Session Start: Sun Oct 12 01:27:00 2003
[01:27] [narration] The Freedom is finally back home, more or less, and travelling through Autobot space. They've come to Autobot Midpoint Station 17 in hopes of resupplying what they couldn't get in the White Star universe, and catching up on recent events.
[01:28] * Comet is lounging around Astrometrics, waiting to see if he can get some leave time...
[01:28] <Cirrus> Docking procedure complete. We have clearence to disembark. NOW can I borrow some money?
[01:29] * Waitstate looks as if he's pleading with the heavens.
[01:29] * Sunspot is hanging around Engineering to make sure nothing goes horribly wrong with the docking.
[01:29] <Waitstate> Alright, fine. I guess it's been a while. *sigh*
[01:30] * Talis is in his quarters.
[01:30] * Sonix is waiting inside the station for as yet undisclosed reasons.
[01:30] * Waitstate transfers some credits into Cirrus' account.
[01:30] * Diecast sits, slouched, in his usual chair in the corner of the Neutral Ground bar. He stares blank-faced at the ground in front of him, where a set of cards is set out. He's in the middle of a game with himself, and as usual with this particular game, he's somehow managing to lose to himself.
[01:30] * Leroy sits in obs deck, snoozing lightly
[01:31] * Cirrus locks down his console, leaps from his chair, and bolts for the door.
[01:31] <Comet> [comm] Sir, if it's alright, I was wondering if I may go off-duty for a bit.
[01:31] <Waitstate> Just be careful! *shouts to a closing door*
[01:31] * Avalanche and Sarah watch the docking procedures from the obs deck.
[01:31] * Solder is in the Plaza.
[01:32] <Waitstate> [comm] Sure thing. I'm authorizing shore leave for everyone. Cirrus is on his way out, if you want to go with him.
[01:32] <Comet> [comm] Roger. Thanks, Sir.
[01:32] <Waitstate> Shore leave? Someone shoot me if I say something like that again...
[01:32] <Comet> [comm] Comet out.
[01:32] * Diecast perks up at Waitstate's announcement, briefly pondering leaving, but... not today. He resumes losing.
[01:33] * Comet leaves Astrometrics.
[01:33] [narration] The inside of the station is rather quiet, save only for the normal whirring on electronics and pressurization machinery.
[01:33] * Waitstate turns to Lilwall.
[01:34] <Waitstate> Warn the Plaza folks that we're opening up for business soon?
[01:34] * Admiral Lilwall sends a memo.
[01:34] [narration] Most White Stars are already exiting. they're in a new universe, time to explore!
[01:35] * Lifeblood is going over the medical supplies that need to be replenished.
[01:35] [narration] Meanwhile, station-side, a certain dark blue and green space fighter approaches the Freedom's dock. He stays where he can see it through a large celing-high window, gazing at it with red optics. A brief smile passes over his face, and he shrugs his shoulders as if he carries a large burden. His voice is heavy, familiar, and oddly soothing, "Well, seems I've found you" he says, leaning against the window with an arm that's too big for the rest of his body.
[01:35] * Sunspot finishes making notes about what supplies she'll need to pick up to get the ship back to 100% working order.
[01:37] <Waitstate> Well, I suppose one of us should check in with the station commander.
[01:38] <Admiral Lilwall> Have fun with that :)
[01:38] <Waitstate> heh, right. The ship's yours then.
[01:38] <Admiral Lilwall> I'm off to help with the supply pick ups.
[01:38] * Waitstate gets up and heads for the door.
[01:39] <Comet> [comm] Cirrus? It's Comet. I'm off-duty. You?
[01:39] <Admiral Lilwall> In which case, Lightning, you got command. Unless you wanna visit the Autobot station?
[01:39] <Lightning> Bah! Autobots.
[01:40] <Admiral Lilwall> Didn't think so. *exits with Waitstate*
[01:40] <Cirrus> [comm] I'm halfway to the docking port. I wanna check this place out!
[01:40] * Waitstate laughs.
[01:40] * Sonix notices the ship docking and makes his way to the docking port's entry to greet the newcomers.
[01:40] [narration] The Stranger stays at his post, keeping an optic on the large ships exit. His two enormous forearms, one with a colossal claw appendage extending off past the wrist and the other with a pair of missiles hanging off it, remain crossed on his chest. He's just waiting.
[01:41] <Comet> [comm] Cool. Can I come?
[01:41] <Cirrus> [comm] C'mon, sure! Bring money, hehe.
[01:41] <Comet> [comm] Um... where do I get money?
[01:42] <Cirrus> [comm] Umm... borrow it? or somethin'
[01:42] <Comet> [comm] Will it be necessary?
[01:45] * Solder enters the Obs Deck.
[01:45] <Admiral Lilwall> Let's hope we don't blow this one up, hm?
[01:45] <Cirrus> [comm] If ya wanna have fun, yeah!
[01:45] * Gearlock meanwhile is on obs deck. He'd seen the approaching ship and has just stood there, watching...
[01:45] <Solder> Man. Everytime, I forget how weird it is in here. Still is.
[01:45] <Admiral Lilwall> At least not till we're properly settled in anyway.
[01:46] <Waitstate> That's the general idea, yes.
[01:46] <Comet> [comm] Hrm. I'll just hang around and watch you play games. Anyway, wait up.
[01:46] * Gearlock pauses, glancing over his shoulder as Solder walks in. "Hullo mate," he greets the younger bot.
[01:46] <Waitstate> <Cirrus> [comm] Okie! I'll be at the airlock
[01:47] <Sunspot> [comm] Okay, Wait, I'm heading over to get what we need to get this ship in shape. You gonna go ahead and give me access to our credits for this?
[01:47] * Talis leaves his crew quarters and heads towards the plaza
[01:47] <Solder> Y'ello, Gearlock.
