Log Title: Help Me Make it Stop
Characters: Ghost , Soundwave , Dust Devil , Ratchet , Starlock
Location: Vaporex - Northwest Sector of Cybertron
Date: April 20, 2022
Summary: Ghost and Soundwave reach out to the Autobots to help with her reactions to what seem like hot spots across the planet.
As logged by Ghost
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "*Sings*"
<< Broadband >> Ghost says, "Su'cuy, Calyhex."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "Su'cuy. I'm singing out to all the sparks who cannot hear yet. Letting them know the war is asleep."
<< Broadband >> 39.6 FM Decepticon Propaganda Network DJ Banshee says, "Allo"
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "All is good, my choir. All is good."
<< Broadband >> Dust Devil says, "I need to go visit the sparks.."
<< Broadband >> Ghost says, "What sparks?"
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "which location? I have some here and I like visitors. The choir. Underground. that sing with me."
<< Broadband >> Dust Devil says, "I wanna see if they look like my dream...."
<< Broadband >> Ghost says, "Calyhex, are you certain those are sparks or just your guests?"
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "sparks guests voices all yes"
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "you dream of the voices too?"
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "when you want come talk about them. I might not help but I'll listen"
<< Broadband >> Ghost says, "Not voices, no."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "Still will listen"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Oh my god DD"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Why did you say that on the broadband?!"
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Say What"
<<Autobot>> Starlock face off panicked screaming is heard
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Well...that's a new reaction."
<<Autobot>> Starlock takes a slow breath as she comes back. "Okay, okay... Okay! this is a thing now, okay..."
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Let me explain the problem in this"
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "They have to be better than poking the sparks hovering around the well of all sparks. Those ones seem to get annoyed when you poke them"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "We're kina relying on outsiders thinking Caly's nuts, poor thing, but, works, because if Pilus-- Megatron, whoever the frag finds out"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Let me show you the image in my mind; cannon fire, explores, fighting-- war basically picking back up and wiping out the new generation!"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "those conscripted into the war with no say!"
<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "Should... I go see if the titan is voicing nothings ag... er... oh..."
<<Decepticon>> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "ghost?"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "D-Does my reaction make sense now?"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "...Oh god not to mention those with less than moral intentions"
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "They're already going to be facing that. You ever think that having a 'crazy titan' influencing things is bad too?"
<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "I'll just stay right where I am."
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Because I trust the crazy titan more than the crazy warlord!"
<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "Where am I?"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "One is on a whole other level than the other."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "The crazy warlord who might be a herald for something worse than even he is?"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "...YES."
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "That should make the point even more clear!"
<<Decepticon>> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "Send a tracking signal?"
<<Autobot>> Starlock breaths. "Just... just for Alchemist sake, don't say where the locations are."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "I mean as well as everything is going, a future might be the LEAST of anyone's concerns."
<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "I'm alright. I figured it out. I slept-drifted again."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Don't worry...I put a bin of those critters to watch them and keep them company, They sounded really excited and were chirping when I left...."
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, ".....DD, not the time for jokes!"
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "I appreciate the morbid nature of it, but still."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Wonder if I'd get in trouble for using a butterfly net by the Well...."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "Sorry all. Will sing with an indoor voice."
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "So Doc... Hello..." to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Ghost! ... are you alright?'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "I am, why do you ask? Rumor of something?" to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'I just know things are... tense with your 'leadership' issues at the moment. I can imagine someone like you getting caught in the middle.'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "Well - I am hiding deep inside of Trypticon. I wanted to ask you... something... When we were in the desert. And you were scanning the area... and me I'm guessing. Was there anything... odd?" to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Quite a bit, although I'm still not sure I understand everything I recorded.'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "...I'm not understanding what happened there either. I know Shockwave also did scans, they let me sleep overnight. But it isn't a high priority for him, so I don't have an analysis. I'm trying to find answers and... well reaching out to you is where I'm at in that." to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'You must be desperate if you're reaching out to me. Would you like to meet somewhere neutral? I wouldn't expect you to come into Iacon again, after the reception you got last time.'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "Pretty desperate to find an answer before it happens yet again. If it happens again, it's a weakness and... yes, I'm getting desperate enough to consider hunting down the living primes and pleading for help." to Ratchet.
<< Broadband >> Ghost says, "I do enjoy your singing"
<< Broadband >> Starlock says, "as do I."
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Well, I'm not in their league, but I can take a scan. Where would you like to meet? You'll understand if I bring a little assistance and backup. There is a war on, and otherwise Red Alert won't let me leave the base. *chuckle*'
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "thank you. I do not want to disturb anyone with it"
<< Broadband >> 39.6 FM Decepticon Propaganda Network DJ Banshee says, "I alzo enjoy your singing."
