Winglord of Vos

Starscream watched the drones zip away on their various paths, and smiled as Veil eagerly accepted his challenge.

“My proposal is to automate the task of asking incoming mecha for identification, and then targeting those who cannot provide it to my satisfaction for removal from our air space.” He folded his claws behind his back and gazed up at his tower as he continued.

“We face three primary threats. Well, four, but three that this will address. Autobots, the Insecticon hive, and, believe it or not, Predacons.” A contemptuous flick of his wing accompanied the sneer in voice at the sheer ridiculousness of two civilized mecha in this day and age having to even discuss the threat of prehistoric monsters running amok.

“When anything enters the farthest reaches of Vosnian Airspace, the system should send a ping on a general frequency for them to state their designation and purpose. Our current allies all have transponders but there are times my scouts and other agents will have them off. They can simply ping their authorization back and go about their business. Newcomers, if they follow instructions, will be directed to certain landing zones to be evaluated for entry. The system will also alert whoever is on duty to assign a team to greet them. All of that should be simple for you, and it will free up a lot of mechpower, though of course we will maintain patrols.”

He turned to Veil. “But say they press on and violate the perimeter. Here is where your challenge comes in. The radar needs to track them, then target them with a space bridge, with the other end set for orbit. I will give you a set of data for orbital velocities, and the settings for the space bridge to make it accelerate its passengers accordingly based on their mass. Soundwave could time both ends of the bridge to hit moving targets, but he’s useless right now. I am sure you’re up to the task of programming the bridge to do it on its own.”

Rocking on his heels, Starscream looked very pleased with himself. “If the target is some Autobot intruder, or an upstart Decepticon looking to challenge me, they will get a shock and perhaps think twice about their foolishness. Even if they have a spaceworthy alt mode, they will take time to come down and we can properly respond. If not, they will have to make a very convincing case over comms about why we should let them back down. If they’re something else, some beast that doesn’t have built in comms or is too stupid to use them, they will flail about in space with their flappy wings and cease to be a threat. In any case, this system will place our enemies exactly where we want them.”

Veil shuttered his optics a few times with Starscream’s initial words, the grin on his faceplates growing with each syllable. He pulled a data pad from subspace and began to type furiously on it as his leader spoke. Already he was devising up ways to code such a detection system, eagerly hanging onto every word Starscream spoke. There was a pause in his typing at the word ‘predacon’ but other than that, there was no outward indication that he found the request ridiculous or bizarre. He merely added it to the main list of three and allowed Starscream to continue on without interruption.

The first part was very simple indeed. An outgoing pinging system that would detect and latch onto the signal of any newcomers. That was sparkling’s play, and something that could be put in place with very little to no work at all. Veil knew though that there would be more, and the excitement slowly had his wings rising in anticipation. He merely nodded his understanding, allowing his lord to go on without any interruptions.

When Starscream spoke his actual plan, the light in Veil’s optics brightened considerably. Oh, he /liked/ this. That grin on his face on grew and he let out a very amused laugh when it was clear that Starscream was finished speaking.

“Oh, never before have I heard of anything so ambitious and so positively delightful! A challenge this will be, yes, but not an impossible one. This is something I will most certainly enjoy working on.” He hummed softly, wings flicking rapidly but very very slightly as his processor whirled with all the different ways they could go about this. “A very brilliant idea my Lord, and one I am positive we will be able to implement with success! I have just the mechs to test it on too...” He could get it set up, then pull his hackers in for a test run. Though it wouldn’t be a proper test with prior warning now would it?

Veil chuckled and recalled his little drones back to him, having the measurements that he needed for now. “It should not take me long to get a prototype system coded, then we can get the towers working and begin the testing phase. That is where most of our time will be spent.” This would be more of a tweak and go project, with very specific numbers needed. The best way to go about that would be to test over and over until the sweet spot was hit.

Starscream took in the cant of Veil’s wings with a slight smile, which widened as he listened to what he had to say. “That is excellent news! I’m glad to hear it.”

He stepped closer to Veil and turned, so they were both facing the radar tower he’d flown down from. Sweeping a hand upwards toward the structure he went on. “While your hacker team is doing its thing, I want you to begin working on something new. I’ve had it in mind for quite some time, and we finally have the resources to do it. This radar tower was the first new structure we erected, and it is the key to our security. Come this way.”

