Transformers Universe MUX
Register
Advertisement

Log Title: Entering The Game

Characters: Ghost , Vizier , Rock Out , Slugfest , Ravage , Soundwave

Location: Decepticon Headquarters < DHQ > - Tarn

Date: October 27, 2020

TP: Non-TP

Summary: Ghost receives a radio message from Vizier requesting her presence. She goes to have this first face-to-face meeting with the new addition to the Decepticons and the Intelligence Division. Vizier makes a request of Ghost that turns in directions he wasn't expecting. Now he's truly in 'The Game'.

As logged by Ghost


TFU - Tuesday, October 27, 2020


When last we left our intrepid adventurers...


Calyhex Psychiatric Hospital - Uraya[]

(Radio) Vizier sends you a radio transmission, 'Commander, if you aren't busy can I have a bit of your time?'


Ghost pauses midstep, tipping head, finials flicking. Then she murmurs, speaking into her comm system.


(Radio) You transmit, "Of course. I am.. between items at this time." to Vizier.

(Radio) Vizier sends you a radio transmission, 'I would be happy to meet at a location of your choosing.'

(Radio) You transmit, "Well I can be in Tarn shortly if that suits for the meeting, Vizier." to Vizier.

(Radio) Vizier sends you a radio transmission, 'Certainly, Commander. Location is entirely at your discretion.'

Ghost blinks and looks around. She steps to a wall and rests her hand there, bowing her head with a look of concentration. Finials flick forward, biolights brighten and she's quiet before she steps away and looks at Dust Devil. "I.. have been called and must go.. duty." Wings shaking out as she seems to pull herself together, loosing that lost, easy air. And assuming a more stern appearance. "Do excuse me, Dust Devil."


Dust Devil nods, "I'll see about maybe takin ya down if ya want later or askin on yer behalf..." He pets tracker and heads to the door to go too.


Ghost offers a soft smile through the stern mantle of Intel Operative. "That would be appreciated, Dust Devil. If I can find out what this is... maybe I can stop staring at your friends." She paces outside, transforms, and tears off.

(Radio) You transmit, "On my way. Meet me in command." to Vizier.


Decepticon Headquarters <DHQ> - Tarn[]

Vizier:

A reptilian quadruped, serpentine in form, resembling nothing so much as a East Asian dragon. The body stretches out almost eight feet from tip to tail. Dark green metallic scales ripple down the length of the beast from a crest of sleek backswept horns of tarnished pewter, akin to those on a pronghorn antelope, at the back of a leonine head. Around the lower half of the beast’s face and mouth are rippling layers of metal fins, almost gill-like, except for two long coils of mustache hanging low. Near the front shoulders are a set of yellow green batlike wings, similar in shade to a cloud of chlorine gas. Each limb, fore and aft, end in sharp four fingered claws, dark as the horns upon its head. Lighter wider scales cover the underbelly of the machine, only marred where a human heart would lie, instead a Decepticon symbol in its place.


Vizier is pacing around the room, tiny pewter claws clacking on the metal floor.


Ghost strides into Tarn command, wings fan-flexing their multi-panels behind her as she moves. Violet optics peer here and there before alighting on.. well the pacing creature. "Vizier?" she queries.


Vizier stops pacing and looks up at the (to him) giant figure, his words catch in his vocal processor for a moment, "Co-Commander, tha-thank you for seeing me."

Vizier is clearly nervous about something.


Ghost tucks wings behind her, layering the panel-feathers neatly. She takes a look about before settling herself at a console so as not to loom quite so much, picking up perhaps on the nervousness. "You're welcome, Vizier. Now, how can I help you?"


Vizier leans back on his hind feet, in an almost sitting crouch, rubbing his hands together like an otter, "I've been thinking of ways to better serve the Empire, to serve you."


Ghost raises a brow as sensory finials on her helm tip forward, alert as she listens, expression sliding thoughtful, "Well, there are always missions we can send you on now that you've acclimated to the Empire. If you feel that you are ready to be more proactive with your skills."


Vizier nods his head, metallic frills and whiskers flowing, "Yes, filing and research only helps so much in the empire. There's more to do, more to be done. More you can do, more we can do, for the Empire."


Ghost nods slowly, "Right now filing and paperwork helps me out a great deal." Tilting her head to the side, "But continue, I am always interested in doing more for the Empire. "


Vizier nods more, trying to get the words formed right in his mind before he says them, "Yes, yes, of course, but should not the Empire be doing more for you, Commander?"


