Sparkpulse ch4
Title: Sparkpulse (chapter four)
Authors: nkfloofiepoof & okami_hu
Beta: strikefurnace
Pairing: Optimus/Starscream
Rating: G in this chapter
Summary: This is an alternative universe story. Optimus Prime meets a young Seeker. How will this change Starscream, if at all? Maybe he'll choose another path? It certainly seems so at the Academy party, where he and Optimus have a chance to talk. However, after some time passes, Starscream's attitude is still the same, and it starts to try even Prime's legendary patience. Thanks to Optimus's diplomatic skills and kindness, though, the rebellious Seeker manages to stay on his chosen path. Now, as a little accident brings the two mechs a little bit closer, Starscream might take another bold step...
The War Academy's library was a vast sea of knowledge both old and new contained within a jungle of shelves, data pads, and ladders. It was separated into various wings with the oldest files kept in an archive at the very back of the library, and the shelves there were tightly packed together and provided very little room for moving between them. Few bothered to make the trek both because of the lack of room and because the files were kept mainly for archival purposes and rarely because they held any sort of value.
Foul Cybertronian oaths drifted through the air from the archives accompanied by a steady mechanical whine, both sounds originating from a very perturbed Seeker hovering near the ceiling as he begrudgingly searched for the proper homes for his armful of data pads. He probably should have used the ladder rather than flying, but he was not here by choice and most certainly was not going to waste energy climbing up and down when he had perfectly functioning turbines and wings.
Reciting another round of expletives, Starscream angrily shoved one datapad into its proper spot and drifted sideways to search for the next file's home.
However, he had to notice the company leaning against the doorframe when the intruder cleared his vocalizer. "Language," Optimus warned Starscream with a smile that was visible now; the leader had gotten used to exposing his face when it was strictly only the two of them present.
"I hope you know that turbine heat could damage the pads," Prime added as he picked up a few of the said items from the ground. "'The Philosophy of Ground Warfare'. It was written by Lord High Protector Decimus. What is this doing here - it's an antique edition..." He subspaced the pads then looked up at the Seeker. "How is it going, Starscream?"
The annoyed Seeker tightened his hold on his vocal processor before he snapped something rude and cutting, instead grinding out, "Of course I know that - that's why I'm redirecting the majority of the heat through all of my vents so it's less concentrated and dissipates more quickly." He all but threw another pad into its proper place then grabbed three off the top of his armful before searching for their homes. "How does it look like it's 'going'? I could be using this time doing something worthwhile, but no."
Also, Prime had become pretty good in ignoring the Seeker's constant bitching. Actually, it looked sort of nice on Starscream... How he pouted, pursing his lips, how he narrowed his optics... "Well-well. Maybe next time you'll think twice before calling your aerial maneuver instructor a 'sick techno-vulture'. She really took it on her spark." Optimus picked up another pad and set it on the shelf in its proper place.
"But she is!" Starscream sulked, his shrill voice adding to the piteous whine. "And everybody knows it! I'm just the only one who actually dared to say it!" His wings drooped a little as he pouted and returned to his task, finding the proper place for the three pads. He frowned at the one under them and muttered. "What are you doing here..." He lifted his head again and quickly scanned over the large shelf he was facing to see if it even belonged in that part of the archives.
"Came to check on you," Optimus said, as he took an armful of pads and began to sort them. "And if I may remark, Lady Sixwing is a femme, your instructor, and is supposed to help those who are a little slower on the uptake... It's not her fault you cannot stay in line. You should get excused from all flying-related classes."
Starscream flickered his optics at Prime in brief confusion before shaking his head. "I meant this data pad - it doesn't go here." He glanced over his shoulder through the tiny amount of space between his head and shoulder vent to see if the shelf behind him was where it belonged. "And my opinion still stands." He took the misplaced pad and, without thinking, tried to turn in mid-air to put it in its place. He forgot how little space there was between the shelves for even a normal mech, and thanks to his wings, he was nearly twice the width of a normal mech.
So, the slender appendage's tip got precisely and very securely caught in a small gap. Now, Seekers need their wings more in their alt forms, but they also used them in standard mode - to steer and whatnot. Starscream lost his balance, and as he struggled to get it back and free his wing, he managed to pull the tall, heavy shelf quite forcefully.