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "... Frag... Yeah. If I sneak out without one myself, they'll be trouble on this side too. Someone's already very... yes well." to Ratchet.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Soundwave? I need your permission."
<<Decepticon>> Ghost says, "Commander Soundwave? I need your permission to do something slightly stupid but necessary."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "thank you. Shall I continue?"
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Name the location and I'm there. I won't bring anyone combative if you don't. *chuckle*'
<<Decepticon>> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "What is it?"
<< Broadband >> 39.6 FM Decepticon Propaganda Network DJ Banshee says, "Ja, bitte. I vill attempt to accompany you."
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "I won't bring anyone aggressive but... very protective." to Ratchet.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Meet the Autobot medic Ratchet someplace neutral for a scan and get the information from him of the one he took in the desert."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "Alright *Sings a song in ancient cybertronian. Sounds almost like a funeral dirge followed by a springtime 'rebirth'*"
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "Permission granted. Do you require backup?"
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "I'm heeding the don't travel alone. If you wish to join or assign someone, it would be proper and appreciated. And... Should I go someplace I know the/... effect is triggered again or someplace quiet?"
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Hm, I wonder who that could be.... OK. Where?'
<< Broadband >> 39.6 FM Decepticon Propaganda Network DJ Banshee attempts to play along, not too loud, following the mood of the song
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "someplace quiet. We don't know how much he knows about the anomalies."
<< Broadband >> Calyhex says, "(Seems to calm down and go quiet)"
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Alright. I'll let him pick the place and we can meet him there."
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "Pick a neutral location and I'll get myself and my guard there. It'll be Soundwave I suspect. But I had to inform him that I was leaving the titan." to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'Fine. There's a little café in Vaporex that I know has a back room I can use - at least, it did. I can send you coordinates.'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "That'll do." to Ratchet.
(Radio) Ratchet sends Ghost a radio transmission, 'See you there. Give me a little time - I'm not as fast as I used ta be.'
(Radio) Ghost transmits, "You'll get there before we do, i'm halfway across the planet" to Ratchet.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Meeting in Vaporex. You're welcome to be my guard or send another."
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "on my way"
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Meeting in the back room of a bar in Vaporex."
Vaporex - Northwest Sector of Cybertron[]
Until recently buried beneath a seeming unending dust storm, Vaporex is slowly making a recovery. Its once world-renowned medical facilities have been destroyed, but former inhabitants are gradually rebuilding what they can, using resources, when necessary, from nearby Iacon. While vulnerable to raids from Tyrest to the south, stubborn residents have resisted formally joining the Autobots, preferring to cast their own lot with the newly resurgent neutral polities. How long that will last, however, depends largely on fate.
Ratchet
Ratchet drives to the Near & Far Diner, using his sirens to avoid traffic even though it's not really an emergency, as far as he knows. He pulls up in front and transforms, waiting for others to join him before going inside.
Right behind him is a medical transport Mini-bus that pulls up right behind him, it's... a bit smaller than him, but still, they transform and there is Starlock and she looks around at the area, a bit on guard, but overall, not expecting a fight.
Dust Devil has been following behind the pair. Tracker is perched on Dust's hovercar form, seeming to be enjoying the ride on the hovercar.
Soundwave arrives a few minutes later, slipping in the back room of the bar as directed. He stays alert, knowing he's very close if not in enemy territory.
Not long after the Autobots arrive comes Ghost (and Soundwave). She lands 'alone', wings folded tightly to her back. Finials are half slicked back as she peers around, curious and wary.
Ratchet looks over as Dust Devil arrives with his dog. "Well, hopefully this will be more useful than disruptive," he says under his breath to Starlock. He smiles as Ghost arrives, giving her a little wave and waiting for her to land. "Greetings, Ghost. I presume you know Starlock and Dust Devil?" he asks politely.
"Ditto." Starlock mutters back softly, before her finials perk up at Ghost and Soundwave, then fold back down, she then forces them into a neutral position. "Yeaaaaaah...." Starlock says, almost like a cringe.
Dust Devil transforms and 'dumps' Tracker off. He grins at the canine before moving toward Ratchet. "So, what did ya need help with?" He keeps Ratchet between himself and Starlock.
Ghost fidgets, giving Ratchet a wave before looking at Starlock. Finials twitch and she nods, "I do know both of them, yes." She lifts a brow, "Interesting idea of a safety escort though." Wings twitch, "Hello Dust Devil, Starlock."
