The message was received loud and clear, despite Starscream's plaintive, intensifying whimpering at the increased pressure on his wing. Sharpened fingers reflexively shot up and dug forcefully into the plating of Megatron's considerably sizable forearm, though he mad no attempt to actually try and pry the hand off his person. Nor did he make any attempt to explain or deny the accusations buried in that threat.

"I don't suppose usefulness could be proven through other means," he managed to grit out, just barely keeping his tone level despite his increasing fear and indignant rage. "Perhaps by assisting in conducting my own investigation in the matter?" His eyes glinted with a dangerous loathing; he didn't need Soundwave sticking his servos in where they didn't belong, on top of everything else.