Safe Steps

Log Title: Safe Steps

Characters: Dawnfire, Megatron, Slugfest, Starlock, Swivel & Everyone on the IRC

Date: September 18 2023

Summary: Just another night at the Rollout and on dalnet.

The Rollout Bar[]

The Rollout Bar's interior is designed to accommodate the widely varying scales of the universe. On the bar itself there's a section designed for humans, Junkions and those of similar scale, with their own bar which can be served either by the main bartender or a bartender of their own scale, should one be on duty. A spiral staircase grants access to the bar's surface for those who are small enough to use the secondary bar, with barriers high enough for most transformers high enough to notice protect those making their way from the doors to the bar itself. There are a series of bar stools of various sizes along the bar, allowing most Transformers to be able to sit comfortably at the bar.
Next to the bar, there are two doors marked "GAMES ROOMS". They are roped off, and from the other side, the sounds of building work can be heard. Warning signs mark them as "UNDER CONSTRUCTION"
Beside the doors sits a large stage, protected by energy fences should it be required. A fairly decent stack of amplifiers and speakers allows music of almost any kind to be performed there, by any species - space for a five-piece band of Transformers, or an entire orchestra of human-sized beings. There is a dance floor in front of the stage, and surrounding that one will find a series of octagonal tables with adjustable seats around them. Each table has a spiral staircase for those of human-ish scale to access the table top, where there are seats available.
The wall opposite the bar is lined with booths that allow four large Transformers to sit comfortably in relative privacy - and again, there is access to the table-tops for those of human scale. Each booth has its own window out of the bar, which can be closed with a curtain should it be required. They can also be enclosed within top-of-the-line privacy fields - Encore is trying to build a reputation at the Rollout Bar for absolute discretion and neutrality.
One wall is entirely taken up by a changing holographic vista, showing beautiful places from around the galaxy. The other wall is labeled "THE NEWS WALL", and is a huge bank of screens showing news broadcasts from across the galaxy, including Autobot News, Free Cybertron Press, and the Decepticon Propaganda Network, among countless others.
Encore himself usually tends the bar here. A sign behind the bar reads 'BARTENDERS WANTED: APPLY TO ENCORE'

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> hmm. So many songs to sing. Good morning

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcopLM6xpE

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Thank you to those who spent time with me. I appreciate it."

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> *connects*

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> <connects>

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Hello. I heard she's back. Thank the one who let us know.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I wonder if she's the same one or if she's a copy.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> And she will die again.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Well, I took that as a given.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I'd run a recent sample against any old ones you have to see. If she is a copy, it should reveal if the copy is better or worse than the original, and run all samples against the old ones looking for how they were copied and the quality thereof.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Metal and chemical analysis might reveal what resources he has now he didn't back then.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Then again, I'm a dumb Human :)

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Hrmn..

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> you do know that that excuse doesn't fly.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Really?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> My MSE forces are working on a solution to that. And other things uncovered which will stay off of this channel.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <sings>

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Understood, Soldier. I might come to Cybertron next week.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Why?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> To check out a few things.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Since when have you become guardian of Cybertron?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I haven't, that's your job. However, there was a meeting and I'm now in charge of Off World Intel. Also, I want to see what Banshee has done with Trypticon. The concerts were amazing.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> They are. Are you working with the EDC and all now?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Did you see any EDC at the battle when Singularity attacked Earth?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> have you heard anything about the EDC since?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> No.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I am just making sure of things.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> It was me and Ascension Wing and the Destrons, with other Cybertronians assisting. Thank you for the Destrons, we would've been toast without them.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> You're welcome.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I allowed my destrons to assist yes.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> And we're operating in good faith and have boundaries established, correct?

