The next Step

[Deleted]

Characters: Silent Sky, @sv19 , Megatron , @tarn
Location: Nemesis Flight Deck, Ship Roof
Content Warnings: N/A (Least I don't think there will be)
Plot Summary: Silent Sky makes her first step onto the Nemesis minutes after arriving on the planet along with the Vehicon who found her, but the ones there to greet them was not what she expected.

[Deleted]

Following the moment she felt her pedes touch the hard metal beneath, Silent Sky didn't need someone to tell here where she was. There was no doubting she was within the warship. Or on it at least. She could still feel the feeling of the air passing across her frame, indicating they were outside still, causing her to take a moment to take in her surroundings. It was a long flat strip before her, the ships flight deck for its mainly aerial force no doubt. It was probably easiest to end up at and more open. 'Okay, open space, there's a plus/' She couldn't help thinking.

Though with the quick turn on her spot, she could see the ship was of impressive build, sturdy looking and possibly held many dangerous traps and weapons in it's vast size. Silent Sky took a moment to entertain the thought of seeing the day the Nemesis lead a triumphant victory over the Autobots and being the next beacon of hope for Cybertron. Now wouldn't that be a sight? But it was something Silent Sky contemplated while she awaited the Vehicon, Sev, to arrive as well.

Initially, she also took her time for now since she didn't want to rush an entrance and to allow the Vehicon to decide where to start first. She was being courteous and patient, not knowing where to begin as it was and well, no one seemed around to really want to converse either. So she thought.

Vibrations of someone's heavy steps, or many someones, caused her to pause half way through her sight seeing. Her sensors from her flight-based frame told her this disturbance could only mean a fairly large Cybertronian was heading this way or was close by. Her apprehensive feelings returned, her wings going rigid in not knowing what to expect. Her processor was already racing to millions of other thoughts of what would happen when she got on the ship but now it was going faster it felt like, maybe even on the verge of frying with uncertainty.

No, she had to calm down, get her thoughts in order. By now, Sev would probably was already there and she hadn't noticed. But these steps sounded too heavy to be the silver and black mech's. Sure, Silent Sky could see he was tall but he wasn't that heavy, not like this. Silent Sky could only let out a few deep vents to calm her nerves and relax her posture, turning back to see where her new companion had gone to. And turning only seemed to suddenly stop all proper thought from her processor the moment she had turned.

Her wings and form showed surprise and shock at seeing a familiar face from the many campaigns not that far before her. But there was also another with him, which didn't help Silent Sky to try and get her processor to work as normal for a few second. After a bit though, Silent Sky quickly straightened and gave a slight bow of her head, her wings shifting to a submissive but respectful pose, "My liege."

[Deleted]

The instant he stepped through the bridge, the ground bridge ceased its existence. Sev decided the best place to start might either be the training room, or the armory. He always enjoyed fingering the beautifully made sniper rifles. Of course, they were not nearly as classic as his customized Nucleon Charge rifle, his pride and joy. He prided himself in knowing he kept it as clean as a whistle. Yes, pershpa the armory was best, so the femme could find weapons that suited her if she needed them, then it would be the training room. 

Sev's visor adjusted it's lighting as he beheld the flight deck of the Nemesis, and the beauty of the sky, surrounded with clouds. Ah, the sound of air, whistling in his hear made him want to stare a while at the fine display outside. The sun was hitting the clouds just right again, in the exquisite way it did during late afternoons. 

His helmet switched back to Silent Sky after the second of noticing his surroundings. As his helm was shifting down however, the sight of two mechs. He knew one, it was none other than the great Megatron, the master of the faction, the immortalized and just leader his studies and his programming made him know of. Sev straightened up instinctively. Normally He would have faulted sharply, but he couldn't salute when Silent Sky was giving a bow! It would show disrespect on behalf of Megatron's soldiers. As if he'd meant to, the vehicon lowered his helm, kneeling to the ground for his Lord...

It was also because of the presence of the other mech he'd had a glimpse of. He couldn't confirm the mech's identity on any of the files he'd heard of appearance wise. But he knew it was wise just by the purple tank's atmosphere it would be most wise to show utter respect to Lord Megatron. 

