Scene #8671: To Cybertron

Owner	Pose
Combaticon	Welcome to Cybertron. The main arrival point is a warp gate located in a nexus of other, similar constructions that places one on a ground made out of firm metal, marked with stripes and indicators detailing the routes of various traffic. Arrivals are direcated by a pair of jet-themed robots to a maglev train. Departure shunts the train into a clear tube with no internal atmosphere, allowing it to accelerate unhindered while providing a great view of the interstellar spaceport of Hydrax Plateau and the Space Bridge nexus arranged around the warpgate. Everything is crafted out of metal; silvers, grays, and blacks are commonplace. The sunlight gives it all a bluish tint, speckled with lights. It's clear that the spaceport and surroundings have been under extensive repair, with the occasional black marks and missing pieces marking things that have yet to be fixed. As the maglev carriage travels, due to the speed, the transition from mostly repaired to blasted metal wasteland is very sudden. Ruined spires and causeways, blasted out and collapsed structures, great chasms in the planet's metal skin filled with powdery red-brown rust. Just as suddenly, the landscape transitions back to mostly-repaired, the maglev circling slowly around a great multi-level complex. Large portions of the exterior are still under construction, though the place where the maglev docks is fully restored. Signage identifies this location as the Stellar Galleries Museum of Cybertronic Culture and Arts. A pair of neon green and purple robots, the equipment on their bodies resembling the shovels and hydraulics of construction vehicles, chat on the far end of the platform. Other robots in various colors and with bits and bobs of assorted cars and trucks disembark from this and from other maglev transit vehicles. Awaiting on the platform is a handful of Important-looking robots. The first, a relatively tall 'bot in a mostly blue and green color scheme. Notable is the tall headpiece resembling a military cap and the visor that obscures one of his eyes depending on how he holds his head. He keeps his arms folded behind his back, his feet shoulder-width apart. "On behalf of the Council of Primes; Welcome to Cybertron." His head inclines forward slightly, "I am Onslaught. Myself and my Armed Response Team are responsible for security during today's functions. Please enjoy yourselves. Something chirps and his posture straightens, unfolding one hand from behind his back to touch the side of his head. After a moment, his eyes slide sidelong in the same direction as his comlink receiver, then return forward. "I have been informed that part of my mission is escorting our guests. I will address any questions you have to the best of my ability; and make use of the museum's resources if necessary." "Optimus Prime will be delivering a commencement speech soon. We have time until then to look around." From his outstretched hand, Onslaught projects a 3-dimensional holographic map of the facility. A layout of wheels interconnected with spokes, each structure consisting of multiple levels. Some are still marked as under construction, but others are clearly accessible, including historic, art, and cybertronic sciences wings.
Kale Hearthward	Kale could make his own way there, but it's still polite to take the transportation offered. And also in this case, he's showing up with his squad, so it'd be best to stay on the ground anyway. "Don't know why we have to come along to this diplomatic thing..." mutters the songbird taking up the rear of the trio as they get on the train. "Because, we're the only Paladins here. We need to make a showing," says the hawk in the lead. "It's interesting, at least?" says the mouse taking up the middle position. "An entirely robotic species and planet?" "What's interesting is how wrong they're going to get the snacks," mutters the songbird. Onward, and arriving! "Kale Hearthward, Paladins, with my squadron, Hazelthistle and Skye," says the lead hawk, nodding back to Onslaught. "... So, questions? What happened here, for a start? It looks like there was a war."
Aidan Proudpick	AIDAN PROUDPICK, People's Knight of Quicknest. He realizes he needs to start making connections. That's what all those serious Knights like Kale and Lillian and... others do, right? He does, at least, want to see other worlds. 40% of it, at least, is coming to see what other people live like, how to connect with them, and what sort of life everyone in the multiverse leads. 60% is HOLY SHIT THERE ARE COOL MACHINES EVERYWHERE!!!! Aidan doesn't really have a diplomatic squad. At least, most of the people in the crew are still afraid of the multiverse in general. So it is just Aidan. No gun, shield hanging from his hip. He dresses in his sunday best, which is a modified forest green dyed tunic, with buttons added, and long sleeves that have almoooost a frill at the end, but not quite. A woven scarf dyed a brilliant blue, and well cared for leather breeches. Annnnnd Kale's here. AND HAZELTHISTLE IS HERE. He has to be calm, cool, collected. He has to be a knight, the face of his people, and someone who can show everyone that the Watch cares. He stares out at the skyline, each canyon and devastation, each ruined spire, but one thing pushes to the front of his mouth. "So do you build each other or is there like a robot nest or do you split apart?"