<<FM-Radio>> Interrogator says, "https://youtu.be/7qLKJoH_s_c?si=ctYqlWfoELf6Z913 https://youtu.be/7LBYrDx_784?si=ryk8pkEVy2v23Um_"

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Hmm, nodded off for a minute there.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> you ok?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Alright, I've been working.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Yes, how about you? You're always working, Soldier.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Aren't we all. I'm doing alright, thank you.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> How about you, Inside? I know you had stuff last night.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> I am calm today. I stayed inside.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I'm working on learning languages. I'd started years ago, but was interrupted.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Its quite easy for my kind to learn languages, but I understand its harder for you. What languages are you focusing on?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I'd rather not say. I do want to learn Ancient Russian and that of my Grandmother's People one day. The Travelling People didn't know what to make of me when I visited one of their camps.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> I speak ancient cybertronian and current cybertronian. I can teach.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> If I can't speak a language, I can get my point across.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> So can others, thank you, though. Yeah, Soldier, we both speak the universal language. You better than I.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I dont know you're pretty good at it.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Lol, different dialects ;)

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> what did i just wake too?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I don't know, but waking and autoconnecting to the internet isn't good.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> s'just a thing i do

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Yes, but what if there was a trap or virus?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Perv Queen might be quirky, but she knows her stuff.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> considering i've had both recent viruses

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> and none them where through the internet

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Too many of my soldiers are affected by that sickness. It should be cured immediately.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> trying..

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> As are we.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I do have something that might help Watcher. Somebody I ran across who can supposedly control dreams.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Bah. Let him sleep forever. Or until he comes to his senses.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> lil surpise you not gotten it yet

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Its because Im strong enough to fight any virus.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> ....

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Lol, if liege couldn't control him, you think a virus could?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> as a medic, i call bullshit

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Well look at me. Am I sick when everyone else is?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> No one can control Megatron.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> suuuuure

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> just means not gotten it yet

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> None of mine have yet either. Not that we have any with Off World cybernetics.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> If the Silica Virus crossed Species, we're worried about others.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Not me. I am perfection. Even in this tainted body.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Hmmm... Interesting...

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> ....now i got more questions other then answers

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Don't we all.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Im going out to get a drink.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I blew out all that was tainted in me. I don't think we can risk you, though, Soldier.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> this odda be good

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Taint.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> like DEEZ NUTS

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> hahaha I have corrupted you!

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Hey, Guru.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> i saw a opportunity, and took it

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> yep. you grabbed Deez Nuts!

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> To take Guru's Nuts? Oh, Buttercup won't be happy... lol

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> lmao

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Anyone can grab Deez Nutz I dont think Butters will mind. She might be mad I call her butters but...

Starlock is sat at a table, enjoying her amethyst tea, looking tired as normal and amused at her datapad.

Megatron comes into the Rollout, not really hiding who he is. The purple and black warlord takes a seat by himself near the back, his crimson gaze tracing the crowd.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I'll pass.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I got a question, Guru. I might be heading to Cybertron and was wondering about the Big Battle I heard about last time I was on Vilnacron. The Being was rather inebriated but for a few more drinks told me one heck of a convoluted tale.

Starlock notices, looks right at him with half-lidded optics, and takes a long, drawn out, judgmental sip of her tea.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> You have to go into detail. Theres lots of big battles these days.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Usually when they say they have a lead on shipwrecks it involves 'Klingons near Uranus' and we've wasted credits on drinks... But this one was about an Emperor breaching the Void to rescue his Empress and a Moth killing the captors with a shovel. That narrow it down?

There is a creak of the cellar door and a large keg rolls out seemingly on its own! Oh wait. No. That grunting from an intense effort is coming from Swivel, who is behind the keg, pushing. She uses some straps and other mechanics to get it where it needs to go despite it being larger than herself, and much too heavy for her meagre strength. Once that endeavour is finally accomplished, the femme walks around the bar. Seeing Starlock, her optics brighten. "Hello!" Swivel walks over to her, animated and full of life. She's got something on her mind. But then she sees Megatron in her bar. There is a moment where she looks disappointed, but she quickly rallies. Megatron gets a far less judgmental wave and smile out of Swivel - even though his arrival means she'll have to put her personal agenda on hold. "Welcome."

Dawnfire is... here! He didn't get lost or wander off into the unknown! He'll consider it a victory. Once again, he seems to have come to the Rollout for a specific something - or someone.