[Megatron]

After the betrayal of Dreadwing, Megatron made sure to pay extra attention to the going-on's around the Nemesis.  With Tarn here now, it served as a reminder to those who would dare betray him.  One false move, and it was game over, mech.  Game over!

The warlord had been roaming down the halls of the ship when Vehicons had informed him that a signal was drawing closer to the ship.  There was definitely a part of him that hoped that the foolish traitor had returned, hoped that he would beg for forgiveness that would never be granted to him.  After the theft of the Forge of Solus Prime, not to mention striking his true lord and master.. what reason did Megatron have?

He approached the flight deck with heavy ped falls and a fierce gaze, Megatron stepped forward, finding the Vehicon known as Sv-19 and another newcomer on board.  He didn't recognize the femme, but there was one thing he wanted to know, it was why she was here.

The two lowered their helms in respect, ruby red optics gazing upon them as the femme respectively addressed him as her liege.

"Rise."  Megatron kept his order short, sweet, and to the point.  "I do not know who you may be, but you must have a reason for landing aboard my ship.  If you wish to remain intact.. you will explain your reasoning for coming here."  Megatron didn't have time for those he did not know, and when his supposedly most trusted soldier betrayed him?  There was no telling who was next.

[Deleted]

Still spending some time researching and acclimating to this particular theatre of war, Tarn often sought out the company of his master. He did not indulge in idle conversation contrary to what some might have expected of him, including his master. Merely being in the Decepticon leader’s presence was inspiring and filled Tarn with an extreme sense of well-being.

He had found Megatron stalking purposefully through the hallowed corridors of the Decepticon flagship and struck up beside him. Megatron had not seemed to mind, so Tarn merely followed along with arms neatly folded behind him.

They found themselves on the flight deck. Not a place Tarn often frequented seeing as how he lacked an alternate mode capable of the action and how unnatural his robot mode flight felt. No, he was a rather grounded individual and pleased to keep both feet on the ground – as it were – unless the circumstances required a drastic action.

The clouds entombed the Decepticon warship in a haze of grey and scattered shafts of light as a great gust threatened to shove the unwary off balance. Before them stood two individuals. Tarn tensed momentarily before relaxing as he realized that neither were his quarry. In fact, he did not recognize the femme. How odd. The other was a Vehicon and warranted no attempt at recognition. They were all effectively the same.

Tarn’s crimson optics slid to Megatron, reading his body language. Nothing openly hostile. And their greeting of their master was adequate. Good, good. Megatron demanded an explanation. Their reason and purpose for being here. One couldn’t be too careful, Tarn supposed, but it was likely they were only here to pledge their undying fealty and offer aid.

However, Tarn did help in accentuating Megatron’s point by letting his arms fall to his sides, revealing the dual-fusion cannon attached to his arm. He flexed his digits idly, forming them briefly into a fist before relaxing them. Perhaps the gesture was unnecessary, but Tarn felt it only right to stress his master’s words.

[Deleted]

The command was simple and to the point. Silent Sky didn't hesitate to lift herself to her full height, wings never leaving their submissive position as she did so and getting a better look at the two mechs before her. Megatron was certainly unmistakable and the Seeker realized for the first time in this war she was facing the very leader of the faction in person. And beside him...this mech too was large and powerful, giving off an air of power and calm matching Megatron's own.

She couldn't help giving the mech a curious glance for a moment, hidden behind her visor and face guard but nevertheless her wings giving the slightest rise of wonder before returning to their previous position. She was not yet aware the second mech was in fact Tarn himself, only ever hearing of the DJD's reputation but not aware of what they looked like. "My designation is Silent Sky of Iacon my lord, discovered by your Vehicon soldier beside me when I made planet fall." Silent Sky introduced herself, gesturing to her companion beside her.

Though she would have spoken of Sev's nickname she didn't feel it might be wise to do so in Megatron's presence, and realizing then she didn't know Sev's true designation above a nickname. Though, before she could continue she watched from the corner of her optics as Tarn lowered his arms from behind his back, eyeing the twin fusion cannons on each arm and the brief curl of his fists. It was enough to emphasize that she would have to choose her words and actions carefully, mainly because it seemed Megatron was not in the mood for a long, drawn out explanation. Apparently something seemed to irk the Decepticon leader as of late and Silent Sky wasn't quite keen to irritate that legendary anger.

