Log Title: The Siren Call of Code
Characters: Ghost , Dust Devil , Cerebros , Spike , Fortress Maximus , Soundwave , Omen
Location: Praetorus Wharf - Nova Cronum
Date: November 11, 2020
TP: Non-TP
Summary: Fortress Maximus transforming bleeds through to Ghost in the smallest of flashes, triggering an unexpected response while she was resting. Understandably he is angry with her after their prior encounters, however the effects of said rage are not as any of them expected.
As logged by Ghost
TFU - Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Praetorus Wharf - Nova Cronum[]
Fortress Maximus
Dust Devil grins at little at Spike, "It's good ta practice and it gets a better feel fer what we might need ta do to yer armor and all. Besides...it's kinda nice out here.
Cerebros lets out a frustrated sigh. "Fine..." He lowers his hand for Spike to climb up. He then raises his hand to his head for Spike to climb in. As Spike climbs in, Cerebros looks at Dust Devil and sighs "I was in the middle of a study session, just so you know."
Dust Devil chuckles softly, "Yer always studyin, varying how you study can be good for pickin up new things too. Look how cool it is out here. And from here you can safely observe some o the activity on thunderhead pass."
Cerebros sighs and obeys. He walks glumly to Fortress Maximus. A few moments pass (for the sake of time) - the huge, massive structure of the battlestation rises to become...
Fortress Maximus says, "FORTRESS....MAXIMUS!" - he bellows."
Fortress Maximus slowly lumbers around before turning his back to see a bit of ocean wash up. He backs away quickly (as quickly as he can) as some ocean water gets on his boot. Apparently, he's not keen on 'wading' into an ocean for fear of internal flooding.
Ghost was slowly rousing over in Kaon. Half the fraggin planet away. Systems completing an archival defrag and refresh after -finally- defragging the data and experience she'd had after her docking with Vector Sigma. She still has an unknown datadump to decrypt but that's for another time. A process that got interrupted by someone lighting her on fire of all things. Still, the operative rouses and stares up at a medical bay ceiling. And finds herself seeing -slag- again. No, not the Dinobot: code flashes, trickles, a flash that sends an itch through her cortex. An itch that she is not trained to push back against yet. So she finds herself reacting almost on autopilot, leaving, transforming, and flying halfway across the planet to seek that siren's song of code.
Dust Devil is staring out toward Thunderhead pass, just enjoying the overall freedom of not being cooped in the base. He watches over everything hoping he's not going to get in trouble again for taking the titan for another walk.
Ghost's arrival is heralded by the crack of a sonic boom as she decelerates from her flight here. Spiraling down from high above, her engines can still be heard as she throttles down, reason catching up with spark-push to align with a 'whaaa' sort of moment. "On no.. not again.." she mumbles to herself, realizing she'd reacted instinctively to that flash of -something else-.
Dust Devil hears the sonic boom and hopes Spike and company are too busy arguing with themselves to pay attention to what precisely is occurring. He makes a point to jump up to a nearby platform and parkour his way to the closest high spot away from Fort Max. A slight frown on his face as he tries to figure why she's here and scans around for Bludgeon or anyone else.
Ghost continues the slow spiral downwards, keeping it wide and large, miles across, centered on Fortress Maximus as she cycles systems down from the mad-dash. The craft rolls, wing over wing, looking for a vantage point to land and observe as now, the code has quieted and is no longer prompting her to action.
Dust Devil calls out radio wise, <<What brings you this way? I somehow doubt great minds think alike when it comes to outings.>> He half smirks and waits to see if she'll land near him or pick somewhere else.
Ghost drifts closer to the movement and responds << Would you believe me if I said I wasn't awake when I tarted this flight? >>
Dust Devil chuckles softly, 'I can almost see that....are you well then? I used to...sleep walk when Tracker was captured."
Ghost transforms, hovering with wings set in the 'seeker' format, all single paneled behind her, joints unseen. "I am.. functional. Had something I was working on then ended up halfway here before.. well." She shrugs, attention sliding to Fortress Maximus before pointedly turning so she isn't directly facing him as if that will help.
Morgan Freeman moment: It does not.
Dust Devil makes a face. "I still don't know what the pleasant little battle was recently with you and bludgeon...." He folds his arms, "Tanky seemed rather miffed about me hitting him with the glitter and sandstorm so I really hope we're not going to replay that thing...I'm not out of glitter but the stuff I have I'd rather save for Megatron if I can help it."
Ghost ahhhs, resting arms across her front. "I just followed the request. He said meet him there, so I did." She scrunches her face, brows knitting together, "Probably. This is a way you know. We repeat a great many stupid things."
Dust Devil chuckles softly, "Yeah it sucks I tried to not have ta join the fightin really but didn't have much of a choice. Dawnfire didn't deserve death. Just glad everyone broke up and went their seperate ways.
