|
Post by Nightshroud on Feb 17, 2024 2:01:24 GMT
As the song started to reach it's end, Nightshroud hummed to herself quietly. She couldn't quite tell if Fadeshift was enjoying it or not, but given that the femme hadn't asked her to stop yet that had been her sign to maybe continue. At the same time she wasn't quite sure if she actually wanted to listen to a second song or not. The crimson seeker didn't exactly have the lengthiest playlist in the world, only picking up things she overheard and liked but nothing really stood out to her as she internally went through that list at least five times creating a somewhat awkward silence for a minute. Until she decided to just randomly select one. "If you don't mind.. I can play one more if it's not too much for you."Nightshroud herself wasn't even sure what song was going to come up until the music started. It'd been a song she'd heard from some Dutch band with a female lead singer, whatever a Dutch was. She didn't exactly know what places were called on Earth, and that didn't bother her in the least considering she only cared about coordinates as it was. Much more effective that way. As the song played the young seeker quietly listened. However that little bit toward the final repeat of the chorus had stuck out to her. She didn't know what it was like to feel fine for so long, and Starscream was the one that helped her find even the smallest iota of calmness. She lived in survival mode for four million years, and he was the one that helped remind her what it was like to actually feel alive.
|
|
|
Post by Fadeshift on Mar 18, 2024 6:39:13 GMT
To her surprise, Fadeshift was finding Earth music to be enjoyable. It was surprising that such small, feeble, and weak creatures possessed the creativity and skill to make music that didn’t sound like nails on a chalkboard. Another thing that was apparent to Fadeshift, was how Nightshroud’s mood had changed after the music was played.
“…I wouldn’t mind more of this Earth music, Nightshroud. It’s not half bad actually.”
The feminine vocals of the next song captivated Fadeshift. The voice was both delicate yet powerful in its own right. It was pleasant for the trip, which at reaching their destination may be less pleasant. Fadeshift had no idea how Starscream would react to her presence
|
|
|
Post by Starscream on Mar 20, 2024 1:28:02 GMT
Back at the Compound, Starscream was pacing back and forth. It was bad enough that Nightshroud had gone out, though he was thankful for the constant comms from the femme that she was okay. Now he had to worry about Soundwave. Things between him and the Spymaster had gone sour ever since he'd saved Nightshroud and helped her recover. Soundwave blamed the former air commander for allowing Nightshroud to get away with reckless actions, but not him. There had been some truth to those words, but Starscream was angry with Soundwave regardless. What Nightshroud had done had not risked compromising the location of their base. Even wounded, she commed for help and Starscream was able to get her away without leaving a trail to follow. Soundwave, however, had foolishly kidnapped a human belonging to the Autobots and had angered them all at the same time!
And so.. Soundwave had left the Compound, and he had not returned. Part of Starscream worried that Soundwave would give away their location, but so far things had been alright.
On his sixty-eighth lap around the main hanger the early warning system had gone off alerting him that two figures were approaching the base. Had it not been for Nightshroud's earlier message he would have put the place on lockdown, but he knew she was coming back with the bot who had helped her escape her attacker. The red and blue seeker didn't recognize the name Fadeshift, but he didn't mind if the crimson seeker brought her along. He did have to thank her for helping Nightshroud, but how was he to say no when he wanted his adopted sparkling to make friends. Maybe this Fadeshift character would be the first of many, but more than that he hoped she wouldn't be as rambunctious as others around the base. Primus knew he didn't need another loud mouthed individual.
Leaving the hanger doors open, Starscream stood close by watching as the two seekers came into view.
|
|
|
Post by Nightshroud on Mar 20, 2024 1:44:12 GMT
Nightshroud honestly had not even noticed that her mood had improved listening to the Earth music, though Fadeshift saying that she did enjoy the music had helped in that regard as well. She'd fallen into old timid nature of not knowing what to do with this whole friendship thing, but it was nice to know she was doing things right. She'd have to let Fadeshift listen to more some time, but they were getting close to the Compound so there wasn't enough time to get a song in.
"I think I'd like that.. We're almost at the Compound and I don't have any short songs to listen to. Hopefully Starscream won't have put the place on lockdown. We have an early warning system that the both of us set up that lets anyone with access to the system when someone's approaching. I thought it'd be nice to have in case a threat got too close, but I did tell him we were coming so he'll at least be prepared." He had been quite ansty about the femme leaving the base as it was, and that's exactly why she made sure he knew ever half hour if she was safe or not. Nightshroud didn't want to add to that stress again, and just like before Soundwave had only made things worse.