[01:48] <Solder> How's the view?
[01:48] <Waitstate> [comm] The account's open. Shouldn't be a problem Sunny.
[01:49] [narration] lift comes to a halt, the doors open and Phoenyx flies in, perching on Wait's shoulder as the lift resumes.
[01:49] <Sunspot> [comm] Thanks, Wait!
[01:49] * Gearlock chuckles faintly, arms folded and leaning back a bit where he stands in front of one of the windows. "Not too shabby. Same old hat I'm afraid," he replies, turning to gaze outside again. "Who's coming to visit...?"
[01:49] * Sonix waits in the shadows outside the airlock, just watching for now.
[01:49] <Waitstate> [Adam] Ow! Watch it!
[01:50] * Sunspot gets her list and her dragon and heads down to the station.
[01:50] * Phoenyx gives pleasant chirp hello.
[01:50] * Waitstate greets the bird and gives her a slight nudge.
[01:51] <Waitstate> You're squishing my partner a bit there.
[01:51] * Phoenyx turns around and stares at Wait's back from his shoulder.
[01:51] <Waitstate> [Adam] Hi!
[01:51] <Solder> Hm? Visit?
[01:52] <Waitstate> That's Adam. We're sorta... connected these days
[01:52] <Pheonyx> Squawk! *moves in for a closer look*
[01:53] * Adam looks like nothing more than a rather badly grafted-on piece of hardware in this form, though he does match Waitstate's design more or less.
[01:53] <Gearlock> "Ah, you didn't see the ship...? I suppose we will find out eventually," he murmurs, raising a hand to rub his chin thoughtfully. "Anyway, how've you been, lad?"
[01:55] * Phoenyx taps at Adam gently with her beak, curious as to where and when he came from.
[01:56] * Waitstate chuckles.
[01:56] <Waitstate> Adam, why don't you introduce yourself? Hold on, Lil.
[01:56] * Waitstate stops walking a moment.
[01:56] <Admiral Lilwall> Right, muted audio intake.
[01:56] * Adam transforms!
[01:57] <Adam> Tada! *bows* Pleased t'meetcha
[01:57] * Phoenyx jumps back into the air with a very loud squawk.
[01:57] * Adam is standing on Wait's other shoulder, and stumbles back when Phoenyx jolts.
[01:57] <Solder> I've... been better, I s'pose. All glitchy inside lately. Lifey says I can't use any of my gear, either.
[01:57] * Admiral Lilwall returns his hearing to normal.
[01:57] <Admiral Lilwall> You had to know that would happen.
[01:58] <Waitstate> I should have, yes. *helps Adam back into place*
[01:58] <Avalanche> So...you wanna go over to the station, Sarah? It's an Autobot station, so you should be okay. We'll stick together.
[01:58] <Adam> It's a good thing she wasn't my first encounter with you guys!
[01:58] * Gearlock raises a brow at Solder. "Oh, is that so? What's the matter?"
[01:58] * Phoenyx rests back on Wait's shoulder, not so curious anymore, knowing he's just another of those weird robot humans she's seen lately.
[01:59] * Cirrus waits impatiently at the airlock, bouncing like he has to pee.
[01:59] * Adam crawls back into place and resumes engine form.
[01:59] <Solder> Some higglety-pigglety 'bout my insides being too crosswired. I tell you, I've been fixing myself since I was just a wee droid! I know what I'm doin'!
[01:59] <Waitstate> [Adam] Just keep those talons off me and we can be friends, kay?
[02:00] * Phoenyx chatters/sings like she doesn't know what Waitstate is talking about.
[02:00] <Sarah> Okay, if you want to. It seems like it could be...interesting.
[02:00] <Admiral Lilwall> I guess Scamp's head needed a vacation.
[02:01] * Phoenyx chatters/sings like she doesn't know what Adam is talking about.
[02:02] * Gearlock chuckles faintly, looking back down at Solder agian. "Well, I'm afraid I've nothing to say about that," he replies. "I'm an engineer, not a medic. I'm curious though... what exactly is your 'gear'?"
[02:02] * Sonix smiles at the antics of Cirrus from his waiting/hiding spot.
[02:02] * Comet finally reaches Cirrus.
[02:03] <Cirrus> THERE you are!
[02:03] <Comet> Sorry, everyone's trying to get out at once. The lifts were kind of backed up.
[02:03] <Cirrus> You took forEVER
[02:03] <Comet> Sorry!
[02:03] <Comet> The lifts were backed up!
[02:03] <Comet> I ended up using the crawltubes.
[02:03] <Cirrus> Alright, alright. You ready?
[02:03] <Comet> Sure.
[02:04] <Cirrus> Let's go then! ^_^ *grabs Comet's hand and practically drags him across the threshold*
[02:05] * Sonix enjoys the spectacle.
[02:05] [narration] The Stranger quietly observes the airlock as Cirrus and Comet bolt through. No, keep waiting, that's not him- He'd recognize Waitstate from ten miles away. He shifts his weight onto his other foot, nervous about what's to come.
[02:05] <Solder> My medical equipment. I've got everything I ever needed built into me. Into this. *points to the third arm sprouting out of the top of his shoulder*
[02:05] * Comet is practically dragged across the threshold.
[02:06] * Cirrus buzzes right past the bot at the airlock, barely acknowledging him.
[02:06] * Gearlock eyes Solder's other arm and blinks. "Ah..." he murmurs, mollified. "In that case, perhaps you and Lifeblood ought to get you sorted out, hm?"
[02:06] <Solder> He won't.
[02:06] <Solder> Won't or can't. I forget which. Heh, I was unconscious, o'course!
[02:07] * Sonix nods as they run by, a grin still on his face.
[02:08] * Cirrus pulls Comet along, stopping only briefly to check a map for directions to the station's prominade.