Ratchet frowns. "That depends," he answers Dust Devil, although his gaze is locked on Ghost. "Are we going to have an honest exchange of ideas?" Glancing now at the other Autobots, he allows a half-grin. "I brought people I thought might have knowledge related to your question. I assume if you wanted me dead, no security detail was going to stop you."
Starlock rubs at the back of her neck, glancing at the ground, then up at Ghost. "Heey... been a while." She'd say, her thoughts running through the last times they talked, last they met, everything that had happened, wondering how Ghost will respond to her after all that time.
"...He's gotta point." She says in agreement with Ratchet and a puffed cheek.
Soundwave heads to the place where Ghost told them to meet, coming out from nowhere. "Ah. There you are."
Ghost blinks, "I'm not known for my ability to -lie- Doctor." she trails off, finials twitching, "And I do not war on medics. Primus knows they are so few properly educated and with depths of knowledge. I'd sooner burn a library down than lose your medical knowledge, Ratchet." She sketches a shallow bow, wings unfurling to sweep out and back as she straightens, attention sliding to Starlock. "It has been a hot minute, yes. I'm not certain I trust you. But I do trust Ratchet."
Ratchet reacts to Soundwave's voice without looking back. "As expected," he sighs. "So first, what do you suspect? And what are your intentions? If this is what I think it is, we all are going to have some big decisions to make."
Starlock wanted to retort but she doesn't. "That's all that matters." she says simply in response with a nod, and gives a tiny wave to Soundwave, before glancing up at Ratchet.
"That's an understatement." Starlock weakly chuckles.
Soundwave remains quiet, watching until he sees what everyone knows and where they will discuss things, crossing his arms over his chest and standing to Ghost's right like he would do for Megatron were he here.
Ghost glances at Soundwave, seeming to relax slightly. "Some weird cortical disease and make it stop." she replies, "I haven't the foggiest. Nothing in records I have access to."
Ratchet's frown deepens, and he sighs. "Well, that makes things more complicated, for sure," he states flatly. He converts his left hand into a scanner and steps towards Ghost. Before scanning her, however, he gives Soundwave a 'may I?' look.
Soundwave gives Ratchet a go-ahead nod. "Thank you for your assistance," he says quietly.
Starlock quirks a brow and watches, not attempting to get involved in-till she has the clearance by Ratchet.
Dust Devil pets Tracker's head and looks at the group. "So what are we discussin here? I got roped inta this but wasn't told much."
Ratchet takes a moment to scan Ghost deeply, and then turns to Starlock. "May I get a second opinion, Starlock?" He glances at Dust Devil. "I want to rule out actual medical ailments before revealing anything potentially dangerous," he explains.
Ghost twitches plating, nervously but remains still. "Not sure how it makes it more complicated. I'm just guessing." she notes, then peers at Dust Devil, "Er... Your Ratchet caught a scan of an. incident... and. I'm asking his help in finding out what caused it."
Starlock nods and steps forward and brings up her own medical scanner, happy to see Ratchet using his own, new one, a smile creeps on her face as she starts running her deep scan, watching her wrist monitor.
Ghost's words elicit a brow raise, but she says nothing, focusing on the outputs from her scanner.
Soundwave continues to watch, looking to Dust Devil "Your guess is as good as mine. Le'.s see how this plays out."
"It was more than an isolated incident, and I believe you both know it," Ratchet insists, glancing between Ghost and Soundwave while he waits for Starlock to confirm it's *not* just some 'weird cortical disease' and he's not possibly revealing powerful secrets for nothing.
Ghost peers at Ratchet. "That is not something I can comment on. I just need to know how to make it stop. It's a weakness, this unknown. Dangerous."
Dust Devil says, "With Ratchet, any incidents are usually caused by excess imbibing of Encore's special....." He grins wickedly, "Oh wait...I shouldn't have said that..."
Starlock gives Dust Devil a side optic, mostly as a slight warning, but she knows Ratchet can defend himself from those kinds of shenanigans.
Ratchet smirks at Dust Devil. "Some things are too secret to discuss in mixed company. That, however,... is probably pretty well-known," he chuckles. He turns back to Ghost. "Now, if you can't comment, and I can't comment, this is going to be a difficult discussion. You just want something to... block the effects?"
GAME: Ghost PASSES a LEADERSHIP roll of Very High difficulty.
Starlock hems and motions for Ratchet to look at her scans on her monitor, even lifting her arm up for him to get a better view, given she was several feet shorter.
Ghost manages a wry tone and smile, "It happened again. Backblast was there. And it -floored- me. All I could do was lay there and mumble about warmth for a few. And all I wanted to do was sleep there." Yeah, throw the assassin under the Ratchet-bus. "I didn't, I got away from it. But the urge to go back is still pretty... there. Itchy."