Corona Arclite	* A Few Hours Prior * "Why do we gotta get dragged into this?" Corona grunted as she tugged the brim of her stetson down over her eyes. "Y'all know how Ah feel 'bout the politicin' and diplomatin' side of things." "Yes, yes, I know," Sabelle, a young canine woman who's hairstyle resembled a collie, sighed. "But a planetary society re-opening it's figurative boarders is an oppritunity for new trade and work that my sister and I can't overlook. Remember, Loadstar is a trade depot -- it's only as good as the business it has moving in and out." Sabelle leans closer. "Besides. It's a society of living machines. How can you, the finest engineer on Brimsteel, not be curious." Another sigh, this one of acceptance, followed. "Reckon yer right." It annoyed her when her friends were right in spite of her misgivings, but business is business." Iffen Miss C also thinks it's a good idea." Corona flicked back her hat into place and dropped her feet from their resting spot. "Com'n Hopalong, time fer some roadtrippin'." The 'footrest' gets up to reveal itself being a mechanical jackrabbit with antlers that lopes after her. * Current * The entourage from Brimsteel that steps off the maglev was not as big as others coming to the event, consisting of just Corona and Hopalong escorting Sabelle along, and a skunkette in pilot gear that was Corona's other sidekick in charge of letting the vixen not get too distracted by all the other technology. Like right now as she kept staring back at the 'fancy future train' they'd just departed. "Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad," she had finally admitted. Corona's attention is dragged off the train, only for it to lock onto the large robot awaiting them. Her large ears twitch at a voice mildly familiar and she points a finger at Onslaught. "Yer one of the one's Ah've heard o'er the radio before. "Good t'have a face to put to it she drawls." She doffs her hat from her head in a brief tip of greeting. "Corona Arclite, inventor and gunslinger, at yer service." Her hat is waved towards the others, "This here's my partners Hopalong and Windrose," indicating the mecha-jackalope and the skunk girl in turn," An' Sabelle Cassavhan, representive of Brimsteel's prime tradin' center, Loadstar Depot." Sabelle rolls her eyes briefly, not at all surprised to see Corona perk up upon realizing what there was to see here. Then resumed her professional demeanor. "It is our pleasure to be allowed amongst the first to reaquaint with your planet and it's society." "Y'know, squirrely's got a good question." Sabelle turns to point at Corona to cut her off. "No. Whatever just came up in your mad little genius mind, no."
Combaticon	Onslaught regards Kale and his entourage for a moment as they chat amongst themselves. When addressed directly, he turns in place and leads the way towards the History wing. "There was a war, yes. For the past nine million orbital cycles, Autobots and Decepticons vied for control of Cybertron and its surrounding colonies." Turning his head slightly to glance past his shoulder, the robot adds, "It resulted in a ceasefire only three orbital cycles ago. Now we work together, Autobot and Decepticon alike, towards a better Cybertron. Not every'bot sees it this way. That is what the Decepticon Justice Division is for." Both Aidan and Corona ask where little robots come from. Onslaught folds his hands together behind his back, just below the artillery guns. "A shell is constructed. This consists of the specialized equipment that a specific Cybertronian is intended to have. We refer to this as a Mold." His gaze shifts up somewhat to the crystal skylights and the space beyond them, "A protoform is introduced to the Mold, fills in the missing pieces with its self, and activates. In this process the Spark is formed and the Cybertronian becomes alive." He glances back again, "I have heard that it is believed the first Cybertronians emerged from the planet itself as only protoforms. Creating shells for themselves in what is now the Sea of Rust. That was obviously a long time ago. Protoform creation is a much more reliable process now, and they may be stored indefinitely if necessary."
