re_alignment | [Broadcasting from the tallest peak he can find in the junk pile.]

Entry tags:

!event: glyphless

[Broadcasting from the tallest peak he can find in the junk pile.]

[Someone has been through this before. Someone knows this drill. Someone has worked very, very hard to finally make it back to his Cybertron, only to find it all wrong. Again.

Someone probably has destroyed a few piles of junk in their anger.

However, someone also has paid attention to the communications on the network, and has ventured to the 'temples' that were mentioned, and has found them locked against him.

This someone is not surprised.]

Listen closely, and listen well.

[It is time to act. The feed opens with a closeup on Megatron's faceplates, optics blazing red, the scant remnants of gladiator paint still burned onto the metal.]

This is not where we belong, and I am done with this.

I am done with waking up to see an unfamiliar sun obscuring all-too-familiar stars. I am done with strangers being cast from world to world. I am done with mechs-who-would-be-gods so graciously patronizing us by allowing us to remain while simultaneously enforcing unethical segregation and I am done, finally, with the thwarting of destinies that I and my allies have slaved, toiled, and died to create.

You can listen to those who make the rules here if you desire to. I have heard a song like theirs, before.

Or.

[He flashes, briefly, a datapad that seems to have some sort of schematic on it--a schematic that looks (to those who are familiar with them) like a complicated space bridge.]

If you are 'done' as I am, you can help me.

I am Megatron, and I will deliver anyone that joins me to their rightful homes.

[A single, pointed tooth is visible in the smirk that finally dawns on his face. His interdimensional portal had only worked, once, but with the right mechs he would see it to completion again. Immediately.]