Ghost raises both brows, peers and then speaks with carefully chosen words, "I live for the Empire, Vizier. All that I am is due to the Empire, all that I have done is for the Empire." she offers a smile touched with curiosity, "And all that has been done to me has been for the Empire. But color me curious..." trailing off as she studies the draconian mech. "Perhaps I've missed something.. and if there is something the Empire can do for me that would in turn aid me in my goals?" trailing off.


Vizier is torn between excitement and something else, "Yes... yes, yes. I've studied the histories, Commander, Decepticons and Autobots always fight, we win, they lose, they win, we lose. The Decepticons have many different leaders, but the Autobots always have a Prime, and a Prime always /fails/." The last word is harsh and angry.


Ghost goes from the sort of stillness one might expect in any intel operative at a leisurely rest to still like death. or a statue. Even those nominal system noises everyone outputs are silenced as violet optics glint gold briefly. There is a single blink before she murmurs, voice like smoke and whiskey, "Yes, their belief in their Primes has always been a contention. A relic of an age old time, picked by some trinket. And some weren't even picked, they were... selected from appropriate candidates." Now she moves, a shrug of wings, "Were they to give up such nonsense, some of the friction would be lessened. Once they bent the knee."


Vizier looks up at the commander, eyes gleaming a sickly yellow, "Exactly, the Flame lies, the Mistress lies, and we can prove it, you can prove it, with my help."


Ghost leans down closer, resting elbows on knees, helm fins fanning out to expose biolit sensory panels. "The flame?" she inquires.. then follows, "The.. mistress?" head tilting to the side before wings shift and a thick datacable slinks out from beneath her wings, twisting like a snake to sink into one of the consoles. Now.. now she's cross-referencing. "Mistress.. Vizier.." Optics pinpricking gold, "The Flame.. This is.." Ahhing softly, "Caminus.. We have so little information but those.. cross reference."


Vizier scowls at the repetition of the names, "They wouldn't look at the facts in front of them, but Primes always fall, always fail, by Solus, together we can make sure the next time one falls it does not rise again." He's excited at the prospect now, this could work, it could happen.


Ravage has arrived.


Ghost peers down at the tiny dragon sitting on his haunches, "Vizier.." she rumbles gently, watching the tiny dragon, "Do you want to help us kill the last Prime? Is that why you've joined the Empire?" Head tilting as she sits in a seat at a console, datacable sunk into it, speaking to the tiny dragon, voice sliding to velvety tones, silken and warm, "Remove the last of the old to herald in the proper leadership of the Empire?" now smiling, "Is that why you're here, little one?"


Vizier virtually gleams from the wide smile he displays, silver teeth flashing behind metallic green scales, his tiny clawed hands arched together, claw tips touching, "Commander, I want to help YOU kill the last Prime. Together we can ensure another never rises."

Rock Out has connected.


Ravage is going to enter in just as he hears that particular combination, "Ah, lovely. Just the right sort of enthusiasm. I'm sure with such inspiration that it will be no doubt be realized." Seeing such -hope- is a rare thing after all amongst the ranks.

IF only the Last Prime would get on with the whole being 'the last' bit.


Ghost blinks slowly, optics dimming, brightening, dimming again before her wings creak, biolights flare-dimming beneath her plating and down that datacable. "Me?" She queries, leaning back with some astonishment, "Kill Optimus?" There's a pause as she peers off into something, somewhere else. "Kill him.." she repeats, before she offers the small dragon a -smile- like a slit throat.

"Why I'd rather remove what they use to declare such things, show it as some tawdry bauble used to trick the masses, destroy their dreams, hopes, desires of maybe, just maybe they could ascend to some falsehood position on the backs of the dead." Her voice rumbles softly, dark and velvet, "You think too small, Vizier. Kill this prime and they'd use their matrix to miraculously select another. Remove their matrix.. and they're left with their beliefs falling about their heads. No hope, none at all."


Vizier rocks back further and straightens out, stretching to his full height of almost six feet, tail lashing behind him, hands still clasp before him, "That's exactly what I mean, Commander, rip it out of his non-functioning shell like a pit from a terran peach. Let the Galaxy, the Universe know how easy it will be to end the line of Primes."


Rock Out is out and about and on the hunt for...well, for anything that he can get into his beak and down his gullet because he's a hungry boi.


Ravage would glance at Ghost, "Exactly. One does not defeat an ideal in conflict. One wins by tarnishing it, tearing it down, destroying it. Hope, faith.. Once that which has inspired such fervent belief in it is unmade, then one can destroy the enemy. The Autobots are religious fanatics that *claim* to be Primus' chosen and lead by his avatar alone. When they have that foolhardiness ripped from them.. Then, then the war will be nearly over."