Resting his folded hands lightly against the curve of his back, he led Veil up a narrow path toward the nearest ridge of rubble overlooking the vast, melted area where the city had once stood. The wind was livelier up there, but the view put a grim look on Starscream’s face. “Passively detecting incoming threats is not enough. I won’t waste Seeker lives sending them out to chase off Primus knows what, but we also cannot pretend we’ll go unnoticed much longer. I propose turning the radar into a more active defense system, but one the Autobots won’t be able to accuse us of using for hostile purposes. It’s brilliant, but it will take a great deal of programming. Are you up for a challenge?”

Veil followed after Starscream, wings twitching the slightest bit as they reached their destination and his optics rested on the melted site where their proud city had once stood. He had lost so many in that fateful attack, and the sting of their absence still haunted his recharge cycles at times. The loss of his city was always on Veil’s mind, and the slight hunger for revenge never had gone away.

He pushed those thoughts back though as Starscream spoke, wing cant taking on a completely different read with his new leader’s last words. “A challenge hm? I live for those.” The pale seeker grinned and then looked out across the landscape, pulling out a small device and tossing it into the air where it broke into about five mini drone-like bots. Each one took off in a cardinal direction while the final one went directly over and then up, hovering very high above the radar tower.

Starscream stood on top of the radar tower, surveying the progress of Vos. That first tall structure was no longer alone on the windswept plain, as the pace of construction had increased. Newcomers from space had lent their expertise and their labor, and it filled Starscream with pride that his people had come back and joined his goals. As he gazed out at the growing towers, however, unease stirred in his Spark. They couldn’t hope to go unnoticed much longer.

Fortunately, he spied someone who could help him down below. Veil was out walking around, as he often did when he was working on something.

Starscream stepped off of the tower and transformed in a freefall, then swooped up, circling once to let Veil see him coming, and landed a short distance in front of him. As his wings locked into place, he nodded in greeting. He liked Veil. It had been eons since he’d spoken with someone who had such refined manners and bearing, and it made him feel at home. Vos was making a comeback, with more than just buildings.

“Veil, it’s good to see you. I have a project to speak to you about, but first, how are your current endeavors going?”

Veil had noticed Starscream, watching him before the mech made his presence known, though he kept going about his duties without acknowledging his new leader for now. If the mech wanted to make himself known, then he would. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before his observer leapt off the tower he was perched on, transforming mid-dive and making an obvious circle around to alert Veil of his presence. Thankfully Vos was in possession of a smart and capable leader. He was wise to make his presence clearly known before landing, as many here were easily spooked and that could lead to unwanted trips to medbay.

Luckily, Veil himself was very observant, so it was hard to sneak up on him, whether purposefully or not.

As Starscream approached, Veil took the proper wing cant for addressing a superior and fellow noble. It was a position he had only used previously with Pulsar, so he had to spend some time training his reflex to make it the same way with Starscream.

Starscream flicked his wings up and smiled, turning and drawing all the other Seekers with him with a sweep of his arm.

“We’ve begun laying foundations for three new towers. One is residential and one will be labs and workshops. The third will be a processing and cultural center for returning Seekers.” He dipped a wing as he turned toward Echo. “They won’t look like much, and they’ll be temporary. We don’t have the resources yet to build as tall or grand as I’d like, but that will come, especially now that you’ve brought architectural records. We’ve had to build low for security reasons as well.”

They walked further into the ruins, around one rusting, twisted wreck after another, and then turned a corner. The difference was startling. A vast area had been cleared, down to the bright metal of the real ground, and silvery skeletons were beginning to reach skyward.

The very air seemed alive with activity, with the sounds of work and with a static field Knockout had devised to keep drifting rust particles largely at bay. A crew of large rotormechs was lifting a section of cladding onto the side of a tower, and Vehicons, both fliers and grounders, were welding several locations.

“This whole area is only visible from the air, away from prying Autobot optics. The radar tower is the only sign of our presence, and one I’m not shy about. I have established controlled air space, and it is patrolled by scouts and interceptors.” He turned to StormSiege and Veil. “I will meet with both of you regarding security. I am working on a program that makes defensive use of the radar beyond simply warning us, and that is what I want you to look at.”

He led them through the area, pointing out places and people as they went. Most of the mecha went about their tasks, looking curiously at the newcomers but not seeming surprised. Their numbers were growing and it satisfied Starscream to know that was becoming a fact of life in Vos, and that everyone was more concerned with getting ready than with finding it strange anymore.

(( @windstormforcerecon​ you should meet these birbs!))

Echo nodded and tilted his head as he scanned the area around them. He held his hand out to Pulsar, murmuring softly to the older mech, “Optics please Pulsar, I…would like to gauge what we have to work with.” Pulsar immediately responds, unspooling cable from his wrist and making a direct connection to Echo’s own. He then looks upon the grounds, focusing on the surrounding area and the terrain around them. There is a satisfied hum from Echo and he thanks Pulsar gently before disconnecting them. “I will make several different drafts of designs for you my liege, keeping in mind our supplies and labor force.” The more he spoke about his given field, the less prominent his light stutter became and confidence began to seep back into his voice and body language.