Kale Hearthward	Oh great there's Aidan. "Dude, did you really just ask the robot people how they fuck?" says the songbird, giving Aidan the side-eye. "Skye, decorum," says Kale, without much emphasis behind it, or even bothering to turn his head to address her. "It is an interesting question, though," says Hazelthistle, who pulls out a pad and takes some notes when the question gets answered. "If the war's been going on for nine million years, I'm surprised that there aren't more bombing sites," mentions Kale. "So," he continues. "What does a better Cybertron look like? What are the new administration's priorities?"
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan stares outward, blinking. He is having to open his mind to this concept. An egg... that you pour a soul into, and it becomes something. "Oh! That makes sense. Like how maggots grow out of a dead body." He glares over at Skye, only to turn his chin up as Hazelthistle compliments the question. And Corona! He nods towards Corona for the solidarity. Kale's question does strike deeper into Aidan, and the squirrel stays quiet for a tense second. What would Cole say he should think about. "WHY was there a war? You don't need food and land, right? And why did it stop?"
Corona Arclite	"Huh, interestin'," Corona muses as they follow Onslaught's lead into the museum. "So you do 'build' new Cyb'rtronians, but at the same time, there's a ... " she twirls a gloved hand while trying to think of a proper phrasing, "metaphysical component, with this whole 'Spark' thing." Sabelle quickly scoots herself past Corona and Windrose to keep up with Onslaught at the lead. "There's always going to be someone not happy with how things are. Especially after," she does her best to not flinch at thinking about just how long the civil war was stated to have gone on, "such an extensive time fighting. But now you are entering a period of rebuilding, yes?" Kale's already asking the political questions, she's more interested on the possible business side of things. "Wars can start over thin's other than what folks need fer livin'," Corona replies to Aidan. "Sometimes nuttin' more than folks havin' diff'rent opinions on things." She glances over to Onslaught, who is probably going to give a more specific answer. She's just spinning hypothetical.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan shrugs at Corona, "Not for nine million days, that would have to be a crazy disagreement."
Combaticon	"Hydrax Plateau has been a priority point of restoration. The spaceport is of critical importance if Cybertron is to re-engage in trade." Onslaught's gaze shifts off Kale to Sabelle, the person who actually showed up here intent on trade agreements. The look slides away a moment later, "As such, you are seeing a region that has underwent the greatest focus in restoration efforts. The majority of the planet is proceeding along at a much slower pace. As a robot who contributed a great deal to that destruction: I assure you it is very real." "What does a better Cybertron look like..." Onslaught repeats that in a musing tone, "I cannot speak for the Council. My idea of a new Cybertron is a future where no 'bot need worry about war. The future should have no need for 'bots like myself. Soldiers and warriors. Only-- guardians. Protectors. As the group enters the History section of the Stellar Gallery, Onslaught pauses. Approaching from the various robot citizens milling about are two 'bots. The first is shorter than Onslaught himself, all purple and red with crystallized glass on his forearms and thrusters on his back. The other is-- enormous and green, a hulking brute of a tank on legs with heavy armor plates on her arms and body and obvious tank treads slung up behind her shoulders. "All's calm here, boss-bot," the smaller of the two announces. He then pauses, wandering from the Birds to the Squirrel to the fox and skunk duo, "Don't think I've seen organics like these before. Wild! You folks from Earth or another system?" "Nothin' to report," the bigger robot affirms. "Blastoff. Brawl. Good timing." Onslaught gestures, "I was just asked why the war began. Brawl, you're the oldest of us. You knew Megatron the longest. Surely he told you about it." "Huh? Why the war started?" The larger 'bot's visor dims, the brighter red section narrowing into a thin line as if she were squinting, one hand cradling her mouthpiece while the other balances her elbow, "I think so. It sounds familiar. Buried somewhere in the ol' memory core." "He mentioned once that he was a mining robot. That all he was allowed to do was dig for raw energon. And when he wanted to do something else, the government at the time punished him." "Oh yeah!" Blastoff gestures with one finger, "I heard a lot about the old Functionist ideology from Shockwave. You could only do what you were built for, back then. Anyone who tried to act outside their function was severely punished. The way he says it, some were even taken permanently offline."
