Honoring Those Who Served

Log Title: Honoring Those Who Served

Characters: Broadside, Chromia, Dust Devil, First Aid, Huffer, Kup, Pyra Magna, Smokescreen, Springer

Location: Autobot Memorial Plaza - Iacon

Date: April 08, 2023

Players: Agollo (Chromia, Springer), Bzero (Broadside, Smokescreen), Calyhex (First Aid), Random Syllables (Huffer), Scaythe (Kup), SnowFyre (Dust Devil), Wedgekree (Pyra Magna)

Summary: The Autobots in general, and the Wreckers specifically, have lost a lot of comrades over the years. Tonight, the Wreckers meet in a public ceremony to honor the dead.

As logged by Broadside - Saturday, April 08, 2023, 1:12 PM

Autobot Memorial Plaza - Iacon

Autobot Memorial Plaza

The Autobot Memorial Plaza is a place where the Autobots go to honor their dead. The small court is located just outside the Great Dome. Statues paying tribute to the lost are arranged in neat paths, with periodic benches and open areas designed for quiet contemplation. During the day, the shadow of the Great Dome shields the area from Cybertron's red sun. At night, the stars shine brilliantly down upon the sculptures of the fallen.

<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KubF1nkK6g
<irc.dal.net> <Soldier> Oh. you're here.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> momentarily... why?
<irc.dal.net> <Soldier> Just checking in to see what idiocy is about today.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> well fuck you too
<irc.dal.net> <Maat> Well...
<irc.dal.net> <Soldier> What. I'm being polite.
<irc.dal.net> <Soldier> and Maat too. Lovely.

<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> I mean, for you, yes, but still
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> this is not a limbo competition to see how low our standards will go
<irc.dal.net> <elevated_ferret> It's ok, Voidwalker. My poor uncle was assembled with his logic processor in his aft and his exhaust port in his head. He can't help it that he is messed up.
<irc.dal.net> <Maat> I'm... mmm... discovering I might be a secret hedonist.

<irc.dal.net> <Soldier> And hello to Ferret. Well maybe you guys should raise your standards mine is pretty high. Hedonist? You?

<irc.dal.net> <<Whirlwind>> Can't we all just get along
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> .Pffft
<irc.dal.net> <elevated_ferret> Oh yes. I have been reading about Mom's lifestyle lately.
<irc.dal.net> <DazzleCamo> off

<irc.dal.net> <Maat> *giggle emoji* I'm enveloped in things that are warm and silky and so -soft- and it's... nice.

<irc.dal.net> Broadside has left this channel.

Several Wreckers, both active and reserve, have gathered in the Autobot Memorial Plaza for a solemn ceremony. Broadside stoops to activate a miniature replica of the Matrix Flame, set before a hologram slowly cycling through a display of images of Autobots, particularly Wreckers and those who fell to the Fallen. As Broadside rises, he straightens a broken pillar that has been set aside the hologram behind the flame. Quietly, the Autobot anthem plays in the background.

Memorial Flame

A miniature replica of the Matrix Flame has been set up, placed before a hologram slowly cycling through a display of images of Autobots, particularly Wreckers and those who fell to the Fallen. A broken pillar that has been set aside the hologram behind the flame. Quietly, the Autobot anthem plays from an unseen source.

Broadside himself has "dressed" for the occasion, having gotten all the cyberbarnacles scraped off his hull and most of his rust spots buffed out, aside from a few spots on his back he missed and no one has told him. When the small alter is ready, he turns and looks at those who have joined the gathering while he was setting up.

First Aid is not a wrecker, but he's here for support. He is shined up for the occasion as well, moving to the side as to not interrupt the proceedings.

Springer is front and center of the display, facing it, his usually high shiny armor shined to a new level for this, the Wrecker leader has his hands clasped behind his back and seems lost in thought for a moment as he watches those images rotate through those who fell, somehow managing to go more still when those who fell under his command appear.