"We arrived via space bridge sir. Landing here was not my original intention, rather I have been traveling since the waning bouts of fighting back on Cybertron." Silent Sky explained, a part of her wondering if perhaps revealing her face might also help avoid some suspicion so the two could see she was not purposely hiding intention. "The only reason I was drawn here was due to my long-range scanners faintly picking up Decepticon and Autobot signals on the surface of this planet, of which the Vehicon beside me explained a bit about the planet and why our faction is here." She really hoped her explanation was what Megatron was looking for, the femme even giving a command to her internal systems to retract her visor and face guard, revealing a pale silver face and pale gold optics that seemed a deep contrast to her color scheme.

"My only reason for ever coming to the Nemesis would be to serve you and our cause Lord Megatron, if you'll have me. And I'll admit I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't know my name; I work mainly from behind the scenes, in the shadows, unseen and quiet." She added, her voice an audible whisper each time she spoke and never wavering in it's hypnotic tone. Her expression seemed to reflect her seemingly emotionless state and her body remaining relaxed and calm.

Most probably quaked and quivered in the presence such as Megatron and mechs like Tarn, but she was for now managing to keep her fear in check. Sure deep down she was afraid to what this encounter would bring, but outright showing it would in her mind make her appear weak and cowardly. That was the last impression Silent Sky wanted Megatron or anyone else for that matter to see in a new arrival.

[Deleted]

Precisely at the same time as the seekers, the vehicon rose to his feet, standing up straight, his visor staring straight at Megatron, awaiting his Lord's next commands. Sev never in his life had been given the pleasure to have Lord Megatron be so close. The vehicon wasn't about to gawk in awe at the circumstance: Lord Megatron wasn't much for idle or rookie like behavior. The infamous DJD member Tarn was also here, confirming Megatron's impatience. 

Even when facing Lord Megatron himself, accompanied by none other than the Leader of the DJD, Sev's outer appearance remained calm. He'd been trained to look into countless spark shaking situations without so much quivering. At least, he wouldn't externally do it. This wasn't the first time Sev was grateful for his mask. His expression had shown an embarrassing amount of shock. Sev's Em field did 'flinch' however, but that was all anyone looking for an intimidated vehicon would get. Silent Sky went on to speak, and Sev gladly kept his mouth shut. He found her own ability to keep a straight face rather respectable, not to mention she was honest enough to give him credit. He found her answer regarding loyalty to be true enough. She had intelligence, but the data she was providing was consistent with her character thus far. Vouching for her wasn't going to be something he did reluctantly if need be. 

At the sound of her pledging her allegiance to Megatron, all of the sudden Sev's EM field rattled, as he remembered another seeker femme he had met just recently doing the opposite of the seeker accompanying him now. It was bone chilling to know that he was seeing himself as a loyal soldier to Megatron when he had failed the silver gladiator not long ago. Sev couldn't help it when his visor flickered with guilt at what had happened that evening with Moonwing. Megatron won't know. I'll have another chance with Moonwing. I'll do it from a distance too, finish what I started. Sev tried reassuring himself. Or maybe she won't side with the Autobots. Maybe somehow she'll wonder off to some planet and get killed there, or better yet be betrayed by the Autobots she trusted, dying right where I left her. Sev would've loved to leave it at that. Either way though, He thought sadly, I'm withholding information from my superiors. I should tell them. Sev bit his lip behind his helmet. No. He couldn't do that either. Too much shame.

Sev released a small cough, before his EM field simmered down to regular levels again. He'd have to contain his secret a little longer. 

Meanwhile, he simply needed to stand and wait until it was the right time for him to be excused. Which reminded him: He likely needed to clean his weapons again, to ensure he was being a good steward of the trophies and the items the Deceptions had provided him with. Not that they weren't in tip top condition already. His sniper rifle was spotless, his knives were 'as keen as Megatron is for justice'(a saying the vehicons had coined in their boot camp when comparing sharp objects). 