Corona Arclite	"A smart move," Sabelle replies with a nod. "Both practical, being a place you want to see a lot of use, and trying to show of what can be accomplished to those potentially bringing assistance. First impressions are important." Idly she reachs down to scratch Hopalong behind the mechanical ears as the mecha-jackalope has deemed to stay close to her, allowing Corona and Windrose to drift a little more. The duo's attention shifts to the new arrivals, particularly when a question is presently partially there way. "No siree," Corona replies with a shake of her head. "We come from a colony world called Brimsteel, so it's got all kinds of diff'rent folks." Meanwhile Windrose has circled around the pair, so she can get a better look at the Blast Off from behind, and those thrusters. The pilot thinks she sees the hints of some form of aircraft. Though before she can ask anything Brawl starts explaining some of the reason for the Great War. Windrose grimaces noticably at the Functionist ideaology. "Ugh, that's a million times worse than my father, who only wanted me to be the ground crew and 'eye candy' of the family team just because I was the only girl. Even if I could fly circles around my brothers with my eyes closed!" Corona just snorts softly, her tail flicking a few times. "Not lettin folks take their own pathes in life, that's pretty darn low." Then tilts her head a little to the side. "Lemme take a shot in the dark here. The war was started over the 'functionist' fiasco, but no one expected it spiralin' out into goin' on as long as it did?"
Kale Hearthward	"... Functionist..." repeats Kale. "I see." "In any case. What more is there to do here, then? Besides rebuild?" "Any holdouts from the war who haven't quite gotten with the message of peace, that sort of thing?"
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan doesn't actually know how trade agreements even work. Or what Quicknest's state resources would even be. That idea floats into Aidan's head and he frowns, "What, they don't let you do whatever you want? That's stupid. You can be whatever you want, there's nothing to stop you! And they would have tried to kill him!" Aidan doesn't even know the word statecraft! He nods towards Corona, "Exactly! I hope people who think like this Megatron guy won."
Combaticon	"Near as I can figure, yeah," Brawl acknowledges Corona's conclusion with a shrug, "It was about clashing ideologies and the 'bots who refused to let go of them. From what I heard Optimus Prime wasn't even a Functionist himself and had a whole different thing goin' on. But that was all well before I came online. I only downloaded this secondhand. Might not be too accurate. A 'bot can be whatever they want now and Optimus is on the Council. He clearly doesn't oppose that kinda thing." When Windrose starts circling him, Blastoff twists at the waist, following her with his eyes. Once he catches on to what she's looking for, the 'bot lets out a 'heh' sort of noise. The turbines on his back spin up with a low whine, accentuated by thrust from his feet, lifting him off the metal floor-- --Right into Onslaught's palm on his face. Forcefully, the Combaticon commander shoves Blastoff back down hard enough to bend his smaller frame at several joints at once. "Not indoors, Blastoff." "I got it..!" the jet'bot gets out in a strained voice. As his posture straightens out, metal creaks and complains. "Renegades," Onslaught states to Kale's next question. When he says it, Brawl brings up both hands, smashing one fist into the other palm with a muffled clank. "There are Autobots and Decepticons alike who have been unable to adjust to a peaceful Cybertron. Ironhide and Tarn have gathered these rebels under them and continue to fight in isolated skirmishes." Lifting his hand, Onslaught examines his digits for a moment, then closes them with the faint whine of servos, "Suppressing these elements are the purpose of the Decepticon Justice Division and the Autobot Peace Brigade. They hunt theirs. We hunt ours." Hand lowering, he glances at Kale again, "If Autobots arrested Decepticons, or vice-versa, it would only be inviting escalation. So; Decepticons arrest Decepticons. Autobots arrest Autobots." "I'm not too worried about Ironhide," Brawl cuts in, folding her arms one over the other, "That old 'bot just can't let go of what he thinks are his glory days. Tarn, though... Tarn is a warmonger. He has ambitions. The nightmare scenario is Tarn reigniting the war all over again." "Yes," Onslaught's optics dim as he nods, "Tarn is the DJD's number one target."
Corona Arclite	Windrose steps out of the way when Onslaught reachs over to hold Blast Off down. These bots may be humanoid sized but they are still bots and much stronger and heavier than the organic folks here. She does smile a little though and gives Blast Off a 'you can show me later' look. "Wouldn't write off someone with that much experience just cuz they're old an' can't accept there's no one to fight no more," Corona muses. "Makes sense y'all wouldn't try to twist the gears of the other side an cause... incidents." Warmongers, though, she has more experience with that than she'd ever like to admist. "Which means you also have to protect reconstruction projects and the rebuilding society from them as well as hunt them down," Sabelle adds to the conversation. "A lot of work, even for former soldiers, I imagine."
