[Actionspam/Video - Demonstration in the Lightning Tag arena]

[notatraitoryet]

Normally, the massive Lightning Tag stadium at one end of Calibiri Park in Zone 1 is something of a fortress. It's hard to get into without a ticket or special permission, especially when there's not a match in progress. Today, though, the gates stand open, and there are mechs on stands outside them, calling for one and all to come on in and see

Comments

[thunder_cracked]

[Having abandoned the spectacle of the tree in disgust, Thundercracker found himself drawn to the announcement of some kind of aerial display. It turned out to be a sport, one that was supposedly very popular in the Nexus. His interest was piqued right up until 'THE ILLUSTRIOUS STARSCREAM, FOUNDER OF OUR GREAT SPORT' was introduced.

And there he was. The Starscream from his universe strutting out amongst the other two players, looking as smug and pleased with himself as ever. The pure showmanship made Thundercracker want to purge. What a mockery this was after seeing Starscream lead armiesStill, the blue seeker stayed and watched, paying close attention. He was unable to find fault in the sport itself or the impressive rigs and stellar players. There wasn't anything wrong with what Starscream had created... it was just the simple fact that this Starscream was nothing more than a rich bureaucrat that made Thundercracker's energon continue to boil. And if he was being honest, it was also how slagging satisfied he was with it

[thunder_cracked]

[It seems anger is the only emotion either of them can display right now]

Yes. You'll be the Starscream who got fat on profit and fame. I hope you enjoy yourself.

[notatraitoryet]

[Starscream just laughs.]

I can't believe you--you, my own brother--think that's why I do this.

[thunder_cracked]

Why else? Unless you're going to tell me its because you're bored.

I don't think I have to remind you that want of success is a very Starscream trait.

[notatraitoryet]

...No. That's not why. And I never said I didn't want success. There's no denying that it's good to be successful, here.

[thunder_cracked]

Care to tell me why then?

[notatraitoryet]

Do you even want to hear it?

[He's trying not to sound sullen, and...fails.]

[thunder_cracked]

Yes. It is...important that I know.

[Important for the sake of their trine bond, for the sake of TC's own sanity.]

[notatraitoryet]

[Starscream just looks at him for a long moment, optics narrowed slightly, trying to discern if he....should. Thundercracker is his brother, and it's Starscream's first instinct not to hold back...but he's not sure this Thundercracker can be counted as an ally. He's not even sure he should be counting him as 'brother'

It hurts to think that he can't trust Thundercracker, but frankly, he can't. Not until he's sure this warbird vision of his brother is on his side, not just tolerating him because he happens to be Starscream.]

::Not here. Not in public.:: [He pushes away from the wall.]

::Follow me?::

[thunder_cracked]

[He's a little surprised by the answer... Why couldn't he speak of it with others around? Perhaps he was up to something characteristically nefarious...]

[TC nods, waiting for Starscream to lead the way]

[notatraitoryet]

[Without a word, Starscream takes to the air, sending an encrypted message to the bodyguards scattered in the area not to follow. The airspace around and above the stadium itself is crowded, but farther out into the park the skies are mostly empty. He can afford to sneak the occasional look back at Thundercracker as he leads him away from the stadium.]

[thunder_cracked]

[Thundercracker takes to the sky after him, his optics trained firmly ahead, expression conflicted. Would Starscream be entirely honest with him about his motives? It wouldn't be surprising if his brother just told him what he thought he wanted to hear, just to salvage the situation. Then again, this Starscream was different....]

[notatraitoryet]

[And to be honest, Starscream isn't even sure yet if he's going to tell him the truth. For all that he's his brother, Thundercracker's still an unknown quantity...

Which is probably why Starscream's silent as he leads Thundercracker through the city, winding down a few levels and into one of the posh residential sectors of Zone 1. He targeted one of the buildings, a towering, elegant building that seemed swelled at the top by the tiered balconies installed to accommodate fliers. The one he aimed for was one of the highest.

Congrats, TC. Starscream's taking you home to his apartment.]

[thunder_cracked]

[The long trip is starting to irritate him- Is Starscream just stalling him to think up something to say? He hadn't expected to be taken this far from the celebration grounds... It was also possible his brother was leading him into some sort of trap... which, even though it hurt a bit to admit, he couldn't entirely rule out.

He looks surprised when their destination turns out to be a residential area...a very rich one.]

[notatraitoryet]

[A very rich one. Rich enough that there's security on the balcony that he deactivates remotely, a lock built into the complex doors into the apartment that reads his very energy signature before the doors disengage for him...

He stands in the threshold and looks at his brother.]

I'm sorry for the trip, Thundercracker. Wanted to go somewhere our privacy was assured.

[thunder_cracked]

[TC glances around, grudgingly impressed by the fancy surroundings. He hasn't been in or around anything this nice for a very long time. This prompts him to remember to be pissed off by Starscream's success.]

You live here? [He grunts in response]