[Megatron]

As Tarn turned his gaze towards Megatron, the tyrant returned the look with his optics.  He was ever aware of the other mech's presence, and it was very welcome at the moment.  When there were potential traitors running amok, who better to rely on than your most loyal of soldiers?  Of course.. that was quickly disputable when it came to the likes of Dreadwing.

The femme introduced herself as one known as Silent Sky, a designation that Megatron himself had not heard before.  He listened as she explained herself, detailing how she had not intended to come to this place, but would more than happily serve if they would have her.

If they would have her?  One who primarily worked in the shadows and in secrecy?

The warlord's optics narrowed in suspicion.  True, stealth was a wonderful asset to have, but with so many betrayals as of late.. one could never be too sure.  How was he to be certain that they weren't a spy attempting to sneak in and destroy their cause from within?  "If you truly wished to join our ranks.. I require you to prove your loyalty to me.  Your word alone is not good enough.  I need you to prove yourself if you want a place on this ship.  What is it that you can offer me that may persuade me to not decimate you right at this moment?  Or allow you to be one of Knock Out's lab experiments?"

[Deleted]

It seemed that he had caught Megatron’s optic when he had looked to his master. Tarn merely accepted his lord’s acknowledgement with a nearly imperceptible nod. He quickly shifted his attention back to the latest arrivals with some small measure of curiosity. Silent Sky of Iacon. Ah, Iacon. How nostalgic. That brought back memories. Not all of them pleasant, admittedly.

But back to the matter at hand.

Tarn noted with some satisfaction that his gesture had not gone unnoticed by the femme. Good. Then she would be less likely to waste Megatron’s time of which he had little to spare. Still, her answer made him narrow his optics a touch. Traveling since Cybertron’s fall? My, that was a lot of time unaccounted for. It might even signify something akin to desertion.

Of course, after admitting that little tidbit, she swore fealty to Megatron, explaining her role and potential use. Tarn looked to Megatron a little more obviously this time, awaiting his answer. It seemed that Megatron did not quite trust this new arrival, and well, it was understandable after his recent betrayal at the hands of Dreadwing.

Megatron required proof of loyalty. Hm. What might the proof of that be? Tarn, of course, would lay down his life and the lives of any that Megatron wished as his proof, but perhaps that was beyond this Silent Sky. “If I might suggest something, Lord Megatron,” Tarn interjected, extending a hand out to the femme, “Why not assign her a mission utilizing the skills she claims to be so proficient in?”

Tarn briefly opened a private channel so that he might not be overheard. >>”Send her to the Autobot outpost to retrieve whatever…intelligence or other assets that may be useful to us.”<<

“Wouldn’t that be sufficient proof both of her loyalty and competence if she returns alive and with information?”

[Deleted]

At first, Silent Sky was confused by the suspicious look Megatron and Tarn showed. Though, it did begin to dawn on her perhaps her explanation was not particularly the greatest, or her wording had been viewed in a far more negative way than expected. It seemed she had just perpetuated whatever had soured Megatron’s mood already. “Forgive me my Liege, perhaps my wording isn’t exactly the greatest explanation.” Silent Sky apologized with a quick bow of her head.

“To be more specific, I am most specifically meant for stealth and reconnaissance, anything that requires quietness and acting without detection. Naturally, I would prefer not to make myself utterly known for the sake of keeping enemies of your empire guessing nor am I really done anything quite significant truly earn a well-known reputation, at least not to my knowledge.” Silent Sky explained, being right to the point herself with a tone of the upmost respect and calmness. Her confusion had disappeared by then and she shifted one of her shoulders to show a fairly faded emblem of the Cybertron Police. “Special Operations is what I was built for Lord Megatron, and those are the services I offer. Cloaking capabilities, sound-dampening, and long-range scanning, everything necessary to detect signatures, finding weak points, vantage points, something we can use to our advantage. That was my task before the war, that is my task now but under your order.”

Primus help her that Silent Sky could give even the most decent explanation. They were not her forte, being social wasn’t her forte which it probably had been a long time since she had given such a decently long explanation. Least, in her case. A part of the Seeker femme even wanted to turn to Sev for perhaps some kind of confirmation, that he could vouch for some of what she said. But would Megatron and this other mech take his words seriously? That was the concern she had.