But if that's the case, then why is he standing in the doorway like a roadblock in depressing colors?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Haah well. That would be me. Star Saber trapped my ship, the Arcadia, including my family in a dead universe. Surrounded by Dire Wraiths. Little Mothra, just created and by her mother's side, helped take out the Dire wraiths attacking her home. Im sure it was incredible. I rescued them, and I still seek revenge on Star Saber.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Dont get him started.

Starlock's finials flick up and her optics brighten and she smiles seeing Swivel. "Hey Swiv." She'd chirp in her tired, but clearly pleased tone. She then waves a hand seeing Dawnfire, mostly to indicate she was there.

Megatron nods "Swivel." he greets the bartender. "And Starlock." He looks to the door. "It seems you have someone here for more then just the drinks."

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Sounds EPIC, Guru! This Being could barely stay in his chair so I had my doubts...

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Its true. Theres nothing more powerful than Destrons enraged!

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Just remember who owns you.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Don't ask how I know it was a 'He'...

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Femme builds are usually Caminoan. They are curvier and softer spoken. Mech builds are generally if not always cybertronian.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Why they always insist on show and tell is beyond me...

"Mega-lomaniac." Starlock says with absolutely no hesitation in acknowledgment.. And maybe the judgment anyone would fear.. the judgment of a disappointed medic tone.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Humans are worse about that.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> True, Soldier. You don't want to know about Perv Queen's tattoos.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> You dont want to know about certain parts of Buttercup either...

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Both of you.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> When she turned 18, she was tired of Men lying so she had a yardstick tattooed on one arm.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> HA

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I expect this of the primitives, but the humans? Guess they are too.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Our Species has variety too. If they all were like me, we'd be in trouble.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Yep. Im primitive and dont know my aft from a hole in the ground.

Swivel's optics follow Megatron's gaze to the door where Dawnfire is hesitating. "Maybe he's come to pray. Somehow this bar became a temple when I wasn't looking. But I'll roll with it." Swivel smiles and waves to Dawnfire. "Come in, come in!" Swivel gestures in welcome.

The seafoam minibot then walks back behind the bar from the other side. Once she has climbed up on her perch, she looks back at Megatron. "What will you have?"

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> Every soul and spark is unique. Isnt it amazing?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Yes, Inside

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Some need to be put out though, for the good of the rest.

Megatron looks to Swivel "I'll take a standard high grade." He says "Nothing fancy." He looks to Starlock "Already beginning with the insults I see."

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Rot spreads.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> Im sorry you think that way.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Eh. Theres a saying.

A wave to Starlock, a wary side-eye to Megatron, a polite nod of acknowledgement towards Swivel, and Dawnfire slinks through the bar towards the little medic. He doesn't sit with her. He stands next to her, stiff and awkward. "Hello," he says. "I am here."

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> FAFO.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Parallax> Something can be unique and still need killing.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I've seen things, Inside. I've seen how the Rot spreads.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> what if they can be cured?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> guys. Sometimes puppies and kittens and humans and cybertronians need to die.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> it's why I worry what was done to you and Soldier, and about the Virus on Cybertron.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Parallax> I say cut your losses. Not all things are worth curing.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Nothing was done to me. I overcame obstacles.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> If they can be cured and really want to change is one thing.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> are you saying me and Soldier are Rot that needs to die?

"I'm just matching the energy tonight, sides, I /know/ for a fact you've been called worse, cause I've said it right too ya face, so don't even start with that shit." Starlock quips with a chuff, just the whole grain audacity of this mini at this point.

Starlock smiles up at Dawnfire. "That you are.." her optics soften. "Can sit with me, its fine, want anything? I can pay." She'd nod.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Eh. I've been called worse

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I am saying you both can be cured and studied so we know how to prevent and prepare for the future.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Parallax> Look. Out there, some things need to die so other things can live. That's just how it is. Not about who deserves it, just about what is necessary to move forward.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Theres nothing wrong with me. But thanks for your erm. Concern.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> THe circle of life. But who are we to judge who should live or die?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Soldier may have clues in the body Liege gave him. You never know what's hidden in the mind....