[02:08] * Gearlock nods. "I see... it certainly sounds complicated. I'm feeling rather curious about what kind of people show up at the station here, though... I think I'll go down to see who's here. Care to join me, or do you have other pressing matters?"
[02:09] * Comet is jerked around.
[02:09] <Comet> Cirrus, what're you in such a hurry for?!
[02:09] <Solder> Not really, no. I'll go with'ya.
[02:10] <Cirrus> If we don't hurry we won't be there yet, silly
[02:10] <Comet> ...
[02:10] <Gearlock> "Ah, splendid!" He beams a smile at the little medic and then turns away from the window, strolling out of obs deck towards the docking bay where the ship has recently arrived...
[02:11] * Solder follows Gearlock.
[02:12] * Waitstate thumbs the airlock open.
[02:12] <Waitstate> Last chance to bail, birdy.
[02:12] <Comet> How much farther, Cirrus..?
[02:12] * Autumn Beauty arrives at the same airlock as Wait and co.
[02:13] * Phoenyx seems quite content to hang around on Waitstate's shoulder for the time being.
[02:13] <Cirrus> Just about... here! *rounds a corner, revealing a semi-bustling multi-level commerce area, with plenty of bright lights and colorful wares on display.
[02:13] * Waitstate shrugs and goes on through.
[02:13] * Gearlock strolls along at a leisurely pace and shows up with Solder at the docking bay. He seems mildly surprised at the assemblage of other people there. "I daresay," he murmurs to Solder, "Seems like someone important has shown up..."
[02:13] <Waitstate> I'll be at the stationmaster's office.
[02:13] [narration] The dark robot perks up as Waitstate steps through the Airlock. He straightens up, then begins to stride forwards, then.... just disappears into thin air.
[02:13] * Admiral Lilwall follows, wandering off to to do other stuff.
[02:14] * Comet thinks he felt his fluid pump leap into his throat from the sudden stop.
[02:14] <Cirrus> Wowww...
[02:14] * Autumn also follows, walking with a quick pace to get mingled into the crowds.
[02:14] * Sonix eyes the stranger and then decides to follow Lilwall.
[02:14] <Solder> Mebbe they're all just goin' on vacation?
[02:15] * Waitstate moves much more leasiurely than Cirrus, consults the map, and heads for a lift.
[02:15] <Admiral Lilwall> Coulda swore I just spotted Autumn. ...Nah.
[02:15] * Admiral Lilwall continues on into the commerce area.
[02:15] * Sonix catches up with Lilwall. "Ummm, hello?"
[02:15] * Bentnose appears in front of Waitstate, several strides ahead of him. A thin, cruel smile crosses his mouth. "Hello, Waitstate. Have fun dissapearing off the face of the universe?" He says, bowing slightly.
[02:16] * Waitstate stops suddenly.
[02:16] <Waitstate> Well this is a suprise.
[02:16] * Admiral Lilwall stops and turns.
[02:17] <Admiral Lilwall> Hello. Can I help you?
[02:17] <Sonix> Well, I rather hope so. My name is Sonix.
[02:17] * Bentnose releases the two missiles mounted on his left arm, sets them on the ground at his feet, and kicks them away. He then stands straight and spreads his arms, showing that he's unarmed.
[02:18] * Gearlock says nothing as he blinks... and turns slightly to watch Waitstate and Bentnose's encounter. He can't hear the conversation though. "Who's that talking with Waitstate?" he asks Solder.
[02:18] <Sonix> I was wondering where you were heading after you leave Station 17.
[02:18] <Waitstate> I'm suprised you found us so quickly. We just came back to... the neighborhood.
[02:18] * Pheonyx eyes Bentnose, untrustingly.
[02:18] <Solder> Ah... dunno. Never seen'em. Did you bring a gun?
[02:18] * Bentnose smiles and tilts his head, "It helps to have connections in the right places."
[02:19] <Waitstate> *eyes bentnose warily* That it does
[02:19] <Bentnose> "But," he continues, "That is not the matter at hand, is it? No, no it's not. I have information for you... no, not for you, no, for one of your crew members, yes."
[02:19] <Admiral Lilwall> To find some friends. Don't know where else along the way though, why do you ask?
[02:20] <Sonix> I'm...looking for transportation, you might say.
[02:20] <Waitstate> Magnum is dead. You know that.
[02:20] <Waitstate> So what else could you possibly want with us?
[02:21] <Admiral Lilwall> Where are you headed?
[02:21] <Sonix> Anywhere I can continue my research...
[02:21] <Comet> A game room?
[02:22] <Cirrus> Where? :D *looks around eagerly*
[02:22] <Comet> No, I mean... is this a game room?
[02:22] <Comet> I'm kind of blinded by the light... give me a few more minutes.
[02:23] * Bentnose laughs- a stunted, jerky laugh. "Oh, no, Magnum? He's not dead... completely dead, I should say. Yes, that is what I need to talk to you about, and someone else, as well..."
[02:23] <Admira -Lilwall> So, no where in particular?
[02:23] <Cirrus> Oh... *slightly disappointed* Nah, it's a mall!
[02:23] * Gearlock shakes his head, glancing over at Solder. "I have one subbed... what makes you think there'll be trouble...?"
[02:23] <Comet> Oh...
[02:24] <Waitstate> Don't be some slagging melodramatic. What is it you want? You know you're not one of my favorite people.
[02:24] <Comet> Well, malls have game rooms, right? Don't sound so disappointed.
[02:24] <Solder> Call me jumpy.
[02:25] * Bentnose crosses his arms behind his back, scraping the tip of his claw against the ground as he quickly strides up to Waitstate. He leans in, right up to the captain's head, and whispers somthing.
[02:25] <Sonix> In particular? Vendron 3.
