behind and Starscream flinched, running to catch up, "Sorry, sorry, just trapped in the mindscape for a moment there... You still didn't answer my question, you know."
The larger mech glanced at him smugly; maybe he was telling him without words that he didn't need to say anything at all? Starscream frowned.
"Not fair," he scowled, "I know I'm the one in more trouble than you, but we're partners in this, aren't we?" he sighed, mumbling, "If you won't transform, the least you can do is try your best to communicate with me..."
Predaking knelt his helm low, butting it into the silver mech's side softly.
The seeker couldn't help but smile lightly, "Fine, alright. You can keep to yourself if you like. Just give me fair warning if you decide we need to jump sh-"
"My dear Starscream!"
The bellowing, almost friendly, greeting had Starscream near to purging in surprise. He resisted bolting from the safety of Predaking's side to anywhere else in favor of leaning against the Predacon's large forearm, a shudder evident in him as he struggled to turn back and face the owner of the voice.
"Oh... Primus, just end it..." Starscream grumbled, "Megatron," he called back, watching as a wide and fanged grin grew on the larger mech's faceplate, "with what appropriate response should I return in light of your presence?"
The warlord pushed passed his readily armed Vehicons to stand before the seeker, "One that is far more fitting than this very unorthodox breach of procedure," he offered his arm and gave no choice to Starscream when he slid his servo between the smaller mech's bound wrists, leading him along gently as he walked, "You should have COMMed me personally. I would have gladly released you from your new accommodations."
The seeker trudged alongside the warlord and silently doubted every word from his captor's mouth, "You were so busy, I hardly thought you'd have the time..."
Predaking followed closely behind the mechs. Starscream glanced back at the Predacon and felt his optics widen when he saw a distinct and angry glare boring into the back of Megatron's helm from the beast. He didn't think he would still have been so surprised to see that anger and hatred directed towards someone other than himself but there it was again, clear as day, and the warlord seemed not to notice or care.
Starscream sighed; Predaking had already given clear indication earlier than he had a plan he wanted to try, it was only fair to keep any interruptions busy.
"S... so, my liege-"
"My dear Starscream, you do not-"
"I know," the seeker tried not to growl, "but I'm being polite. And seeing as I am your s... second-in-command," he struggled to say without a hiss, "I will be following you to where you will need me, won't I?"
Megatron couldn't hold back a purr of both victory and content, "It is good to have you back, my dear Starscream."