The crimson seeker lead Fadeshift closer to the abandoned military base tucked away in the mountain. Once she got close enough to the main hanger, Nightshroud transformed and landed on the ground carefully using her afterburners. She couldn't help but smile as she saw Starscream waiting for the both of them, quietly giggling to herself before running up to him and flat out hugging him. That anxiousness she felt was just immediately gone now that she was near someone she trusted to make her feel safe, though it might come as a surprise for Fadeshift. "I'm back~. I brought Fadeshift with me." Wings fluttering for a brief second, she turned her helm to look to her new friend. "Fadeshift, this is Starscream and Starscream.. this is Fadeshift. She's the one that allowed me to get away from my attacker."
|
|
|
Post by Fadeshift on Mar 20, 2024 6:29:11 GMT
As the two seekers approached the hidden base, Fadeshift processed Nightshroud's words and she hoped there wouldn't be unnecessary drama upon their arrival. "...Well I hope no one shoots at us cause.. that would be unfortunate" she said with a mild nervous chuckle. As the compound came into close range, Fadeshift took note of her surroundings, trusting Nightshroud, but remaining wary of any others who may be present.
She slowly descended after Nightshroud, whom had descended ahead of her. As Fadeshift's landing gear hit the ground, the seeker watched as Nightshroud transformed and rushed towards Starscream. Fadeshift paused a moment and observed as Nightshroud happily embraced Starscream in a hug. Internally, Fadeshift smiled, surprised to see this reserved femme so elated and happy. After witnessing this, Fadeshift transformed out of her alt mode and slowly approached Starscream and Nightshroud. She couldn't help but smile slightly at their embrace, the seeker finding it rather cute that Starscream was an adoptive father.
As she heard Nightshroud introduce her, Fadeshift closed the distance, observing Starscream and his expressions closely. "Long time no see, Starscream. Although, I doubt you would've seen all but a glimpse of me back on Cybertron. I preferred to keep to myself and the shadows after all. --But umm..." she pauses and clears her throat, "Thank you for your hospitality and welcoming me to your base. I understand it's risky to trust others on this strange planet."
|
|
|
Post by Starscream on Mar 22, 2024 2:20:17 GMT
Starscream couldn't help but feel somewhat amused as Nightshroud was not only the first to land but also rushed toward him before immediately hugging him. Anyone else and he would have shoved them away, but not Nightshroud. She'd long since earned that level of trust and so he wrapped one arm around and patted her on the helm with his free servo. There was something nice about seeing his adopted seekerling so happy when she was around him, and it definitely inflated his ego somewhat to know that her smiles and little wing flutters? Those affections from the crimson seeker was only for him.
Yet at the same time he was torn. The femme desperately needed others she could rely on, and ever since the jailbreak he had noticed her anxiety when he wasn't around; when he would focus his attention on someone else. As selfish as he wanted to be and keep things between the two of them now that Soundwave was out of the picture.. he knew deep down for Nightshroud's sake she needed to open up to others lest her unintended co-dependency on him worsen. He'd have to work with her on that.
"I'm glad you are safe, little dove." Speaking softly to Nightshroud, it did put his mind at ease knowing she was back at the Compound regardless.
Letting go of Nightshroud, Starscream's attention shifted to Fadeshift when she approached them. So this was the one who had ensured Nightshroud's escape that day; that had allowed him to reach her in time. Starscream looked the newcomer over, listening to her words of appreciation and gratitude. To the mech it was almost sickening in a way just how pleasant she was, but he would make an exception. He did owe this femme a debt after all. "Spare me the pleasantries. I owe you my gratitude for assisting Nightshroud, and for that you have earned your place here. Nothing more. I still expect you to aid in our current endeavors. I seek to unite any Decepticons that wish to leave this putrid planet behind to the Autobots so we may return to Cybertron and rebuild.. and for that to happen we require a vast supply of energon and supplies so that Bombardier may complete his work on our ground bridge."
Crossing his arms, Starscream continued to stare down Fadeshift. "So, Fadeshift.. What is it that you do?"
|
|
|
Post by Nightshroud on Mar 22, 2024 2:34:25 GMT
The tension and unease completely bled out of Nightshroud as she relaxed. She liked it when Starscream patted her on the helm like that. That simple gesture alone always helped to make her feel safe, and it helped when she already wasn't sure about this whole friendship thing with Fadeshift. He could force her to do self confidence lessons all he wanted, but she felt that little reassurances such as this always worked best for her.
"I'm glad you're safe too, sire~."
