So, what? This is how it's always gonna be? Buncha crazies can't get over old scrap running around killing each other? Aren't the big heads around here supposed to be lookin' out for that kind of thing?

I hate Decepticons much as the next Autobot worth their brand, but scrap if I'm gonna go out of my way to rip 'em apart for looking at me wrong.

... Punch 'em. Sure. But no one's gonna die 'cause of a punch.

Point is, this is stupid. When's someone gonna do something permanent about it? 'Cause obviously, just havin' a law enforcement team isn't doing anything.

Pretty damn near close to picking up my gun and doing something myself...

[And probably the only reason he hasn't is because -- well. What Would Optimus Prime Do?]

[He and his party have been returning for the last few days, a ragged, shaken group who are nevertheless still alive. They are survivors, and Megatron seems to take a sort of pride in that...walking tall and steady despite an obvious limp. A few blades are slung from his back like trophies, and one or two still have alien-looking hands attached at the hilt.]

I must admit concession to whoever told me it was folly to approach the badlands.

[Here he is. Returned. He wishes he could say it was a relief.]

You were right...

...but so was I.

[He tosses a blade down, letting it imbed in the safe soil at his feet.] Their numbers are greater than ours. If they should attack at full strength, I doubt we would last long.

So why do they not attack us yet?

[He smirks, but it's a bitter smirk.] I have a theory.

We may even be able to use it to our advantage.

Those who offered their support are welcome to this information. Those who did not? Well. We're all in this together, aren't we?

[It doesn't mean he's going to tell. Not right away.]

I'll be at the Hub if anyone wants to hear our stories. If there are any medics thinking about attending...you'll be needed.

[The ones who had come along had done amazingly given the lack of facilities and traveling circumstances, and more weren't going to hurt.]