The next area got a few gasps from the newcomers, and Pulsar gave a small trill of delight. He reached again for Echo, the mech responding immediately to his leader’s touch, “You will want to see this Echo.” Once they are connected, Echo’s wings hike up and he immediately begins to eagerly scan the building efforts with his long range sensors while Pulsar gives him proper visual feedback. “Oh this is impressive! Nice structuring!” By now the fear and tepidness have left Echo’s voice and frame-language, and the small seeker is clearly getting excited about having projects again. “Such beauty…and the static field is a magnificent touch…it keeps things clean for building and I have seen so many projects fail because they did not take such a simple precaution.”

Both Airlift and Veil watched Echo with fond expressions, clearly happy that his attitude turned so quick. Feeling the need to explain the hardline, Airlift looked over to Starscream and canted her wings in a mixture of sadness and cautious joy, “Echo’s visual sensors and hardware were damaged in the original attack. Our other medic Celestial, Veil and I tried everything we could to restore his sight, but the best we could do was create enhanced sensors to help him perceive the world around him in a non-visual manner. When he truly wants to see something, we have to hardline and give him visual feed from our own sensors, otherwise it will not take.”

A small fic I felt like writing up- one of my OCs and @vosianskyline‘s first interaction via Skype.

She was terrified beyond reason, and really, she should have been. Only criminals ended up here in the Institute’s waiting room, not simple little artists like Pascal! The young seeker let out a whimper as the enforcer forced her down into a chair and remained standing next to her like a sentry.

There was no getting out.

She had simply said the wrong thing at the wrong time, her words misconstrued as rebel speak and Pascal hadn’t had time to even process what was happening before she was swept off the street and brought here to have a ‘minor adjustment’. Another whimper and Pascal huddled in on herself, looking around at the others waiting with her. There were only four, but each looked like hardened criminals and much more fitting the stereotype that the Senate went after. This was all a big mistake!

The small seeker startled as a slender mech with orange and silver plating appeared in the doorway, his golden optics falling on her, “Miss Pascal! The doctor will see you now.” Before she had a chance to respond on her own, Pascal was yanked to her feet and practically dragged back into an operating room. She was quickly pushed onto a rather terrifying looking chair and instantly was locked into place as magnets turned on. The mech who had called her back ushered the guard out and gave the shaking femme a wink of an optic, “Mindbreak will be right with you.”

As if the smile weren’t terrifying enough, the name of her doctor sent shivers down the poor femme’s spine. Mind/break/?! Oh dear…

Mindbreak was interested in this particular one from the beginning; Pascal definitely wasn’t the type they usually brought in. Criminals scooped up off the street were the usual catches, not artists and even less those that worked with substances like crystal and glass.

Regardless, the rebellious behaviour wasn’t something to overlook, but he reserved judgement on that until he met her for himself. 

It wasn’t but a minute or so later that he showed up, and it was no surprise that his name fit his looks. Tall and looming with yellow optics that stood out amongst dark indigo plating and field and gait full of predatory confidence as he walked in. 

Pascal’s shaking became downright tremors as soon as Break entered the room. She began venting hard and was on the verge of tears by the time he had shut the door. It was obvious the poor thing was absolutely terrified, and Break’s looks and demeanor were not helping in the slightest. 

Mindbreak took a moment to study his newest arrival, optics focused on her with a near cringe-worthy intensity. “Pascal, I presume?”

She eventually got it together enough to nod, trembling plating making a clattering sound in the otherwise silent room.

“Y….yes….” Pascal tried looking at Mindbreak, honest she did, but his intimidating demeanor had her bowing her head and cowering no more than a few seconds after meeting the elder surgeon’s gaze. “I….I swear it was a mistake…p…please I….I don’t know what happened….just don’t hurt me please…”

There was a soft hum from the surgeon as he took a seat near her to simply study the femme. Normally their patients were strong-headed and violent, often leading to operating room brawls and medbay visits. This however, was not a typical interaction. One could even say downright rare. Having mecha who were genuinely terrified was rare, and while he knew it was due to his appearance, there were times it got old.

He reached out, and for his looks, the touch was oddly gentle as he lifted her head up to look at him. “I will say, you are not the type they usually give me. Typically I see criminals, dissenters, rebels… nothing like you are.”