Ghost doesn't laugh but does offer a thin smile, "It's war, Dust Devil. In active combat, well.. Nobody -deservers- to die but it can and will happen. He also shouldn't antagonize Bludgeon either."
Dust Devil sighs, "Some mechs seemed destined to be the grease stain on foot of the Titan. COurse fer a while that was me until I stopped bein so angry. Apparently Hot rod's new current joy is seeing how many different parts he can make Ratchet replace Because he doesn't know how ta bug outta a place."
Ghost ahhhs, "Yes well... I'd wish for far fewer deaths, we've not the largest remaining population left and the longer this war goes on, the fewer of us there are."
Dust Devil looks toward the sky, "Exactly what I've tried to tell people. We need everyone to protect Cybertron now that it has become a resource again. And that can't be done if we fight each other. I've...seen a possible future....and that's just what happened. But now the stream of time has been muddied. WHat happened may not happen now. But what may come instead might be worse. I don't have full access to all the experiences...but I try and watch."
Fortress Maximus has been doing his own assessments, but the appearance of Ghost gets his attention. He turns around from his careful analysis of how much of himself he's allowed to go into the ocean and approaches Ghost. His optics glow a crimson red and he moves toward Ghost and lets out an angry, ground-shaking shout.
Fortress Maximus shouts "USURPER! RETURN WHAT WAS STOLEN FROM ME!"
GAME: Ghost PASSES an ENDURANCE roll of Very High difficulty.
Ghost finds herself peering over at Fort Max then shakes her head, trying not to look or -look- either but it's just.. difficult. The stressful thing is she still can catch glimpses despite her trying to ignore. "Just by knowing a future doesn't that mean it won't be what it had been?" she puzzles before.. Oh..
Oh no.. She snap turns, wings breaking apart into those feather like panels and she drifts backwards at the angry shout, holding her hands up in front of her. "AAAAAHHH!!!"
Dust Devil raises a forcefield around Ghost and turns to place himself in front of Fort Max. "BACK DOWN NOW!" Dust Devil does his best to look as imposing as possible. His armor is slightly flared much like a kitten attempting to look fierce.
Fortress Maximus moves his hand in to grab Ghost, but is stopped by Dust Devil's interference. He backs up, putting his feet in the ocean, since he's pretty much backed there anyway. He doesn't say anything for a moment and points to Ghost. "She took what was ours...and seeks to deliver it to Megatron. The Decepticons CANNOT know the secret to building us - 'I' will NOT be responsible for that!"
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "sup glitches"
Ghost was hovering, now isn't. It's a sudden drop as Fortress Meximus shouts. And she freeze-stalls entirely, looking like a deer in headlights. Optics widen as she hits the ground in a tumble, managing to end up on a knee as Dust Devil's force field erupts about her. Wings shake, frame shakes and she just.. stares upwards transfixed, stunned, motionless.
<<Decepticon>> Hand of Shockwave, Arachnae says, "Oh you're not dead in a ditch somewhere. Excellent."
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "you either. How are you, hotrotors?"
<<Decepticon>> Hand of Shockwave, Arachnae says, "Swindle came by my lab looking for you and Blast Off. Like I had you stashed in here somewhere or something."
<<Decepticon>> Vortex says, "Uh. I cant steal anything to get me high there why would I be there unless you wanna stash me. Oh Blast Off'd be so jealous."
Fortress Maximus looks down, down, down at Ghost. He then slowly gets to his knees and then presses his hands down (like doing a pushup) and peers toward Dust Devil and Ghost, getting as low as he can, which is still pretty high. His optics continue to glow an angry red.
Fortress Maximus says, "Punishment...necessary...for the safety of others."
GAME: Ghost FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Very High difficulty.
GAME: Ghost PASSES a COURAGE roll of Immense difficulty.
Dust Devil glares at Fortress Maximus and keeps protecting Ghost from the Titan. He hates that he's going to have to say this but...."STOP NOW OR I WILL REPORT THIS TO ALPHA TRION. AND I WILL NEVER TAKE CEREBROS OR SPIKE DOWN THERE AGAIN! AND YOU WILL NEVER ACCESS HIS COMPUTERS EVEN IF I MUST BLOW UP THE OLD BASE MYSELF! I TOOK HER TO ALPHA TRION!" Maybe there's room in that forcefield for another?
<<Decepticon>> Hand of Shockwave, Arachnae says, "You still have that problem? You really should get that checked out."
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "you know what at this point...fiiiiiine."
GAME: Fortress Maximus FAILS an INTELLIGENCE roll of High difficulty.
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "I'll make an appointment in medical."
