[Priority Broadcast][Video - backdated to Wednesday]

[megatronicpolarity]

[The feed opens to a view of Megatronus Prime, a bloodied sword in hand. He gives it a hard flick to clear the worst of the gore from his blade, and a chunk of what used to be one of the monstrous centipedes flies off and knocks a nearby Acolyte in the head. It stumbles out of frame. Megatronus doesn't pay it any mind and addresses his audience:]

I imagine few of you will argue with me if I say that our guests have overstayed their welcome. Hospitality has its limits, after all.

[Besides which, he certainly never invited them to visit in the first place. Rude, centipedes. Very rude.]

When the creatures of the Badlands haven't the sense to retreat of their own volition, I find that a concentrated application of brute force is often enough to convince them of their error. My kin and I have determined that these monsters are likely led by a demon hiding at the core of an offshoot of the Badlands – if you've wandered outside of the Haven, you've likely noticed the approaching darkness. That is where we will be applying our force.

- and when I say 'we,' I don't simply mean my brothers and I.

Refugees, I call on you for volunteers who can fight; failing that, I'll accept volunteers who think they can fight. Anyone with a skill that would serve them well in combat, or those capable of supporting combatants. What you lack in size or experience can be compensated for through other means. I am willing to offer what gifts I can to those willing to fight in order to improve the likelihood of your... success.

[Survival. The word he means is 'survival.' Dragging Refugees to the heart of enemy territory often ends poorly for the weaker members of the group, but it's a necessary sacrifice.]

Unless, of course, you'd all rather be subject to regular attacks within the Haven. For those of you that care enough about your friends and your place here to act, I will be waiting for you in my arena. The Acolytes will direct you if you cannot find your way.

If you bear my Glyph, I expect to see you there.

[OOC note: there's a companion log to this post up over here for those who want to sign up their characters and collect a temporary boon ICly!]

Comments

[lifepersists]

[ It's your biggest fan! ]

I'll meet you there, but I do have a question. I've never been to the Badlands. Do you want me in, ah, combat or support?

[megatronicpolarity]

[If only that were true in the physical sense, as well...]

That depends. How much combat experience do you have?

[Hear: have you ever actually shot anyone, or only been shot at?]

[aerospacecommander]

You almost sound like you expect us all to die.

[megatronicpolarity]

Only the inept among you.

[Note the pointed look in your direction, Starscream.]

[knightinbluearmor]

I wish to join you in this fight. But I heard that the Badlands "call" some of... us. We might lose soldiers to it during the fight.

[megatronicpolarity]

I've lived on this planet longer than most of you can expect to exist. I am well aware of the dangers. Consider that if we do nothing, we are guaranteed to lose people.

As long as you are aware of the Calling, you have the opportunity to fight it. Those who are ignorant of its power are the most easily taken.

[raceme]

I'm in.

[megatronicpolarity]

I'd be disappointed in you if you weren't.

[youdiedagain]

I'll join your ranks.

[Because he's tired of waiting around.]

[megatronicpolarity]

If only temporarily. You're one of Vector's, aren't you?

[songofmypeople]

[He's sure of his fighting prowess and he does prefer a team assault... but on the other hand, he's not so keen to do any favours or fight someone else's battle. Especially when he's not the one calling the shots. Plus he just plain doesn't like this particular messenger]

Hm. What sort of "gifts" should we be expecting?

[megatronicpolarity]

[Come now, Tarn, even the centipedes are team players.]

In whatever form they would be most useful. I have a particular fondness for destructive potential.

[Megatronus lifts a hand, letting a fireball grow in his palm and then fade out of existence. For the low, low price of doing exactly what he tells you to do, you too could be capable of setting things on fire with your mind!]

... but some of your fellow refugees may find greater utility in additional armor instead.

[rednotbluethx]

Aw, yeah, y'know I'm in! I'll paint dis town nice an' pretty wit' the blood of those fraggin' monster bugs, ain't no problem!

[megatronicpolarity]

There's certainly enough of them for that. I believe I prefer the look of their carapaces mounted on my walls.

Of course, I've also been informed that I have poor taste in decor.