Pyra Magna knows the Wreckers only by reputation. She is here to honor those that have fallen. Those that she has never met and never will. That have fought and carried the banner of freedom against tyranny for so many hundreds of thousands of vorns.

       Loss is something she understands. And mourning. Though she is lucky. She has lost very few. And they have lost so many.
       The bulky femme bows her head in respect, and in silence.

Kup arrived and settled himself somewhere in the middle of those attending. He's as he is usually, clean, but not spit polished to a shine. His customary cy-gar is clenched between lips, unlit as he watches the projection.

Broadside looks over to those who have gathered, and nods to each in turn if they are looking his way. He frowns slightly, a complex mix of emotions playing out in his optics behind his blue visor. He steps over to Springer and bends down to ask softly, "Do you wish to speak first? I, uh, wrote something this time. It's, uh. I'm not sure how good it is. But I wanted to say something."

Springer is quiet for a bit before he speaks quietly but clearly, "Speak first... this... is hitting harder than I expected it to, Broadside. I need a few moments before I think I can speak to them all..." And something in his tone makes it clear he means both those there and those the memorial was built for.

Quietly shuffling onto the scene, Huffer makes his way to the small gathering. He mostly has his optics downcast, only glancing up long enough not to bump into anyone else as she tries to find a spot where he can see but not draw much attention to himself.

Pyra Magna stands still. She does not salute. This is a memorial for those fallen. To remember them and their sacrifice. Her head is bowed, even as she's in a formal stance. But a very, very quiet one as she looks at each in turn.

Kup rolls his cy-gar from one side to the other, folding his arms across his chest. Watching, listening with optics perhaps a touch hyper-bright.

       Broadside nods to Springer. He places a large hand on his commander's shoulder in a rare show of affection and support. Then he moves to stand before the memorial flame and looks out among those gathered. "Thanks for coming," he says awkwardly. "I'm, uh, not the smoothest public speaker, so please bear with." He opens his face mask and retracts his googles, revealing a silver face with bright blue optics.

Moving around near the back of those in attendance, Chromia comes to a stop as she tries to stay on the sidelines of things while still paying her respects, lifting her hand in a salute towards the memorial before she waits and listens.

Springer simply nods his head towards Broadside, acknowledging his action and watching his fellow Wrecker move to address the crowd, a small smile appearing at his greeting.

Pyra Magna gives a low nod to Chromia and goes to cross her hands in an 'at ease' position. And makes no sound as she looks at each of the memorial stations.

Huffer places his hands on his hips akimbo. Then glancing around, quickly places his hands by his side. He silently waits and listens.

First Aid listens, head held low in respect. He's not a wrecker himself but is here to give support.

       Slowly, Broadside begins to speak. Like most Wreckers, he is a mech of action, not words, but in this case, he has put aside his discomfort for public speaking and stands now before those gathered to remember Autobots lost in defense of Cybertron, Earth, and the principles of freedom in general.

Clearing his vocalizer, Broadside says, "Honored guests, Iacon officials, and especially the friends and families of the Wreckers, I would like to thank you for inviting me to join you today as we remember and honor the mechs and femmes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great world.

"This is my first opportunity to speak at a Wrecker event, and I am honored and humbled to be with you." Broadside pauses, looking out at those gathered.

Springer can't help the soft chuckle that escapes him, that smile again appearing briefly, "We are Mechs of action not words as you said, Brother." A pause and he adds in, looking around briefly before he adds, "And Femmes of action."

Kup reaches up and starts to light his cy-gar then stops, just taking it out, attention more on the flame and holo's than the words and those here.

Dust Devil sighs softly to himself as he tries to check and makes sure that he did indeed polish up appropriately for the event. While he doesn't really have any awards or commendations, he does have some tassels at the shoulder showing him to be an ambassador. Not that he likes wearing this sort of thing, but Crosscut would have his spoiler if he didn't represent appropriately.