Pascal startled as Break touched her, and if she had not been magnetized to the table she likely would have jumped clear off. It was obvious the poor femme was terrified, though she did allow Break to raise her head and she met his gaze head on.

“They….they said I was saying the wrong sorts of things. I don’t even know what I said, I just…I was talking with a customer and….it just slipped out I swear…I would never do anything to rebel…I mean look at me! I am a glass and metal sculptor, not a revolutionist!” Her optics flicked down nervously at his hand, obviously knowing what was hidden within the fingertips.

It wasn’t long before he pulled back regardless, seeming to withdraw into himself. His more gentle expression returned to its usual hardened one as he thought something over. A few agonizingly quiet moments passed before he spoke again, leaning back and away.

“You have been given to me to deal with as I see fit; considering you have no previous accusations and no criminal record… I see no need for mental alteration.” He paused there for a moment, optics narrowing, “But you will need to learn to be more mindful of what you say. If not, you may very well find that the other mnemosurgeons will not hesitate on the chance to get into a Seeker’s head regardless of how minor or major the offense.” Trepan wouldn’t and he knew his sire would’ve been in her head already. 

Pascal’s shakes never subsided, though they did increase in intensity as Break’s look turned hard. She tried not to whimper, though she was pretty sure she failed. There was no telling though as the young femme couldn’t hear herself over the trembling of her armor. It took several moments before Break’s words sank in and Pascal realized he hadn’t made any moves to get into her head. Pit, he hadn’t even extended his needles. The worst he had done so far was give a stern look and it seemed that perhaps that was all he would be doing… “I…I understand….I promise I will be more careful! I swear it!”

“Good, otherwise I doubt you will be as lucky." With that, Mindbreak got up to undo the magnets, allowing her up now. "Criminals belong here; artists do not.”

As soon as she felt the magnets release, Pascal vaulted off the table and wrapped her arms around Break in a hug, “Thank you! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” She was still shaking rather heavily, but it was clear that it was turning from fear to relief. “You won’t see me in here again I swear!”

Mindbreak stumbled back slightly, optics widening slightly at the unexpected hug. This was certainly not the average case, and he doubted he would forget this one. The shock soon turned to a mild but confused acceptance, although all he could do for a moment was stare, ”… you are… welcome?“

Pascal let go then, looking sheepish as she rubbed her hands against her arms, “Erm…heh yeah…well I appreciate it, really I do!” She looked to the door and then back at Break. 

When it seemed like the surgeon was unlikely to move, Pascal gave a small wave and headed towards the exit. She hesitated to make sure she really could leave and once it was clear she would not be stopped, the femme darted out as quickly as she could without looking like she had broken free.

I need people to spread this around like wildfire. I NEED this break from my family, for my own sanity.

I need it soon. I have bracelets up for donation rewards, all of which were made by me.

Three nights in a hotel, and food for lunch and dinner those three days. I don’t plan on leaving the hotel at all, I’ve budgeted for delivery, so I don’t have to deal with society in general either.

If you can’t donate, that’s fine, but please share this. I can’t use Facebook to spread the word because my parents are on there and they will guilt trip me at best, and outright attempt sabotage at worst.

Please guys. If you give even the slightest shit about the person behind Wing and Vengeance, please help me out.

I almost attempted suicide earlier today because the stress is so bad. I’ve gotta have this break.

Starscream’s wings lifted when he received the request for landing clearance. He’d detected the incoming Seekers on radar, which was good, but tense. His forces weren’t strong enough yet to address incoming threats, if they were Autobots. These were friendlies though, and their arrival brought the promise of real restoration. His scattered people were returning.

He watched them land, folding his talons behind his back and waiting for them to approach. As each was introduced, he nodded, relishing their polished, respectful greetings even as he sized them up. He liked what he saw - the intellectual and military glories of Vos were all represented before him, all eager to serve their city and lord. This would work.

When the introductions were finished, Starscream turned to Pulsar with proudly flared wings. “I am deeply impressed, Pulsar. These Seekers you have brought will bring a turning point, from mere cleanup and survival, to restoration and the rebirth of our culture.”

Facing each in turn, he addressed the newcomers. “Airlift, I will station you here, as the head medic for the construction teams. They are hard pressed and our medical resources are spread thin. Another medic, Darkstorm, has been working between here and my other bases. She can show you everything you need, and direct you if you need to bring others or get clearance for the other bases. Soon all operations will move here to Vos though, and you’ll have more assistance.”

“Veil.” He looked the small, elegant Seeker over. “I will speak with you later regarding a means of defense for our city. I have been able to program my space bridge on my own, and I would like to run a few things by you to see about automating some of its functions. Having a way to redirect unwanted traffic will help our defense forces.”

