Starscream, Transformers

[dc_starscream]

((Physical appearance and alternate modes (Cybertronian jet, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet) are taken from the 2007 movie and tie-in comics/novel, and I'm basing his personality on the same. Abilities and history will be pulled from several sources or invented as necessary, since the many different continuities of Transformers don't mesh

Comments

[biblerewrite]

"Fascinating," River said, looking up at Starscream with obvious curiosity. "Even the alliance didn't have nearly the technology it would take to manufacture your smallest part. And yet, no human hands built you." Living technology? An act of God? Either way, cool as hell. "I wouldn't even try to be so insulting as to suggest that."

[dc_starscream]

He was plainly far advanced beyond any technology humans were capable of, but hearing a human state that fact was a pretty effective means of stroking his ego, even if it hadn't been intended as such.

He gave River a considering look. Clearly this one possessed greater intellect than her fellows. She'd recognized his superiority, after all. "The alliance?" he queried, in a tone that was almost civil, for him.

[biblerewrite]

"An interstellar political body that established a hegemony over the civilized worlds and defeated the Independent Faction. Mostly comprised of the former governments of the United States and China. They merged after Earth-That-Was - that is to say, Earth-That-Is-Now, at least for the time being - was declared unusable and interstellar colonization had been established." She made a face. "A rather unpleasant lot, to say the least."

[dc_starscream]

He was able to follow the explanation, even if almost none of it made sense, and drew the logical conclusion.

"You are from a different point in human evolution." There was a brief pause in which he began querying his data banks, muffled electronic tones and clicks accompanying the action. Then he shifted into a crouch, the better to look at River. "How did you get here?"

[biblerewrite]

"I woke up in a room," covered in butter and surrounded by giant kernels of popcorn, but that wasn't relevant. "None of the technology when I'm from is advanced enough or time travel, but here I am, none the less."

[dc_starscream]

Perhaps a similar temporal anomaly was responsible for bringing him here. But as best he could detect the time hadn't changed, he was just in a place that, according to the information he had access to... didn't exactly exist.

"There was space travel in your time," he said. She had mentioned interstellar activity. "And you never encountered anyone like myself?"

[biblerewrite]

"Not that has been reported or made general knowledge. Considering what you are, if we had encountered one of you, the allied governments would probably have kept you out of public view." She looked skeptical a moment. "Though I don't think you and yours would appreciate such for a very long period of time, so it would be safest to suggest that we haven't come across you yet."

[dc_starscream]

It still rankled him deeply that a human government had managed to hold hostage one of his own for several decades, but he was also delighted it had been Megatron. The power mad fool deserved his fate. Not that Starscream wouldn't go crawling back to him and play the faithful hound again if he somehow showed up.

Even so, it was probably an excellent sign if that folly hadn't been repeated in the future. Perhaps all Cybertronians would eventually leave this solar system to rot.

"Good," he said, mostly to himself. It occurred to him that he had a bribe that may be of interest to a human who'd grown up with interstellar travel, and one that wouldn't be completely humiliating for himself. "Do you get the chance to do much flying in this place?"

[biblerewrite]

"Not the kind of flying you are capable of," she said. "I doubt a broom could fly quite as high or as fast as an F-22."

[dc_starscream]

He may wear the skin of a Raptor but his actual technical specifications were rather more advanced. Of course, no human need know that. It wouldn't do to show his hand so early in the game.

Now, how to word his offer so it didn't sound like he was eager to kidnap and murder the human. What would an Autobot say?

"Would you be interested in accompanying me on a flight?"

[biblerewrite]

Her eyes got big, and then glazed over in a faraway look for a moment. "If you could go into space, and I could find a suit," she said dreamily, "that would be an emphatic yes."

[dc_starscream]

Space was a bit beyond what he'd had in mind... Though it also wouldn't require any extra effort on his part. Plus, it seemed to please the human, so his guess had been correct.

"That is within my capabilities," he replied. After all, he hadn't made secret the fact he was from another planet. "What suit do you require?"

[biblerewrite]

"A spacesuit, so I can go out." She grinned widely. "Simon and I had to when the alliance boarded Serenity looking for us. They're crafty, but they didn't think to look outside."

[dc_starscream]

"Ah, that's right... Your kind cannot breathe in space otherwise. And why did the alliance seek you and your companion?"

[biblerewrite]

"Brother," she corrected. And then her smile grew to a smirking grin. "He saved me from them. Everything they put here," she tapped the side of her head, "is what they wanted. But the clever Captain knew how to fool them."

[dc_starscream]

Brainwashing? Or perhaps 'teaching' along the same lines as A's, which he'd refused to elaborate on...

"It's very fortunate they looked out for you. You are now presumably well beyond the reach of this deplorable alliance?" he asked with mock concern.