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> My body is my business.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I agree.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> However, we need you at optimal functioning. And you'd trust Watcher, correct?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> He's a traitor. Why would I trust him?

"Comin' roight up, sir," Swivel says with the same cheerful pluck serving a tyrant as serving a friend. She hums as she pours Megatron his order and passes it to him, her smile growing as she listens to Starlock's sass.

Swivel looks up at Dawnfire. "So y'are. Wot'll ye have?" Swivel asks Dawnfire once he has positioned himself, stiff as a utility pole. She then glances at Starlock.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> I want you to have options, however, I want Watcher and Maat to have options too.

Megatron flips Swivel a shanix, with a rather large tip. "Thanks." he comments. "Someone here's professional."

There's a slight thump, then a scampering noise, then a pitter patter of little feets on steps, and a tiny stego capers in, slightly dragging a blanket behind him that's gotten hung up over one of his back plates!

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Because there's a voice in you like there is in me "Did I really get all the Outside Influence out of me?" and you'd trust Watcher over Liege and anybody else. Only thing is, I know there's Humans out there ready to subdue or kill me if anything goes wrong. Who could subdue or kill you? It's why I pity you. Because there'd be a part watching as you destroyed everything you worked for so somebody else could rule what is rightfully yours.

"I. Uh. I'll have whatever she's having." A slight tilt of his head towards Starlock, then Dawnfire gingerly takes a seat facing her. He's sitting on the very edge of the chair, tense, like he's about to spring to his feet at the drop of a pin.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> At one time that is true. He will learn that beings like he and I...do not belong outside this war. He will learn that he will never be satisfied as a neutral. I know him too well.

Swivel catches the shanix and it quickly disappears. "Thank ye koindly," Swivel responds in her ever chipper tone. She then leans over the bar a little, eyeing Starlock. "Nay, she's off duty so no professionalism requoired."

Swivel stands up straight again as she hears a clatter, and looks around for the source. "One amethyst enetea, then - but first let me rescue the bottomless pit from..." Swivel's countenance drops when she sees the blanket. "....a monster most voile. Maybe." She stares at Slugfest, squinting at the blanket hard.

GAME: Swivel FAILS a COURAGE roll of Trivial difficulty.

Starlock rolls her optics. "As she said, I'm a guest, not staff, I have no obligation to be professnal in this setting." She grins over at Megatron almost in a singsong voice, but she doesn't seem to have any real bite, more teasing, no real tension in her frame, like this is a normal exchange. She looks to Dawnfire.

"Amythist Enertea.. its purple, has amythist crystals in it." She'd smile up at him.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> You only answer one part. The part I already know what you'd say. You won't forget the rest though. I don't need you to falter or hesitate if Opportunity presents itself, Cybertron can't afford to have you falter or hesitate if Opportunity presents itself. And for that, you have to be fully optimal.

Megatron Stares at Slugfest in thought.... "You know There may be a way.." something is going through his mind. Probably something devious.

GAME: Dawnfire PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Average difficulty.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Way to quote "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarden" Guru

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Even if in spirit more than words

<<irc.dal.net>> <Guru Kaiju> Course Im smart Im a guru

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Hmmm Oportunity... How injured was Singularity?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> you know there may be a way.... hrm. Watcher's ...minicons. They are all still loyal to me.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> She knows better than to return.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> I and my Decepticons too her down regardless of her plans.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Yes, Many Battlefields though. Physical, Mental... Emotional... i need to send some emails.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Soldier> Of course with your profession you are in psychoanalyst mode.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> Syndrome.

Swivel glances at Megatron, watching him look thoughtfully at Slugfest. She mistakes his half-spoken musings as a signal that he will valiantly save his minion from the evil grip of a blanket, and instead she works on brewing some amethyst enertea.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Syndrome> Yes, Calyhex? I need those files I told you to set aside for an emergency sent to Interrogator, including passcodes.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> S..Syndrome you are...you are alive? You are home? You are....