Ghost flexes wings, "I'm hardly capable of taking him down myself face to face, Vizier." She tilts her head, "And.. I have personal morals and ethics that prevent me from alternative options. I do agree.." trailing off, looking at Ravage, then back at Vizier, "That he needs to be removed. But the destruction of their relic and him remaining bereft of it's stigma would go further than simple death."


Vizier reaches out to Ghost in a purely symbolic gesture, "Proof of that, they would all fall, there would be no more Autobots without a Prime. Decepticons would reach out and cover all of space," his own yellow-green wings spreading. He draws a claw across his serpentine throat, "Cut the head off the snake and the rest will die. I can help you do it, Commander. I will help you do it."


Slugfest has connected.


Ravage would just glance over at Vizier, "Yes, yes." Then add, "And what particular propaganda module did you pull that particular phrase from?" Idly going to run it through an analytic subroutine.


Ghost's finials prick forward ands eh looks around, distracted a moment, attention settling on Rock Out. She watches the cockerel a moment, as if making sure he's ok before looking back at Vizier, "How, pray tell, do you think you can help me then?"


Rock Out has found a small gigaped drone that is about to have the worst day of its small, buggy life -- so he's good. With a happy bawk, he begins stalking the drone with the intent of inviting it over to his place for supper.


Vizier pulls himself up, wings folding against his back, "You, Commander, need an advisor, someone without the 'personal morals and ethics' you mentioned. Someone to... assist in matters where you needn't get your hands dirty." He bows deeply, "In short, myself. I offer you myself, so that Prime will fall, the Matrix shatter, and the Empire move forward to more important matters."


Ghost raises both brows, optics glinting, "I've officers who serve Intel internal and external, optics and audials awaiting orders and my directives." Smile crooking, "Access to mainframes direct and remote." She leans forward, voice dropping like the crack of a whip. For a moment, perhaps she's channeling something of her unknown sibling in cadence and tone, "You're already /mine/, Vizier. You're in my division." Smile crooks, "And I don't think you'd enjoy being my second."


A tiny stego scampers into the room, running around in circles for a few moments before approaching the mecha-rooster tape and nosing around, tail wagging. "What are doing?"


Ravage would just glance over at Ghost, "So someone has taken it upon themselves to copy Starscream's nominal subroutines." And thus Kissup.EXE spread over on the network. And watching Ghost assert herself over. "And the establishment of professional and personal boundaries is being made, Slugfest."


Rock Out stalks his prey, moving with the stealth and grace of a mighty hunter. He's about to strike when...a small steggo approaches. He tilts his head to Slugfest and boks, turning from the steggo to the gigapede.


Vizier spreads his claws wide, a gesture of civility, but still the pewter claws are sharp, "Of course not, Commander, I've no need or desire to rule, even as your second. It's simply not in my programming. I only wish to assist. If you feel that my offer comes with caveats, or the off chance of betrayal," he glances at the black cat and back to Ghost, "as others do... Chip me, track me. I will be at your beck and call."


<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "Soundwave, report to me in Tarn. now."


Ravage sends a radio transmission.


<<Decepticon>> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "At once, Commander."


Ghost tilts her head, optics narrowing, "Assist me, be at my beck and call?" A look at Ravage, then her gaze falls on Slugfest, then Rock Out, before she fairly purrs, "How far.. are you willing to go, little one?" She sides to her feet, fanning wings out, "You want to be mine?" she inquires, smiling, "You -offer- yourself to me, freely then?"


Slugfest somehow understands the boks, and scampers around Rock Out and the gigapede, tail still wagging, trying to pen the creature in so that the rooster tape can nab it.

Soundwave has arrived.


[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "Who did what?"

[Con-Tapes] Harbinger says, "< squeaks as she wakes up at the sound > Meeple!"


Vizier follows Ghost's gaze around the room, full of beasts about his size, not understanding, and back to Ghost, "Yes, I can help you reach for greatness, hold it in your hand."


[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "I had.. a thought..."


Ravage would just go to watch the proverbial rope being given over in the exchange, while noting idly, "So lovely to see a proper forging in action." Bonds about to be properly soldered in..


