[Private Audio to Orion Pax]

[starscheme]

[If Starscream can say one positive thing about Rodimus, it's that his timing couldn't have been better. Just when he's about to start putting a grand scheme into motion and, and he hits a wall with how to obtain one of the key pieces involved in it, an Autobot with exactly the information he needs suddenly appears? It's almost too good to be true.

He taps into Orion Pax's comm link frequency, voice urgent.]

Pax? Please tell me this is the right frequency... I need to speak with you, privately. 

Comments

[thanksoptimus]

[Orion is immediately dubious, given what he now believes to be true about Starscream. But with that tone of voice, he'd be hard pressed to completely dismiss anyone.]

Starscream? What is happening?

[starscheme]

[There's a long pause before he answers, like he's picking his words carefully.]

I'm not quite certain where to begin... suffice to say that I have many concerns about the state of things here amongst the Decepticons... about Megatron...

[hey, it's not a total lie]

I realize the last time we left probably did not leave you with the best impression of me, but I may need your help, if you would just hear me out...

[thanksoptimus]

[This is sort of questionable, but he's willing to give Starscream a fair shake. He glances back at the Autobot camp, considering.]

I am listening, Starscream. Are you saying that you are in danger?

[starscheme]

[He vents a sigh]

Danger? There's very much the potential for that, yes. Orion, my primary concern has always been, first and foremost, the proper leadership and ultimate well being of the Decepticon forces, and I fear that Megatron no longer shares that same sentiment. Ever since we retrieved the forge he's been acting increasingly unhinged... I fear we may need rescuing from our own leader, but I'm not sure how much I can trust the other Autobots with that information.

[thanksoptimus]

[The story does sound legitimate, from everything he knows of the situation - from how frightened Starscream had seemed when Megatron erupted during the fight. Orion also knows that it's unlikely Arcee or the others would trust any of them with anything. But it doesn't feel that simple.]

What would you have me do?

[starscheme]

[On the other end he groans and shakes his head, just for committment to the act, even if Orion can't see it]

I can't talk for much longer or I risk arousing suspicion... but I do have a plan. If I forward you coordinates, would you be able to meet me in person? [his tone is pleading, urgent] I will come alone, you have my word... And the capability to scan for multiple energy signatures, if that's not enough for you.

[thanksoptimus]

[He feels like he needs to be cautious, but Starscream has a point. He'll be able to know if Starscream is alone and...well, Starscream has protected him before. He knows he's done terrible things, apparently, but...]

...I wish to help you Starscream, but...if you truly intend to overturn Megatron, why do you doubt that the rest of the Autobots would wish to assist you? I do not intend to put myself at undue risk after all that's happened.

[starscheme]

Do you really think they'd take me seriously for a single second? [he's sounding increasingly desperate] I'm not exactly mister popularity over there, there's every chance that they'd simply throw me in a brig and then settle things using their own methods, once I'm out of the way.

[thanksoptimus]

[He's quite for a while.]

Alright. I will meet you - however, I will choose the coordinates.

[starscheme]

[god dammit. Of course he would say that.

Starscream has to fight to keep the irritation out of his voice]

...Very well. What sort of delightful venue did you have in mind for this little rendezvous?

[thanksoptimus]

[Orion takes a moment to consider his options, and then sends Starscream the coordinates to a locations that is not too far from the Autobot camp, but not close enough to give it away. Otherwise it is more or less empty desert, in the hopes that it will prevent any kind of sneak attacks. This is something that would set both of them at ease, he assumes.]

There. I will arrive within fifteen minutes.

[starscheme]

Coordinates received. I will leave at once, then.

[he pauses and then puts on his best grateful voice, just for good measure.]

Orion... thank you.

[thanksoptimus]

Of course.

[Tragically, he does read that statement as sincere, and it makes him feel a little better about the whole thing. He'll be at the coordinates as indicated.]