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <Lockup> Calyhex. Cease contact with the internet. Now. There is no Syndrome. And Interrogator is NOT staff.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Syndrome> I'll explain later, this is the Big Emergency! Send them immediately!

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> I agree wuth Lockup

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Scope>> Even if it really is you. You're dead if you return. Come on home an' find out. Great. Now Caly's all spooked.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> /someone/ is messing with you

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> How would you know if Syndrome lives, Lockup?

"So... er..." Dawnfire appears to be struggling with words and being social. He watches the tiny stego instead, half-wishing that he had a blanket to disappear beneath. "What's new?"

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> oh, we'ed know

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Lockup>> I know what he an' Bedlam look like. I used to work for them you know. Now the inmates are riled up.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> It's okay, Calyhex and everyone. I was seeing if there were Emergency Protocols. At Gulag 0, I know how I had it set up.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Scope>> I'll take care o' sweetspark. She's safe. If he or Bedlam come in the door. Me an' Hush will take care of them. We know them. They're in our sights. Hush has their smell.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Lockup>> Wait. That was you?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Voidwalker> homie not cool.

Slugfest sits staring up at Swivel inquisitively. "Where monster?" he wonders, completely oblivious to the bed garment that currently festoons him.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Lockup>> You just sent a mentally off key Titan into defense mode. I hope you're happy. Its alright, Caly. Administration will know and take care of it. No its not Bedlam. Your new administrator, remember?

<<irc.dal.net>> <Interrogator> Desperate times, Lockup. I know what I did at Gulag 0, the traps, the emergency protocols, everything. Short of finding the two who screwed her and everyone. I'm probably your best shot at curing her.

<<irc.dal.net>> <Inside> <<Lockup>> He's teasing you Caly. And I dont need the help of someone who'se gonna frag with her like that okay? You ever seen her have a full break down? Its not pretty. And you set the boys off too. Ones a cannibal and one has an itchy trigger finger.

Starlock lets out a irritated huff at the net channel but looks to focus on Dawnfire. "A lot." she'd laugh lightly and start looking for something on her datapad. "Running a whole city, caught and trying to stop a radio-signal based sickness that makes you fall asleep at random intervals before eventually locking you in permanent sleep." She muses

"Dealing with a crazy-aft evil dude called Liege Maximo, I just call him Maxi for short, doesn't deserve that mouthful of marbles of a name." She'd nod. "Remember when we went to find Krystallos?" She asks with a smile.

Swivel looks over at Slugfest who is completely unaware of the hazard woven about his back. Nope. She's too tired to fight the fear of touching blankets. Instead she delivrs Dawnfire some tea, then goes back to staring intensely at Slugfest.

"The monster? Well it's.." Swivel starts out speaking softly, "...roight..." her voice grows in volume as she holds up her hands in two fists, "...ON YER BACK!" Swivel nearly shouts at Slugfest, fingers splaying out in an explosion of movement.

"EEEEE!" the tiny stego squeals, and starts running around in circles, in a panic, as if that will force the 'monster' to let him go.

Dawnfire stares blankly at Starlock for a bit. "Er... right. What's this Liege Maximo been up to? And how's it going with the sleep thing?"

He blinks, then leans closer to speak quietly to her.

Megatron stands up and heads to the door. "As interesting as this is I have work to do." On his way out he lifts the blanket, releasing Slugfest.

Starlock clears her throat. "Right, so, this asshole." Starlock brings up a holoscreen with a image of Maximo on it. "one of the original 13 primes, forged one, he's just as evil if not more then unicron, showed up, and pretty sure he wiped a whole city off the planet some months back." Sh explains, bringing up what info she could.

"Pretty sure he's behind this sleeping sickness, its a radio signal based illness, and.. its targeting specific people, generally its hit a large variety of people, but that's a cover for it going after leaders, medics, you name it, as without them, it makes the planet easier to get control of once all the soldiers have been beat down and in need of repair with all the medical staff down." she explains. "...Ratchet's been in sleep lock since august of last year.." She'd murmur softly.