Fortress Maximus tilts his head and leers at Dust Devil. "I know this...you betrayed me." He looks at Ghost. "Ghost took that which was most sacred, and you rewarded her by taking her to Alpha Trion!"
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "soooo do you have any open time slots?"
Ghost falls over onto her back, wings splayed as crackles of static race across her frame, systems redlining, internal sensor systems going chaotic, haywire. Archives whine up and redline, weapons offline, failsafes cut out. She spits out words, pained as if cut out of her spark itself, "Did.. not.. tell.... Asked..him.. help me/us.. " She screams as if she's being stabbed by thousands of tiny knives, energon starting to seep out from her sensory finial rounds.
Dust Devil says, "SHE NEEDED HELP AND APPARENTLY SHE HELPED ALPHA TRION! I REGRET NOTHING BUT TRUSTING YOU TO THINK INSTEAD OF BEING THE WEAPON THAT CEREBROS WAS AFRAID YOU WOULD BECOME! EVEN SPIKE WOULD SEE THAT SHE ISN"T A THREAT RIGHT NOW! YOU ARE BEING A BULLY AND GIVING HER NO REASON TO NOT TAKE THINGS TO THE CONS! IF YOU WEREN"T SUCH A CHILD WHAT YOU ARE DOING WOULD BE UNFORGIVABLE!" He snarls and tries to well...slap Fort max upside the head with another forcefield. Not that it might do much against someone like Fort Max but he has to get Fort Max to focus on him one way or another. "STOP IT!""
>> Dust Devil misses Fortress Maximus with Force Push <Medium>. <<
<<Decepticon>> Hand of Shockwave, Arachnae says, "I'm between analysis panels so I have some time rotorboi."
Fortress Maximus looks down, but the very image of Ghost in pain sears into the conscious of at least one occupant very well. Cerebros looks on in horror as he sees (and hears) Ghost scream! Within Fortress Maximus, Cerebros cries out "Oh no! NO!" He then quickly 'disengages' the link. and as a result, Fortress Maximus cries out, and begins to fall into his battlestation mode, but so far out in the ocean, about a third of Fortress Maximus is submerged (but not the repair bay! - hint hint). In a few moments, a frantic Cerebros runs out.
Cerebros runs runs runs out of the falling robot (soon to be battlestation) the transformation kicks up a lot of dust, and even some waves. He runs toward Ghost and Dust Devil. "No! No!...NO!....Please be OK!"
GAME: Ghost FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Immense difficulty.
[Con-Tapes] Ghost (offlines)
A frantic Cerebros runs right up to Dust Devil, most likely giving him MORE stress as he grabs Dust Devil's shoulder. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't...I didn't mean to..." he looks at Ghost, sick with worry.
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> (disconnects)
GAME: Omen (Raven) FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Very High difficulty.
[Con-Tapes] Omen (offlines)
Dust Devil lowers his forcefield finally and moves to her side. He frowns, "Shh shh shhh....Calm down, focus on me if ya have ta." He makes a face. "That coulda went a whole lot better..."
(Radio) Soundwave sends you a radio transmission, ' Ghost?'
Ghost's scream drops off as she thrashes wings against the ground, crackle-static popping capacitors and other bits. A cascade wave races down her frame and there's a second screech that joins the noise before the intel operative limpens, unconscious and smoking.
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "ok your place or the main lab?"
(Radio) You transmit, "(no end point)" to Soundwave.
[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "tracing last known location of unit: Ghost."
<<Decepticon>> Hand of Shockwave, Arachnae says, "Always my place. The main lab is.. ugh, the standards of cleanliness is not up to par."
<<Decepticon>> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "tracing last known location of unit: Ghost."
<<Decepticon>> Combaticon Vortex says, "alright then on my way"
Cerebros 's optics widen in horror as he gently cups Ghost's head with shaking hands. His optics widen in panic as he pleads "Please...please...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...." He looks at Dust Devil and says in a panicked tone "Please...help me take her into the repair bay..."
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> ...do i wanna know?
Dust Devil grabs her hands and looks her over. "I'm sorry fer yellin at you and Fort Max....Ghost....hey ghost....can you hear me?" He squeezes her hands trying to get a response. "Is Fort chill enough?"
Fortress Maximus's voice booms. "Please move her in - we have the capabilities to repair her.
Cerebros winces and says to no one in particular "All right...all right..." He frowns and steps back and lowers his head. Soon, Spike crawls out. A look of concern crosses his face. Once Spike's boots hit the ground, Cerebros turns his attention back to Ghost. He shakes his head, still worried sick. "Please wake up..please wake up, Ghost."
Dust Devil frowns, "Leave your doors open...I don't want her bein trapped." He sighs, "Dammit Fort....I know yer upset about things. But this is what I meant by havin ta learn control."