Kale Hearthward	Kale nods, but it's another of his squad that speaks up next. "What - it isn't even ideological differences? They just... can't handle peace? Talk about a bunch of losers." "Skye, decorum," says Kale, with the tone and countenance of a parent not actually interested in disciplining their misbehaving child. "And if you're splitting things up like that, where if a Decepticon arrested an Autobot it'd cause an incident, either you don't got enough faith in your people, or your peace just simply sucks," says the songbird, folding her arms. "Skye, decorum," says Kale, not even bothering to sound like he means it this time.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan is pushed backwards suddenly by the whine of turbine and the sudden rush of air. He leans forward once it stops with an excited 'oooooh'. "It's like your whole body is a Breath Weapon! That's so cool!" Context clues. Two sides of the war, got it. Aidan scratched his cheek. "I guess that sounds okay. But what if you fail to catch someone? Someone can just say you did it on purpose." He looks over at Kale, trying to put himself in the robots' shoes. He mutters, "Don't think anyone would like it either way." Aidan beats his fist into his palm, "If these robots are actually fighting just to fight, or are against the idea of people having the freedom to do what they want, you can count me in. I'll help so you can have peace!"
Combaticon	"It's a lotta work, sure" Brawl admits, her visor dimming a bit like a blink, "But it keeps me busy. An old warrior like me isn't good for much else but fightin'. If I can put that to good use, all the better." Skye levels some valid observations, prompting a 'pip' blink from Brawl and Blastoff both. Onslaught lowers his head in thought for a moment, tapping a digit against his mouthplate, "Such things are fragile for a reason." he says finally. "A war that long creates its own sort of status quo. At one point it felt as if that was all life could be, for us. That things would never change. " He turns his head just enough to fix one bright red optic on Skye, "And almost overnight, without warning, it was over. What we have is delicate. Precariously balanced. It will grow more sturdy, more stable... but that will take time. Trust must be earned. Built upon. Strengthened." "Some day," Blastoff speaks up, "My hope is that words like 'Autobot' and 'Decepticon' lose their meaning entirely." He glances at Windrose, one optic blinking off in a wink, "We're all Cybertronians, right?" "At that point there won't be any need for a Decepticon Justice Division at all," Brawl states, dropping her hands to her sides and resting them on her hip actuators, "I think that's a Cybertron worth fighting for." "It's a continuation of violence when the world is well and truly tired of it." Onslaught clarifies for Aidan, "These groups threaten everyone else who wants peace."
Corona Arclite	Corona Arclite adjusts her stetson. "It may not be optimal to have each group deal with their own... but Ah reckon there's a lotta hatchets to be buried yet. They're gonna have to work up to bein' able to trust each side to help deal with the other. It's just one part of reunitin' a whole society, and that takes time." This get Sabelle of all people to turn and give Corona a peculiar look, as she hadn't heard the vixen be so thoughtful about such things like that very often. To which Corona just shrugs. "What? Ah've learned a lot 'bout split societies and civil war dealin' with the molefolk and their crackpot king. Ya can't just patch up those sorta cracks overnight, as much as y'all might want to."
Kale Hearthward	Skye shrugs. "Best to rip that bandaid off," she says. "Anyway. We're supposed to get a speech or something?"
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan shakes his head, "Peace is important, but... you also don't want to have a war later because you aren't treating people right." He shrugs, "I am here to help." This does seem like a bad time to bring up that there should be snacks.