"Signal leaves behind a code that.. makes you instantly fall into sleep lock if you block it with signal jammers, it lessons on earth, how we know its isolated to cybertron... Maximo's going after us, and earth as he sees humans as parasites.." She'd add.

Swivel watches Slugfest running frantically, and immediately feels bad for setting him off. And not because if he knocks something over it'll be her cleaning it up. But she's still not sure she can bring herself to touch that blanket. So she is relieved, infinitely relieved, when Megatron removes the offending blanket on his way out. "Come again!"

Great! Megatron is gone! Swivel can finally - oh. Right. Swivel looks over at Starlock and Dawnfire sitting and quietly talking. Her optics dim for a moment or two, and then she sets back to the task of calming Slugfest down. She grabs some snack and puts them in a tin cup just so she can shake them noisily. "Slugfest, Slugfest! It's gone! Megatron defeated it for you! Wasn't that koind?"

Slugfest still runs around after Megatron pulls the blanket off, but stops when Swivel informs him that the 'monster' was defeated, by Megatron. He skids to a screeching halt. "Yay!"

Dawnfire's attention wanders just far enough to watch Megatron leave. He makes a soft, amused noise and shakes his head. "I plan to tell the higher-ups that I'm still alive - somehow - and then tackle whatever assignment I'm given. Though it sounds like you might qualify as a higher-up of sorts."

The corner of his mouth twitches upwards in a smile. "Going to assign me something?"

Once Slugfest has calmed down Swivel gives the tin one more shake, before emptying the contents onto a saucer and setting it where Slugfest can easily climb up and get it. "There, have at it. I'm sorry fer spookin' you loik that, Slugfest." Swivel resumes her post, picking up a glass and polishing it, occasionally glancing around, her gaze briefly resting on Dawnfire and Starlock once or twice.

Slugfest yays at the shaking tin, entranced by the sound of goodies. He happily clambers up to the now-filled saucer and starts nomming. His tail wags, having already forgotten the spooking.

Starlock chuckles. "Still just a sar-- oh yeah, I got promoted to sergeant." She'd smile at him. "Not much but." She'd shrug and laugh.

She'd then purse her lips, staring at him as her cheek platting glows a bit purple and she squints at him.

"Only thing I can really assign you is mayhaps an offering to see how New Harms grown." She'd scoff, squirming a bit internally, she'd bring up her datapad to show Dawnfire, a picture of the city, mainly.. the crystals, and how they where bigger then the buildings now, compared to the little shard seeds that fit in Starlocks hands.

"Offerings. Uh." Dawnfire stares at the table for a bit, then at the picture of New Harmonex. "It looks great. I don't have anything nice to offer. Maybe a cool rock or two. Congratulations on making Sergeant."

He averts his gaze, taking a look around the bar instead.

Swivel sets down the glass she was wiping and reaches over to pet Slugfest on the head gently as he devours the apology offering. She glances around, catching Dawnfire's gaze as his wanders as well. She quickly flashes him a smile then quickly looks away, focusing back on Slugfest. "A full tank is a forgivin' spark, yes?"

The crystals vary in size and shape, their colors largely purples with pink and blue hues that shine onto the obsidian buildings that cause a irridecent glitter... Crystaline cyberflora in the background, mainly as tries but as flowering Ivy too, street lights visible that are strung almost like fairy lights.

Starlock snorts. "That's.. not the point.. not at all." She'd huff softly. "Its a home... for anyone who wants it to be.. should hear the music they make." She'd then flip through the photos.

"Sides, helping me find Krystallos alone is contribution enough, don't.. think I'd gotten this far without ya."

Slugfest yays and is petted. "Yus!" he replies, as he continues nomming. A full stego is a happy stego!

"You're overestimating me," Dawnfire replies frankly. "Tell you what. I'll pay the place a visit on my way back to - ... uh. Where d'you think I'm needed the most? Pretty sure I can figure out how to get there. Eventually."