Fortress Maximus says in a rather noncommittal tone "Sorry..."
Ghost remains unresponsive as systems are in a full sequential recal and reboot, offlined to protect her from the wall o' input. She's bleeding fron sensory finials and optics as well as along sensory panels inset into those wings. She's out..
Dust Devil says, "F--k." He stares at her and helps Cerebros get her up so that can at least lay her on a berth rather than the ground. "This is just great."
Cerebros looks at Dust Devil in a panicked tone and gently lays her on a berth and helps haul her into Fortress Maximus.
Ghost is 32 feet of floppy, dead weight. And wings. Lots of wing panels just hanging.
Medical Center - Fortress Maximus[]
<irc.dal.net> <Highland Storm> Wha's gaen on?
The repair bay remains pretty pristine, that's good. Fortress Maximus receives his first patient in weeks. Spike gestures Cerebros and Dust Devil to lay Ghost on the med table, he has already brought out some equipment to do some heavy duty first-aid stuff.
Spike nods and says breathlessly "C'mon...we have energon, we can get a good, solid line on her."
<irc.dal.net> <Myrddin> Trying to figure it out.
GAME: Ghost FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Immense difficulty.
Ghost remains offlined, still leaking as systems crackle and pop-hiss. Like she got electrocuted and there was no surge protector. Little lines criss-cross her coloration where the charge burns through the top layers like pretty spiderwebs.
GAME: Omen (Raven) FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Immense difficulty.
Dust Devil makes a face. "So screwed...." I think we need ta look at fuses, capacitors and stuff....least I give you plenty of protection."
Spike activates a medical scanner - a brand-new panel lowers from the ceiling and glows a emerald green as it scans Ghost's body, identifying the circuitry shorts, burns, and stress marks, as well as the severed fuel lines. Right now, he's not paying attention that Fort Max is a third of the way in seawater. Only the patient matters. He gets some tools and begins to repair Ghost. He looks at Dust Devil and nods. "I know...I'm sorry - but right now, if you could just help me with her - and we'll deal with the lecture later, cool?"
GAME: Spike FAILS a TECHNICAL roll of High difficulty.
Spike frowns as he takes a panel off and burns his hand. "Damnit..." he winces.
Dust Devil frowns and moves in to add his hands in helping work on the femme. He's a bit concerned and hopes he is actually helpful.
GAME: Dust Devil PASSES a TECHNICAL roll of High difficulty.
Spike nods in appreciation for Dust Devil's help. He gestures "Good...now, just watch her core and soak up any fluid that may be leading into her core - I'll start stabilizing her electrical relays."
Spike looks at the scanners and goes to the 'hot spots' in Ghost and begins to repair the frazzled circuits - thankfully, the med center is fully stocked on what is needed.
GAME: Spike PASSES a TECHNICAL roll of Above Average difficulty.
Cerebros watches on numbly, seeing the damage that Fortress Maximus is capable of doing.
Dust Devil is careful and sighs at Spike. "I feel bad. If there's anythin else I can do, tell me."
Spike nods. "Uh...let's...let's..." He looks around. "There....ok, give me like...a half of an astroliter of energon - she's lost some energon." He begins to repair a few of the cracked and broken fuel hoses within Ghost.
GAME: Spike PASSES a TECHNICAL roll of High difficulty.
Spike feverishly tries to stanch the bleeds, and seems to be doing an OK job. Cerebros meanwhile sits down and watches helplessly, praying to Primus that Ghost will pull through.
Ghost's systems tick-tick-click as they recalibrate slowly. Those medical scans.. well.. they pick up the echo of a second spark-core inside the intel operative, also in a state of unconsciousness. There's a faint whine at a whispered sub-atomic level as her quantum archives stutter-struggle to engage.
Hopefully, this will positively impact Ghost, within Fortress Maximus, at least is a warm 'aura' of concern and care - true to his form, despite the temper tantrum, his programming is ingrained that any being in the confines of his walls is entitled to his shelter.
Dust Devil offers the energon and then unsubspaces a small shiny vial. "Here, add some of this to the energon...it should help boost her repair nanites...." Scanning might show some energon fresh from a spring. "I've used this before, it's great!" WHo knows what's actually in it.
GAME: Cerebros FAILS a LEADERSHIP roll of High difficulty.
GAME: Spike FAILS a LEADERSHIP roll of High difficulty.
Spike frowns in annoyance at Dust Devil and says "Wait, I don't know how her systems are going to react to that! Just...use what we have - at least I know it's certified and I can anticipate the reactions!"
Dust Devil makes a face. "If ya need me to drag her outta here with a berth, I can start gettin her back ta her people while you get Fort Max back to where he's supposed to be."