Combaticon	"It would be nice if we could just change it like that, huh?" Brawl shrugs, "But we gotta do it the hard way." When Skye brings up the speech, all three Decepticons glance up briefly into the middle distance, each one clearly checking a HUD chronometer. Brawl is the first to react, raising a hand in a half-hearted wave and turning away. Her arms lift up and-- with a distinctive electronic-metallic sound-- converts and expands into a fully sized quad-tread tank right there in the museum. Blastoff lifts a hand, tapping a spot above his eye and then flicking the fingers out-- a casual human-style salute, "We'd better get back to our job! Enjoy the museum!" He ignites his jets again, this time before Onslaught can stop him, and thruster-leaps on top of Brawl. The tank's engine rumbles to life, the two Decepticons trundling off to a different sector of the museum. Notably, none of the citizens think anything strange about this, they just get out of the way. Onslaught himself seems more peeved that Blastoff flew indoors than Brawl transforming. After a moment, his hand rubs at his face with a light metallic scrape, "The speech is approaching. We can make for the central concourse. Refreshments sourced from multiple organic cultures have been arranged." "Energon is the typical Cybertronian diet. Hand lowering, he glances towards Skye pointedly, "But we wisely decided not to rely on Cybertronian meal decisions when catering to non-Cybertronian palettes." Looking ahead, the commander notes, "I believe Vortex and Swindle should be in that area, as well. Depthcharge is most likely in the sciences wing, criticizing its contents."
Corona Arclite	Sabelle grabs both Corona and Windrose before the two can attempt to follow the other Combaticons instead of attending the speech. Which is important. Otherwise she wouldn't worry about the two rather spending more time with the Cybertronians with similar tastes. "Com'on you two, you can poke around the museum after the speech." And drags the duo with her, Hopalong lopes along behind them.
Kale Hearthward	Oh, oops, there they go, transforming inside. "I wonder if we could make the East Wind do that," says Hazelthistle idly. Meanwhile, Skye is giving Onslaught an appraising look. "Sourced from multiple organic cultures - it better be." Skye leans in towards Onslaught, thumbs over her shoulder towards Corona's crew, and stage-whispers to Onslaught. "(In some cultures, getting the snacks wrong is an act of war. You don't want to be responsible for causing a major diplomatic incident, do you?)" "Skye, actually kind of out of line," says Kale, slightly more firmly, but still with no indication that he's actually going to discipline her in any way.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan is starting to feel a little silly as the only one without a crew accompanying him. He is distracted by the transformation, drawing in a gasp that only the wonder of a child can produce. "So greaaaaaat!" "Oh yea, is it vegan? Most of us here don't do any meat. Or milk. Or eggs. Milk is really weird."
Combaticon	"My role is security, Onslaught states in a droll monotone to Skye's scare tactic, "Levy all criticisms about the catering to the appropriate department." He then leans forward, his two meter frame towering over Skye, "Also be aware I am not entirely unfamiliar with slagposting." Though his eyes have always glowed, this angle and the shadow cast by his visor adds a little extra menace to the posture. And just like that, it's gone when he turns around and leads the way through the History department and into the central concourse, no doubt along one of those spokes the map depicted earlier. It's a multi-level structure clearly built for far larger beings, it would be no trouble at all for someone like Brawl to just drive through here in vehicle mode without even disturbing the gathered robot citizenry. Some have even evidently decided to attend in their own vehicle modes, judging by the esoteric collection of space-age vehicles gathered along railings, most of them with numerous humanoid robots standing on them, all overlooking a central atrium of white tiles and holographic decorations. Several of them depict plants from various planets including Earth's trees and shrubs. One hologram shifts through a rotation of fountains from numerous planets, and not all of them with water flowing. The floor level is crowded with military 'bots and vehicles, while the upper levels are patrolled by sparkless white and black Autotrooper security drones. In addition to the massive number of robots there are numerous non-robotic aliens gathered, easily picked out here and there. Kale's bunch, Corona's group, and Aidan are clearly not the only ones interested in trade with Cybertron. "Swindle." Onslaught calls out at in a raised tone. An olive-green robot with purple glass and accents jolts mid-conversation with one of those organic guests, shooting a look over his shoulder. His attention shifts back to the person he was speaking with, providing a metal card, before he finally swings around fully and throws his hands out. "Onslaught! Just in time! The big 'bot is about to take the stage. Lots of opportunities here, don't you think?" He leans aside, sizing up Kale, Skye, Aidan, Windrose, Corona, and Sabelle in turn, "Paladins and Guests, I presume? Welcome to Cybertron." Flicking one hand out, Swindle bows at the waist, pressing his other hand to his chestplate, "Swindle at your service. I am but an honest and humble merchant-- In my spare time away from DJD duties, of course!"
