Log Title: A Gentlepirates Agreement
Characters: Deathsaurus , Esmeral , Snaptrap
Location: Northern Shore - Mithril Sea - Western Equatorial Cybertron
Date: March 28, 2022
TP: Non-TP
Summary: Esmeral offers a bargain, a simple contact between pirates to Snaptrap.
As logged by Esmeral
Ky-Alexia - Mithril Sea[]
Ky-Alexia was once a powerful Autobot stronghold, until it was captured in a Decepticon siege. The stronghold was taken thanks to the immense efforts of Barricade, but few know of this fact. The sole reason for that is due to Starscream taking all the credit, despite minimal involvement with the battle. Barricade has expressed nothing but resentment since Starscream's false boast.
Northern Shore - Mithril Sea - Western Equatorial Cybertron[]
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "My dear, I'm seeking a meeting with that Seacon, Snaptrap. I've a bargaining chip to use to engage him and his team on a contractual basis I hope he is interested in."
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "I'm interested. Whats the bargaining chip?"
(Radio) Esmeral transmits, "Should you still be interested in a holding port for you and yours to operate out of, I've space in Ky-Alexia, should you be interested." to Snaptrap.
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Ky-Alexia. We have a port city on the Mithral sea."
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "They can use a port and a tower as a base of operations while I work on the city proper. I'm thinking having Elementia work on her menagerie here would be a good thing as well, cultivate some of the more endangered species for a release program."
Snaptrap arrives not long after the message was received. He rises out of the water, already in robot mode, weaponry nowhere to be seen. For now. As he surfaces, his optics scan the shore for the sender of the dispatch.
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Its good we are expanding. We need to fortify our new acquisition."
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "sounds like you're a step ahead of me, my stars."
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "my thoughts entirely."
Esmeral is coiled in on herself where the Mithral sea begins to curve into the seawall that makes up part of the port area near Ky-Alexia. She's watching the sea, quad-optics blinking now and again as she works through thoughts and plans.
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "shall we meet there to discuss it?"
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "If he and his accept the bargain, then that does add in possible defenders as well. We would need to leave them, mostly, alone. And yes. I am here awaiting a response now."
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "You know I cherish any time we have together, even if it is worktime."
Snaptrap looks around slowly, yellow optics glowing as the metallic 'water' drips from him. "I received the message. I am interested, though I assume there is a catch involved." His voice is low and growly, a very suspicious tone to it.
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Same, my love. Same"
The immense wyvern turns her head, blink-peering at Snaptrap before rustling wings. "Ahh. Hello there." She gives a bob of her head then transforms, shrinking and folding in on herself until she's less immense.
"My dear, there's always a -catch- to a bargain or contract. The key is that both sides walk away knowing what it is and agree to it all the same."
The Titanus Quetzalcoatl lets out a snarl, snapping as her frame folds in upon itself again and again until a sinuous and graceful femme is all that is left of the menacing beast.
Snaptrap nods a bit at the mention of there always being a catch. "If it is known, then it is not a catch. It is a term." He bows sarcastically, his face as neutral as possible. "What can I do to serve the mighty Destrons?"
Deathsaurus lowers and shifts, his body contorting into large, imposing navy and white dragon
Esmeral smiles a wry little smile, "Some think terms that chafe are catches. They're not very good bargainers." She gives a shrug, looking up at the sky a moment then back to Snaptrap. "Oh. no need to stand on ceremony. You're not beholden to me or mine. Not yet at least." Smile warms, voice a velvety alto, light and delicate.
"When we last me, under.. somewhat stressful circumstances, there had been a passing comment on what we could possibly do for one another. And mention of a seaside point to operate from."
Snaptrap nods again, looking the femme up and down appraisingly. "I am not one to bargain often. I take, as pirates are wont to do. However, let it not be said that I cannot negotiate in fairness. You speak of a base of operations for the Seacons, and I am interested." Beneath his faceplate, a small grin forms, noticeable by the minor wrinkles that form. "I assume that, should the need arise, we would be required to defend whatever city the port is attached to." This is not a question, more a statement.
Deathsaurus flies in from the clouds, moving to land almost perfectly next to Esmeral. He nods in greetings to Snaptrap. "Do not let me interrupt. I am here to observe."
Esmeral continues to smile, giving wings a shake-settle behind her, "Ahh, you speak my language. So many on this planet do not understand the ways of a pirate." She gestures towards the docks, still damaged from an assault not long ago. "But pirates do make agreements, yes." Soft chuckle that quiets as Deathsaurus comes in and lands. She sketches a bow to her emperor and continues without further interruption.
"Yes. A port here in Ky-Alexia and one of the tower ramparts for you and yours. In turn my Destrons will leave you to your own workings, save for, as you have mentioned, mutual defense of the town proper. In turn, I would like to, on an as needed basis, negotiate for your assistance here and there. Little things to add to the town's overall benefit, to grow it into a solid bastion."