The flooring in the cellar was also ancient, it had cracks and a few missing pieces. Everything was given for a perfect little disaster, and Fate seldom left such opportunities to pass. The shelf tilted, and slowly, majestically began to fall. Soon enough, the pads slipped off, showering on the ground, and Optimus's warning came just in time. "Starscream, look out!"
Starscream felt his wing get caught and instinctively tried to wrench it loose. It was only when he heard the clattering of falling data pads that he realized what he had done. He looked sharply back to the shelf just in time to hear Prime's warning, and his first thought was to try to brace himself against it to stop its tilt, but he knew it was too late and instead tried to drop down to the floor to quickly get out from under it.
However, the room was entirely too stuffed to maneuver around airborne. Prime realized this, and he decided to save what he can - he reached up and wrenched the Seeker close, pushing him on the floor while he himself leaned above the more slender form.
The shriek of the metal and the loud clattering of the falling pads intensified, and the knocked over shelf collided with a standing one. It broke the fall, but Prime couldn't sigh in relief - suddenly, the shelf screamed and broke into two, the lower part coming down hard and fast. Optimus felt a horrible hit on his back, and he cried out - but he stood his ground.
Dust flew up, in a thick cloud, and from far away, alarmed cries could be heard.
Starscream powered his optics on again once he thought everything had finished falling and started when he saw Optimus over him and the remainder of the shelf on top of them both. He let out a pained hiss as he suddenly registered a sharp pain in his left wing. He could not see what was wrong with it, but for it to hurt that much, he knew it was bad, but he also knew Prime had to be in worse shape. The Seeker carefully lifted a hand to touch Optimus' side and asked slowly, "Are you okay?"
The answer was written on the handsome face. Optimus had offlined his optics, his arms were shaking, trying to oppose the pressure from the heavy shelf, his side had a small scratch, the wires sizzling inside, spitting blue sparks. The leader was gritting his teeth and his voice was strained as he finally replied. "Fine... you should... try and... crawl out…"
Starscream wanted to argue that the other mech certainly did not sound "fine", but he knew better. The sooner he was out from under Optimus, the sooner the red mech could get himself out. Ignoring the pain in his wing, Starscream carefully pushed himself out from under Prime and the shelf so he could get help.
Optimus growled, and as soon as the Seeker was in safely, his elbow buckled. He fell forward, nearly hitting his head on the floor. Primus damn it... He wasn't weak, but this was so not a good position to use his strength...
As soon as he could stand without catching his wings on anything else, Starscream jumped up and rushed around the mess to get help. He knew he could not get Prime out by himself and hoped there was someone close by who was strong enough.
Fortunately, many noticed the crash and help was already there. The soldiers freed Prime in a few minutes, and he and the Seeker were dragged away by the young medic present to the medbay.
As soon as he could stand - though a little wobbly - Optimus immediately searched for Starscream. "What about you? Are you alright, no major injuries...?"
"I've been better," Starscream declared in a voice tight with pain. His left wing was bent badly when the shelf tilted while he was still caught in it, but the medics were nearly finished working it back into its proper shape. "What about you?" the Seeker asked, focusing his attention on Prime.
"My entire back is one huge dent, and my arms ache but that will pass." Prime looked down at the medic's steady hands working swiftly on his torn side. "That wound will be tender for a few orns, but it could have been worse."
Starscream let out a sigh and allowed himself to relax as best he could while the medic finished bending his wing back into place. It was going to be tender for quite a while, and he doubted he would be able to fly without pain for several orns. "I guess I asked for that," he grumbled angrily. "Sorry you got caught in it too." He could imagine though what would have happened had Optimus not been there to keep the shelf from falling completely on him, and the thought was not pleasant.
"Actually... You followed my order immediately." The leader carefully turned, and the medic began to pry off the armor plating from his back. It was indeed badly dented, and probably, the circuitry underneath it was damaged as well. "Others might have hesitated, but you immediately did what I told you. Didn't waste any time with asking questions and worrying. That is a good trait in a soldier, assessing the situation correctly."
