re_alignment | [Video]

The video opens to white walls. What seems like the interior of Prima's temple, for anyone who's ever been there, but recognizable by design only. It's a room that's never been seen before by any Refugee.

In the background, voices can be heard murmuring. Some familiar, some not. One a deep, resonant growl - another smooth like oil. Prima's the one facing the camera, but behind him many of the other the Firstforged can be seen, apparently wrapping up a meeting of some sort...

...including one or two who haven't been seen before. One, wrapped in what looks like an energy sphere vanishes quickly in a flash of light, spacebridging away - of another, only a set of what look like steel, pleated wings are visible.

"We know many of you have questions about the...recent happenings," Prima begins, folding his hands behind him - the camera source seems to be from something other than his personal systems. "In the interest of efficiency, we invite you to ask them in a more direct manner."

"Remind me," an off-screen voice murmurs, utterly humorless, "To reinforce the defenses on my Temple. I don't want another one of your...creatures...messing up the place again."

Nexus, barely visible - even with his greater bulk - shrugs. "They're more than just 'creatures', and they're really not that bad, once you get to know 'em, I promise. So long as they're Marked..."

Prima briefly glances to the two arguing, then reaches forward to end the transmission.

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[Wing looks pensive and concerned, but it's obvious he's composed himself and his thoughts before initiating the transmission.]

Vector, Sir, I have questions if you are free and able. I shall endeavor to ask ones not already voiced by my fellows.

Ask them freely, then, Wing. I will answer as well as I can.

You have my thanks. [He nods with a smile, which thins as he sobers to his topic.]

First...for whatever it's worth...you and your brothers have my consolation given the current...challenges.

[Wing has seen enough of the other responses and heard directly from others. He doesn't need to ask for himself; he knows it won't alleviate his own feelings of helplessness.]

I've been trying to direct my own frustrations on the matter more constructively, but I have little direction to turn them in. But that brings me to my first question.

Please, tell me of Unicron?

[He seems braced for this. It's been riding in his mind for a while now and it's past time he asked for full disclosure.]

Second, you likely already know to some extent, but one of the Glyphless, Megatron, intends to build a portal here that he says can return people to their homes.

He's given me a copy of the plans, schematics.

I want to know if it works.

Unicron...

[...]

It would be best if I begun at the beginning. In the beginning, there was only Primus, and there was only Unicron. The Creator, and the Destroyer. The two have fought for ages, and are sworn enemies. Everything the other is not. Where Primus is the light that nurtures life, that which creates life...

...Unicron is the Chaosbringer. The World-Devourer. He is our Enemy. Indeed, Primus crafted us so that we may serve to eventually combat him, and to eventually defeat him, but until then...we have been tasked to prepare this world to house Primus, while He delays and grants us the time we need.

[and they are behind schedule. :[]

Still, Unicron has managed to...influence this place. The Badlands are his doing, as is the Lambda that has brought you all here in the first place. Originally, we thought he was simply calling warriors to serve him, but as time has moved on, we have learned that some of those brought here...are capable of far more.

[the comment about a portal...makes him blink. interest? perhaps, but also...something else]

I would...have to see them. To make a guess...

[Wing listens, absorbing everything with quiet reverence.]

And the Calling as well? That which we occasionally lose people to the Badlands because of? That we'll lose the Glyphless too eventually?

[Wing fully intends to go to the scientists he knows with these portal plans, but he also knows this place has a specific nature to that that only the Firstforged understand fully. And if there's any chance of constructing this portal and letting the Glypless escape before they turn...then Wing will use all the resources at his disposal.]

I can send you the files if you're willing to take a look. I would appreciate it greatly Sir.

Indeed. Were it up to him, he would remove the protections from all of you, and make you all his slaves.

I would certainly be interested in such schematics. Please, share them.

[He shudders slightly, because to say that sounds less then pleasant is putting it lightly.]

Thank you then, for your continued protection and shelter. [He ducks his head respectfully.] Many of us would be willing to fight for this cause, against Unicron, and for our own safety, but we all need knowledge; to understand the threat, and direction; a place to efforts.

[He forwards the complete plans, or at least, everything Megatron gave him.]

He is eager to begin and will do so as soon as he has able resources. News of the eventual fate of the Glyphless inspires him, and if it would work...if it would allow them to escape here before becoming lost to Unicron's influence, then the effort certainly has great merit. [He cycles a vent.] I worry about hidden costs though...

Thank you for accepting it. [he smiles thinly - hard to really be cheerful, given the situation - but he seems to mean it.] It is...becoming obvious that perhaps more should be shared, but...

[and there's /something/ there, something that he seems about to elaborate upon, but he cycles his vents and doesn't-quite-shrug his wings]

...it is for another discussion. We have our reasons.

I think...that if they are removed from this world, able to leave, then there should be safety. [he's got his hand at his chin, now, clearly thinking aloud] We have not been able to remove one so unmarked from Unicron's influence entirely, but if they were safe in their previous dimensions before...and we could use it to assist in returning those who would...want to leave...

[...]

I am concerned, however, if...it wasn't simply a matter of removing from the influence. If it would not be brought with them, back to their worlds. The descent...it is irreversible, and if that is so, removing them...may not be enough to save them.

[Wing returns the smile--they are rare enough these days that he'll take any opportunity to--and tilts his head in that inquisitive way he often does.]

It's admittedly difficult, being preyed upon by and unseen, unrealized enemy. One we don't know how to fight or defend against. It breeds latent fear and helplessness.

I don't doubt you and your brothers have reasons for your hesitation in sharing. But eventually that fear will wear us thin.

[He leaves it at that; hoping, trusting, that a more appropriate time will come.]

If Unicron's influence acts as a kind of taint...then spreading it to other dimensions would be a concern. [HE sighs. He doesn't like that notion much.] I suppose there's no way to truly test which theory is correct?

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