As Starscream let go of her, Nightshroud in turn released her hold on him so she could turn around and look to Fadeshift. Standing right next to Starscream only made her look that much smaller considering she barely reached above his elbow joint, but the size difference between her and the two taller seekers didn't bother her in the least. She offered Fadeshift a slightly awkward but soft smile as Starscream spoke to her friend, telling her about their plans for leaving Earth and going back to Cybertron. Hopefully that wasn't something Fadeshift minded, but at least she seemed like she was sorta calm around the former air commander. He asked her just what it was that she could do, and it was only in that moment Nightshroud realized she didn't really know herself. Her memory of what had happened with Rampage was fuzzy to say the least, but she did know one thing.
"I know she can turn invisible, but other than that.. How did you get away from Rampage?"
|
|
|
Post by Fadeshift on Mar 22, 2024 7:27:59 GMT
*Primus, to think I might actually miss the talkative Starscream...* Fadeshift thought internally, not necessarily enjoying how blunt Starscream was being with her. Her 'pleasantries' were nothing more than showing a base courtesy to her host. That and she didn't want to seem rude in front of Nightshroud and her adopted sire. Despite Starscream's reputation, Fadeshift didn't find him intimidating as he stared her down. Maybe Starscream would have more followers behind him if he had a little more charisma, but Fadeshift would let it slide for now.
She observed Starscream's body language and nearly rolled her eyes at his question, but before she answered Nightshroud piped up. "Well yes, that's correct, I can cloak both my physical appearance and energon signal," she replied. To show off a little, she cloaked herself for a few seconds before reappearing. "I'm also a skilled hacker and specialize in stealth." Fadeshift turns towards Nightshroud, "As for Rampage, I assessed the situation after you were able to get away. Rampage's armor and strength are annoyingly high, so I cloaked myself, launched a barrage of missiles on him, then I flew out of the area. The brute can't exactly fly so it was a tactical retreat." Fadeshift turned her attention back to Starscream, her arms folded over her chest as she observed his reaction.
|
|
|
Post by Starscream on Mar 24, 2024 19:56:12 GMT
Being able to cloak not only one's appearance but also their own energy signature was a blessing that anyone would kill to have, and one that Starscream already knew he would find handy. Fadeshift's stealth and her hacking would be a great asset to the team, and given that she 'appeared' to be trustworthy enough if Nightshroud has asked if the new femme could come to the base spoke volumes as it was. That wasn't to say that Starscream trusted her because his trust was quite difficult to earn as it was, but he could see a valuable asset to the team when he saw one. Provided Fadeshift did nothing to betray their fragile trust, then Starscream was willing to put up with her. Needless to say he was impressed by what the femme could do.
What he hadn't expected as to suddenly find out the name of Nightshroud's attacker the way he had. He knew that whoever it was had a crab-like body, but he didn't put it together until the name was spoken. Either Nightshroud's memory was jogged.. or Fadeshift was the one who told her. Optics widened as Starscream's wings lowered slightly. "Rampage?! That brute is loose?!" The mere thought of Rampage being out in the open anywhere was nearly as frightening as Megatron's rage being directed right at him, only this was a threat that was annoyingly hard to damage. The worst part was that Rampage was, or at the very least had been, so close to the base. All the former air commander could hope for was that Rampage had left to go literally anywhere else. "We are not taking any chances. If that.. thing is out there, we are going to need to reinforce our security measures. He isn't just annoyingly strong as you say, Fadeshift. Rumor has it he cannot be damaged at all! The two of you are lucky to have even survived being within such close range, especially you, Nightshroud. Lucky for us, we have the advantage of flight.. though not all who stay at this Compound do."
Starscream turned around to head back inside the base, waving for the two femmes to follow him as he made his way through the maze of crates he had meticulously set up before stopping in the small makeshift command center that housed the primitive computer set up that kept their proximity alerts running. "Fadeshift, you mentioned you could hack. Can you preform upgrades to our early warning system to expand it's reach and effectiveness? If we can pinpoint the location of our enemies and preferably mark which energy signatures belong to us that would be preferable."
|
|
|
Post by Nightshroud on Mar 24, 2024 20:50:22 GMT
Huh. So it wasn't just that Fadeshift could make herself invisible, but she could also hide her whole energy signature too. That seemed kinda cool to Nightshroud, not to mention incredibly helpful. The femme hummed to herself thoughtfully as she watched her friend demonstrate her abilities before explaining just how it was she managed to get away from Rampage. Maybe it would be worth it to train with her one day, but she could see Fadeshift as a strong ally too.. or maybe she was shifting her focus a bit too much toward combat partner rather than a friend.
It'd be something Nightshroud would figure out as time went on.. where that boundary was.