I guarantee it.

~~~~~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's good that Wing's had an opportunity to recoup after the past few weeks worth of whirlwind activity, because right on cue, things just even more interesting. He's not certain of a lot of things but he's certain that this broadcast is trouble, and it can't go unanswered.]

[But still, he knows he has to tread carefully, Megatron is a wordsmith of a caliber that even Wing has respect for.]

[He also chooses video feed, because he really wants to see if the Glyphless problem is going to complicate this even further.]

Megatron. [A greeting, in its most basic sense.]

That's a lot of claims to make, for one so newly arrived.

[Wait.]

Wing.

[He knows this mech. Oh, does he know this mech.]

[How lucky could a mech get, to find themselves with allies on a strange new world? He'd laugh, if he weren't still so angry about being on it in the first place.]

Do you intend to give me this same speech again?

Or do you doubt my offers?

[What.]

[He...knows my name.]

[.......why does he know my name?]

Edited 2012-11-07 05:00 (UTC)

[No. Stop. You're losing ground already. Or course he knows your name. He even said he's browsed the Link which you've very recently appeared on. It means nothing.]

[Still...there's something strange in that initial reaction. And what's this about speeches...?]

I'd rather discuss the points of yours.

And yes, I doubt them.

Good. So would I.

[He laughs, a low chuckle of amusement.] Then I never truly proved to you how much I was capable of?

[He locks this.]

I intend to do the same thing here I did before, nothing more.

And, as promised, if no one gets in my way, I will not have to harm anyone.

[He keeps his tone cool, even, and as neutral as possible. He has to make a conscious effort to keep his wing panels from rustling fretfully though.]

Starting off in agreement, an auspicious beginning. [Let's see how long it lasts.]

[Megatron...proving something to...Wing?] Since when did you need to?

[And a lock. Peculiar.]

How exactly do you intend to do that?

[Wing's not even certain what they're talking about, this is like some bizarre memory purge that isn't even his. But from a tactical standpoint he's not about to admit a weakness by way of lack of knowledge. Whole battles could be fought--and won--with words. He's not ready to give ground just yet.]

Lets just say I take particular amusement in ruffling you. [He has noted how strongly your wings are clamped down, and it is more than satisfactory.]

So.

You still think I have an ulterior motive? [He laughs.] You always were smart.

I do.

But in this case, my motives will not interfere with this planet's development. All I want is to build my portal and leave. That is all. Any others who wished to leave would be able to make use of it once I was gone, as well, so it would be to much benefit if you could direct me toward some scientists.

You enjoy seeing the effect you have on people. Ego. [He thinks it beneath you, you could be so much better than you are Megatron.] But why me?

I take no issue with that goal, assuming it verifies as achievable. The true question will be in regards to your methods and the cost of said goal. Same as it was during the war's beginning.

Already you seed unnecessary unrest to gather people to you. [He tilts his head.] And you alienate the greatest resource on this planet rather than attempting to parlay? Unless you've tried and failed already? [Unlikely, the trying part, but it's the message that counts: there are alternative means that could have been leveraged.]

I know several scientists. [The corner of his mouth twitches.] I'm sure they'll come forward if you ask nicely.

I take my entertainment where I can, Wing. It does not need to be as...negative...as you make it sound. Surely you enjoy making others smile through your actions?

[Something is not right, here. Wing's parley is similar to what he's used to, but the particular choice of argument differs. Hadn't they already discussed this?]

Seed unrest? You're blaming me for the fact that the Firstforged won't let me into their temples? For the fact that they've turned me away? [He snorts.] Do give me some credit.

I'm offering a way home. If you desire that I say 'please' along with that, then so be it. However, I will still need to be put in contact with them.

Touché. [Earth literature has certainly expanded his vocabulary. Also, the amount of familiarity in those words is...eerie.]

No, I'm not blaming you. [He muses.] Apparently we're short changing each other where credit is due. The Firstforged have made their choice yes, and I believe I know why, but you're using the situation it's created for your own gain.

As a matter of course, saying 'please' could go a long way. [Not the words alone, but acting on the principle behind them.]

[Wing sighs.] Resources here are very limited, both in tools, materials and manual labor. Your portal will divert resources from the completion of the rest of the Hub. We should make sure the logistics are sound--especially by way of materials--before doing anything. [He's fishing with that 'we', even if he has no idea what he'll catch.]

But a word warning Megatron... [Wing's pinions flare and his tone hardens, its steely core resonating past his usual softness.] Do NOT give these people false hope. The refugees here hail from a vast variety of universes and timestreams. Any who wish to leave should be able to, but do NOT promise that they can go home unless you are certain you can deliver for every. last. one.

It is not merely for my own gain.

However, I see your concern.

It is, now, as it has always been...every mechs choice where to place their efforts. I present only facts. Facts worded towards my goals, yes, but facts unadulterated nevertheless.