Dust Devil sounds almost panicked and looks around, "Backblast was where?!" He looks at Ghost, "Not here, right?"
Soundwave looks to Dust Devil "He's not here now. He was here the first time Ghost had an incident. Focus." He drones.
Starlock raises a brow. "How many times has this happened? and where?" She asks.
Ghost looks at Soundwave, then answers softly, "No, Backblast is not here. First was the Remote Desert, near Alyon. Ask Backblast about the one he saw."
Starlock that gets a blink from Starlock and she glances at Ratchet, then back. "Where there any after that?" she asks, hoping to get Ghost to elaborate.
Ratchet bends to look at Starlock's results, comparing them to his own. He frowns, letting Starlock ask the follow-up questions for now. He ignores Dust Devil's games with Backblast for now - Ratchet loves a good prank more than most people, but for now, this is serious.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "I don't think answering that question is a good idea, but I can't -lie-."
Ghost peers at Starlock, "Is there something odd on the scans?" she asks instead of answering.
"Yes, it showed /something/ nothing serious, now, I need an answer, else I can't give you the proper information you'll need in order to deal with this." Starlock says in a particularly professional, scolding doctor voice, but being gentle.
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "Maybe tell them you prefer not to answer? That may lead to problems"
Ghost tenses slightly, "I can say that it happened in the remote desert more than once. And at a location Backblast is aware of."
Dust Devil looks at Starlock and Ratchet at the mention of a desert. "Imager?" He leaves them to confirm if this is related.
Starlock knits her ridges, it was information, not a lot, she'd rub at her helm in thought with knitted ridges and twisted cringe on her lips, before giving Dust Devil a bit of a stink optic. "Maybe... but if it is... We're... going to need to be fully honest here..."
She'd glance at Soundwave and Ghost. "All of us."
Ratchet quiets, observing Starlock as much as he is Ghost at this point. Dust Devil and Soundwave are all but ignored. "OK. I'll start. These areas seem very reminiscent of legendary hot spots. Do you concur?" Now he DOES look at Soundwave as well as Ghost.
"....Yeaah I dunno what the frag A3 and Vector Sigma are doing, but congrats? I think you're a hotspot detector." Starlock says with knitted brows, crossed arms, and a puffed cheek.
Soundwave is quiet for a while. He then looks to Ghost. "Fill them in."
Ghost wraps her arms across her canopy after Soundwave speaks, finials slicking back. "The one in the desert called me. I.. woke up there. Since then.. I've felt.. reacted to several others. Most.. all of them so far have brought me to my knees, disoriented. Warm and welcoming, luring me in by making me feel -safe-." she snorts, plating rippling in agitation now, "Even the one near Nova Point. All I want to do is -sleep- on them when they hit me. Only one has let me go, it was weak, tenuous, stretched thin as if it were not strong yet, or simply seeking a contact point." A shake of her head, "I -dreamed- about Cybertron, the warmth of the Pious Pools, the planet reaching out, warming, blooming here and there. I'd dreamt that a few times before I started reacting to places." She blinks, "Frankly, I'm terrified and tempted to retreat and hide on Earth until whatever this is passes or I find a means to make it stop."
Ratchet frowns thoughtfully in response to Starlock's phrasing. "Do you feel you were designed with this purpose?" he asks directly at last. "Or have any other explanation for your seeming extraordinary sensitivity to hot spot energies?" His frown deepens. "And you want this BLOCKED? Because you see it as a weakness?" A touch of disbelief tinges his question. At the mention of dreams, however, Ratchet quiets, mouth suddenly sealed tight and brows furrowed beneath his black helmet chevron.
"And that didn't work, did it?" Starlock asks with knitted ridges, now worried about the weak one. "Wonder if that weak one doesn't have enough energon supply... most Hotspots had a store of energon of their own to sustain them." She'd murmur to herself.
She'd then glance back up at the mention of the dreams. "Hmm... BB was having dreams too, Dust Devil as well." She'd glance over to him and rocked her helm side to side in thought. "Two of four coming true... That's not good." She'd murmur on then look up at Ghost.
"Well, you're not crazy, that much is true, but does... uh, bring a whole new slew of issues..." She'd cringe. "We.. uh.. There was an accident, and we actually have the first-forged of that one in the desert under our care, how we, er.. actually figured out it was a hotspot, that and the readings I have from it with all the fading and appearing spark pulses.."
She'd then look at Ratchet and say dryly. "Let's be real, I was being hyperbolic with A3 and Vector Sigma, but let's also be real, when have they not been involved?" She'd ask with a raised ridge.