As he said that he turned to StormSiege, raising his wings sharply in a salute. “Speaking of which, welcome StormSiege. Your presence is a great relief. The more we build, the more notice we will attract, even from distant Iacon. A strong presence of Seekers will force the Autobots to talk before they shoot, and to understand that I, not they, determine the future of Vos.” He eyed the Decepticon insignias on the larger Seeker’s wings appreciatively. Bearing those on a neutral colony for so long was a mark of real loyalty, something Starscream wasn’t used to, as was the flash of genuine relief in his field at seeing him alive and functioning.

“And Echo,” he said, turning to the last Seeker and stepping nearer to him. He noted that the other seemed nervous, which was understandable, but he was also eager to help and that was all that mattered. “I thank you from my Spark for the service you have done in saving those plans.” Curling his talons to his chestplate, Starscream dipped his wings and paused, venting deeply before continuing. “I thought all that remained were memories and a few pictures on my datapads…” Drawing himself up again and making a mental note to bestow some kind of title on Echo, he looked out over the vast plain of melted ground, and up - up to a sky which wouldn’t be empty for much longer.

At last he turned back to Pulsar, optics bright and sharp, and motioned for him to follow. “Come, I’ll show you all around our facilities so you can get straight to work.”

At Starscream’s initial addressing of him, Pulsar gave a nod and canted his wings respectfully. “It was my plan. While they were vital for the establishment and continued thriving of our colony, I know that we are stable enough now to function without their assistance for the time. Vos needs them more and all are more than happy to assist.”

At being addressed, Airlift nodded, wings flicking down and back as she offered Starscream a smile. “Absolutely. I am eager to meet Darkstorm then, and to help her in whatever way I can. I have brought as much equipment as I could as well as plenty of supplies.” She and Celestial has divided what they had on hand and even sourced out more to Vos. After all, the colony was hidden away and in less danger of direct attack than their home city.

Veil trilled eagerly and nodded his head, “I would be more than happy to assist you my liege. I have no doubts of your abilities, but I certainly can do whatever possible to streamline your defenses and make sure the proper encryptions are in place.” It had been awhile since he had been able to work coding since the colony had been long established and there had been no need to buff security measures. Vos was a new project for him to work and Veil was excited to get started.

StormSiege mimicked the salute, his own wings flicking sharply with an incline of his head, “Absolutely my Lord and Commander. It is my pleasure to bring military force to our city and protect what is ours from the grounder and Autobot threats. I am completely at your command.” And it felt good to be this close to a mech he had long respected but never was able to directly serve. Well it looked like that was all changing now.

Echo clicked happily and bowed his head deeply before looking up at Starscream, “Absolutely my Lord, I…I backed up every project I ever worked on and…I was looking over the plans of our city when the first of the missiles hit. I copied them knowing we may need some but…I never imagined our whole city would…” He trailed off, a frown taking over the seeker’s expression as he surveyed the barren landscape.

((I don’t think he’s actually met any of them, but here’s his general list of questions that go through his head when he meets just about anyone.))

What do you want?

What have you heard? *shifty eyes*

tyrantofthefirmament:

Pulsar gave another nod, stepping back lightly with his wings still canted downwards. “Of course my lord, then with your permission I take my leave. I shall return as soon as I make the necessary preparations.”

Already he was making a list in his processor of those seekers he wished to bring, deciding on a small team of four that would be most beneficial to these rebuilding efforts without taking away the security of their colony.

The list consisted of their architectural engineer, a coding specialist, one of their medics and a former Decepticon air command soldier that had been left behind when Megatron deemed him too injured to be of any worth.

“It should not take me any longer than three solar cycles, four at the most.” It would actually take far less than that to travel, but Pulsar was still being cautious about revealing where exactly their colony was.

With that, the ancient seeker took his leave, but not before making a deep bow to his new leader. Taking to the skies, Pulsar flew off, leaving behind what he believed was hope and promise for the future of Vos.

Starscream nodded, stepping back and regarding Pulsar as he prepared to transform. “I’ll await your return, Pulsar.”

As the other Seeker thundered skyward, Starscream watched until he was lost to sight, and the Vosnian wind scattered his vapor trail. He wondered if (and where) the colonists had a space bridge, or if they’d come by ship, and how many there were. How many soldiers…

A small part of him, a part that had learned hard lessons over the eons, wondered if the “preparations” Pulsar spoke of would put the small progress he’d made in jeopardy. He felt so hopeful, and that scared him. Hopes had a way of turning on him, and he couldn’t lose Vos again.