The Seeker frowned at that, less than convinced. As far as he was concerned, if he had "assessed the situation correctly", he would have realized he did not have room to turn in the first place and the whole situation could have been avoided, but he knew Prime was just trying to help, so he kept that thought to himself. Instead, Starscream sighed again, "Probably going to make me spend the next half a dozen orns cleaning it up and fixing the data pads now." He had projects he would rather focus on than clean-up duty though even he knew better than to complain much - it was his mess, after all.
"That is highly possible," Optimus admitted and winced a bit as the plating finally came off. "But, I'll help a little. After all, I distracted you." He waited until the medic moved away a bit and glanced at the Seeker. "I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt."
"Likewise. I'll just be sore when I fly for a while." Starscream glanced over to his wing when the medic was finished. It would need to be repainted too, the paint scraped and flaking thanks to the damage. He muttered his thanks to the medic and dropped down from the table to step closer to Prime though he was careful to stay out of the other medics' way.
"Shame, shame, you'll be forced to use the ladder." Prime's voice was full of amusement. He reached out, after Starscream's hand. "Can I ask a favor from you?"
Starscream scowled, hating the thought though he knew he had better if only to prevent that from happening again. "Huh? What is it?" he asked, confused. He flickered his optics stupidly at Prime's hand but did not pull away, letting the other mech hold his own.
"Go back to the archive, help them collect the damaged pads, and then report back to me. Tell them it's my order. Also, if they find something out of place like these..." He pulled the pads from subspace and handed them over. "Tell me about it, too. And please, take these to the ancient archives - room b64, if I remember correctly. These belong there."
Starscream nodded and took the data pads Optimus was holding. "Alright, if I can ask a favor from you too." He would do what he was told regardless, but this was the best opportunity he had had in a while to ask.
"Naturally." Prime's smile was honest. "What would it be?"
"If you have the time later, could you come by my quarters?" Starscream asked, careful to keep his expression blank to hide the fact that he was a little nervous asking this of the Matrix bearer. "I'm working on something, and I'd like your opinion."
"Sure. I don't see a reason not to." Optimus nodded. "I'm honored that you'd like to show me one of your projects. I'll drop by in a few orns, after classes, would that be alright? When I'll be able to walk properly." He winced again and glanced back at the medic. "I hope there aren't many other spots like that..."
"No, sir, rest assured. This one was the worst." Prime let out a relived sigh.
The Seeker nodded. "That would be fine." It would give him time to actually clean up his quarters too since they were rather cluttered with his various projects in varying states of production. Satisfied, Starscream started out to see to the task he had been assigned. "I'll be back soon."
"I'll be expecting you," Optimus called after him, then let his head fall on the berth. "Primus, I could use a warm oil bath right now..."
***
Starscream returned as quickly as he could. He stepped over to Optimus and reported, "There were another dozen out of place like the ones you gave me - I put them where they belonged."
Prime was now lying on his back, relaxing. "Hmm. The keepers of the archives obviously didn't do a very good job. Thank you, Starscream." He struggled up. "Now, as I'm the Leader of Cybertron, and as such, can even order the honorable Rector Convoy around... I'm relieving you from your punishment for the rest of this orn. You need to rest a little bit, anyway. And I want you to do your best on tomorrow's test, too. Could you escort me to my private quarters? My back is still sore, and it wouldn't do any good to my image if I fell flat on my face."
"You don't have to do that though I do appreciate it," Starscream responded. He reached over to help Prime sit up though, nodding to his request. "Of course." He was actually rather elated at that request - he had no idea where Prime's quarters were and was about to find out.
"Thank you." Optimus stood and stretched, then twitched and clicked painfully. "Warn me next time if I'm being such a sparkling..." He shook his head and waving goodbye to the medics and started to walk toward the quarters of the teachers. "Starscream..." he began, after a few minutes "May I ask what you are working on?"
Starscream looked up at him then back down the corridor. "A...lot of things on and off," he admitted. "The one that's closest to completion though is a weapon I got the idea for in one of Ironhide's drills. Then there's something I thought of as an upgrade for someone in my aerial maneuvers class."
"Oh?" Optimus quirked an optic ridge at that. "Neither is something one would expect from you. You've made me curious."
