Darkness rising

Critical Hour, Fading Light

Silas's eyes narrowed as he heard the reports on the recent mission he sent Darkstriker and Airachnid at.

“He abandoned the mission?” Silas asked for clarification.

“Yes sir.” His subordinate replied,“He escaped with Airachnid while the Autobots and Decepticons were fighting. Or at least that's what he reported.”

Silas looked away from the subordinate, and stared at the scientists working on some computers, analysing some data, on the other side of the room.

The news was concerning for Silas. Especially after what the scientists had reported him earlier. Darkstriker's programming had deteriorated even more, and it was getting concerning. And he knew where all of this started, the root of this problem he was facing, Airachnid.

Silas narrowed his eyes in anger as he thought about the Cybertronian femme. It seems like Airachnid has gotten quite a bit of influence over his valued asset. Way too much influence for his liking.

“Call Darkstriker.” Silas commanded,“It's about time the puppy is reminded what its master is capable of.”
…

“You asked for me, Silas?” Jack questioned, as he entered the base.

Silas was standing there in the middle, his arms crossed in front of his chest, his brows furrowed and jaw clenched. His expression is unreadable, but as Jack approached him, he had a gut feeling that something was wrong. A sense of suppressed dread and danger clung to his mind.

“Yes.” Silas grufly replied,“I've heard the reports of your recent mission. And to say the least, I am…….. disappointed, in your performance.”

“What was I supposed to do?” Jack argued back, “Airachnid was injured and needed immediate help. Besides, it's not like we could have handled that engagement with both bots and cons getting involved.”

Silas didn't say anything. He simply turned around and started to walk, motioning for Jack to follow him. Jack didn't understand what was up with Silas, but he followed after the leader of MECH, and as he did so, the sense of unease he was feeling doubled.

Their footsteps clattered against the ground as Silas led him deeper into the base. A silence lingered between them, as other MECH personnel continued on with their tasks around them, a sense of coldness lingering in the base.

Jack's thoughts drifted as they continued on with their silent walk. He couldn't help but wonder what Silas was getting at. He could understand Silas being frustrated because of the last mission, but he didn't have a choice. Continuing on would have meant putting Airachnid in further risk, after she almost died at the hands of Dreadwing.

Of course he wasn't going to let anything happen to his Airachnid. And he himself was running low on energy and couldn't keep protecting her. So the best option for them was retreating.

But now as he walked along Silas, he could feel a sense of darkness from Silas, and he felt afraid. Jack was afraid to even think what Silas would do.

Silas looked back at him, and Jack felt a shudder. The look in Silas's eyes, it was almost predatory, hidden behind a layer of indifference. Silas looked back ahead as he spoke,“You have been spending time with Airachnid.”

Jack felt even more uneasy as he heard that statement. “Yes,” He replied, trying to sound nonchalant, “She is my partner.Is it wrong to spend time with her?

“Oh of course not.” Silas said, stopping in his path as he turned back and looked at Jack.

The teen stood there, as Silas stared him down, eyes blazing with intensity. He was a bit too close for comfort. Unease clawed Jack's skin.