[02:25] <Cirrus> Hey, that place looks fun! *points to a brightly lit store with lots of unidentifiable junk lining the shelves*
[02:26] <Comet> Okay.
[02:26] * Waitstate pushes Bentnose back.
[02:26] <Waitstate> You're a liar.
[02:26] <Admiral Lilwall> Hm, Vendron, A little bit out of the way, but close enough to our destination
[02:26] * Waitstate turns and tries to walk past Bentnose.
[02:26] <Waitstate> I have places to be.
[02:26] * Gearlock chuckles faintly. "I'm sure if trouble sprang up all the time, the captain would be accustomed to being accompanied by bodyguards...." He tilts his head a bit to continue watching the interaction between Waitstate and Bentnose. Seeing Wait's reaction though, makes him raise his brows. "Ah, it seems I am wrong."
[02:27] <Admiral Lilwall> I could arrange transport.
[02:27] <Solder> Right...
[02:27] * Bentnose strikes out at Waitstate with his claw, stopping it inches from his stomach. He glances sidelong at him, a terrible glare "Do not fuck with me," he growls, "You have no place more important to be right now."
[02:27] * Sonix smiles.
[02:28] <Bentnose> "Magnum was my friend," he continues, "He was my best friend. I'm doing this for HIM. Not for you. Not for anyone else."
[02:28] <Sonix> I would be quite grateful...since the Autobots repossesed my ship.
[02:28] <Waitstate> You tried to kill him!
[02:29] <Bentnose> "It happens," Bentnose growls, lowering his claw "Business at the time."
[02:29] * Cirrus heads inside, eagerly looking for neat stuff.
[02:30] <Admiral Lilwall> I imagine you have things you need to gather together before coming aboard?
[02:30] <Gearlock> "Oh dear." He subs in his sniper rifle. "Solder, forgive me for doubting you." He stands right where he is, in plain sight, and raises his rifle up to his shoulder where he can sight along the barrel at Bentnose...
[02:30] * Bentnose turns to face Waitstate again, locking optics. "Think for a moment, mon capitan," he says, "Yes, before you is one of the most wanted criminals in the galaxy. Allow me this one favor, yes, this one -freedom-... and I'll go quietly."
[02:31] * Bentnose will just escape again anyway. ^_~
[02:31] <Comet> <Solder> Be careful... I left mine onboard...
[02:31] * Sonix displays his three cassettes. This is pretty much everything.
[02:31] * Waitstate broods.
[02:32] * Comet follows Cirrus.
[02:32] <Gearlock> "At this range, I think I'll be fine. It is your captain who will need to be careful," he murmurs, locking his sights. "Is there any way you can inform Waitstate that I can fire when ready?"
[02:32] <Admiral Lilwall> Alright, I'll arrange it. For the time being though, I've got some other things to do. Part of our ship will be open to the public soon, if you wanted to have a look around later.
[02:32] * Phoenyx chirps quietly with disbelief.
[02:33] <Waitstate> Fine. But I have important business. Give me your comm frequency and I'll contact you when I'm done. We do this on my ship, under guard.
[02:33] * Sonix nods.
[02:34] <Sonix> Again, thank you very much.
[02:34] <Solder> I can try and comm him... I don't know if it'll be interecepted or not...
[02:34] * Bentnose steps back, arms spread acceptingly. "Yes, under your guard, yes that is fine..." he grumbles before relaying his comm frequency, "Let me know when you're ready... I'll be around."
[02:34] <Solder> [comm] Waitstate, do you read?
[02:34] * Bentnose promptly dissapears.
[02:35] <Comet> <Solder> ...he's gone.
[02:35] * Waitstate swipes the air where Bent was, but he's gone.
[02:35] * Phoenyx squawks before chirping away into Waitstate's audio.
[02:36] * Waitstate turns, noticing the comm was very short range.
[02:36] * Waitstate sees Solder and Gearlock.
[02:36] * Gearlock tenses. Ah great, either a cloaker or teleporter... nothing like a target that keeps disappearing. "I can see that," he grumbles. He lowers his rifle. "A most interesting confrontation... come with me lad, I'd like to know what just happened..." He starts striding forward towards Waitstate, not really looking back to see if Solder follows him.
[02:37] * Solder nods and follows.
[02:38] * Waitstate stays put, being only a short distance away.
[02:39] <Comet> Cirrrrrrus, how much can you spend, anyway?
[02:39] * Gearlock appraoches Waitstate, still armed. "Captain," he addresses the grey bot, "May I ask what who that was...?"
[02:40] * Solder stands just behind Gearlock.
[02:40] <Waitstate> an unfriendly aquaintence with disturbing news. I take it you were playing bodyguard back there?
[02:42] <Solder> Pretty much... just in the right place at the right time.
[02:42] <Gearlock> "Playing, sir? I must say, I took your safety into serious consideration," he replies, blinking a bit. Talk about being slighted!
[02:42] * Waitstate nods.
[02:42] <Waitstate> No offense intended. It's appreciated.
[02:43] * Waitstate gives Gearlock a look of apology.
[02:44] * Solder mutters to himself. "Pfeh. Autobots. Can't trust'em to do a damn thing..."
[02:45] <Waitstate> He's no Autobot, far as I know. He's for-hire scum.
[02:45] <Solder> Scum is scum.
[02:45] * Gearlock chuckles faintly. "No worries sir. It's the least I can do for being able to stay with the crew." He ignores the jab at Autobots; he's Neutral, sure, but he's still got faint loyalties. "For hire? Just who is he, and what did he want?"
[02:46] <Waitstate> I prefer my scum to wear a sigil. It lets you understand their motivation a bit better
[02:46] <Comet> * Solder shrugs. "To each his own. I prefer mine to wear my footprint."
[02:48] <Waitstate> His name's Bentnose. He's made a pretty ridiculous claim about some past and present crew and wants to meet about it. I trust him about as far as I can throw him, but he's generally a bot of his word, and he says he'll keep his distance after this.
