re_alignment | [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

Well, you are standing on my stuff. ...And destroying some of it, it looks like. [Irritated glance.]

Me? Why wouldn't I talk to you? As for waiting- I knew you'd show up eventually. Now we just have to find Blackout.

Dirge.

There are hundreds of piles here.

[This look: -.- You are receiving it.]

[...]

[Until the look greatly changes, because this is unexpected.] What is the last thing you remember before coming here?

And...? [He did just say he hasn't finished transferring them all to his room yet, didn't he?]

Hmmm. I think I was in my office at the casino. Probably enjoying some of the profits. [Sigh, he misses it already.] Why?

You cannot possibly fit all this into one room.

Was Blackout still with us?

I know that. [Sheesh Magnum, there you are, treating him like he's stupid, again.]

I've commandeered some of the other rooms next to mine as well.

[The last question makes him frown.] No. But he's bound to show up here eventually.

There is also no way to patrol this entire pile.

Why not live here, instead?

[This...can't be true. It can't be...but it is.]

And the Malgian Starscream...how do you feel about him?

That's why I need to move it all indoors. I spend as much time here as I can but there are certain amenities at the temple that I would rather not give up.

[Dirge gives you a quizzical look.] You know how I feel about him. I still want him to repay me somehow for making me like this. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him around. What's with all the questions, anyway?

Edited 2012-11-08 04:28 (UTC)

You could try taping off segments that you wish to claim. [He's noticed that you already have the tape.]

It is merely a test--to confirm you are the correct Dirge and not an inferior copy. [He smirks.] Now I know it's true.

Which means we have work to do.

[He pauses.]

The fun kind.

[He glances at the roll in his hand, considering.] ...I think that would require a lot more tape.

Inferior? [How could he be any less inferior than he already was?] I can't even imagine what an inferior version of me would act like.

[Dirge's wings perk.] Really? Killing and looting and all that? You better not be leading me on- I've had an offer from another employer while you were gone.

I'll keep an optic out for you.

[He gestures.] An inferior version obviously would be one who didn't know what items were valuable to take.

[One optic narrows.] An inferior version might also be unintelligent enough to consider other offers when his Megatron has returned. [He remembers you dislike pain.]

...That would be a very sad version of me. [It makes him pout just thinking about it.]

[His wings start to pin back.] D-did I say I was considering them? It was only Swindle, anyway. He'd just use me like a slave again!

It would be. That version would not have the continued benefit of my tutelage.

[He smirks.] Nor would they be my air commander.

[Wait.]

Did you say Swindle? And again? [This he has to hear.]

I want those things. Very badly. [Especially his old title. It makes him feel like a real Starscream.]

I used to work for him. Me and Thrust. I kind of owe him for my activation.

Then you'll have them. Provided I'm satisfied with your performance, of course.

[Which he will be. He'll be very satisfied, since you don't remember that time that he killed you. The time that he...ruined. Everything.]

I think we can make this work to our advantage. He is a Decepticon, is he not?

Provided your orders are ones I'd enjoy following.

Really? And...technically. He wears the badge at the very least. Are we gonna do something nasty to Swindle?

Now, Dirge, you know it does not always work like that. [He gives the jet a sidelong glance.] You will have to do things you don't enjoy.

[The glance, however, morphs into one of his characteristic smirk.] But it makes the rest of the work that much more entertaining.

And no.

We aren't. We're going to offer him a deal. [Megatron had one he couldn't refuse.] How would you feel about outranking him?

It was worth a try. [Shrug] Let me just say that I tend to do a better job when its something I like.

A deal? No way! I refuse to give him anyth- did say outrank? [Dirge gets a disturbingly wide mischievous grin.]

Oh yes. Yes please. Are you going to contact him or shall I?

I've noticed.

[And he isn't always pleased with it, but he makes sure you know.]

Yes. I did say that. Have you kept in touch with him?

[Folds his arms] Didn't I just say he was offering me a job not too long ago?

That doesn't imply you've kept in contact.

While our last meeting was a bit... violent... he still told me to call him back if I changed my mind.

Violent?

[That isn't a surprise.] Do call him back, then.

And tell me... [Because he has to know.] Have you made any other allies besides him?

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

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