Swivel sighs somewhat wistfully as she continues petting Slugfest. "Hard ter be mad when full, innit? Yer fill of energon and a safe place ter recharge, who kin ask fer more?" For a moment, Swivel's face grows distant, and pensive, but she quickly refocuses when another patron in the bar asks for a refill. She quickly fills the order.

"Oh not at all, you where grounding me at the time when I was a overstressed ball of nerves ready to explode." She'd grin, poking him lightly and gently. "Which, while it may not seem like much, means a lot to me." She'd nod sagely. "Sofa's still there by the way." She adds cryptically.

"Iacon, likely a good place to start." She'd nod.

Slugfest finishes the goodies, hops down from his seat, and starts nosing around the floor. He hears 'sofa' and scampers to it, taking a running leap and curling up on it!

"You must really like that sofa." A final faint smile, and Dawnfire stands with a sigh. "Iacon sounds about right. I'll make my way there and hope I'm not in too much trouble."

And just like that, he's off again - wandering on his way, bidding the Rollout's occupants a farewell by means of a lazy wave over his shoulder.

"See ya." Starlock smiles with a hug, choosing to save one location in new harm as a surprise for him later. "Goob." She'd chuckle.

"Thank you! Come again!" Swivel calls out to Dawnfire as he leaves. Several other patrons seem to have the same idea in mind and slowly trickle out. Swivel wishes them all farewells and safe journeys as she does a bit of tidying up. With Slugfest happily nestled on a couch, Swivel looks over to Starlock. Well. She'll try this one more time.

Swivel walks over to Starlock, plopping herself down next to the femme. She gives Starlock a long sideglance, glances at the exit, then back at Starlock. "So..."

"Yeah?" Stalrock asks as she looks up at Swivel from her tea, a tilted helm.

Swivel leans forward, hands laced together under her chin and she stares at Starlock, raising waggling her optic ridges and grinning toothily, in a caricaturesque imitation of some of the looks she'd seen Starlock give when she's 'on to something'.

The sofa is comfy and the tiny stego is happy, chin resting on paws.

Starlock makes a /face/ of mock offense and disgust. "Oh you are /not/ using my own expressions against me." she says, trying not to laugh.

"I'm just a mirror with legs." Swivel giggles. However, Swivel quickly sobers, sitting up straight, her hands still interlocked but slowly lowering to rest upon her lap. The teal minibot's optics dart side to side for a moment, and then she refocuses on Starlock. "So. That fake offense might become real in a moment after I ask a frank question. Dawnfire," Swivel pauses here, as if unsure whether to continue. But she gives a small nod to herself. "...Was his absence... why you took it upon yourself to keep trying to throw Blast Off and I together?"

Starlock raises a ridge, and then shakes her head with a smile. "Nah. Anything I was mostly playfully teasing, as Blast off clearly has some... unresolved feelings he's never going to admit too." She'd snort "Sorry if that made ya' uncomfterble." She adds after a frown forms on her face.

Swivel leans back a little, tilting her head. "It makes me a little uncomfortable, to be honest. But you seem to be having such sport with it, I didn't see ther need to say anything."

"Still should, I don't wanna cross a line as I.. sometimes miss them." Starlock admits with knitted brows, rubbing at her shoulder. "Also Dawnfire doesn't.. like me in that way." She adds after a moment.

Swivel tilts her head to the side. "Well that's fair. Blast Off doesn't loik me either. He actually laughed in my face at the thought of it."

"Rude." Starlock huffs in response to Blast off. "...but it is a uncomfterble topic, and it would involve acknowledging emotion and eeech." Starlock sticks her tongue out.

Swivel shrugs her shoulders and smiles. "No, we couldn't have that, now, could we? Expressing emotions is too uncouth." Swivel leans forward, placing her elbows on the table. For shame! But Blast Off isn't here to nag her about it. "Though... did you and Dawnfoire actually talk about it? Or are you just letting yer self doubt tell you he doesn't? And am I making you uncomfortable? I won't pry if you tell me not to."

"Not.. really?" Starlock shrugs with a cringe. "He's aware I--" She stops herself there and huffs. "He's really shy too so.. I feel bad, I don't want to make him uncomfterble or drive him off." She'd add with knitted brows. "...I don't want to drive people off again.." she'd murmur softly, hugging herself.