[02:48] <Gearlock> "I daresay he's a rather pushy sort," he murmurs. "May I inquire as to what you mean by past and present crew...? What kind of claims was he making?"
[02:50] <Waitstate> It's something of a private matter, I'm afraid.
[02:50] <Waitstate> Still, if you're around later you're welcome to stand guard.
[02:50] <Solder> I'll hafta get my gun.
[02:50] <Waitstate> I don't trust him enough to meet in a place like this. I want him on my home turf.
[02:50] <Gearlock> "Of course, sir. I'd be honoured to be present for the meeting, if you allow it sir."
[02:51] * Waitstate nods.
[02:51] <Waitstate> I'll keep you in mind when the time comes.
[02:52] <Waitstate> In the meantime, the stationmaster is expecting me.
[02:53] <Solder> Can't we just off him?
[02:54] * Gearlock nods. "Do not let me keep you then sir," he says, subbing his rifle away.
[02:54] <Waitstate> a tempting thought, but I'd like to at least hear him out first.
[02:54] * Gearlock smiles faintly.
[02:54] <Solder> Oh, fine... see y'round, Boss.
[02:55] <Waitstate> Besides, this is Autobot space. They're funny about that sort of thing.
[02:55] * Waitstate nods to the two.
[02:55] * Solder snorts.
[02:55] * Solder nods back quickly. /:)
[02:56] <Comet> ...you're out of money ALREADY?!
[02:56] <Waitstate> I'll keep you two in mind when the time comes, as I said. Enjoy yourselves on the station in the mean time. I think the prominade is that direction *points*
[02:56] <Comet> You've got to be kidding, Cirrus...
[02:56] <Cirrus> But look at all this neat stuff!
[02:56] <Solder> Alright, sir.
[02:56] <Comet> But what are you going to DO with it?
[02:56] <Gearlock> "Of course. Thank you..." he nods again, and turns away to head towards the promenade, assuming that Solder will come with him...
[02:56] * Pheonyx flies off elsewhere as well.
[02:58] Solder follows Gearlock.
[02:58] * Cirrus looks at Comet like he just sprouted a third nose
[02:58] <Cirrus> That's a silly question :)
[02:58] <Gearlock> "I daresay, Solder. You certainly seem to have a grudge against Autobots," he chuckles, walking along with his slow, long-legged stride...
[02:59] <Solder> They earned it.
[03:00] <Gearlock> "I'm interested in hearing about it, if I may be so bold to ask."
[03:00] <Solder> They destroyed my home.
[03:00] <Comet> <Solder> Well... in that they didn't STOP the Decepticons from vaporizin' it.
[03:01] * Waitstate finishes his long-interrupted trip to the lift and heads up to the office level.
[03:02] <Gearlock> "It seems you're aware of the incongruency of your statement then," he murmurs. "Are you sure your comments aren't misplaced, lad?"
[03:02] <Solder> Eh? What?
[03:04] * Gearlock pauses, taking a moment to reword things a bit. "Are you sure you're blaming the right people for your misfortunes?"
[03:04] <Solder> Absolutely.
[03:04] * Waitstate arrives on a much more, well... boring looking deck, all beige and brown, and starts looking for the stationmaster's office,
[03:06] <Gearlock> "I see..." He's not sure if he even wants to know about this poor guy's reasoning for slamming Autobots. "Well, good luck to you then," he says, beaming a broad smile at the medic. "Hopefully we'll be able to depart soon so that this place doesn't chafe you too much."
[03:06] * Gearlock rubbed his Autobot sigil off long time ago. ;)
[03:06] <Waitstate> *mumbles* These numbers aren't even in order...
[03:07] * Waitstate finally finds the right door and thumbs the chime.
[03:07] <Hypersight> [comm] Enter.
[03:07] * Waitstate steps inside.
[03:08] * Hypersight looks up from the monitor embedded in his desk.
[03:08] <Hypersight> Can I help you?
[03:08] <Waitstate> Greetings commander, my name is Waitstate, captain of the Freedom
[03:08] <Solder> Hope so.
[03:08] <Hypersight> Ah, yes. You're a little late, captain.
[03:08] * Hypersight stands and offers his hand.
[03:09] <Waitstate> My apologies. I was detained *accepts the hand*
[03:09] <Hypersight> My name is Hypersight. I'm in charge of this piece of real estate.
[03:09] <Hypersight> Sit down.
[03:10] <Waitstate> You have a very nice station here, from what I've seen so far. *takes a seat* I appreciate your allowing us to dock.
[03:11] * Hypersight sits down.
[03:11] <Hypersight> Yeah, so far it's been out of the way of the battlefronts.
[03:11] <Hypersight> While that remains true, we'll have her in fine shape.
[03:12] <Waitstate> Last time I was in this sector, things were peaceful out here. But I've been out of the loop for some time now.
[03:13] <Hypersight> Out of the loop? I guess you'd have to be, to miss the war starting up again.
[03:13] <Hypersight> The Autobots aren't acknowledging it just yet.
[03:14] <Hypersight> But damn near everyone else sure is.
[03:14] <Hypersight> Skirmishing is skirmishing. But this is sonething else.
[03:14] <Hypersight> You can feel it down in your substructure.
[03:15] <Waitstate> how long as it been since the war expanded past Cybertron? I can't remember more than a skirmish or two myself.
[03:16] <Hypersight> The out-and-out space battles have only just started in the last dozen megacycles.
[03:17] <Hypersight> Like I said. Autobot command won't acknowledge that it's war, but anyone with at least a few sparking wires and a functional optic can see what Falcon is trying to do.
[03:18] * Sonix wanders back toward the Freedom to take Lilwall up on his offer.