[Con-Tapes] Harbinger says, "< hear talking to herself > Is that a bad thing or good? Harby doesn't know.. Mom is mom, pops is pops. Ghost is mom or Pops? < each phrase shifting from a soft tone to a more chilly one >"


Ghost hmms, "I think you may be missing Intel, Vizier. For such as your words offer to me.. and for me to accept them at.. face value.. You may need a design change."


Rock Out is currently hunting a gigapede drone with the aid of his new and faithful companion, Slugfest. Yes, Rock Out has found the Sancho Panza to his Don Quixote (...or, well, he would have if Rock Out knew anything about Spanish literature). Rock Out nods to Slugfest, moving into position to swoop in on the mindless insect drone and go for the kill. And then, the feast!


Vizier's right optic ridge raises slightly, "Design change, Commander? If it will help me serve."


Ghost nods slowly, "If you wish to offer all that your words have laid out, yes. I think there is a possibility and a potential present. But I'm not the expert. He should be arriving momentarily."


(Radio) Ravage sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'I'm -reasonably- sure his monologue is parsed from one of Starscream's.'


[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "Yes?"


(Radio) You transmit, "And I'm reasonably sure that this is one we want to keep -close-." to Ravage.


[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "Ghost is whoever you want her to be to you. I do not quite understand the relationship myself."


Soundwave looms into the main hall, ever the quiet presence. He scans the area, focusing on the new arrival. "New face: Identify." his voice synthesizes.


Ravage would just glance from Ghost to Vizier to Soundwave with a look of amusement on his muzzled faceplate. "I suppose then your word will be taken over at it's faceplate's value."


[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "I'm Ghost. Soundwave is Pops. not sure mom is.. appropriate right now - there are some new.. boundaries to discuss. Friend?"


[Con-Tapes] Harbinger says, "<more muttering to herself then> Agreed! Nope. Ghost is Mom. Parents fight, parents make up, parents break up. Still parents!"

[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "Al-right..."


Vizier glances around and begins to realize almost everyone here is about his size. He looks up and up at the menacing blue mech, folding lower looking like he's ready to flip on his back and display his belly, "Vizier, Commander. Decepticon Intelligence, filing and translation," he stutters out, nervous as he puts the smaller robots and their master in an equation that may equal his death.


[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "I'm glad you are feeling better, Ghost."

[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "I'm not. But I'm doing a fragging great job at faking it."

[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "I can take over from here if you like."


Slugfest bluff-charges the gigapede to chase it back towards Rock Out as the insectoid seems like it is making a move to try to run past the tiny stego!


Speaking of catching them all...Rock Out darts forward as the gigapede attempts to dodge past Faithful Hunting Companion. He hops into the air, flapping his wings as he attempts to strike the gigapede from above. He bares his talons and drops onto the 'pede's back, attempting to pin the creature to the ground.


Ghost head tilts, watching the smalldragon. "I'm no mindreader..." there -is- a thread of amusement there, "But you seem rather nervous now Vizier." she glances at Soundwave, inclining her head with a faint smile, "Thank you for coming, Soundwave. it is.. appreciated." She nods at Vizier, then notes, tone thoughtful, "Vizier, if you truly wish to serve me as you've stated, to the /best/ of your abilities and yet allow me to.. insure some tracking ability. Then if Soundwave believes it feasible, I think you should join the tapeframe ranks." She raises a brow, "As one of mine."


[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "Thank you but.. I think this is something I should handle. I'll fill you in after."


How does one handle a moment where ener-popcorn is called for? Just sit back and watch. Ravage would just settle in, taking a moment to glance over at Rock Out and Slugfest, and go to let out a proverbial sigh.

Sparklets


Vizier turns back to Ghost visibly taken aback, "Commander, I, I have to admit I was not expecting this. I don't fully understand the process, or truthfully, the repercussions of such a request. If it is the best way I can serve, then I will do so, but ask of you one boon. If I am to lose a form for this, let it be my robot mode. I have always been more comfortable as I am now and would serve you better."


Slugfest eees as Rock Out pounces on the gigapede, putting his own front paws on the bug to assist in pinning it down. His tail wags rapidly, and he occasionally nips at the bug if necessary.


Rock Out's razor sharp beak darts down, striking the gigapede in the sweet spot where the cranial unit attaches to the rest of the frame, striking at the core processor of the creature's neural net. The bug-drone thrashes briefly, nearly throwing Rock Out off but eventually, the prey succumbs to the might and will of the fearsome hunter. Rock Out waits until the gigapede ceases all movement, then throws his head back in a surprisingly understated yet still triumphant crow of victory.