Ghost peers at Ratchet, "Yes." she answers, "I don't want to be turned into some... hound, some divining rod, whatever this is stripping me of everything else I am. Just trotted out to find these places. Soundwave can only protect me to a point before... he'd have to let go." Finials flick and flatten, optics dark, "I don't know who designed me or created me. I don't remember much before I went to the academy."
Soundwave nods "I want to keep her safe." he admits. "But I do not want her misused or experimented upon for her abilities." If anyone would know about people doing that...
Starlock gives Soundwave a glance and then goes back to Ghost. "...I can understand that." She agrees. "I don't also have to get into just how bad it would be if a certain /someone/ found out..." She'd cringe. "I also admit, I'm unsure if this is temporary, or permanent, but... I..." she trails off as something bubbles back up in her mind.
"I--.. I don't know, but Cybertron is clearly trying to tell you lot something." She admits. "You--You three do have some pretty interesting connections with the planet." she admits.
Ratchet nods slowly. "OK. Come with me," he says, with sudden decisiveness. He leads the others into the café, nods to the femme working the counter, and then into the back. He pushes open a door labeled "Employees Only," revealing a small room. Some of it contains normal storage items for a café.... but it also contains a medbed and shelves of emergency medical supplies. He hurries the others in and shuts the door.
Ghost takes Soundwaves hand as she murmurs, "I had an episode in front of Pilus." head bowed, "Sometimes I wish I wasn't so... adaptable to changes in frame form and function. Mutations. whatever." She looks at Ratchet, then follows him. "Cybertron's trying to get me killed or worse, assigned to Shockwave's -lab-."
Soundwave pauses. "I'm not sure everyone here knows the details about Pilus. And I will /not/ let them take you to Shockwave's lab." He says, following Ratchet. "What all do you know of the Pilus incident?"
Starlock cringes. "Yeaah, I don't think anyone wants to be in Shockwave's lab." She agrees as she follows Ratchet and starts helping with prep.
"Acts like Megatron, Talks like Megatron, remembers I called him a dick like megatron, pretty sure it's megatron." Starlock nods. "Fragged things up too." She adds dryly.
"Good ol' Flutter," Ratchet mutters to himself, sweeping around the room quickly and then activating a switch near the door that Soundwave can tell is a guard against eavesdropping. Ratchet turns to Ghost. "'Evil' Decepticon or not, let's try to keep that from happening," he comments with some irony. He glances at Soundwave. "'Incident'? All I know about Megatron is that he made quite an entrance at the Peace Accords..." He glances in amusement at Starlock as she mentions calling Megatron a dick to his face. "Well, he chose the shape of his helmet," Ratchet mutters.
A loud snort and burst of loud laughter escapes Starlock's mouth as she almost doubles over laughing. "Oh my god, you're right! Ahahah! I never noticed! No wonder it gets under his mesh so much!" she cackles with tears in her optics.
Soundwave tenses a bit at the mockery of Megatron, his optics darkening. "Long before he came to Earth so any comparison is coincidental. Anyways..."
Ghost rests a hand on Soundwaves arm, "If you're ordered, love, if I'm ordered, I'd have to go to the lab... Neither of us are suited to direct disobedience." she flicks wings before raising brows at the amusement of the Autobots. "He had that helmet well before we made contact with species whose reproductive stem shape was discovered. Technically, their shapes are Megatron shaped."
Dust Devil grins brightly, "Nah, it's being one of Primus' priestesses that probably did it..."
Ratchet directs Ghost to the medtable. "Now, I'm going to have to take some more intrusive scans if there's a possibility I can help," he warns her. "They won't hurt, but it'll be more than the usual 'look for damage' scans. I'll be examining connectors, sensors, configurations... but I can promise you as a mech of medicine I am not planning to use these for anything other than therapeutic measures." Serious situation or no, he flashes Starlock a smile. "Yeah, yeah," he acknowledges the defense of Megatron's dickishness.
Soundwave has to mutter. "Can we stop talking about my Lord's head and human genitalia? The bucket analogy is even better than that.." he turns to watch Ratchet closely, scanning the area to make sure no one can hear. "Alright Ghost. We should fill them in. On everything." he says.
Starlock has to stifle a cackle as Ghost's observation just makes things worse, considering Megatron hates organics, she sniffles and tries to get her composure back and flicks the tears from her optics. She'd go to start setting up the equipment she brought with her.
Ghost twitches her wings, stepping away from Soundwave to sit on the medtable. She ex-vents, wings rustling before she lies back. "I've had a deep scan before. Shockwave did one as part of the reaction to the desert study." She blinks, cycling archives up, "It was... an odd experience, the desert, but they let me sleep there. I woke up.. feeling safe, warm, energized as if I had been sleeping in the world's best recharge berth." A look at Soundwave, ".. Everything?"