[03:18] <Waitstate> Falcon?
[03:19] <Hypersight> Yeah. If you ask me, he's trying to take everyone's minds off his job and how they'd all rather have it.
[03:19] <Waitstate> I'm afraid you've lost me completely. Who is Falcon?
[03:20] <Hypersight> ...you really have been in a hole somewhere, huh?
[03:20] <Hypersight> Falcon is some kind of Decepticon middle management who's declared himself leader.
[03:21] <Waitstate> And wasn't immediately disintigrated by Galvatron? I find that hard to believe.
[03:21] <Hypersight> Which he can mostly enforce because he's got big muscle in the form of some super-bomber bastard who hurts to look at.
[03:21] <Hypersight> Galvatron is gone. Falcon claims he killed him.
[03:21] <Waitstate> I find that even harder to believe. Any proof?
[03:22] <Hypersight> No one believes it. Which is probably why Falcon's decided it's time to go to war.
[03:22] <Hypersight> If he could prove he aced Galvy, fine. No one would mess with him.
[03:22] <Waitstate> Definitely an effective distraction...
[03:22] <Waitstate> I'm glad I'm headed out to unclaimed space.
[03:22] <Hypersight> As it stands, he wants to direct all that "kill Falcon and take over the Decepticons" aggression somewhere else.
[03:22] <Hypersight> Like at us.
[03:23] <Waitstate> Smarter than most, isn't he?
[03:24] <Hypersight> Smart enough to claim he killed Galvatron.
[03:24] <Hypersight> Which is either smart or very, very stupid.
[03:24] <Waitstate> Point.
[03:25] <Hypersight> Anyway. Glad to hear you're headed out towards neutral space, if you don't want to fight. But I wouldn't count on neutral space being too neutral once things heat up a little.
[03:26] <Hypersight> When Decepticons crawled out of the Pit, not one of 'em was given optics that could see a white flag.
[03:26] * Waitstate laughs cynically.
[03:26] <Waitstate> Well, hopefully we're going far enough for it not to be a problem.
[03:27] <Hypersight> Well, if you ever need anything, be sure to remember Autobot Resupply Station 17.
[03:27] <Hypersight> Assuming we're still here.
[03:28] <Waitstate> I will at that. Your hospitality is most definitely appreciated.
[03:31] * Waitstate rises and offers his hand.
[03:31] <Waitstate> It's been good talking to you, Commander Hypersight.
[03:31] * Hypersight shakes Wait's hand.
[03:31] <Hypersight> Watch yourself out there.
[03:32] <Waitstate> Thank you, sir. You watch out for this place. I'd hate to see it go.
[03:37] * Waitstate departs the office and heads back to the ship.
[03:37] <Waitstate> [comm to Gearlock and Solder] You two still up for some guard duty?
[03:38] <Solder> [comm] My gun's on the ship, if it'll be clear for me to get it... or I can guard without it. Your call.
[03:39] <Waitstate> [comm] go get your gun, but hurry
[03:39] <Solder> [comm] Gotcha.
[03:39] * Hypersight goes back to drawing pictures of battleships blasting each other on Requisition Form DFV55-001R/For Use In Verifying Arrival Of Docking System Inspection Crew.
[03:39] * Solder sprints through the station to the airlock.
[03:40] <Comet> [comm] Cirrus, where are you? You lost me somewhere in here...
[03:40] * Gearlock raises a brow. [comm] "Certainly, sir. Where shall I meet you?"
[03:40] <Solder> [comm] Ready, Cap'n.
[03:41] <Waitstate> [comm] meet me at the airlock, thanks.
[03:41] <Gearlock> [comm] "Acknowledged, sir." And off he goes back towards the airlock...
[03:41] <Solder> [comm] I'll stay on the Freedom side; Gearlock, you take the station side. Good?
[03:42] <Waitstate> <Cirrus> [comm] I'm in the food court. They have the BEST enerfritters here!
[03:42] <Comet> [comm] ...where is the food court? And how are you affording enerfritters?
[03:42] <Gearlock> [comm to Solder] "Certainly."
[03:43] <Cirrus> [comm] Next to the armor-mart! I got money from *too garbled from talking while eating to understand*
[03:44] * Waitstate exits back into the station entryway.
[03:44] * Solder readies his rifle.
[03:44] * Comet sighs exasperatedly into the comm and looks for a map terminal.
[03:45] * Gearlock makes his way to the airlock, armed but looking rather calm about it. As he arrives, he greets Waitstate and Solder with a nod and says nothing.
[03:46] <Waitstate> Good...
[03:46] * Solder returns the nod.
[03:46] * Waitstate comms Bentnose.
[03:46] <Waitstate> I'm sure he'll be here soon
[03:47] <Solder> There's... no chance he's on the Freedom, is there? If the lock's open...
[03:47] <Waitstate> I keep better track of things than that, trust me
[03:48] [narration] At first there is the gentle whine of an engine, and then as it peaks, Bentnose appears behind Waitstate mere seconds later, hovering several feet off the ground. The thrusters in his heels cut, and he drops and crouches to the ground with tigerlike grace.
[03:48] <Solder> Right, Boss.
[03:48] <Bentnose> "It's nice to know you keep your appointments, captain", Bentnose says as he stands.
[03:49] * Gearlock doesn't raise his weapon immediately; the guy wanted to talk, not assassinate. He remains alert, but doesn't appear outwardly jumpy or agitated by Bentnose's sudden arrival.
[03:49] <Waitstate> See?
[03:49] * Solder keeps an optic open.
[03:51] <Waitstate> Alright, I've summoned the necessary crew to a conference room. I assume you're ready now?
[03:52] * Bentnose says nothing, only tipping his silver helmet in acknowledgement.
[03:52] * Waitstate turns and walks into the ship, his contempt pretty obvious
[03:53] * Bentnose motions for Gearlock to go ahead of him, and then he follows in the ship afterward.
