S T A R F O R M E R S

WHO: Jane, Starscream, others
WHERE: The Belt, followed by The Steadfast
WHEN: Sometime after this encounter at the Galactic Council
WHAT: What appears to be a routine scouting mission goes sideways as the First Order tries to forcefully determine Jane's real allegiance...
WARNINGS: TBD

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The modifications that Starscream had asked Knock Out to make to his alt mode were holding up to the unique rigors of space flight, and that pleased him. For all his preening and questionable pedigree, the medic's actual skill was solid; Megatron would never have stood for an incompetent CMO, after all.

The changes Starscream had requested helped bridge the gap between an alt specifically designed for space flight verses the sub-atmospheric model he currently had scanned. More importantly, he'd demanded that Knock Out execute the changes with as little outward change to appearance as possible. It wasn't vanity - the Parliament had put restrictions on allowing him upgrades. He was a high risk individual. In reality, it was just another way for them to exert their control over him.

So Starscream had called in his standing favour with Knock Out. True, he might have liked to hoard that leverage a while longer, but needs must. Knock Out's own censure would almost certainly be extended if the Parliament found out he'd done the work on Starscream behind their backs. He might even lose his position with the Iaconian Medical Division, or be demoted and the care of the protoforms assigned to someone else. So some considerable incentive had to be supplied.

Starscream didn't bat an optic at using Knock Out's deceased partner as a bargaining chip. Sentiment was for fools and sparklings. And if Knock Out hadn't spoken more than a few words to him since, well... he'd get over it. Probably.

In the meantime, Starscream had other engagements to hold his attention. Such as accompanying Jane on what was supposed to be a routine scouting mission into the Dubrillion system, targeting an area referred to as The Belt. It would be tight, tricky flying - apparently pilots trained there to hone their skills - but he suspected neither he nor Jane would have a difficult time with their respective expertise. It would still make for an enjoyable outing.