The crimson seeker's attention was pulled away from Fadeshift as Starscream suddenly began to panic. At first she was confused, wondering why he deemed Rampage such a threat aside from Fadeshift's proclamation of the guy just being annoying in battle but as her adoptive sire spoke of how Rampage couldn't be damaged.. it clicked. It was never that she was weak. It wasn't that she wasn't hitting the crab mech. It was that it did nothing to him because he was built in such a unique way. Her spiraling had literally caused her to fight the worst mech she could have encountered at that time, and she was doomed to lose that fight before she even demanded the guy fight her. Nightshroud glanced away as the realization sank in, knowing that she had more or less had a death wish fighting Rampage and never even knowing. Fadeshift had actually saved her that day..
Again she was pulled from her thoughts as Starscream motioned for her and Fadeshift to follow after him. She was used to the crate maze by now, but made sure to check behind her to make sure her friend wasn't getting lost or anything. Still, the maze more or less was a single zigzagging path meant to stall any intruder to buy Starscream enough time to flee via the roof access ladder. Simple.. but effective to some degrees. It seemed he wanted Fadeshift to help upgrade the security that the two of them had created for the early warning system. Nightshroud recalled how Starscream wanted her to set up the satellite on the roof, but he was the one who had done all the programming itself. "It isn't much, but it's all that we had. I have the satellite connected to the computer hidden up on the roof and buried inside a small shelter up there. Completely invisible to anyone flying overhead. Like I said earlier it just pings us when someone's in range of the base so we have time to prepare."
|
|
|
Post by Fadeshift on Apr 5, 2024 7:25:00 GMT
Fadeshift wasn't expecting Starscream's reaction to knowledge of Rampage. Sure she had seen firsthand how strong the con was, but to her it wasn't like they were facing off against Megatron or something... "I understand your reservations about confronting Rampage, but however strong his armor, it is in my experience that no one is invincible. Maybe his armor is nearly impenetrable, but there are other ways of getting around defenses. According to your reputation, you find usefulness in more cunning tactics, do you not?" Her tone was respectful but still held a slight twinge of challenge to it.
Starscream's non-verbal motion for them to follow caused Fadeshift to furrow her optic ridges in mild annoyance. Starscream was not her commander, thus such the femme did not find his mannerisms appealing. She had always been rather independent from other Decepticons, as her role granted her more freedom from the usual chain of command during the war. Fadeshift would grin and bear his attitude for now as she had few other options, and she did in-fact agree to aid Nightshroud and Starscream (by default).
"...But i digress. Yes, I can improve your proximity sensors and warning systems' reach and effectiveness" she looks over at Nightshroud briefly, the main reason for her being in this place. Fadeshift would have a few questions for the young seeker later on.
|
|
|
Post by Starscream on Apr 5, 2024 21:59:48 GMT
Either Fadeshift was insanely brave or she was a fool for such boldness. It was like the threat of Rampage didn't faze her in the least. It wasn't the mech's supposed immortality that bothered Starscream as he himself bore a mutant spark that would not allow his spark to extinguish, but rather his reputation. The mech was not only virtually indestructible, but was savage.. relentless.. and had a taste for Cybertronians that could only be described as off-putting. Starscream could calculate all kinds of battle strategies in order to take him on if he really wanted to, but even Starscream knew his own limits. Immortal he may be, but he still felt pain; he still bled energon like everyone else. Pain was something he was quite accustomed to, and he didn't much care for those reminders of what Megatron had put him through.
That wasn't even accounting for the fact that he didn't want to put Nightshroud in harm's way either. Others could handle Rampage, but he wouldn't be part of it.. and neither would the crimson seeker if he had anything to say about it.
Still.. that boldness that Fadeshift displayed was admirable to say the least.
"Cunning tactics.. You speak to a mech with countless back-up plans to his back-up plans. There is being rash, and there is being smart. You must know the difference between the two in order to stay among the living, and that isn't to say that you don't, Fadeshift. It takes guts to do what you did to Rampage and live to tell the tale, and that is bot I would rather have on my side than as an enemy. As much as I would rather avoid a chance encounter with Rampage, that does not mean I am not prepared in the event we should be unfortunate enough to be within his presence. To devise a strategy to intentionally fight such a brute would be foolish and should only be reserved for an emergency situation. Like I said.. we can fly and he cannot. As long as Rampage is far away from us, I could care less about what he does.. especially if he happens upon the Autobots or better still.. Megatron." He spat out the former Decepticon leader's name as if it were venom. The mere mention of his name was uncomfortable, almost as if just speaking the mech's name aloud would summon him.