[03:54] * Gearlock meanwhile gets a good look at Bentnose as he passes him, leading them inward.
[03:54] * Solder isn't sure where to go now.
[03:55] * Bentnose is a perfect gentleman. A perfect gentleman who'll slit your throat for a nickle, and a perfect gentleman who is the biggest bastard you'll ever meet before he slits your throat for a nickle, but a perfect gentleman none the less.
[03:55] * Waitstate walks ahead, giving Solder a fair idea of where to go.
[03:55] * Solder follows.
[03:57] * Waitstate arrives at the already-occupied conference room, and motions Solder inside first.
[03:57] * Solder moves in.
[03:58] * Waitstate follows him inside.
[03:58] * Bentnose steps in.
[03:59] * Diecast is sitting at the opposite end of the table, looking completely confused and a smidge bit nervous.
[03:59] <Waitstate> Have a seat.
[04:00] * Waitstate points to an empty chair.
[04:00] * Diecast stands to attention when the captain, Solder, and this blue guy he's seen around, and... this other scary looking guy... walk in. "Hello, Captain?" he asks, saluting.
[04:00] * Bentnose nods, slowly walking to his chair as he scans Diecast up and down. Yes, this is the one. He takes a seat, never removing his gaze from Diecast.
[04:01] * Waitstate takes a seat on Diecast's side.
[04:01] <Waitstate> Bentnose here has some... interesting news.
[04:01] * Gearlock enters and then stands around looking thuggish. But a gentleman thug, of course. ^_^
[04:02] * Bentnose then stands, taking something out of subspace... he unsubs a mass of thick, tan material, bound in steel straps, and sets it down on the table. "Does this look familiar?" He asks, as he slides it down the lenght of the table to Diecast.
[04:03] * Solder stands around guarding.
[04:03] * Comet manages to find the food court.
[04:04] * Diecast looks at it. He picks it up, turning it over and running his fingers down the folds. He narrows his optics, as if thinking hard, then they soften as he sets it down. "Never seen it before in my life," He says with a hard tone.
[04:04] * Cirrus waves Comet over, his mouth full of junk fuel.
[04:05] <Bentnose> "Open it, then," Bentnose orders, "And put it on, if you don't mind."
[04:05] * Comet sprints over, makes a face, and sits down.
[04:05] <Comet> Hey.
[04:05] * Gearlock meanwhile keeps his gaze on Bentnose, watching with rather detached and aloof interest.
[04:05] <Cirrus> Have some! It's really great
[04:05] * Waitstate watches both intently.
[04:06] * Diecast does as he's told, releasing the snaps that hold the straps on, and unfolding the object. It's soon revealed to be a large cloak, made from a very thick material... a material that looks like it could deflect bullets. Diecast throws Bentnose a glance, then slips it on over his head. It seems to fit him perfectly.
[04:07] <Bentnose> "What are you playing at?" Diecast asks, shifting his gaze between Waitstate and Bentnose, "Why do I need this ugly cape thing?"
[04:08] <Waitstate> See? He has no idea what this is about. Will you leave now?
[04:08] * Bentnose leans in, locking his and Diecast's optics. "Because, it's yours." He states, then continuing before Diecast can retort: "Do you know, my friend, that you're not who you think you are?"
[04:09] <Bentnose> "Be quiet," Bentnose snaps at Waitstate, "And don't interupt. This is important"
[04:09] * Waitstate sighs and rolls his optics.
[04:09] * Diecast sits down, neglecting to remove the cloak, "Is that so?" He says with what could be almost called a nervous laugh, "Then who am I? Megatron?"
[04:11] * Bentnose jerks forward over the table violently, practically yelling at Diecast as if beating a fact into a three year old with a nailed-baseball bat "Diecast died seventy eight years ago!" He yells, slamming his fist on the table.
[04:11] * Gearlock grips his rifle at the sudden movement, ready to mow Bentnose down. But he refrains.
[04:12] * Waitstate stands abruptly.
[04:12] <Waitstate> That is quite enough!
[04:13] <Bentnose> "You're nothing but a shell, my friend, a shell for your old self! A shell--" He leans back, fire in his optics, and states his point, "for who you really are, Maximum Magnum."
[04:14] * Gearlock quietly points his rifle at Bentnose.
[04:14] * Solder follows suit.
[04:15] * Diecast's optics widen and go blank. His entire composure flattens, and he stares off into space. He simply stares, his body not moving at all. Then, as if coming out of a coma, he relaxes and smiles faintly to Bentnose. "So," he says, widening his smile, "Had to tell them, did you?" His voice doesn't quite seem the same, either--it's deeper, firmer, and older.
[04:17] * Gearlock's gaze flickers between Bentnose and Diecast for a moment; is he training his weapon on the right person? He risks a glance back to Waitstate to see what he thinks.
[04:17] * Solder looks confused.
[04:17] * Waitstate sits back down, uncertain what to think now.
[04:18] * Bentnose sighs and smiles at his friend, then motions to Gearlock and Solder to lower their weapons. He sits, and leans back, "You wanted me to," he says, "You told me to figure out what was wrong with you, and I did."
[04:18] * Solder doesn't lower.
[04:19] * Gearlock figures that it's best to do the Autobot thing and just prevent violence. He can't afford to care about right or wrong at the moment. However, sensing the defusing of the situation, he lowers his weapon as directed.
[04:19] * Bentnose explains: "Years ago, you killed the original Diecast, but not without getting to know him first. You liked him, yes, yes you did. You wanted to be like him, you didn't want your life anymore, no. You wanted Diecast's life. But no, you couldn't change yourself, you just couldn't."