The Seeker shot him a glare and huffed indignantly though he knew he deserved that. "He's having trouble keeping up with everyone else because of a structural flaw. If this works, it'll bypass that as well as make him valuable in combat." He moved his gaze back down the corridor. "Besides, it would suit him given his name."
"Don't be offended," Prime pleaded softly, running a hand down the other's arm. "It is nice of you that you think about your teammate. Seekers are never loners. And pray tell me, who is this unfortunate classmate?"
"Skywarp." The Seeker shrugged uncomfortably. "He's not particularly bright either - he'll never pass without help."
"Be there for him," Optimus suggested. "Making allies is an advantage in military schooling. Who knows what he will become... I remember him; indeed not the greatest student when it comes to theoretical subjects, but he excels in the practical ones." He paused a little. "I think you could make him a fine soldier."
Starscream frowned at that. He thought Prime was reading a little too much into it, but he did not comment. "He's not exactly smart, but he tries his hardest even though that techno-vulture of an instructor keeps making him perform maneuvers she knows he hasn't gotten the hang of yet or doesn't understand."
"Maybe she's trying to get him into practicing...?" Prime suggested. Sixwing WAS a good instructor; Seekers she trained were the best.
"Maybe," Starscream muttered. He doubted it - he had seen Skywarp practicing between classes. "It won't make any difference if this upgrade works anyway, but I won't know until I've installed it in him. I've designed it according to his structural flaw, so I can't test it myself."
"Perhaps it'd be good to consult with a medic before?" Prime pondered. "Any upgrade could twist one's insides, and I'm sure you don't want to hurt Skywarp. I doubt that'd do any good to your reputation." He turned left on the corridor, and eventually stopped in front of a door. This was his temporary accommodation for the time he taught on the Academy. It was easier to have a room here than coming in every morning.
"I was going to ask a medic to oversee the installation when I was finished." Starscream looked up at the door, taking note of its number and how they got there for future reference. "Will that be all?"
"For the time being. Thank you, Starscream." Optimus smiled. "Have a good rest, and we'll meet tomorrow in class."
"You too - see you then." Starscream nodded and turned to head back to his own quarters, his wings betraying his elation that Prime was actually looking forward to seeing some of his projects.
~tbc~
Authors: nkfloofiepoof & okami_hu
Beta: strikefurnace
Pairing: Optimus/Starscream
Rating: G in this chapter
Summary: This is an alternative universe story. Optimus Prime meets a young Seeker. How will this change Starscream, if at all? Maybe he'll choose another path? It certainly seems so at the Academy party, where he and Optimus have a chance to talk. However, after some time passes, Starscream's attitude is still the same, and it starts to try even Prime's legendary patience. Thanks to Optimus's diplomatic skills and kindness, though, the rebellious Seeker manages to stay on his chosen path. Now, as a little accident brings the two mechs a little bit closer, Starscream might take another bold step...
The War Academy's library was a vast sea of knowledge both old and new contained within a jungle of shelves, data pads, and ladders. It was separated into various wings with the oldest files kept in an archive at the very back of the library, and the shelves there were tightly packed together and provided very little room for moving between them. Few bothered to make the trek both because of the lack of room and because the files were kept mainly for archival purposes and rarely because they held any sort of value.
Foul Cybertronian oaths drifted through the air from the archives accompanied by a steady mechanical whine, both sounds originating from a very perturbed Seeker hovering near the ceiling as he begrudgingly searched for the proper homes for his armful of data pads. He probably should have used the ladder rather than flying, but he was not here by choice and most certainly was not going to waste energy climbing up and down when he had perfectly functioning turbines and wings.
Reciting another round of expletives, Starscream angrily shoved one datapad into its proper spot and drifted sideways to search for the next file's home.
However, he had to notice the company leaning against the doorframe when the intruder cleared his vocalizer. "Language," Optimus warned Starscream with a smile that was visible now; the leader had gotten used to exposing his face when it was strictly only the two of them present.
"I hope you know that turbine heat could damage the pads," Prime added as he picked up a few of the said items from the ground. "'The Philosophy of Ground Warfare'. It was written by Lord High Protector Decimus. What is this doing here - it's an antique edition..." He subspaced the pads then looked up at the Seeker. "How is it going, Starscream?"