"Tcha." Swivel frowns. "Aw, now, yer not in danger of droivin' anyone off, Starlock." Swivel's optic ridges knit together. "Though, I can't speak for anyone but meself." Swivel reaches over to touch Starlock's arm. "But... I understand not wantin' to lose wot you already got by reaching for too much more."

Starlock glances to at her empty cup. "...Specially if ya' been burned before." she adds to Swivels statement.

The tiny stego is half-asleep on the couch, his tail swishing intermittently.

Swivel also looks at the empty cup, taking the hint Swivel stands up, taking the cup to pour some more tea. She gives Slugfest a nice rub on his flanks as she walks by. Swivel returns with a fresh cup of amethyst enertea, placing it down, thinking over the conversation, ready to resume it the moment she sits back down. "We do.. learn from the things that hurt us." Swivel furrows her optics ridges together for a moment or two. "Though we all come away with different lessons." Swivel rubs her chin, looking Starlock over, smiling. "Maybe, though it hurts to hold back, it's just yer wisdom shoining through. But, things change. People change. Situations shift. It moight not be a hopeless situation."

Slugfest yays when his flank is rubbed and wags his tail.

Starlock smiles lightly and gives a nod in thanks as she sips on the tea. "Maybe.. will.. see where that goes." she nods once more then raise a brow at the smiling.

Swivel just smiles more when Starlock raises her brow. However, after a moment, it drops off. "Yer strong. Not because you don't got struggles, but because you foight just to face the world each day. It looks loik he's a bit... lost roight now and sorting himself out and getting re-settled. And there's a lot going on. Maybe once the dust settles, things will go in a new direction. Or maybe you'll both go in different directions. Which moight be a sad thought, but you said he was really important in getting the seeds for New Harmonex. Nothing will take that away. He was there when you needed him, and look at what's grown from that."

Slugfest yawns suddenly, thus all others in his area are suddenly sleepier.

Starlock nods. "This.. is true, and yeah.. "She'd take a breath. "Want to be sure he knows he has a place in new harm if he ever wants..." She'd scratch at her cheek. "An.. maybe see how much I've changed, and that.. its good... Like you said."

Swivel shifts her weight slightly in her seat, clasping her hands together and keeping them on the table. "Aw, love, I kin understand. And I'll do everything I can to help him feel welcome there, too. As for how much you've changed, well, I didn't know you before, just heard what you've said. But I think, or hope, he'll see how much you've changed. Though there's a lot going on, so I wouldn't ready too much into anything he says or does roight away. I know I'm often overwhelmed whenever people talk about the Liege, or foind meself in the presence of warlords."

Starlock snorts and grins. "Fair.. very fair, needs some time to settle in." She'd huff out, and finish her tea, yawning. "Fairly.. Liege is.. just a overwhelming problem in general.."

Swivel glances at Slugfest. It seems the yawn wave has finally made it to her table. She looks back at Starlock. Of course, Starlock has the sleeping sickness so it's not remarkable power. But Swivel resists. "He and the Hub are. And have been for a long toim. Would you believe I got accused of belongin' to ther Cybertronian Empoire once?"

Starlock raises a brow. "Wha... really? How you don't look.. well, anything, like that." she states as she looks Swivel over. "urph.. the sickness is kicking up again.."

Swivel shakes her had. "Out in the boonies of space, well, it kin happen." Swivel rises to her feet. "You best be off before you end up spending ther noight on some lonely stretch of road. Or you kin pass the noight here with me, if you'd loik. It's handy havin' a room here as well as a pad back in New Harmonex."

Starlock hehs. "True that.. I'd like to head to new harm for a bit so.. likely headed that way." She'd smile.

"Well, I got ter finish up me shift." Swivel says, gathering up some dirty dishes. "Travel safe, then."

"Safe steps my friend." Starlock would say as she'd as she left a nice tip with her pay, and waved, wanting to get back to some safety before she fully fell asleep once more.