[04:20] * Bentnose continues "And when you 'died', over two years ago, your spark lived on. You rebuilt yourself, you did, just enough to function and get around, yes. And then you had yourself completely rebuilt, one hundred percent, completely, and you fully, finally, became who you wanted to be: Diecast"
[04:21] * Solder decides it'd work best if he aims at whichever Gearlock isn't aiming at.
[04:21] * Diecast listens--he knows this story, but it certianly helps to hear it from another perspective, from another person.
[04:22] * Waitstate doesnt know what to make of things.
[04:22] [narration] To Diecast, or Magnum rather, hearing it all explained isn't as much of an explanation as it is a confirmation that his life is what he wanted it to be.
[04:23] * Bentnose turns his head to the Neutrals around him, "And put your guns away, for God's sake, put them away, in the holster. And you wonder, you ask why the Strikers think you're out to conquer, to rule the universe."
[04:24] <Solder> [comm, private to Wait] Why'd they need to do this on the Freedom?
[04:25] <Waitstate> [private comm] It was my idea. I had no idea what was really up here, and I wanted it to happen on my terms. But now I'm just plain confused.
[04:25] <Solder> [private comm] Oh. Okay.
[04:26] * Gearlock doesn't sub his weapon. He says nothing, since he can't speak for anyone here. He just stares at Bentnose, but he doesn't seem hackled up and ready to fire down anything that moves, either.
[04:26] * Diecast stands up, his right eye slightly closed behind his visor "It's all true," he sighs, "All of it. I ask you, Waitstate... accept me, for yet a third time?"
[04:26] * Waitstate finally composes himself.
[04:27] * Waitstate stands.
[04:27] <Solder> I'm only listenin' to Boss here.
[04:27] * Solder doesn't holster.
[04:27] <Waitstate> I don't know what to make of all this, but you are who you are. Whichever one of you it is, you're a part of this crew
[04:28] * Diecast shrugs nonchalantly, in the same manner that Magnum always did, "I'm me", he states. "Nothing to it except that."
[04:28] * Bentnose stands as well, then unsubs another object--this time, a metal container. He sets it down on the table and slides it across to Diecast. "You might want these, I think."
[04:30] * Diecast opens the container and draws in sharply. He then reaches inside with both hands, and removes perfect replicas of his two photon pistols.
[04:30] * Solder attempts to move between Waitstate and the pistols.
[04:30] * Waitstate raises a hand, recognizing the weapons.
[04:31] * Gearlock again, doesn't move. He doesn't care for the medic's motions; he's not even sure why Waitstate wanted an obviously untrained civilian to come along.
[04:31] <Bentnose> "Wonderful," He mutters, optics roaming over the two small weapons. His hands, though not his original, fit the handles perfectly. The robot then holds the left one at arms length, sighting down the barrel, tracing a line from Bentnose's head to the table.
[04:32] * Solder stops moving.
[04:32] * Waitstate smirks.
[04:33] * Diecast then twirls the guns around stylishly, then drops them to his hips and, realizing there's no holsters, slips them back into their container.
[04:34] * Bentnose says to Waitstate, motioning to Diecast: "I believe my work here is done, Captain."
[04:34] <Waitstate> I think we're done here, yes?
[04:34] * Bentnose looks up at Diecast. "Wait, may we have a moment?" he asks Waitstate.
[04:35] * Waitstate nods. "Very well"
[04:37] * Bentnose steps around the table to Diecast. The two talk in whispers for a moment, Diecast chuckles, and then slaps Bentnose on the back twice with a smile. Bentnose then steps back and looks Diecast over once or twice... then immediately fades from view.
[04:37] * Gearlock grips his gun when Bentnose disappears. Now's the time to be cautious.
[04:38] * Waitstate stands back up and mentally seals the corridors off.
[04:38] * Solder looks around the room.
[04:38] * Diecast chuckles. "Don't bother, Captain. He's gone already."
[04:39] <Waitstate> If I ever see him again uninvited, he's dead.
[04:39] <Diecast> I doubt you'll see the stranger ever again.
[04:40] * Diecast adds with a gentle shrug: "And besides, who says he isn't already dead?'
[04:40] * Waitstate stares at Diecast a moment, then shrugs.
[04:40] * Gearlock raises a brow, but says nothing.
[04:41] * Solder doesn't have brows.
[04:41] <Waitstate> I hope you're right. For his sake.
[04:41] * Diecast looks around, then slouches against a wall "I suppose that explains why I always lost to myself at that stupid game."
[04:41] * Waitstate leaves the conference room, setting a security watch anyway.
[04:41] * Solder glances at Gearlock, unsure of what to do now.
[04:43] * Gearlock smiles faintly, chuckling. "No need to play bodyguard anymore Solder," he murmurs to the other bot. "Go on, if you like. I'd like to speak to Diecast myself."
[04:43] * Diecast watches Waitstate leave, then shrugs and turns his attention to Gearlock.
[04:44] <Solder> Alright...
[04:44] * Solder lowers his rifle and exits the room.
[04:45] <Diecast> How can I help you?
[04:45] * Once Solder's gone, he turns slightly to offer Diecast a calm, friendly smile. "So what shall we call you now?" he asks.
[04:46] * Diecast shrugs "I can't really say." In truth, he's not sure himself, and he's still trying to come to terms with what's been revealed. But for what it's worth, Magnum never was one to talk about himself to others.
[04:49] * Gearlock chuckles. "I'll still call you Diecast then. Let's drink sometime." And with that, he too turns to exit the room. He assumes Diecast wants some alone time to figure what to do.
[04:50] * Diecast watches the blue mech leave, then sighs to himself. What DOES he want to call himself? Who does he want to be? Only one option presents itself... it's what Diecast would do. He subs out a coin, looks it over for a moment, turning it in his hand, then he pops it up on his thumb and flicks it in the air.
Session Close: Sun Oct 12 04:50:49 2003

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