The annoyed Seeker tightened his hold on his vocal processor before he snapped something rude and cutting, instead grinding out, "Of course I know that - that's why I'm redirecting the majority of the heat through all of my vents so it's less concentrated and dissipates more quickly." He all but threw another pad into its proper place then grabbed three off the top of his armful before searching for their homes. "How does it look like it's 'going'? I could be using this time doing something worthwhile, but no."
Also, Prime had become pretty good in ignoring the Seeker's constant bitching. Actually, it looked sort of nice on Starscream... How he pouted, pursing his lips, how he narrowed his optics... "Well-well. Maybe next time you'll think twice before calling your aerial maneuver instructor a 'sick techno-vulture'. She really took it on her spark." Optimus picked up another pad and set it on the shelf in its proper place.
"But she is!" Starscream sulked, his shrill voice adding to the piteous whine. "And everybody knows it! I'm just the only one who actually dared to say it!" His wings drooped a little as he pouted and returned to his task, finding the proper place for the three pads. He frowned at the one under them and muttered. "What are you doing here..." He lifted his head again and quickly scanned over the large shelf he was facing to see if it even belonged in that part of the archives.
"Came to check on you," Optimus said, as he took an armful of pads and began to sort them. "And if I may remark, Lady Sixwing is a femme, your instructor, and is supposed to help those who are a little slower on the uptake... It's not her fault you cannot stay in line. You should get excused from all flying-related classes."
Starscream flickered his optics at Prime in brief confusion before shaking his head. "I meant this data pad - it doesn't go here." He glanced over his shoulder through the tiny amount of space between his head and shoulder vent to see if the shelf behind him was where it belonged. "And my opinion still stands." He took the misplaced pad and, without thinking, tried to turn in mid-air to put it in its place. He forgot how little space there was between the shelves for even a normal mech, and thanks to his wings, he was nearly twice the width of a normal mech.
So, the slender appendage's tip got precisely and very securely caught in a small gap. Now, Seekers need their wings more in their alt forms, but they also used them in standard mode - to steer and whatnot. Starscream lost his balance, and as he struggled to get it back and free his wing, he managed to pull the tall, heavy shelf quite forcefully.
The flooring in the cellar was also ancient, it had cracks and a few missing pieces. Everything was given for a perfect little disaster, and Fate seldom left such opportunities to pass. The shelf tilted, and slowly, majestically began to fall. Soon enough, the pads slipped off, showering on the ground, and Optimus's warning came just in time. "Starscream, look out!"
Starscream felt his wing get caught and instinctively tried to wrench it loose. It was only when he heard the clattering of falling data pads that he realized what he had done. He looked sharply back to the shelf just in time to hear Prime's warning, and his first thought was to try to brace himself against it to stop its tilt, but he knew it was too late and instead tried to drop down to the floor to quickly get out from under it.
However, the room was entirely too stuffed to maneuver around airborne. Prime realized this, and he decided to save what he can - he reached up and wrenched the Seeker close, pushing him on the floor while he himself leaned above the more slender form.
The shriek of the metal and the loud clattering of the falling pads intensified, and the knocked over shelf collided with a standing one. It broke the fall, but Prime couldn't sigh in relief - suddenly, the shelf screamed and broke into two, the lower part coming down hard and fast. Optimus felt a horrible hit on his back, and he cried out - but he stood his ground.
Dust flew up, in a thick cloud, and from far away, alarmed cries could be heard.
Starscream powered his optics on again once he thought everything had finished falling and started when he saw Optimus over him and the remainder of the shelf on top of them both. He let out a pained hiss as he suddenly registered a sharp pain in his left wing. He could not see what was wrong with it, but for it to hurt that much, he knew it was bad, but he also knew Prime had to be in worse shape. The Seeker carefully lifted a hand to touch Optimus' side and asked slowly, "Are you okay?"
The answer was written on the handsome face. Optimus had offlined his optics, his arms were shaking, trying to oppose the pressure from the heavy shelf, his side had a small scratch, the wires sizzling inside, spitting blue sparks. The leader was gritting his teeth and his voice was strained as he finally replied. "Fine... you should... try and... crawl out…"
Starscream wanted to argue that the other mech certainly did not sound "fine", but he knew better. The sooner he was out from under Optimus, the sooner the red mech could get himself out. Ignoring the pain in his wing, Starscream carefully pushed himself out from under Prime and the shelf so he could get help.