Given that this portal has worked before and that I am placing every fibre of my own hope in it, Knight, it does not ring falsely to me.

[Which brings him to this.]

You truly don't remember me, do you. You speak the same...you have the same desire to protect and to utilize yourself for the greater good. I know you.

But you weren't in Axiom.

True, though the benefit for others is secondary. But I am glad for it none-the-less.

Well and good. [Choice was always the part of Megatron's words that rang the most true for Wing. He's glad that hasn't changed.] We both know that well manipulated truths are far more guileful than outright lies. Still, I appreciate your candidness.

It's a hope none here have had even with the powers of demigods available. Please understand my level of concern, these people are downtrodden enough.

[...]

I remember you. ... But not in any familiar sense. I've heard of Axiom, but no. My residence previous to this was new Crystal City.

[There's an apology, some sympathy, waiting on the edge of his lipplates. But also questions. His flight panels do move this time, shifting and settling.]

It is the fact that they are downtrodden at all that concerns me. What has happened here?

[It was a change in topic, yes, but Wing at least seemed to understand what his intentions were. He did not feel the need to dwell on them further.]

I know of Crystal City. [That smirk. It's back.] I know the coordinates, too. A Neutral haven, preserving Cybertron's history and culture. Someplace you feel very protective toward. [He practically purrs the last part, paying particular attention to the way those panels of Wing's move.]

Where you met Drift.

He's worried about you, you know. [The smirk vanishes.] He believes you might try what your counterpart tried, and he knows it would succeed. [Is that a small bit of longing in his expression? It might be. It vanishes quickly, however.]

A great many things. Some of them thanks to hostile refugees, others because of the situation on the world itself. [The former is relatively self explanatory. The latter is more complex. He likely should not give up so much information, even if much of it is speculatory, but it needs to be said. Better from him than someone else.]

I fear...there is a quiet conflict here that is greater than all of us, yet we are caught in its midst. You already know this world is new. Primus has not yet claimed it. The Firstforged prepare for his arrival, for the beginnings of native life. But there is a contender: Unicron. The Badlands, the Calling, the Lambda are all his work. We're all here thanks to his chaotic influence. The Firstforged attempt to shelter us as best they can. You, and the rest of the newest arrivals, came directly after one of Unicron's incursions. It's made them wary.

[His mouth presses in a flat line. It's not a situation he likes, unseen enemies and unknown theology.]

I will help you with your portal Megatron. People don't deserve to be caught in this god-war, however subtle it is, especially the non-Cybertronians. I know that you'll pursue it and I won't have the populace divided, nor conflict over where tools and materials are used. It's in the best interests of everyone to work together.

[The references to Crystal city make him tense, unsettled, which he unsuccessfully tries to hide.] With the war concluded, Theophany's location is no longer secret.

[There's a flicker in his optics at Drift's name.]

You know a great deal. This...counterpart of mine trusted you with a great deal of information. [It's actually a question masquerading as a statement. And there's a twitch of an optic ridge at that expression...] What is it that my counterpart tried?

I have gotten that feeling. This whole 'Glyhless' phenomenon. [It does not impress him.] If there is any truth to us being 'monsters,' as I've been told, then it is to everyone's benefit to finish my portal.

Immediately.

[And to that...he inclines his head.] Which is why I appreciate your cooperation.

Now, and before.

[It is with regret that it has not endured. However, he may yet have the opportunity to sway this Knight again. It's being offered to him, even now.]

His trust was not easily given...but that was part of the arrangement. I did not want him to trust me, completely. [His smile bears a pointed fang.] I needed someone who was unafraid to tell me when I'd overstepped my bounds.

He knew that returning to his world would lead only to death, so he agreed to return with me to mine, instead.

To save Cybertron.

[Assuming it's the location that corrupts and not a seed planted in each Glyphless mind... but Wing has no way to know for certain. An unknown isn't enough to keep people from their homes.]

[He nods.]

I will speak to the scientists and engineers I know, but they will need more than words to be convinced. Can you furnish plans for said portal, something I can bring to them? If they agree and verify the plausibility of the project, then I'll speak to the other authorities here in an effort to get full sanction.

[He may be tempted to take you on your word Megatron, but the others will definitely not.]

Arrangement? [They're like bread crumbs, laid out for him to follow. He knows it, but what other options does he have other than to take, and go where they lead?] I'd say you chose well then.

I have no desire to return myself, I have purpose here.

[But...that notion gives him pause.]

.....how, exactly?

[He snorts.] If you think your Firstforged will help us, then by all means.

[A copy of his schematic is forwarded. It seems complete enough, though there have been many edits made at many dates by many people. It has been an ongoing project for a long time.]

Indeed, I would appreciate the assistance. [See, he's trying? Trying to be nice.] From anyone.