Soundwave continues to watch. "You wish to join her as a cassette? I can tell you its a new life. A symbiotic life where the two of you will become each others optics and audials. It is not something to be taken lightly. Why do you want to serve Ghost and Ghost to serve you in this fashion?"


[Con-Tapes] Ghost says, "I see you there, Rock Out. Good hunt."

[Con-Tapes] Slugfest says, "eeeeee"


Slugfest sits and tailwags as Rock Out celebrates the successful takedown of the gigapede, cocking his head at the rooster-tape.


[Con-Tapes] Ravage says, "Congratulations on your conquest"


Vizier looks up at the huge mech again, this time somewhat defiantly. "Commander Ghost will end the line of Primes and I will help her do so. The Flames of Caminus are wrong, once the Matrix is destroyed the Flames will be extinguished."


[Con-Tapes] Harbinger says, "Cookies?"


Ravage would just look over at Soundwave, and then over at Vizier over and make a motion with a slight edge of the claw that Soundwave would note was akin to a maneuver of one of Rumble's pile drivers. "Congratulations on your capture." To Rock Out.


[Con-Tapes] Slugfest says, "bug!"


Ghost blinks and disconnects that single cable she had in the console. there's a flex of wings again as she watches Vizier give Soundwave a defiant look and tone. And.. She smiles. "Such enthusiasm, and words of promise." Watching the wee mech, "If you wish to do this, and understand what it means... one frame is yours to choose, feeling. And.." she peers over at the chicken killing the insect before looking back, "I've never had qualms with those of a beast frame format. Rock Out, would you come here please." She tilts her head, "He's one of mine, the other is a Raven. So, you could be in what you say is your most comfortable self, your true self as it were most of the time."


Soundwave nods 'Looks like he is prepared. Ghost, are you prepared to take on the responsibility?" he asks.


Vizier nods at Ghost and flexes his own wings in smaller reflection, "Commander, as I said, I am here to serve and if this is the means by which I do so, so be it. We will rise and the Primes shall fall."


Ghost nods, "I am." brows lift, she looks at Soundwave, almost smiles then looks back at Vizier, crooked smile in place, "You would benefit, I would benefit form your council, Vizier. I do wish this as the means in which you serve -me-."


Soundwave nods "Then so be it. Ghost. I will help you design your latest cassette." he says like this is a normal thing. Number three. So it begins.

Vizier says, "Of course, Commander."


Ghost tucks wings into her back, "Soundwave, please let us know what we both need to do for this and.. when you are available to proceed." She peers at Vizier, "You.. will need to do a bit of research on carrier-symbiotes. Both of mine were created as such, to transition.. Is different I should think." She turns on a heel, "Report to me when we are ready."


Ravage would glance at Vizier, "I wish you success with your placement and processing. Glory to the Empire." A glance is given to Soundwave then to see if there is literal faceplate-planting


Rock Out carefully divides the now-genuinely dead gigapede into halves, nudging one half toward Slugfest for his share of the hunt. For never let it be said that Rock Out is an honor-less churl who doesn't pay his debts. For he is not.


Soundwave pauses. "We will need to build him a suitable body and then a spark transfer. Then the sparks must be linked. Its a simple but unique experience."


Ghost headtilts, "He wishes to retain this frame, Soundwave. His... dragon-self. And he's already of a size."


Slugfest noses at the proffered half of the gigapede, nibbling at it gingerly.


Vizier turns to Ravage, "Perhaps I should inquire with those who have already been through the process, or something similar."


Ravage would glance at Vizier, "Then but of course.." He would gesture at Slugfest, "He can answer all your questions." DELEGATION!


Vizier looks to Ghost, "I will proceed with research, Commander. I will report when the mission is complete." He nods to her (as his arms are to short to salute) and flaps his wings before flying deeper into Tarn.


Ghost watches the dragon fly off and blinks to herself, "Well, he's going to be trouble." She looks at Rock Out, fond smile crossing her face. "I'm going to go find something to faceplant on before I fall over in public."


Soundwave pauses. "I will accompany you unless you want me to leave you to your cadre."


Ravage would dip his head, "I wish you a good recharge." Then Ravage is going to depart - seemingly drifting through the shadows


Ghost looks at Soundwave, "I'm tired, I ache, and.. I need to desperately refuel. please. Don't let me roam around by myself, I'll do something horridly embarrassing."


Soundwave pauses. "Come then. Lets go back to my workshop. You need rest and refueling." He offers Ghost a hand.


Ghost nods, taking the hand, "I do.. thank you. For not letting me faceplant somewhere between here and there."

Advertisement