Optimus growled, and as soon as the Seeker was in safely, his elbow buckled. He fell forward, nearly hitting his head on the floor. Primus damn it... He wasn't weak, but this was so not a good position to use his strength...
As soon as he could stand without catching his wings on anything else, Starscream jumped up and rushed around the mess to get help. He knew he could not get Prime out by himself and hoped there was someone close by who was strong enough.
Fortunately, many noticed the crash and help was already there. The soldiers freed Prime in a few minutes, and he and the Seeker were dragged away by the young medic present to the medbay.
As soon as he could stand - though a little wobbly - Optimus immediately searched for Starscream. "What about you? Are you alright, no major injuries...?"
"I've been better," Starscream declared in a voice tight with pain. His left wing was bent badly when the shelf tilted while he was still caught in it, but the medics were nearly finished working it back into its proper shape. "What about you?" the Seeker asked, focusing his attention on Prime.
"My entire back is one huge dent, and my arms ache but that will pass." Prime looked down at the medic's steady hands working swiftly on his torn side. "That wound will be tender for a few orns, but it could have been worse."
Starscream let out a sigh and allowed himself to relax as best he could while the medic finished bending his wing back into place. It was going to be tender for quite a while, and he doubted he would be able to fly without pain for several orns. "I guess I asked for that," he grumbled angrily. "Sorry you got caught in it too." He could imagine though what would have happened had Optimus not been there to keep the shelf from falling completely on him, and the thought was not pleasant.
"Actually... You followed my order immediately." The leader carefully turned, and the medic began to pry off the armor plating from his back. It was indeed badly dented, and probably, the circuitry underneath it was damaged as well. "Others might have hesitated, but you immediately did what I told you. Didn't waste any time with asking questions and worrying. That is a good trait in a soldier, assessing the situation correctly."
The Seeker frowned at that, less than convinced. As far as he was concerned, if he had "assessed the situation correctly", he would have realized he did not have room to turn in the first place and the whole situation could have been avoided, but he knew Prime was just trying to help, so he kept that thought to himself. Instead, Starscream sighed again, "Probably going to make me spend the next half a dozen orns cleaning it up and fixing the data pads now." He had projects he would rather focus on than clean-up duty though even he knew better than to complain much - it was his mess, after all.
"That is highly possible," Optimus admitted and winced a bit as the plating finally came off. "But, I'll help a little. After all, I distracted you." He waited until the medic moved away a bit and glanced at the Seeker. "I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt."
"Likewise. I'll just be sore when I fly for a while." Starscream glanced over to his wing when the medic was finished. It would need to be repainted too, the paint scraped and flaking thanks to the damage. He muttered his thanks to the medic and dropped down from the table to step closer to Prime though he was careful to stay out of the other medics' way.
"Shame, shame, you'll be forced to use the ladder." Prime's voice was full of amusement. He reached out, after Starscream's hand. "Can I ask a favor from you?"
Starscream scowled, hating the thought though he knew he had better if only to prevent that from happening again. "Huh? What is it?" he asked, confused. He flickered his optics stupidly at Prime's hand but did not pull away, letting the other mech hold his own.
"Go back to the archive, help them collect the damaged pads, and then report back to me. Tell them it's my order. Also, if they find something out of place like these..." He pulled the pads from subspace and handed them over. "Tell me about it, too. And please, take these to the ancient archives - room b64, if I remember correctly. These belong there."
Starscream nodded and took the data pads Optimus was holding. "Alright, if I can ask a favor from you too." He would do what he was told regardless, but this was the best opportunity he had had in a while to ask.
"Naturally." Prime's smile was honest. "What would it be?"
"If you have the time later, could you come by my quarters?" Starscream asked, careful to keep his expression blank to hide the fact that he was a little nervous asking this of the Matrix bearer. "I'm working on something, and I'd like your opinion."
"Sure. I don't see a reason not to." Optimus nodded. "I'm honored that you'd like to show me one of your projects. I'll drop by in a few orns, after classes, would that be alright? When I'll be able to walk properly." He winced again and glanced back at the medic. "I hope there aren't many other spots like that..."