Dust Devil silently curses Spike and his predicament which left him being the one to be here. There's not even Backblast to hide by. At least Tracker is by him for company, his loyal companion.... who is nowhere to be seen. He narrows his optics realizing that the traitor has found somewhere out of the way and hidden to relax.

Huffer finds himself nodding thoughtfully as he listens to the speech but frowning reflectively. Or reflexively, for this particular Minibot. He notices Dust Devil arrive in all his tassels and finds himself scratching his arm before he can stop himself. As softly as he can walk, he edges closer to where Pyra magna stands, keeping Dust Devil alertly in his peripheral while trying to give the Memorial the attention it deserves. Trying.

       "At events like the one here today at Autobot Memorial Plaza, as well as mausoleums across the world, communities come together to remember and to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who paid the true cost of freedom - our fallen comrades." Broadside turns to look at the hologram of those Autobots lost.

"It is our sacred duty to ensure that the names of our fallen and their memory are not lost to history, and events held on sacred ground like this will ensure we always remember them. We must never forget the Wrecker Soldiers who died in the Great War, who are etched in steel monuments and invisibly on our sparks.

"These soldiers were among the truest Autobots we will ever know: they died defending freedom for all, not just for a select few," Broadside continues.

Pyra Magna would bow her head once more at Broadside's words. Shutting down her optics in contemplation. Wise. Earned from memory and experience. And pain and loss. Forged by them. In memory of them.

First Aid keeps his head low, nodding at Broadside's words in agreement. His optics are dim and low in remembrance.

Springer remains front and center of the display, still watching it though he occasionally turns to one side then the other to see how people are reacting to things before looking back at the holo-flames. He listens to Broadside's speech, nodding at various points in agreement as his fellow Wrecker does a far better speech then what he had in mind.

       "The names of Wreckers lost are many, but today we honor those who have left a lasting influence upon our tightknit family: Groovesplitter. Bonebite. Halfdome. Frostbutton. Depthjaw. Virtue. Zipzap. And, of course, Impactor, who was well-named for the lasting impact he left on our corps and our lives.

"We remember you. Wreck n' rule!" Broadside raises a large fist in enthusiastic salute. He then continues, in a more muted tone, "We also honor those who died fighting the Fallen. Even against overwhelming odds, these Autobots stood up to defend Iacon and died giving us time to ultimately defeat him.

"They may not have been Wreckers in name, but their bravery and sacrifice make them Wreckers in spirit. We honor you. Skids. Bluestreak. Caliber. Code Blue. Scowbrow. Outback. Grandstand. Neon. Showdown. Placebo. Tracks. Wayfarer. Updraft. Lightweight."

       Broadside looks down for a moment, giving the named a moment of silence as their images flicker in the hologram. Finally, he looks up again. "I want to thank you again for having me here today. I would ask you to not only remember those we honor today at this ceremony, but to keep our Soldiers who are deployed defending our freedom, and their loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers.

"Primus bless you, and Primus Bless the greatest army in the cosmos. Thank you," Broadsides finishes, and steps down from the front of the group.

Dust Devil listens to the speech, watching everything so that he can relay the information later. He's quietly staying toward the back so he can see most everyone and lean on the wall.

Kup now lights his cy-gar, a rolling plume of smoke wafting upwards in loops and spirals.

After a while Huffer had stopped looking at the holograms and instead found an unoccupied patch of ground to stare at for the remainder of the speech. After the first list of names was read, he let out a small sigh. After the second, a larger sigh. But at the conclusion of Boradside's words, he looks back up again, fixing his posture which had been slowly slouching.

Springer lets Broadside finish, gripping his shoulder in return in support before he steps closer to the memorial, raising a hand to almost touch it, close enough the holo shimmers a bit before he turns around to face the crowd, hands clasping behind his back as he sets his legs and stands as tall as he can.