Ratchet pauses in assessing what tools he has at hand and turns to give Ghost his full attention in response to Soundwave's words. He mentally tracks the activities and locations of Dust Devil and Starlock, but his blue optics are locked on Ghost's. He does glance at Soundwave to confirm 'everything.' "We have been equally forthcoming," he points out. "Something tells me this transcends factional politics." He turns his attention back to Ghost.
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "Everything"
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "I... don't know what else to tell them. I can't tell them about Trypticon, Soundwave. That's betraying his secrets. What else am I forgetting about this?"
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "about Pilus. About us keeping him in prison."
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "I... I don't think that is wise. That walks the line too closely. That is an internal matter."
Ghost looks at Soundwave, finials flicking, frown crossing her face. "There is one in Praxus." she offers, "Incognito can verify that I fell over and had an episode. It's very close to where the Titan Calyhex now resides, the old Death fields where the Destron sparks came from before it went cold."
Starlock hms. "That tracks.. specially with what Caly's been saying actually, Never knew they'd lite up at once but still.. means Harmonex's is probably lighting up too.." She'd muse to herself with knitted ridges as she passes Ratchet tools. "Planet's.. clearly ready to complete its reset, huh?" she asks with a awkward chuckle.
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "very well. We can steer away from that."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Aww I think it's beautiful that one of Primus' chosen has such a close connection to the planet. She still thinks that having her consecrated as one of Primus' chosen was an elaborate hoax."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "might have to tell the protectors of the Pious Pools that more miracles are occurring.... I bet I can get her raised to sainthood!"
Ratchet sends a radio transmission.
<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "DD, I will put the radio on speaker."
GAME: Ghost FAILS an INTELLIGENCE roll of Very High difficulty.
Dust Devil makes a face at Starlock, "SHHH! Didn't you hear Ratchet!" He then snickers and makes a point to keep himself out of swatting range of either bot.
Ghost shifts, nervously, "They don't seem to match the old maps I discovered. They've shifted. And the patterns.. there's not enough data to determine if they've all shifted the same."
Starlock pauses. "Did you check the Harmonex archive I gave Soundwave?" She asks with a tilt of her helm. "Might have some old maps of where." She'd muse, and then give Dust Devil a impish, threating grin.
Ratchet nods slowly in response to Starlock, but his optics are on Ghost. "It is," he agrees. "But that can be good or bad, depending on Megatron's intentions." He looks from Ghost to Soundwave. "You were two of his most loyal henchmechs. Is this what's going to finally turn you away from his path of destruction?"
Ratchet's gaze lingers a little longer on Soundwave, before frowning and glancing in irritation at Dust Devil. He then glances at Starlock. "This is supposed to be a secure location," he hisses to his fellow Autobots. "Will you PLEASE stop transmitting from here? Megatron has other audials besides Soundwave." Ratchet finally turns back to Ghost. "So, you want me to make you less sensitive to their emanations? So, you don't wind up on Shockwave's lab table?" he asks.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "I... Soundwave should I... let him... try to make it go away? I'm... I don't know."
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "What if he makes it -worse-"
Dust Devil rubs his chin as he walks. "Saint Ghost.... Ghost Saint..." he starts giggling. "Most Holy Ghost...." At the mention of maps, he looks over. "I have access ta some of Alpha Trion's data systems which include maps and locations of some of the older cities that are no longer around...just sayin..."
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "He is perhaps the only person on Cybertron with the capabilities. We have no other choice."
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "I so want to punch Dust Devil."
Ghost's finials slick back again, "I did review the Harmonex archives, among others. The locations have shifted, the planets changed. And.. scans indicate that there isn't activity, that we can see through the forcefield around that city. But.. to the south.. possibly. That one wasn't in the city per records, several musically inclined polities had shared access to the major spot in the region." She pauses, mid-sentence, looking at Dust Devil a moment, "What?" blink.. "I.. ah.. I don't.. know.. Can you? without damaging.. my... me? I thought I did but if.. it gets worse or.. I'm deaf afterwards, functionally..."
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "what?"
Soundwave gives one of his cold, emotionless gazes to Dust Devil. "I have the maps you gave me before. Have they been updated?"
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "Ratchet. I trust him with this."
Starlock nods, it's a thought, she'd have to check it out, all the same she looks.. extremely relived, like a anvil of stress was lifted off her. "No, no, I just wasn't sure if you gave it to her, or I did?" Starlock muses.