"No, sir, rest assured. This one was the worst." Prime let out a relived sigh.
The Seeker nodded. "That would be fine." It would give him time to actually clean up his quarters too since they were rather cluttered with his various projects in varying states of production. Satisfied, Starscream started out to see to the task he had been assigned. "I'll be back soon."
"I'll be expecting you," Optimus called after him, then let his head fall on the berth. "Primus, I could use a warm oil bath right now..."
***
Starscream returned as quickly as he could. He stepped over to Optimus and reported, "There were another dozen out of place like the ones you gave me - I put them where they belonged."
Prime was now lying on his back, relaxing. "Hmm. The keepers of the archives obviously didn't do a very good job. Thank you, Starscream." He struggled up. "Now, as I'm the Leader of Cybertron, and as such, can even order the honorable Rector Convoy around... I'm relieving you from your punishment for the rest of this orn. You need to rest a little bit, anyway. And I want you to do your best on tomorrow's test, too. Could you escort me to my private quarters? My back is still sore, and it wouldn't do any good to my image if I fell flat on my face."
"You don't have to do that though I do appreciate it," Starscream responded. He reached over to help Prime sit up though, nodding to his request. "Of course." He was actually rather elated at that request - he had no idea where Prime's quarters were and was about to find out.
"Thank you." Optimus stood and stretched, then twitched and clicked painfully. "Warn me next time if I'm being such a sparkling..." He shook his head and waving goodbye to the medics and started to walk toward the quarters of the teachers. "Starscream..." he began, after a few minutes "May I ask what you are working on?"
Starscream looked up at him then back down the corridor. "A...lot of things on and off," he admitted. "The one that's closest to completion though is a weapon I got the idea for in one of Ironhide's drills. Then there's something I thought of as an upgrade for someone in my aerial maneuvers class."
"Oh?" Optimus quirked an optic ridge at that. "Neither is something one would expect from you. You've made me curious."
The Seeker shot him a glare and huffed indignantly though he knew he deserved that. "He's having trouble keeping up with everyone else because of a structural flaw. If this works, it'll bypass that as well as make him valuable in combat." He moved his gaze back down the corridor. "Besides, it would suit him given his name."
"Don't be offended," Prime pleaded softly, running a hand down the other's arm. "It is nice of you that you think about your teammate. Seekers are never loners. And pray tell me, who is this unfortunate classmate?"
"Skywarp." The Seeker shrugged uncomfortably. "He's not particularly bright either - he'll never pass without help."
"Be there for him," Optimus suggested. "Making allies is an advantage in military schooling. Who knows what he will become... I remember him; indeed not the greatest student when it comes to theoretical subjects, but he excels in the practical ones." He paused a little. "I think you could make him a fine soldier."
Starscream frowned at that. He thought Prime was reading a little too much into it, but he did not comment. "He's not exactly smart, but he tries his hardest even though that techno-vulture of an instructor keeps making him perform maneuvers she knows he hasn't gotten the hang of yet or doesn't understand."
"Maybe she's trying to get him into practicing...?" Prime suggested. Sixwing WAS a good instructor; Seekers she trained were the best.
"Maybe," Starscream muttered. He doubted it - he had seen Skywarp practicing between classes. "It won't make any difference if this upgrade works anyway, but I won't know until I've installed it in him. I've designed it according to his structural flaw, so I can't test it myself."
"Perhaps it'd be good to consult with a medic before?" Prime pondered. "Any upgrade could twist one's insides, and I'm sure you don't want to hurt Skywarp. I doubt that'd do any good to your reputation." He turned left on the corridor, and eventually stopped in front of a door. This was his temporary accommodation for the time he taught on the Academy. It was easier to have a room here than coming in every morning.
"I was going to ask a medic to oversee the installation when I was finished." Starscream looked up at the door, taking note of its number and how they got there for future reference. "Will that be all?"
"For the time being. Thank you, Starscream." Optimus smiled. "Have a good rest, and we'll meet tomorrow in class."
"You too - see you then." Starscream nodded and turned to head back to his own quarters, his wings betraying his elation that Prime was actually looking forward to seeing some of his projects.
~tbc~