[winged_knight]

If I can help cleanse this place and end this madness then I am with you.

[They'd been wanting a way to fight, a way to actually participate in this war that seems so intent on involving them. He offered before; it's good to get a opportunity to maybe make a difference in all this. Because there's no reasoning with these things.]

[megatronicpolarity]

[Megatronus was absolutely the mech to engage if they wanted to pursue the most physical route to helping out with the recent crisis.]

Good. I trust you'll be more help than hindrance?

[He hasn't, after all, actually seen Wing fight in person.]

[skidaddle]

Mmm...so we'll be cutting the 'head' off of the source.

That's tactical thinking, there.

Where do I sign up?

Er, besides the arena. That was more of a theoretical question.

[Get it? Since he's a theoretician....nevermind.]

[megatronicpolarity]

Contrary to the stereotypes surrounding those who share my alt mode, we are in fact capable of thinking ahead.

[Not that they have much choice in their plan of attack, this time. Either they kill the leader, or they deal with an infestation forevermore.

It doesn't take a great general to figure out the logical course of action.]

Expressing interest here is sufficient. Are you equipped for combat?

[originaldragoon]

I will join.

[megatronicpolarity]

[Megatronus appears somewhat doubtful. This creature seems awfully small and fleshy to be fighting.]

Perhaps you will. Have you fought any of the creatures within the Haven?

[warborn]

About time.

[megatronicpolarity]

So kind of you to wait for me.

[Those who don't bother to organize monster-killing excursions themselves don't get to make sassy comments about the timing of said excursions.]

Maximus, is it?

[showboater]

Oh good.

[megatronicpolarity]

It surprises me to see an organic enthusiastic to face a horde of larger machines.

[He's not displeased, though - it's a fitting attitude, for an organic who carries his symbol.]

[glacius_passio]

I think I could use a good fight~.

[megatronicpolarity]

I think they'll give you more than that. Remember that there will be more of them inside their own territory.

[littlecrowgirl]

Mr. Megatronus! Let me try again!

[Of all people--GO AWAY, KAY.]

[thxforthememories]

Kay! No!

[Video]

[treacherous_widow]

It sounds like someone is finally doing something useful.

Usually, I would tell someone with the word "Megatron" in their name to go scrap themselves, but, this seems to be more interesting. Count me in for either combat or support. Whatever.

Besides, I'm curious of where exactly those nasty bugs are coming from.

[Video]

[megatronicpolarity]

I've never had a great tolerance for idleness.

Try not to judge me by the actions of those ancestors who've taken my name. Thus far, I've seen optic to optic with very few of them.

[Not that he'd likely act any different than the average Megatron does if he were placed in their circumstances, but he still finds the Autobot-Decepticon conflict a waste of time.]

Nowhere pleasant. Once we have put their leader to rest, however, you'll have the opportunity to explore the area if you so desire.

[noparachutes]

Their tunneling is becoming, troublesome. Driller and I will be there.

[megatronicpolarity]

I've noticed. The creatures have kept my Acolytes entirely occupied with repairs, recently.

[That fact may or may not have something to do with him putting his foot down and deciding enough is enough.]

Driller will surely enjoy the opportunity to hunt freely. As for you - what additional support would you request?

[arnhaid]

About time someone gets off their backside and does somethin'.

I'm going.

[megatronicpolarity]

I'd ask what boon would benefit you most for the task, but as Trion tells it you're not lacking in ferocity or strength.

[He's mirthful just at the memory of it. Refugees who have the bearings to hit a Firstforged are few and far between, though Alpha Trion is such a strange choice of targets for one's rage that it had made him laugh when he first heard of it.]

[cliffjumper]

Like the others said, I'm comin' as well.

[Even if he doesn't trust you further than he could toss you, sir, and that's... not at all.]

Do we even know what we're facin' except more bugs?

[Cliffjumper frowns as he says it, wondering if it'd be okay to go for the cannon in this instance. Here, Megatronus, have another tiny one.]

[megatronicpolarity]

Without sending a sacrificial scout to the core of the area to report back - no, we don't. However, this is not the first occasion on which I've led an incursion into the Badlands.