Thankfully though Fadeshift had agreed to help with the systems and increase their efficiency. "Good. I won't ask you to complete this task today, but the sooner you can get that done the better. You may stay here if you wish, Fadeshift. There is plenty of room in the hangers, and and you are welcome to our energon stores." Turning to the smaller femme, Starscream lightly patted Nightshroud on the helm. "Why don't you show Fadeshift around the base, Nightshroud. She's your guest, and after all you do know your way around here better than I. You know where to find me if you need me."
|
|
|
Post by Nightshroud on Apr 5, 2024 22:15:01 GMT
Regardless of whether they went after Rampage or not, there was a part of Nightshroud that didn't want to see the mech again anytime soon. That encounter had left more than just a gash in her armor and a damaged Decepticon insignia on her shoulder, but had left a small trace of trauma as well. The sad thing was she couldn't figure out who she blamed more for that: Rampage for being so vicious or herself for letting things go as far as they had. Nightshroud didn't doubt that Starscream would find ways of tackling Rampage head on if he absolutely needed to, but now that she knew just how dangerous the mech was she didn't quite know what to think.
She caught that glance from Fadeshift as she agreed to help with the proximity sensors, and part of her was reminded of when she'd first met Starscream herself. He wanted the crimson seeker to do all the hard work while he did minimal himself, and while it did frustrate her he eventually found a means of compromise.. and then it didn't feel so bad. Nightshroud couldn't say what had caused him to put two and two together, but she was thankful for it either way. She was startled when Starscream patted her on the helm, wings flicking up in surprise before listening to his request. Not a demand, but a request. "Yeah, I can give her a tour. I wouldn't mind showing her around." Of course that likely meant that he was going to retreat for his workshop again, but she wouldn't be alone either.
Nightshroud turned back in Fadeshift's direction, smiling faintly. "We can walk around a bit if you want, or if you wanna stay here awhile that's fine too. I'm not in any rush."
|
|
|
Post by Fadeshift on Apr 6, 2024 8:27:46 GMT
It took all of Fadeshift's self-control not to be sassy and comment, I think that was almost a compliment from you, Starscream. But no, the seeker would refrain from acting childish as she knew how fragile Starscream's ego could potentially be. Besides, he seemed to be treating her with slightly more respect.
"I agree I'd prefer to avoid fighting him, but I'll make preparations in case he is able to locate the base" she took notice of Starscream's vitriol in his tone when speaking of Megatron. While Fadeshift knew Starscream had a dark past with Megatron, she could sympathize with the sting of betrayal. An entire war fought for so long, with so many lives lost... only for Megatron to switch sides in the end and entrap both Autobots and Decepticons on a foreign world. To think the walking 'savior-complex' that was Optimus Prime could at least remain loyal to his side.
After Starscream's invitation for her to take up residence in the compound, Fadeshift concealed a slight grin at the seeker's motion of endearment towards Nightshroud by patting her on the helm. Again, she withheld the urge to tease Starscream and instead turned her attention to Nightshroud.
"I would enjoy a tour of the compound if you're willing, Nightshroud. It would be good for me to know the ins and outs of our stronghold. It'll also help me plan extra defenses for the future" she spoke with a gentle smile, her attitude towards the crimson seeker much more relaxed then with Starscream.
|
|
|
Post by Starscream on Apr 6, 2024 15:46:37 GMT
Starscream couldn't help just how much more relaxed Fadeshift seemed when talking to Nightshroud rather than him, but it was to be expected. She'd interacted with the crimson seeker more, and Starscream had a reputation with his boosted ego and arrogance. It wasn't something he'd deny in the least, but that didn't mean he didn't notice how different the taller femme reacted. In a way.. she was like Nightshroud. Around literally anyone else Nightshroud was cold and brushed them away if she could, but around Starscream.. she was completely open; caring and sweet. He knew that was his own fault. She'd only become that way to begin with because of his actions during the war, but he had the privilege of saying that she only trusted him and no one else.
..and now that might be changing. His adopted sparkling did seem a little more open with Fadeshift than say Soundwave. It's what he'd wanted, right? For her to have friends and maybe even rekindle her friendship with her twin. So why did it almost hurt?
Right.. a jab to the ego that had already been wounded by Soundwave twice over as of late.
Still, if Nightshroud saw Fadeshift as a friend then that was for her own good. She needed others she could rely on and as much as Starscream enjoyed her presence, she needed to be open with others too. As the femmes made their plans, Starscream turned to leave the makeshift room but stopped just short of the crate maze. He didn't turn to look behind him as he spoke, making sure no one saw the look on his face. "Fadeshift. Thank you for.. helping Nightshroud. Just know that if you hurt her in any way, you will have to deal with me." With a soft huff and almost sounded like a chuckle, the seeker left to return to his workshop. The energon converter wasn't going to build itself.
|
|