Quiet again passes for a few moments before Springer speaks, his tone not truly loud but it carries across the area clearly, "Broadside gave a speech that I wish I could of given. He spoke from the Spark and said the things that should have been said. He named those who have fallen, both Wreckers and those who fought by their sides. My goal has always been to lead the Wreckers as I believe Impactor would have, from the front and to never leave one of ours behind."

Springer sighs softly, "That has not always been possible due to what we Wreckers do but the one thing that will never happen, as this Memorial is meant to do, is that they will never be forgotten, that their actions and their sacrifices will keep us moving forward till the end... Till all are one again."

Springer turns to look back towards it again before he looks back to the crowd and something in his stance has changed, the Springer that was here to give respect to those who fell gone... the Springer who leads the Wreckers fully in place now, his tone full of command, "I thank all who have come out, fellow warriors, fellow Autobots, my fellow beings, to show your respect for those this is meant to honor.

"I would ask those who knew any of the fallen, to step up and say something to them for while they may not be able to hear you we will." Springer's gaze moves to his Wreckers, "And it is time we honor our fallen OUR way..." He starts to stride away, heading towards the gate leading from Iacon, "WRECKERS, FALL IN! It's time to Wreck 'n Rule."

       As Smokescreen steps towards the front to say a few words about Bluesteak and Tracks, he pauses as the active Wreckers fall in behind Springer. Roadbuster, Rack'n'Ruin, Topspin, Twin Twist, Whirl, Broadside, Sandstorm, Crashcourse, Flashstrike, Link-Up, and Spinshield all fall in, drawing their weapons and preparing to head out to properly memorialize their fellow warriors, Wrecker-style.

There is a small moan and a huff, as Huffer winces at the shift in tone from somber to classic Wrecker style. He looks at the drawn weapons and shakes his head. Yup. Memorial is over as far as this wet blanket is concerned. Huffer glances around and makes his escape as discreetly as his little boxy form will allow.

First Aid smiles under his facemask as he sees the wreckers doing things wrecker style. It's very like them, and very appropriate to the situation.

Kup rolls his cy-gar, smiling thinly around it, watching the Wreckers form up as a team. A nod to them all and a puff of blue-tinted smoke goes out.

Springer looks around at those who closed in with him at his call and nods, smiling more fully than he was before, "Now let's go blow us up a ship..." A final bow with a flourish of his arm towards the others and he exits out of the area.

Dust Devil watches the wreckers march out pretty much in formation. He then turns and looks at the images of those mechs he knew on Earth. A frown forming on his face as their images flicker through.

First Aid also looks to those he knew and those he didn't, giving a nod of thanks. "It was good to see them again. If only for a moment, if only in memory." He says as he solemnly heads for the door behind Dust Devil.

<<Autobot>> Naval Warfare Diver says, "Autobots on Earth or within Space Bridge distance -- my sensors are picking up some very strange activity just off the Karin Islands in the southern Philippines -- it might be Cobra or the Decepticons."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Space bridge?! They figured out which wire was loose? errr They figured what was wrong with it?"
<<Autobot>> Naval Warfare Diver chuckles. "I'm not sure. *I* never use it, but if you want to risk it, we could use the help. We're pretty short-staffed on Earth for emergencies like this."
<<Autobot>> AS Broadside says, "Wreckers.... aren't available at this time. Kill some Cons for me, Bots."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "I'm sure I'm far too needed on Cybertron."
<<Autobot>> AS Broadside says, "No, no. You should go, Dust Devil. You should STAY on Earth."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "OW okay I'm goin I'm goin. But I just got polished up and all"

<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "You all suck.... well not the wreckers. they get exemptions today. GAH can't anyone make that thing NOT give me a splittin helmache?"
<<Autobot>> Naval Warfare Diver says, "I appreciate the response, Dust Devil."
<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Did Tracker come through? Don't tell me he left... he was right behind me. That jerk!"