Though, she was briefly surprised when she felt Sev’s EM field seemed to rattle, wondering if the presence of the two large mechs before them was causing some fear in Sev as well. But, it took everything she had not to look in his direction in wonder, especially not when she had two sets of ruby, red optics staring her down, making her feel like they were looking into her very spark. Though, a part of Silent Sky also felt that if she had anything to hide it would have been quite obvious or she would have reacted in some subtle or small way that would have given away a hint. “Proof…” Silent Sky echoed, being rather blank in what she could possibly do to show Megatron she meant what she said, her wings twitching as her processor mulled over possible ideas…before Tarn interjected.

She shifted her pale gold gaze to Tarn, giving a slight incline of her head. “If there is an outpost you need examining, I can handle such a task. Or, if you require something different Lord Megatron I will gladly do anything you ask of me. Name it and it shall be done.” Silent Sky confirmed, wings going up at attention, anticipation clear from the movement and in her optics.

[Deleted]

Sev made sure to keep his visor looking straight forward at his superiors. Now was the best time to exercise his discipline. 

He never looked it, but shock punched him in the gut upon hearing Lord Megatron demand for her to prove her worth or be blasted on the spot. Sev's mind flashed through what had happened when he'd come to the Nemesis. There'd been no proving anything. Then again, he was a vehicon loyalty was expected of him. Now is a fine time to show quick-wittedness Silent Sky. Sev mentally told her, since seeing her decimated on the spot didn't sound like fun. Megatron's word was law, and he couldn't help her at all if Megatron decided to kill her. 

Sev's EM field remained steady, as he listened to the purple masked mechs suggestion. It was a relief to see she just might be able to find other means to not be blasted or turned into some butchery. Missions meant danger, but at least it was a more honoring danger in contrast to the danger one might face on a lab table. Sev couldn't help but wonder if he would be able to be sent on such a mission. Perhaps he could volunteer for keeping an optic on her? If he was a vehicon, and perhaps trusted he could not only work as back-up for Silent Sky, but also bare a true testimony to her actions. Fighting and doing what he was built for sounded good. 

Proving his own loyalty also was something he'd admire. If he had the chance to show Megatron his capabilities, his potential perhaps the check in his spark about sparing a traitor would fade away. Sev's servos itched for a blade. Sharpening it and or playing around with it in his fingers always relieved stress. He remained quiet though. He had yet to be spoken to, thus, he would wait. Megatron was already donating his audios to two beings. It was a vehicon's job to be quiet in the presence of his Lord, and not give Megatron yet another thing to turn to. Megatron's time was precious, after all. 

Whatever the outcome, hopefully the newcomer would come out alive. 

[Megatron]

Megatron listened as Silent Sky explained what all she was capable of doing.  Some of the skills, in his mind at least, resembled that of Soundwave.  Having another with similar qualities wasn't a terrible idea, as it could prove devastating when used in combination.  It was a plus in her favor, although that didn't prove her loyalty in any way to him.  The warlord would need more concrete and tangible evidence.

That was when Tarn had spoken up, adding in his suggestions on what she could do to prove her loyalty to the Decepticon cause.

<<"A sound idea, Tarn.  Your input has been noted.">>

Once Tarn had finished speaking, Megatron looked to the Vehicon as well as Silent Sky.  "If you truly wish to stay aboard this ship.. you must bring me evidence that you are loyal to me.  There is an Autobot base in Crown City that we know the location of with the aid of questionable assistance.  I want you to go there and bring us any information you can that will be of interest to me."

Although to be honest, he would be just as interested if she brought back information on Steeljaw as well.

[Deleted]

A thrill of pleasure went through Tarn’s entire being at Megatron’s acknowledgement of his suggestion. He was doubly honored that Megatron deigned to use it. However, Tarn internalized all of these reactions so as to maintain his fearsome yet elegant countenance. Truly, it was the greatest compliment to be praised by Megatron. He would strive to continue to please him so long as he functioned.

His crimson optics flickered as they shifted from Silent Sky to the Vehicon that accompanied her.

Hm.

But as quickly as they had flicked to Sev, they returned to Megatron and then Silent Sky expectantly, awaiting an answer from the femme.