GAME: Ghost PASSES an ENDURANCE roll of Above Average difficulty.
GAME: Omen (Raven) PASSES an ENDURANCE roll of Above Average difficulty.
About an hour passes. Spike continues to repair Ghost. The bleeding has stopped, and the shorted-out fuses and circuits are replaced, she's not 100 percent now, but he's to the point where he can even start repairing Omen.
Spike looks at Dust Devil and shakes his head. "No...Fortress Maximus is cool..." On que, the speakers in the repair bay say soothingly to Ghost "You're safe...you're safe..."
Dust Devil frowns, "Comeon....Ghost....wakey wakey...." He sighs softly and smiles slightly.
Spike looks over at Dust Devil and gives a cautious smile, closing one of Ghost's panels. "Thanks...Dusty. Good job."
Ghost makes the sort of noise someone who's ever had a week long bender might recognize. Part groan, part static-filled mumble of nonsense about a shuttle, a license plate, a spanner, and dirt. The soothing threads of code coming from the neo-titan around her actually does help, aiding in preventing a rapid-alert awake. Which usually ends up with people getting shanked. Fingers twitch, sensory finials give a sluggish flick, biolights brighten a few levels. "Hnnn.. guuh... osik...frag... f.. ahhh... fraaaaag..."
GAME: Spike PASSES a LEADERSHIP roll of High difficulty.
Spike smiles and rests his hand on Ghost's shoulder, calmly saying "Ghost....Ghost...it's OK. You...shorted yourself. You're in the repair bay, but you'll be released as SOON as you're ready to walk."
Cerebros 's optics widen, hearing Ghost's words for the first time in 90 minutes. He gets up from his sitting area and runs toward Ghost and almost elbows Dust Devil out of the way. He also tries to rest a hand on Ghost as well. "Ghost! You're safe! I am SO sorry! I am SO sorry!"
Dust Devil sighs softly and tries not to crowd Ghost in case Omen comes out to eat people. Or she feels crowded. It also gives him space to raise a forcefield to protect people if he needs to. "Are you okay?"
Well.. This is going on her top 10 list of 'Weirdest things EVER'. There's a tiny hand on her shoulder, then another. Voices she doesn't immediately recognize as this is one mega-cortical ache. Another flick of finials, sensory systems engaging with a click-hum then silence as she wakes even more. "Medi-wh.. ooooh... my head." Pause then hand goes to her canopy, "Oh.. Omen!" Moving to try to sit up in a flail-panic, wings akimbo and flick-flexing. "Ah! AHH!" Blink and looking around, "Where the.. Thisis.. Where.. eh..." Blink as optics finally cycle online and she stares around, more confused than anything else for a moment.
GAME: Ghost FAILS an INTELLIGENCE roll of High difficulty.
Spike smiles softly, looking down at Ghost (adding to the weirdness). "You're inside Fortress Maximus...in the repair bay. Don't worry, you're NOT a prisoner. You...shorted out about 2 hours ago. You blacked out. We're restoring your systems - you had some internal bleeding and several shorts near your CPU processors, but we've replaced all that was fried, but it's going to take about a cycle to have everything 'take.'"
The speakers within the repair bay emit "This is Fortress Maximus. I am profoundly sorry for any role I may have played in your malfunction, Ghost."
Ghost slowly tips her canopy open and chest plating, just enough so that there's a space for a weak mag-push to get Omen out. The tape transforms and flops across her carrier, whimpering. "I.. bit of a muddle, short term em's still cycling through archives.. I.. wait what.." turning her head to look at Spike, brows knitting together, frowing as she pets the non-bitey raven. "I'm." yeah, slow, pained still. A look at the ceiling and she visibly unfocuses with a 'ooooh'.. "I'm.. Oh.. Hello Fortress Maximus. I'm sorry.. I can't stop -seeing- you right now. You're very bright. I'm trying, honestly."
Spike blinks and looks at the tape, obviously a bit apprehensive since most tapes from Decepticons have a thing of wanting to eat him. He freezes, hoping Ghost will be there in case Omen tries anything.
Omen just whimpers and remains flopped on Ghost's chassis, head tucking under part of her wing, mumbling in ancient cybertronian about idiot, headache, pain all over, and wanna go home.
Fortress Maximus' speakers emit calmly "Perhaps now is a good time to return what is ours - my code - "
Spike frowns and says "Fort...she's our patient..." He sighs. "Just...I know you want to go...just let this half of an astro-liter of energon finish run through your system, Ghost. Of course, you can go now, but as a medic...I would recommend just waiting a little more." He points to the open door in the repair bay. "But see that? It's not closed. You're free to go if you please."
GAME: Spike PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Very High difficulty.
Spike looks over at Omen and takes a small energon cube, enough to fit into his palm, and gently moves it over to Omen. "Here...take this..."
