[Video]

[redeyedreindeer]

 [The camera clicks on and the screen is immediately filled by a huge, glowing red light. Then it pans back and the light is framed by black and it becomes apparent that it is not a light, but a face. A face that, despite having no features to convey emotions with, is clearly quite annoyed.]

Well.

[He is not happy. As a rule, he doesn't appreciate

Comments

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

[And at last, his most loyal subordinate has returned to this place. And, it would appear, he was an alternate version of the one that resided here previously.]

I am here, Shockwave. Status report on your last known location before your transportation to this... Nexus.

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[Shockwave snaps to immediate attention, and that blank screen somehow transmits palpable relief.]

My Lord! I was last on Earth's moon in the wreck of the Nemesis, working to pull the final codes needed for you to control the Lugnut Supremes, as you ordered. [There's some confusion there - does Megatron not remember? He'd given Shockwave the orders not long ago, by Shockwave's remembrance.]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

As I suspected...

[And hoped. A fully reliable source of information - no tricks, no bargaining. Simple and true loyalty.]

I require a detailed report on all activity from the time I was transported through the space bridge on Earth to the exact time of your departure to here.

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

I can transfer my memory files on that period of time, My Lord? It would take quite some time to me to recount all that has happened verbally.

[File Transfer Requested: Accept?]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

[File Transfer Accepted.]

[This is incredibly detailed. You're such a good subordinate, Shockwave. Has Megatron told you that recently?]

[Give him a moment as he sifts through the solar cycles worth of information.]

Nnnh, I see. Tell me you downloaded a full schematic of the space bridge that had been completed.

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[Oh now you've done it. He's preening. At least Lugnut isn't around - that would only make it so much worse.]

I did, my Lord.

[Hesitates a moment, then asks anyways] You look...different.

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[onetruesikorsky]

[Don't let it go to your processor, Shockwave.]

Good. They shall be put to good use.

[Pause. Wait a moment as Megatron glances briefly down at his own armor, then returns his look to bland indifference.]

Yes. Courtesy of... [He's... not precisely sure who did this to him, but it was obviously one of them.] ...the TransTechs.

Re: [Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[He'll try, sir. No promises. Have a bow instead of more obvious preening.]

The TransTechs? [Straightens with the air that he's frowning.] How?

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

That is, up to this point... unclear.

[Notice his clear distaste with this utter lack of knowledge.]

Just who, precisely, is responsible... I am unsure. However, they saw fit to retrofit my armor with increased density along with its unique color scheme.

[There have been no ill-effects with the change.... yet. With how things often changed here, however, he would not be surprised if something unexpectedly detrimental occurred.]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

That is...good? [The color change was a bit disconcerting at first, but Megatron is still Megatron, and dense armor is always a useful asset.]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

....perhaps.

[Megatron glances off to one side of his communication device just briefly, then back to his most loyal subordinate.]

I am currently residing in a Casino within Zone 6, notably called 'Viva La Greed'.

[He had better things to do than rename Starscream's his company.]

There are suitable quarters for you here, and we will discuss future plans privately.

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[Puts a hand over his chestplate and bows.] Thank you, My Lord. [Slight pause.] Before you go.... A mech by the designation Astrotrain said he serves one of you that goes by 'Magnus.' Would that be you, My Lord?

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[onetruesikorsky]

[His lips twist into something that could be described as distaste. He did not like his temporary designation. At all.]

...It would. It is a temporary disguise, until I find a suitable escape from this place.

[Let's not talk about the beating he was forced to endure from the TransTech Megatron.]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[Shockwave can't say he's particularly fond of it either. It's quite ironic.]

I see. Does there seem to be any way out of here, My Lord? [Maybe the spacebridge, if they can get it built, might help with that?]

[Ignorance is bliss! Shockwave has heard nothing of such a thing ever taking place.]

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[onetruesikorsky]

[A low, rumbling growl is heard from his engine.]

As of yet, no. There will be. That is, however, a topic for a private discussion. Despite your encryption capabilities, I do not trust the Network.

[Encrypted Video 100%]

[redeyedreindeer]

[Nods and bows again.]

Are you at this casino, My Lord? I can meet you there.