╬ [Video] :: Location - The Hub

[young_upstart]

Okay, so I'm still a little...weirded out about this whole thing. I got that it's been at least several months or something since I was last here, and my last visit wasn't all that great, from what I'm remembering.

[Getting crushed with a giant hammer? Yeah, not a pleasant memory.]

Anyway, if anyone cares, I've got one of them glyph things now so I don't think I'll be losing it this time around- I hope, anyway.

[He taps a finger on his arm where the white insignia is, standing out against his more vivid color scheme.]

Oh yeah. By the way, the name's Hot Rod- not Rodimus or Rodimus Prime or whatever other fancy version there is out there. I doubt I'll hear the end of it, but a bot can try, right?

[Pausing for a moment, there's some slight hesitation before he finally continues.]

Um. I heard Ultra Magnus wasn't around any more. I think a couple of other guys from my...world, were around though, the last time I checked. Springer? And the...aw scrap, what was the name again...- well he kinda talked weird but yeah- if you guys are still around, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Comments

[primianpolarity]

[another pause. Prima seems to be considering how much to say...and when he speaks, his words are slow, clearly chosen carefully]

For a long time, those who went to the Badlands never returned. If we did see them, they were monsters - to be put down, and out of their misery.

For some time, there are those who have been...trickling back, wearing our Marks once more. I can count them on one hand.

But now, you, after we forsook you - and more, too, that we had thought long Lost.

[meditative? a little. he's watching Hot Rod closely, studying him for a reaction.]

[young_upstart]

[Oh, right. This was the one that liked to use a lot of words over the cut and dry. Folding his arms, Hot Rod listens, frowning a little.]

I heard that you guys couldn't bring back those wihout glyphs. So if this wasn't your doing, then how..?

[primianpolarity]

['not sure if should feel guilty/worried/alarmed/etc or not' is what it boils down to, kid]

If we knew how, then there would be no Lost, and the Badlands would have far, far less numbers in their thrall.

Someone else - or something else - has given you to us.

[young_upstart]

.....

[Well then. Just his luck?]

That makes me feel loads better.

[But not really.]

[primianpolarity]

[he could lie and be evasive if that'd make you feel better, Hot Rod. but.]

I felt it best to be honest in this situation.

[beat]

For what little it is worth, while you have the taint of the Badlands about you, it is no stronger than if another Marked ventured out and then back. Whatever power restored you, it is a sure one.

[young_upstart]

Oh no, don't get me wrong- I appreciate it the honesty, I do. I just... Well, what am I supposed to say to that?

[He sighs.]

So now what?

[primianpolarity]

[Prima echoes the sigh, resting his arm on his leg.]

Now...the same as any other Refugee, I suppose. You are welcome to stay, or to go; or to take what guidance we can give you in purging the Badlands completely, and allowing those who wish to go back whence they came to go back.

[young_upstart]

I don't know where else I'd go...

...I'd like to think I was brought back for a reason. If there's anything to be done about the Badlands, I'll help if I can.

[primianpolarity]

[a slow nod, and an almost rueful smile.]

Help would be welcome. My quadrant is the furthest away, but there is the occasional creature that lurks about its edges.

[young_upstart]

Guess I need to make myself useful somehow. I don't want my skills going rusty on me!

[A faint smile quirks at his own mouth as he shrugs.]

[primianpolarity]

[...is that a smile of Prima's own? must a be a trick of the...light.]

Very well, then. Shall I have my Acolytes escort you out?

[young_upstart]

Um, nah. I think I can find my own way out, thanks.