Dust Devil looks at Fort Max....well...up at the ceiling, "So do you want to remove her head or just her cerebral cortex. How about just erasing all her memories from now until the last time you saw her? Or how about I want all records of me back Fort Max. Yer not even allowed to have an image capture of me in your head! Do ya think that's possible?"
Ghost lies there, wings shift-rustling as systems work on integration of the parts. Fortress speaks, she winces, optics closing, finials flattening to her helm. She pets the raven and speaks softly, "I -cant-. Every time I see you, it's there. Whatever it is you were doing, woke me up, caused me to race halfway across the planet before I was fully awake in response. I -cant- control this yet. I am /trying/." Pet, pet pet.
Omen pokes her head partially out from under her wing and slowly peers about. A pause to side-optic Spike, a soft chirr-kraa, then a hiss at Dust Devil. Then the raven adds, "Buir -cant-. Not built to forget, is spark-coding, ability. She cant give back - you're -everywhere-." A blink at Spike before the raven slowly extends her head and takes the small cube, ducking back under her own wing. "thank you."
Fortress Maximus' speakers emit a gruff, begrudging "No..."
Spike sighs and looks at Ghost. "We're trying too. I'm sorry for our role in this."
Cerebros nods and edges in. "I'm sorry too," Cerebros says empathetically. "If you wish to file a complaint with Jazz, I would not fault you in the least. We attacked you - unprovoked."
Spike frowns slightly at Cerebros. "It wasn't intent..." He sighs and nods to Ghost. "How are you feeling now?"
Dust Devil looks a bit relieved at Fort's answer. "Just as Spike can't unsee something he's seen, it's the same. And as you hear it's not precisely a rational choice. Worst of all this...you acted in anger. Can you see what I've been tryin ta get through ta you. Ya didn't mean to, but it happened. Apologizin ta the insecticon after ya accidentally squish it doesn't make the insecticon feel better. Yer great size means you have to be more careful...more aware of your own self."
Fortress Maximus' speakers emit "Noted."
Cerebros slumps slightly at Dust Devil's even-handed assessment. But it doesn't make the news more palatable. He gives a hurt look at Dust Devil and gets up. He then walks to the door, transforms... and rolls out of the place, and outside of Fortress Maximus, and into his own secluded spot.
Spike 's shoulders slump as he sees Cerebros leave in frightened shame.
Ghost spins up internal systems analysis and makes a face. "He's going to be so vexed.." muttered as she pets the raven who's ingesting the cube quietly. "I'm trying to find out what this is. Believe me, I'd rather -not- have..." she waves her hand, "All of -this- whenever I look at you, or Trypticon, or Calyhex. I understand that you're.. protective." She pets Omen, "I get that more than I would have before. And.. thank you for not just.. leaving me there. I.. it's.. slaggit.. I'd -just- cleared my ledger too."
Dust Devil frowns, "I'm gonna have ta make this up ta Cerebros ain't I...." He looks at Ghost and half grins, "Better ta be alive and owe than in the pit with debts settled."
Spike shakes his head and says rapidly "No...no, Dusty. I'll ... " He sighs. "Just let him process this for a bit."
Spike gestures to Ghost. "We need to worry about the injured first."
Ghost ex-vents a sigh, waiting for diagnostics to run and that last bit of energon to get into her systems. "Should I send him a card or flowers or something?"
Spike smiles at Ghost. "Feel like gettin' on your feet, or do you want to stay here for a bit?"
GAME: Ghost FAILS an ENDURANCE roll of Average difficulty.
Ghost ehhhs, "If I could have a little bit more time to recalibrate? I'd -just- gotten repaired before all of this and.. well back to back isn't suggested. I can leave if I must, I don't want to cause any more difficulty than we're already in."
Dust Devil looks at the pair, "Careful....You can use me as a crutch if you need help." He looks at Spike and sighs, "I'm sorry for attackin' Fort Max...I didn't see a better way to get through to him."
Spike shakes his head and says "No...no, you're fine." He smiles and activates the bed so Ghost can at least sit up. He smiles with more than a slight bit of pride, allowing Ghost to see the operations of a pristine repair bay. "So..what do you think?"
Fortress Maximus' speakers grumble "You can rationalize with me, Dust Devil. I'm not a brute."
Ghost hisses as the bed shifts, systems still on high-res scan as it were. "Well. I'm trying to also not really look around, Spike. I'm the enemy. And the less I see, the less they can command me to report on." She gives a shake of her head as Omen lets out a 'wark' and settles into her lap. "Efficient and very clean looking."
Peering up at where there just may be one of Forts sensors, as if making the effort to 'look him in the optics', "No.. no you're not a brute. You're -new-, but you're far.. far..." trailing off, blinking, head tilting to the side as finials fan and spread. A minute or three before she picks up like there wasn't a pause, "far from a brute."