Snaptrap eyes Deathsaurus cautiously. "I see you have managed to extract yourself from the Dead Universe. I hope you understand, it was nothing personal. Just survival." He nods to the mech slowly, before returning to Es. "So, what you ask is that, when requested, I use some of my haul to make the city as a whole better for all? A sort of 'cut' of the profits? Am I understanding this correctly?" Again, his voice is flat and even, no hint of emotion, in either voice or face, to betray his thoughts.
Esmeral tilts her head, "No. What you do with your haul is your own business. Captain to captain, you're not one of mine, I don't expect a percentage." Setting hand to her hip, ticking talons, "Should we agree to joint ventures, a splitting of the gains is expected." Considering, "But mutual defense over the city, that is something I'd want laid out. You and yours would be welcome into it proper, such that it is, or you can keep to your own tower rampart and sea access."
Deathsaurus nods to Snaptrap "I have. I understand. It was business. Speaking of business.." he motions to Esmeral. "Sounds like you two have some things to discuss. Do not let me interrupt."
Snaptrap nods a bit at Esmeral's statement. "I see. I like the way you operate. Straight forward and to the point. No trickery, despite it being expected of most of our ilk. I agree to your terms. However, if we are off-planet on a raid or some such, sudden attacks will be difficult for us to deal with, though sieges are another story." He nods to Deathsaurus, and a tiny bit of relief looks to wash over him for the briefest of moments, before disappearing as if nothing had happened. "I would like a contract to be written up, if that is acceptable, so that the terms and conditions are laid out plainly... and so my Seacons know what the consequences will be for any... -rash- actions."
Esmeral's smile widens and she gives a shrug of wings. "We speak similar languages you and I. Pirateing isn't what the outsiders think it is. There are accords here and there between differing crews. And being straight forward is how best to align our travels for a short while before we sail in our own directions." She nods, "As for a contract, written -is- the best means.." She tilts her head, "We're no stranger to rough and ready behavior but yes, expectations and consequences." She ticks a talon to her chin, "I may request some abeyance regarding the wildlife in the region. My guardian likes to cultivate menageries and the stock in this area looks to be interesting enough."
Snaptrap says, "We are not hunters. If there is wildlife, it will be left alone for the most part, unless it attacks. Then, we will abide by the contract." He smirks a bit at the 'rough and ready' part. "Tentakil is fond of torture by crushing, and Skalor tends to leave any area he inhabits a complete toxic mess. I simply wish them to know that they have more than just myself to fear, should they decide that it is worth it to indulge themselves or not clean up after themselves."
Deathsaurus nods "Sounds like a good idea. Written contracts are always the best." he agrees.
Esmeral ahhs, "Well we have some.. creatively industrious sort ourselves." She smiles again, "We may need to set aside an area for Skalor that won't interfere with my handmaidens creatures then. A certain distance." She looks to the town, then back, "Should they indulge in your claimed area, that is none of our business. Should the mess bleed over into ours or cause.. difficulties, then there would be consequences."
Snaptrap says, "Of course. That is perfectly fine with me." He headbows a bit. "I expect a contract will be written up and delivered to me in short order? In the meantime, I will begin the process of relocating The Hatemaker and my crew, for ease of transference."
Deathsaurus continues to watch the negotiations. He loves to see his wife at work and knows better than to interfere.
Esmeral tips wings, "Of course. And once you have them on the way, we can meet again and determine where the boundaries of your holdings will be so my people know where the line is. Prevents any possibilities of who did things where if we clearly delineate the space. I've some -lovely- paint we can use. Won't cost a thing and it'll be nicely visible."
Snaptrap chuckles humorlessly. "Indeed. I believe this will work nicely, for both sides. Especially if the rumors are true... Best to have a bit of advantage, should push come to shove." A mirthless smile plays across his face.
Esmeral's optics, all 4 of them, brighten, "Indeed. One must insure there is place and space for their own in case of any future disruptions to normal operations." She winks, "I like to insure my people have opportunities and choices should slag hit the rotary oscillator."
Snaptrap bows ever so slightly, and this time, it seems to be a bit more sincere. "I wholeheartedly agree." He nods a bit. "I believe I shall take my leave here, to give you time to draw up the particulars, and to give me time to manage the coming processor ache that rounding up the Seacons and Seaclones will bring."
Esmeral returns the bow with an inclination of her head. "And I will walk the town and harbor to insure that you have choices for your tower rampart and port space that isn't at the aft end in shoals. Someplace useful, deep harbor and sheltered. To do otherwise would be to operate under bad faith and.. well, that just wouldn't do for a pirate."
Snaptrap says, "You are, quite possibly, the first being I've encountered on this planet that I think I actually can tolerate being around." That seems to be quite the compliment, coming from one well known for hating almost everyone and everything. "I look forward to touring the city and choosing our new domain."
[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Thoughts?"
Esmeral laughs, "I am rather straight forward when it suites. I'll do whatever it takes to insure my peoples continued enjoyment of the life we've carved out of this galaxy." She tilts her head, optics flashing, "As I'm certain you would do the same. This.." she waves at the town, "serves us both. And why not leave the deck open for future business opportunities. On this planet or another." She nods, settling wings, "And I look forward to that as well."
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "He's a pirate. as long as we have things in writing and no wiggle room, clear and concise, it should be a good agreement."
[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "keep it simple."