Corona Arclite	Swindle sure is a strange name for an 'honest' merchant is probably the thought going through a lot of heads, but the group is polite enough to not bring it up in middle of the gathering. Corona does speak up, but it's with an "Ah, yer the one talkin' about guns and inventin' the other day." "Someone even more your type than the tank-girl," Windrose snickers. At the 'and guests' Sabelle notible shifts to the other side of Corona and Windrose, not wanting to cause confusion with the other faction present. "We are here from the trade depot on Brimsteel," she clarifies of their presence.
Kale Hearthward	"Milk is really weird," echoes Hazelthistle. Skye, who's already in the 'shorter than most people' club, looks relatively unimpressed at Onslaught towering over her. "Good for you," she tells him. "You going to do anything about it if I am?" "Skye, decorum." "I didn't even say anything this time." In they go. Skye beelines off in search of snacks. Hazelthistle ends up going with Aidan, wherever he's ending up. Kale, though, gives Swindle his attention. "A merchant - alright, then. What do you have as far as materiel for rebuilding a seafaring civilization? There's an ongoing operation I'm involved in..." Kale pulls out a contact card. "If you've got a good price, I can put you in contact with local world authorities - they'll need quite a lot, I imagine."
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan keeps an ear tilted towards Kale. Which is hard to disguise because his ear is literally tilted in that direction. Seafaring? Maybe actually one of his knight projects. Hopefully. The thought crosses his mind about going towards Swindle, emotions over his face. What would he ask for? What would he trade? A grimace fills his face, a touch of shame that he's not better at this. Aidan goes to the table to look for anything that looks like it is vegan. He has to settle on plain grapes. He has about five in his mouth when Hazelthistle comes over. "Mph!" A moment, then a hard eyewatering swallow. Aidan blinks away the tears, "Hazelthistle. This must be a dream come true for you, all this..." He waves his hands about, flapping the tiny plate about, "Technology. I've seen more technology today than I've ever seen in my life! I didn't even think you could have a fountain filled with lava."
Combaticon	"Evict you, if your behavior results in an offense," Onslaught's answer to Skye is rather blunt. "I would rather you not create a scene." Skye's attitude solves itself when she wanders off to get snacks with Hazelthistle in tow, presumably to keep the songbird's spicy attitude in check. As far as Onslaught is concerned, she is no longer his problem. "Ahh, Brimsteel? I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with that part of the galaxy." He taps his chin thoughtfully, then points one finger upward, "I'll happily add your location to my charts." A second finger extends and he flicks them, producing a thin metal plate stamped with data, "My business commlink. Let's talk later!" While he offers this to Sabelle, the robot nods to Corona, "I knew I recognized that voice! You seemed awfully interested in what I had to say that day." Kale approaches Swindle next. Contact information is received-- and similarly, Kale is given an identical thin metal sheet stamped with info, "Oh ho? Seafaring? Water isn't exactly a common occurence on Cybertron but I'm familiar with the requirements. Nothing crosses the processor off-hand from my current inventory but I'll make a few calls. See what I can..." One optic half-dims, like a lowered eyebrow, accentuated by the smarmy grin he puts on, "Dredge up." "You should get a reprimand just for that!" A synthesized female voice calls out from above. A mostly black robot with red glass accents descends, floating due to a set of whirling blades on her back that kicks up a lot of wind. When she lands, the whirling ceases and the rotors fold up on either side like wings, "Sir. Nothing out of the ordinary." "Vortex." Onslaught acknowledges the newcomer, then lifts his gaze to the stage down in the concourse; where a trio of robots have gathered. One purple and black, the other two different mixes of red and blue. Vortex is less interested in that and more interested in Kale, Corona, and Sebelle. She glances towards Onslaught as if she's about to ask a question, which Swindle predicts by authoritatively saying, "Planet Brimsteel." "Oh," Vortex's optics blink once. After a moment, she leans closer to Kale, "I don't think I've ever seen a Brimsteelian." Her eyes shift towards Sabelle, before she turns fully to examine Windrose, "Is everyone there configured like you?"
