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

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.]

Yes.

Limitations.

I can agree to that, as I once did. I do not want to destroy...everything.

[He didn't. He was not nearly that jaded, yet.]

Perhaps you will permit me to discuss your words with you, then. There may yet be a solution...

...and if you do not intend to return with me, then I do intend to take what knowledge I can from you, first.

[And now the bait.] We could meet somewhere public, and enjoy dinner.

It's a good thing to hear, Megatron. [He believes you, as before.]

But it's one thing to say it, to know that it's necessary, and another to hold to it when pressed. And pressed hard. The Senate, the Autobots, the war, will do this.

Escalation is easy when it comes in small steps. You loose ground on your own values every time you concede them, even a little, just to win.

[If only it could stay that way... but could Wing prevent it all on his own? Was it even preventable?]

I hold hope for any solution until it's exhausted.

...but I have not yet decided whether to stay or to go. There are many factors, including equally compelling duties I have here. [And...Drift.]

[But this gives him an idea.] If you want to continue trying to convince in person, that can be arranged. Regardless of what I decide, I can at least begin to impart the knowledge and wisdom that I have.

I know. [He knows.] I understand that this war will warp intentions. Mine. The Autobots. The populace. I'd be naive to think things will not change even beyond my current plans.

But isn't the option to try better than naught?

[He wants to actually manage to achieve the goals he sets out with, after all.]

I would have expected no less from you. You did hold strong with having a purpose. With making a difference.

It would still be a shame for you to say goodbye to Drift, however. [Since the other has as much said he will come.]

Is the Hub establishment usually open?

[A nod.]

Our world needed change. I will make no argument in that. But...how do we know where things went wrong?

[The chain of events is powerfully large.]

I'm not the only one who wants to make a difference. [Drift had even better reasons to want it.]

I...admit I am loathe to be separated from him. [He doesn't even want to think about it really. He doesn't have to choose yet, right?]

It is. I think that would suit fine. Why not this evening then?

You would know better than I.

[It's why he's asking you. And Drift. And...everyone.]

I can see why. He thinks much of you. [Granted, Drift might have sacrificed himself for anyone simply to prove a point--but the way he reacted to Megatron talking about Wing, in particular, was interesting.]
Which is why I believe you would be better served returning with me, together. You can provide the moral compass, and he the...ah...intimate memories of what occurred.

[He makes sure the word 'intimate' is as rich and dark as possible.]

This evening shall do well. [A lovely thing to say right after that 'intimate.']

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

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