Ratchet looks at Ghost. "I believe I've isolated the specific type of radiation that affected you. I can make you partially immune to it, and work with Starlock to create a scanner that might help us find more hot spots before the Decepticons do." He glances at Soundwave. "Well, the OTHER Decepticons." Looking back at Ghost, he says, "I'd shield you from the spark energy, only. It would not affect your other systems, although I'm not sure if it would protect you while you are phasing."
GAME: Ghost PASSES a COURAGE roll of Very High difficulty.
GAME: Ghost PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Very High difficulty.
Ghost sits up, remaining on the medtable, looking at her hands. Finials flick forward and back. "I'm.. I'm already blocking -so much- with external help." she admits softly. "Titans, neo-titans. And now the blooming of the planet itself? Everything I block, something new pushes upwards and through." She taps a ring on her right hand, "Trypticon and Calyhex with this." she murmurs, then tilts her head, "Fortress Maximus with supplemental code supplied by Shockwave. My symbiote Omen to help me with the sensory input that's only gotten.. more sensitive." Voice soft, hands shaking, "I am. afraid of what will happen next. I'm not controlling anything, just relying on outside aid. I am afraid."
Dust Devil grins, "Well I was able to unscramble a few more files. I need to compare some things and check them against the new info I picked up."
Starlock glances down. "...It's all pretty scary, yeah.." She admits as she glances away. "You really do have a lot going on, wonder why that is." She'd murmur in thought, it was such an oddity, she'd huff out, but continues with her work.
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "Was all of this always potential? Was this... just blocked better before in my old frames?"
<< Con-Tapes >> Ghost says, "It didn't start until I came to Earth and was rebuilt there, then I could hear Trypticon... Then. I died.. a lot.. and when I came out it was.. the world.. it was so.. different."
Ratchet frowns. "You are capable of so much input. Processing a staggering amount - nearly Computron levels," he tells Ghost. "It's cruel that you were built to take in more than you can bear. Perhaps just a brace for now, and then we look for a more permanent solution?" He scans Ghost again more deeply with his sensor hand, frown deepening. He shakes his head. "This is near Thirteen-level complexity. Who BUILT you?" he asks in exasperation.
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "should it be? If it is something that's a part of you..."
<< Con-Tapes >> Soundwave says, "should it not be released?"
Soundwave pauses. "I am at a loss on what to do. Ratchet, that sounds like a workable solution. I Just want to make sure it doesn't destroy her." He sounds very concerned for him.
Dust Devil says, "Hopefully someone who wasn't suffering from signs of dementia...." He grins a bit considering. "Or was that senility....""
Starlock smiles softly at Ratchet, admiring how... kind, he was being, despite them being 'decepticons' and still being able to emphasis. It was what made her look up to him the most and earn her loyalty.
"Don't worry, we won't let that happen." She'd huff out in response to Ratchet.
Ratchet makes a face at Dust Devil. "That's sort of what I'm implying. She was able to merge with Vector Sigma and live... she apparently helped Alpha Trion collect his mind when he could not." He looks directly at Ghost. "What ARE you?" He glances at Soundwave. "I'm not sure she can be destroyed so easily," he frowns. "I don't believe in fate, but Ghost," he looks at the Decepticon agent. "You were built for more. But for what?" He shakes his head, but smiles at Starlock, appreciating her confidence in him.
Dust Devil shrugs, "Ever thought of talkin to Solus? I mean she is the master builder.... even if she didn't build you herself, she'd probably have an inkling as to who might have. Or she might be able to tell by lookin at you."
Ghost blinks, "I don't -know- who originally built me. This didn't start creeping up until I went to earth, after I had myself rebuilt from the core up. First, I could hear Trypticon then. That was fine, comforting, safe. Then.. then I was trapped and died.. I died so many times trapped inside him.. Almost died outside. Goth helped the redesign, Soundwave too, Trypticon and others. This is.. This body isn't 2 earth years old, Ratchet and it feels like it's still changing. I've connected to Vector Sigma.. Successfully. More than once.." She peers at Ratchet, finials flicking back then forward as she ex-vents, "I carved my own spark out and merged with a seeker corpse to get to Earth. I survived that, and being trapped inside of Trypticon when he was collared, feeling my frame die over and over and over again. I survived being in an avian frame, and then being moved into this one. I don't -know- who built us. Me. I don't know."
Starlock raises a brow and a lip. "...Dude, how do you not have PTSD?" she asks rather point blankly, and bluntly, but more in empathy and sympathy.
Soundwave pauses. "She is special. An outlier, perhaps. One of the ancient builds." he says. "She surprises me every day." he says, looking to Ghost. "Always changing, always improving. always moving through the code. I do not know what she is. But she is beautiful, isn't she?" He says. "I do not want anyone abusing that. Autobot /or/ Decepticon. Do not make her a chosen one if she is not."