A purpose is a noble thing to have, Knight. [In fact, his words are softer overall...more breadcrumbs, perhaps, or merely nostalgia.] Yours had been to keep me on the path that I had set.

To prevent me from straying, as all Megatrons eventually do. To show me ways I can be merciful, or tell me when I should say 'please.' [A bit of a smirk, since in some ways you have even done this for him, here.]

It seems I will have to police myself, this time.

A pity.

You were so very...good...at it.

[His mouth twitches again.] No, I meant my peers on the law committee. [ Then he sobers again.] However I do intend to seek Vector Prime's counsel on various things.

[Wing examines the schematics. He's no engineer but they certainly look legitimate enough.] Thank you. I will see to this as soon as possible.

With a purpose we are driven, we move ourselves and the things around us. Without one, we are subject to the flow, and it moves us. [His own words soften, because Wing has been both in his life.]

[The emphasis on good is not lost on Wing, though he doesn't want to know all the contexts in which it applies. Except that he does.]

So you chose a Knight as you moral keeper? Interesting. [He muses.] How would your forces take that I wonder?

[The picture has been forming in his mind: what if Megatron returns. Wing doesn't like it much, though he understands his counterpart's choice. But it's complicated for him. He has duty here, and... commitments.]

And... In this Axiom. Was Drift there?

Hm. [He keeps hearing about this Law Committee. It's a novel concept...one he might have approved of. Once.] I'd be interested in hearing how that goes.

[However, he doesn't intend to wait on any committees to begin. He's impatient for this, and he keeps hearing dark whispers about these lack of Glyphs.]

Few learn that in a lifetime. Few realize what work it is to wrangle destiny, and steer it as they wish.
Few want to.

[He laughs.] But what is so strange about choosing a Knight? You know how to fight, Wing, and you know when to fight. If my mechs have an issue with that they can take it up with me. [A thumb points to the center of his torso.]

I doubt they would, however. Our end goal is equality. Peace. Strength. [He'd see to that. He'd enforce that.] Do those sound familiar?

[The next question makes more sense, at least.] He was. Briefly.

I'll let you know when I have something to share.

[Wing is...eager to begin. His impatience is tempered with understandable caution.]

Most lack not the ability but the perspective to learn it. It's always there in front of us, but takes a broad view of life to see it.

Not strange, more...novel, unexpected. [He admits it has a certain poetry to it. If only that counted for something in the end.] It's not so much that they'd voice it, but that, for one who rules through strength and superiority, sowing deference to another might be seen as a sign of weakness...?

Equality and peace yes, but strength is a tool. The means, not the ends.

....briefly? [That's not ominous.] What happened?

I'm Megatron, Wing.

I'll be returning through a portal with new warriors at my side who hail from the future. I hardly think that can be seen as weak, unless you intend to spend all day talking about whatever polish it is that's keeping you so gleaming.

[Don't mind him. He actually likes the gleam, not that he'd ever say so. It's much more fun to get a mech dirty when they're already clean...]

Strength is a goal, Wing, through which we can furnish and protect our world. It's what we make it to be.

[It was an easy goal to set, as well--to get stronger. To gain power. To better oneself.]

He was one of the lucky few who was able to return to their home. [That is all.]

In light of such an impressive show I don't image they would question no.

[Maintaining a reputation whe you're at you best is easy though, it's when you're not, when people start looking for flaws to exploit, that concerns him. Wing doubts he could stay removed from Decpticon internal politics.]

[But there's an ironic question, who would buff his wing panels for him? Who to trust? It's an odd notion considering the same question held such different connotations in Crystal City.]

Strength also tends to demand its use, what do you do when it's use is not necessary? And when you rule by it, it often demands to be proven. How do you accomplish that with moderation and restraint? [He shakes his head.] That philosophy lays the supporting foundation for so many of the things that destroyed our world.

On its own strength does not harm, but if it not humbled by its power and tempered by patience, it's easy to misuse.

My reputation is not as such that a constant show of intent is necessary.

We Decepticons have a common goal, right now. We have a common purpose.
Our strength will show in how we progress.

[He was not the wave, merely the conduit that directed its path.]

There are other ways to have strength than merely being powerful, after all. Words, for instance...which you know well.

You ask good questions, Wing. Have you never considered the effect your words could have to crowds willing to listen?

[He nods.]

I'm certain it will. But even if you must put limitations on it?

[When one creates a force and then lets it lose, one must also realize they give up all but the most basic ability to control it.]

This is true, though strength starts to become a metaphor for other things at that point. In which case...we're talking semantics.

[He flashes a brief grin.] And you answered few of them. [A handy redirection.] Yes. When times have required it, I have done so. [During their exodus from Cybertron, the beginnings of Crystal City and even here on an occasion or two. But always his words were meant to act as a balm to ease the masses, not drive them to action.]

[Broadcasting from the tallest peak he can find in the junk pile.]

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