Kale Hearthward	If Aidan fumbling his grape-devouring is noticed, it doesn't get commented on. "Yeah! It's neat," says Hazelthistle. "Honestly, the whole thing. Being a robotic civilization, having purpose-built functionality be an ideological divide instead of a matter of mundane utility..." "It's about as big a change as it was going from home to running into my first single-species civilization." "But yeah. How do you think they shift forms? Is that intrinsic or does it need special parts - can they teach how to build something that does that..."
Corona Arclite	Sabelle accepts the 'business card' as it were with a nod. "My family runs the trade depot and the city around it." And in return passes Swindle one in return, though it's for Loadstar Depot in general. Which will also have coordinates for Brimsteel for his charting needs. "Well, ya seemed to have proper respect fer us gadgeteerin' types, so it goes a long way." Corona replies, resting a head atop her mechanical sidekick. "Hopalong here is just one of my finer creations." The mecha-jackelope flicks a long ear and puffs out a bit of smoke. "Brimsteel started as a frontier colony world, so it's pretty deverse, yeah." Windrose idly flicks her bombadier scarf back over her shoulder after Vortex's entrance dislodged. "Not all the races there are native specifically to the planet, but that's colonies for ya."
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan squints at a Transformer after Hazelthistle brings up the notion. He is earnestly and honestly trying to answer that question. "They get bigger when they transform. I remember something about that not being allowed. It's kind of like a Breath Weapon." Aidan honestly chews over that for a very long time, becoming silent. Then finally, "It sounds like it is just something they can do. Something about that proto thing." He takes on a bright smile, "I'm sure you could figure something out if you stayed long enough, you are one of the smartest people I know!" Aidan has to brace himself as another rush of air comes down, turning over to watch Vortex. "I wonder if I could learn to do THAT, just fly like that!"
Combaticon	"I'll be happy to do business. Organic or Cybertronic, it makes no difference to me what you're made of. Everyone's money and energon is just as good with me." He skims over the offered card with a series of digitized chirps, then tucks it away into the drawer in his abdomen, "I'll be sure to pay your colony a visit soon. We'll talk business then." "Ah yes! As I said then, where would someone like me be without inventors like you out there creating new and interesting things to sell?" Swindle raises a finger, leaning forward a bit, "It's the creatives that really keep business moving, when you think about it. I have a lot of respect for the 'bots and otherwise who keep giving me inventory!" "So long as you have cool guns I can try, Vortex tacks on to the end. She returns her attention to Windrose when her question is answered, considering it with a tilt of her head, "I think I get it. Kinda like those Cybertron colonies we visited last orbital cycle. Other planets can get pretty glitched." Near the tables, the robot that Aidan and Hazelthistle are looking at is a female model; thrusters on her back look like they could be a jet, but the rest of her various bits and bobs look more like parts of a speedboat, all in gray and pale blue and white. When she realizes she's being observed, she turns just enough to acknowledge them with an annoyed hiss, "What are you staring at, organics?" Up on the stage, the three officials have finished their conversation and have lined up. The one in the center is taller; with a big red chestplate decorated with slanted windows. To his left, a mostly purple and black robot with a single red eye and horns like a stag beetle's mandibles. To his right, an older model of mixed blue and red, his eyes hidden behind a visor, his faceplate modeled after a long beard and moustache. "Optimus Prime is about to speak," Onslaught states for those who might not be paying attention, "Wrap up what you are doing." "Looks like Shockwave is the Decepticon face this time." Vortex leans back, resting a hand on her hip. "Who better than the senatorial representative of Kaon?" Swindle shrugs, "A little weird that the Decepticon delegate is different every time but the Autobot is always Alpha Trion. Can't they pick a newer model?"
Corona Arclite	Corona Arclite gets a light elbow in the side from Windrose before she can get any ideas. "You can show off your crazy guns and science later, we're in middle of a public gathering of a LOT of worlds." Which gets her a thankful look from Sabelle as well. "Oh, relax Windy," Corona snorts back. "Ah ain't even wearin' muh gunbelt." "Like that stops you. Besides, you have Hopalong here." "Okay, that's fair concern." The little back-and-forth is interrupted by annoucing the speech to be made soon, giving Sabelle just enough reason to pull them off. "Come on you two." Annoyed click-clacky noises from Hoplong. "Sorry, you three. I want a proper seat to see and here what they've got to say."