Ghost looks over at Starlock, "Never said I didn't have it." she shrugs.
Ratchet frowns. "Well, there is something unusual about your spark. One-percenter levels, and I'm not sure if that's related to your capacity for phasing, data-processing, Titan-communication, or what. Whatever it is, I can do a quick fix now, and then investigate longer-term solutions. All these bodies - none of them are the right fit for your spark. You're missing... something... but Solomus knows what." He folds his arms across his windshield chest. "This is going to be longer than a one-cycle project." He looks at Soundwave. "She was chosen for SOMETHING. Maybe Dusty is right," he grins, glancing at Dust Devil before looking back at Ghost. "Are you SURE you've never been anointed by Primus?" he laughs.
Dust Devil grins at Ghost, "See...you totally rock the chosen one of Primus schtick.." He smiles at Ratchet.
Starlock raises a finger, and points at her. "Fair." She can't help but chuckle and then looks at Soundwave. "...Okay Romeo, you're laying it on a bit thick there with three c's, remember Dust Devil's in the room and we don't wanna embarrass the children."
Soundwave pauses. "Not in that way entirely, Starlock. I mean in a more... holy fashion for lack of better words." He says. "I am not one to believe in fate or destiny, Primes or chosen ones. I think we make our own choices, Primus be damned."
Dust Devil says, "Hey, this child over here has apparently died more times than Alpha trion can remember, had the matrix, got stuck savin Soundwave, faced down Megatronus and all. We don't get ta always decide our fates, and sometimes it doesn't matter how ya start yer life. Ya just have ta go with the flow and make the best out of what ya end up with."
Ratchet snickers at Starlock's remark to Dust Devil. "OK. This is going to take some work. Did you want to wait here or meet back up when I'm ready?" he asks the others. "I'm going to need more parts and tools than I have here," he says, glancing around the makeshift lab. "I can do the work here once I'm ready, though, to keep you out of Iacon," he tells Ghost. "I'm already making a list. I need to head back to Iacon. I'll be back." Ratchet prepares to leave.
Ghost tilts her head, "Phasing is data-intensive. That's why it destroyed minds. The subconscious calculations involved in an ever-changing universe on the subatomic level are immense." Reaching up to tap her canopy, "My spark. it's just a spark, green.. with some violet here and there." A pause and she looks alarmed, finials forward, optics wide, "Err.. Closest to that is my unexplained nap in the Pious Pools. And.. I need to talk about this with Soundwave. I don't want to do something that makes things worse. And a nap, I need to sleep on this. Blocking something else.. May be for the best short term but long term." she shrugs, sliding off of the table, making her way to Soundwave's side. "Let's not get into a who's died the most contest, Dust Devil. I'd guess I'm up on you by a few hundred times if not more. I don't suggest it. It's horrible to remember."
Starlock frowns, and doesn't say anything, but /nods/ and continues her work with the tools, a bit more glum now. She'd look over and give Ratchet a two-finger salute and gives a small smile. "Good luck." She then looks over. "...Erm, one percenters are green." She points out with a awkward smile.
Ghost peers at Starlock, "And? Still just a color. Nobody's ever made a fuss about it before."
Starlock nods. "I.. Guess you're right." she smiles. not wanting to start an argument. "I should probably head back too, get back to work on the concept art I have." She'd say vaguely.
Soundwave pauses. "I ...has anyone looked at it before?" he asks. "I do not know anything about sparks. Is that a bad thing?"
Ghost raises brows, "Everyone in medical got a good look at it when you all moved me to this frame. It's just never come up. Or been noted as a -thing- to me. Nice and strong though or I'd not have survived.. all that." She slides to her feet and stands next to Soundwave. "We should go."
Starlock stops, not facing the others. "...I dunno, most are blue, green is the typical indicator of something, there other cases of other colors but, they're not really known or relate to some kinda outlier ability." She explains. "Or just a raised amount of some element that causes the normal blue energy to conduct into another color, like a firework."
Soundwave pauses. "I Just hope it's nothing to be concerned about." He nods to Ghost "We should. We cannot have this meeting last too long."
Ghost nods, "Thank you both. All of you. For listening. This.. is just.. more than our records can answer for." She shrugs and turns, heading out and home. Wherever that is this eve.
Soundwave nods "This is a problem for all of Cybertron, I'm afraid. I am glad we are working on a solution without kidnappings and the like."
Starlock just raises a hand and gives a thumbs up and heads out.
Ghost nods as she walks out, "As am I."