[Not all of which ended in disaster, even!]

You can expect it to be dark, and you can expect anomalous sensor readings. Sometimes even voices, or visions out of the corner of your optic. Ignore them. The Badlands do everything in their power to distract and tear members away from assault groups. As for the ringleader of these monsters... expect it to be large. Potentially Unicronian as well, though they're generally more subtle in their tactics than this.

[Video]

[deusrexmachina]

Organized assault time, huh? Going right into the lair of the big bad can really suck, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Count me in.

[Video]

[megatronicpolarity]

Better to face them in battle than to face one of them looming over you when you wake.

[Having experienced it himself, he could assure you that that really, really sucks.]

Have you what you need to fight them?

[He's getting a lot more organics signing up for this than he thought he would, and Megatronus still isn't convinced they won't all make unappealing squishing noises when faced with something ten times their size and composed entirely of armor and sharp teeth.]

( video )

[pendragon]

I concur. These guests have been here for far too long.

[ The knight raises a hand to her chest in a respectful motion. ]

I will be there.

( video )

[megatronicpolarity]

Exactly my sentiments.

[Although, while he appreciates that they share their outlook on the situation - the journey to the Badlands offshoot in question is a significant trip for a human. None of them will be of much use if they're exhausted by the time they get there.]

Will you require a means of transportation?

[headcollector]

Will go.

Hate bugs.

[ Besides, something to take his frustration out on. Also figure out what he wants to do from there. ]

What kinda gifts?

I should probably be disappointed with myself that this isn't a fake tag...

[megatronicpolarity]

[His newest acquisition may not be the most eloquent, but he's clearly got what really matters: a passion for crushing things he doesn't like.]

Have you ever wanted to kill something with fire?

[Megatronus motions at one of his Acolytes. It carries over the centipede leg and bit of torso that he inadvertently flung at it ealier, and drops it in his hand. Before the Acolyte can fully step clear, what remains of the monster is flaming, melting and dribbling between Megatronus' fingers.]

If you're interested. There are other options, of course.

/sneaks in here

[ichooseboth]

[This can't end badly at ALL.]

I am going as well.

[megatronicpolarity]

I would expect nothing less of a fellow Prime.

[Make no mistake, however - he's giving Optimus the same critical optic he subjects his namesakes to. Is he worthy of the title?]

[Video]

[thermosomatic]

If you vill haff me, I vill gladly offer my services.

[whirr~]

Und pound zhem into scrap metal!

[What he may lack in information right now, he makes up for in enthusiasm, at least.]

[Video]

[megatronicpolarity]

[In Megatronus' mind, enthusiasm counts for a great deal more than being informed but reluctant would. Mechs with a taste for battle are always easier for him to understand.]

If that is an accurate portrayal of the nature of your services, consider yourself invited. The more of the creatures you can kill the easier it will be to advance.

[angleofscience]

[Being uncertain how closely he wants to approach this particular Firstforged or not, Jetfire doesn't avoid unpleasant situations just because the one making the call for participation sort of reminds him of somebody else...

So.]

I'll come, certainly. How much will this offhoot affect us while we go in? As usual, so we'll have to rely on our willpower and mental fortitude to... ah, stay on task?

[megatronicpolarity]

[Oh, he remembers you, Jetfire - still sensitive about your wings? Remember to keep them out of his reach!

Well, at least Jetfire gets right down to business and doesn't ask stupid questions. Megatronus can appreciate that much about the mech.]

It varies from mech to mech. You're not one of my own, so there's only so much I can do for you. Keep your wits about you and you should be fine - demons are not quite as adept as Unicronians are at manipulating the mind.

[invisiblepinkboat]

Coming.

[Elita frowns, knowing reasonably well what others have said about the Badlands and the effects...]

Unless they're all lurking underground, I can go ahead without being seen.

[Her camoflage doesn't work like Mirage's invisibility, but she's not been found yet... and these will be dumb mechanoid worms.]

[megatronicpolarity]

[Megatronus tips his head; he'll accept another on the team.]

I would advise against that tactic. Move out of sight of the group and you may not be able to find your way back. Navigating the Badlands can be problematic.