Fortress Maximus' speakers emit "Sentiment is appreciated." He then grouses "I'm wet..." Spike nods. "Yup...one problem at a time. Once our patient is stabilized and ready to move out, we'll get all of you out of the ocean and vent any flooded areas."
GAME: Ghost PASSES an ENDURANCE roll of Average difficulty.
Ghost works on cycling a few things off and online, Intel Operative field bypasses. Medical loathes these things but it is going to get her on her feet faster. A brightening of her optics and biolighting. "Alright.. I think.. I can get out on my own feet now." Omen makes a grumbled noise and gets placed on Ghost's shoulder to roost.
Praetorus Wharf - Nova Cronum[]
As Dust Devil leads Ghost out, Fortress Maximus transforms into his titan figure, but this time just with Spike at the controls - at least with one operator, he can transform. Perhaps he's focused a bit too much on Fortress Maximus' own discomfort, Fort Max waits a few moments for Dust Devil and Ghost to walk away, but then, he groans, and opens up several vents and panels, unleashing a mini-tidal wave of sea water (maybe hitting Dusty, maybe not). He sighs with relief as the water rushes out of his flooded bays.
Dust Devil is trying to pay attention to Ghost and wasn't expecting getting backwash from Fortress Maximus. "GAH!!!"
Ghost pads slowly out of Fortress Maximus, Omen on her shoulder. She looks behind her then blinks as he transforms, wings curving flat to her back, making herself look smaller for a moment. Omen wings upwards with a startled -kraaaa!-. "Wha-aaaah!!" -swoosh- goes the water. -Down- goes the operative with a splutter. And the raven circles and cackle-giggles above.
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> (connects)
[Con-Tapes] Ghost (syncs)
[Con-Tapes] Omen (syncs)
[Con-Tapes] Soundwave says, "Ghost. Omen. Report."
<irc.dal.net> <Myrddin> Ghost, report!
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> ... I really need to turn off the autoconnect on this...
<PM from Myrddin> where are you?
<PM to Myrddin> Let me look.
<PM to Myrddin> Apparently we're in Nova Cronum, wharfs...
<PM from Myrddin> what happened im on my way
<PM to Myrddin> No.. nono.. Fortress Maximus is here and I'd rather not another incident. I'm on my way out.
Ghost gets herself back to her feet, gives the cackling raven a side optic then kicks, wobbly, but into the air. "Now I have to explain sleep-flying apparently...."
Dust Devil chuckles, "Try explaining how we misplaced a titan to yer superiors...."
Ghost looks over as she hovers, flexing wings slowly, recalling Omen to tuck her back into that deck-space. "Been there. Ours decided he wanted to be in orbit."
[Con-Tapes] Omen whines, "Kovid aaray... di'kutla oriya."
Ghost shakes her head, moving to transform and depart.
Dust Devil says, "Hey don't abandon me! I'm so dead..."
Dust Devil facepalms and continues to radio....
Ghost pauses before she transforms, peering at Dust Devil, "Why would you be dead?"
Dust Devil looks at Ghost and grins faintly, "Apparently it's impossible to lie even via Radio to people who care about you...."
Dust Devil says, "And know you better than apparently I do myself..."
Ghost ahhs, "Yes... I've discovered that myself." A flex of wings systems whining a bit but more normalized.
Dust Devil says, "Ya better get home safely...guess I'm gonna be interrogated fer my own good." He sighs, and turns to leave, telling Fort max to head back home. "I can call ya a ride....""
<PM from Myrddin> confirmed. tell me when you are safe.
Ghost shakes her head, "I can get home on my own. I've flown in worse condition." She gives Fort Max a look, distracted again before wings flex and she transforms slowly. Engines kindle and she soars upwards with a sound-barrier breaking -THHWOOOMP-
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> I am considering a walk.
<PM to Myrddin> Heading to Praxus, it's closest.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> oh?
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> Oh.. oh.. oh I cant -even-..
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> It has been a while since I wandered. Is that bad? I can stay.
<irc.dal.net> <<Whirlwind>> Might be worried about having another runnin around.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> Yes. must stay in our cells.
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> I just.. Oh.. Inside.. if you wish to wander, wander.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> must find a way to block.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> my thoughts hurt others.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> Syndrome would know. Bedlam would know. But they are not here. Dust Devil has left.
<PM from Myrddin> I'll meet you there
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> no. no .. no... Inside no. You are fine.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> your fine inside
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> going to be quiet now.
Decepticon High Command Aerie - Praxus[]
<PM to Inside> Walkabout ,enjoy the sun, the wind, the sky. I simply worry about you but I am not your keeper. You are free.
<PM from Inside> no I am not. a titan is never free.
<PM to Inside> You are all free. You all choose to do what you will.
<PM from Inside> It is not the case. We are extensions of her will.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcopLM6xpE
<PM to Inside> As we are all extensions of Primus. And free will is what he has given all of his children. I've seen things.
<PM from Inside> not his titans. having free will is not for us.
Soundwave has arrived.
<PM to Inside> Yes his titans. Or I'll go back down to Vector Sigma and give him a piece of my mind.
<PM from Inside> you shouldn't thats blasphemy
<PM to Inside> I've linked with him once.. I'll do it again if I must.
Ghost is in that conference room that might as well be the Intel Head's office at this point. Pacing back and forth, paint a webwork of intricate blackened webbed likes like she'd been electrocuted and waving a hand. Omens on her shoulder, hunkered down, grumbling.
<PM from Inside> I appreciate. But you'll die.
<PM to Inside> Didn't the last time.
<PM from Inside> maybe I should talk to him. But I..wouldnt know what to say
<PM from Inside> everything I've been told is not true.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> Nothing they told me is true. Bedlam. Syndrome. The world is new.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> Lockup worries and says I should just concentrate on the flight. Not to worry.
Soundwave heads to the conference room and sees Ghost. He doesn't say a word, just walks up and embraces for a long time. "We need to get you repaired." He finally says.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> it will be okay m'dear
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> I know. Sorry to bother.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> you're no bother
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> really, i am very happy to hear from you
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> happy to hear from you too
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> good to have many friends.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> yes~
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> you're doing so good, and i am so proud of you
Ghost turns as the door opens, blinks and finds herself embraced. Wings give a twitch-flick, energon staining some of the panels. There's a sighed ex-vent, "I slept-flew." and she rests her head on his shoulder.
<irc.dal.net> <Inside> so are you. Thank you. Sometimes I get in dark moods.
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> we all do.
<irc.dal.net> <Morrigan> you are.. -ARE- doing very well.
<PM to Inside> I can talk to him for you. I won't even link if you ask me to. You are free, you have your own voice. And if these idiots don't see it well, I'll help you shout till they get it.
<irc.dal.net> <Voidwalker> yes
<PM from Inside> I..wouldn't know what to say to him just.. its ok its ok I shouldn't be here I should be dead.
Soundwave pauses. "Slept flew? What.. happened exactly."
Ghost shakes her head, "I was half awake in medical letting things settle after getting fireballed. Defrag, the usual, poking at the Vector Sigma moments. Thought I saw a flash of something on the ceiling then came more to myself halfway cross the planet at the docks looking at Fortress Maximus." Wings shudder.
Soundwave sighs "You can detect Maximus too. I.. I'm so sorry." He hugs her close. "This is going to be a problem. Is there any way to block that?" he sounds very concerned.
GAME: Ghost PASSES a COURAGE roll of Very High difficulty.
Ghost mumbles something unintelligible, face buried against his chest. Omen 'warks' and gently preens the finial closest to her, trying to work off some of the sticky energon remnants. "I don't -know-. He doesn't feel the same. Minding my own primus-damned business. I don't have time for this."
Soundwave pauses. "Perhaps we should check with the medics. I worry about you. I worry about them ...hurting you, Ghost?"
Ghost nods, "I'm hurt. I woke up in a pits-be-damned autobot medbay. Inside of fragging Fortress Maximus. Blew sensory grid, networking, took archives offline. Surged through and knocked Omen offline too. He was so.." Shudder, "Angry -AT- me.. It.. hurt."
Soundwave sighs "Autobot..we need to get you to medbay. Check to see if you or Omen have been tagged." He seems more concerned than angry.
GAME: Ghost PASSES a COURAGE roll of Very High difficulty.
Ghost nods, "Yeah.. I have no idea.. There was.. Spike was touching me. I don't know. It was confusing. And I still ache. Dust Devil was there. Threw up a forcefield when Fort came after me. Yelling Oh.. " Omen flat-birds and chirrs.
Soundwave nods "We'll get you checked. If they did anything to you it will be avenged."
Ghost nods again, making a hiccupped air intake sound. "Permission to emote freely?"
Soundwave nods "Granted as always." He says, holding her close.
Ghost nods, wrapping arms about.. and just starts to silent cry.
Soundwave scoops Ghost up "It's alright. It's alright. You've been through a lot. Too much. Primus. Way too much. I am sorry. So sorry I couldn't protect you." He holds her close. "Just let it go." He tries to send waves of calm.
Ghost just silently cries with shoulders hitching every so often as she's held. The sort of silent sobbing that alone types do. She's miserable, in pain still, and upset over Omen getting injured as well. And done, so done.