Rattrap
Major
Sarcasm as a Lifestyle
Posts: 695
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Post by Rattrap on Dec 4, 2010 23:10:00 GMT -5
Shy? Rattrap's as far from shy as he can get without circling back to it. Tactful? Hardly. He does know the meaning of the word, and for a moment, he sort of exercises it. He just watches Rodimus, optics narrow, one brow higher than the other, lip curled in a patently unimpressed look. Then he slides his stare from Rodimus to Xaaron and throws up his hands.
"Yeah, great," he drawls. "And when the sealed evil inna can gets loose, you can lawyer it to death. I feel much better about it now."
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Post by Rodimus Prime on Dec 5, 2010 0:56:07 GMT -5
"It's not coming loose," Rodimus says firmly, determined frown settling on his lips. "I... back home, I actually withdrew from the war completely for a time so I could focus on nothing but training myself to keep him contained under any and every possible circumstances. Unconscious, drugs, torture... doesn't matter, I know his tricks now, and he's staying put."
Please don't ask Rodimus to describe how he trained himself to keep Unicron contained even under torture.
"But yes, Springer, that... about sums it up. A bit over-simplified, but... yeah. 'Essence' would probably be the best term for it, though."
"Anyway, whether anyone can fault me for it or not," he looks towards Botanica, "the time for secrecy is over. It's something I realized when Twin Twist arrived, but should have realized sooner. In my reality, at the point in time when I was pulled from and later, the... situation with Unicron is common knowledge to both sides. Everyone knows, and we're just fortunate that so far the only everyone to have gotten pulled here is one of ours, but it made me realize something."
"We have to find some way to break this to the troops, because sooner or later, the Decepticons will find out, and..." he gives a quick, sharp shake of his head and sighs. "I don't want to think of the sort of damage Shockwave can do the morale and... and... more of an Autobot, or Maximal, if he's the one to tell them about this. So far from what I've seen, he'd find a way to spin that just right to do us the most damage possible."
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Post by Emirate Xaaron on Dec 5, 2010 1:10:17 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron smiles crookedly at the ever-eloquent Springer. Skid-Z's being rather quiet over all this. Between him, Kup, and Botanica, it's more a matter of who didn't know, than who did.
"Trickery and binding are proven methods with regards to Unicron, Rattrap," Emirate Xaaron notes mildly.
He observes wryly, "It would be my suggestion not to let Twin Twist be the one to break the news, but seriously, while I may have a few ideas, I'd like to hear what you have to say. All of you."
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Post by Perceptor on Dec 5, 2010 15:06:19 GMT -5
Rather than offer any suggestions, Perceptor's thoughtful, distant look suddenly zeroes in on Rodimus again.
"How long before arriving in this reality had you been containing the entity?" he asks, adding, apparently apropos of nothing, "And would you have any medical scans in your databanks of any chronological timeframe near when you assumed this guardianship of your universe?"
Because that is, ultimately, what Rodimus has become - Guardian of his Universe.
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Skid-Z
Minor
'Not obsessed; possessed! There is a difference, you know.'
Posts: 411
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Post by Skid-Z on Dec 5, 2010 17:06:38 GMT -5
When Rodimus calls it 'essence', Skid-Z cringes. Don't blame him for that, he knows first hand what the essence of a sentient being can do to you.
Only his was is obsessed with racing, not obliterating worlds!
Emirate Xaaron wishes to hear all of their opinions? The Autobot saddens a bit, "As a transformer carrying a spark, I cannot comprehend how one without a spark would control an essence of another thinking person trapped within their body. For this reason, for the safety of everyone in this society, I can't rely on someone saying -promising- that 'it won't escape'. There must be solid proof, or at the best, the honesty that yes, it can escape."
He nods, as if satisfied with the reasoning he found in this difficult discussion. "Especially because we're talking about a planet-devouring 'monster' to say the best. One that doesn't really know the meaning of the word 'dead'? Now I have to say; I trust you, sir, I really do. I'm not saying this because I think you're incapable of keeping Unicron locked because you're already proving you can by standing here. That is huge." He says to Rodimus, "But.... but it might be better if you wouldn't promise that Unicron won't escape under your grasp..."
"I understand why we're told now. I don't blame anyone, nor do I think it's 'late'. I'm glad we're told though." He smiles, "Let's work together on keeping this working?"
Skid-Z is pretty much aware that he's risking his 'normal guy' status here. But this is a situation that outweighs his own deal. With planetsized proportions... He can't afford not sharing his opinion.
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Post by Kate Mason on Dec 5, 2010 17:54:37 GMT -5
Kup shoots an odd look at Perceptor. What's that got to do with anything? Kup almost says that, too, but what Skid-Z says distracts Kup.
Really offends Kup, too.
He spends a moment staring at Skid-Z, one of his optics twitching, before barking, "Kid, you're saying that you don't trust Rodimus on his word because he don't got a spark? Valve grime. Just because we ain't got a big glowing ball of a liability for a soul don't make us any lesser than your kind."
His face keeps twitching, and anyone paying attention to his hands may notice that they're twitching, too. Kup's furious.
Kup grabs the edge of the table to still the shake in his hands, and his fingers bite into the metal, denting it. He forces himself to look over at Rodimus and end on, "Just tell 'em like you told us."
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Post by Springer on Dec 5, 2010 18:34:14 GMT -5
Springer watches Rodimus. Yeah, what all could Shockwave do with this information... Looks like Springer's gonna have to make a call after this meeting.
---
"No! Damnit, no!" It's rattling enough to hear this, but to have this glitch controlling him be all too eager to run to Shockwave is even worse. "Why can't I DO anything about this?! Why must I sit idly by and WATCH?!"
---
Springer scowls at Skid-Z. "I'd say that the fact that it -hasn't- so far with all the scrap we've been through is a damn good reason to believe him."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on Dec 5, 2010 21:29:59 GMT -5
"Kup," Botanica starts, her tone very even and a shade cool, "I really do not think that is what Skid-Z means. You are too close to the source, I think."
Rodimus is Kup's protege. Really, the security director's reaction is understandable. Still, it is uncalled for.
She turns toward the racer, "Skid-Z I think is saying he does not understand the logistics. He is not saying those without a spark are lesser, merely that he doesn't understand how it is possible to contain a soul that is not all ready... contained, in a fashion. Also, to be perfectly honest, expecting someone to take a person at their word that they will never let the devil escape their hold is a bit much."
"Skid-Z, like Xaaron, I am sensitive to such things. I have known what Rodimus holds since well before we left Gillanen. I trust his strength, because to not trust does more damage, to him and to myself. It is his own belief that he can hold the monster caged that keeps that cage closed. Doubt begets doubt."
She smiles slightly. "And strong belief can create reality. What is needed now, from all of us, is a unified front to present to our collective."
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Rattrap
Major
Sarcasm as a Lifestyle
Posts: 695
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Post by Rattrap on Dec 7, 2010 0:56:42 GMT -5
The sour look on Rattrap's face blossoms into a full-blown sneer between his second-in-command, misunderstood or not, and Botanica's pep talk. He sighs, then shakes his head and raises both hands to shoulder height in a loose imitation of the classic "I surrender" pose.
"If it'll keep you guys off my back, I'll play nice," he says. He lowers his hands. "But I ain't gonna bank fer one Kaonian cycle on that thing just stayin' locked up no matter how many good vibes you put out." Ask Rattrap to not doubt? She obviously doesn't know him that well.
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Post by Rodimus Prime on Dec 7, 2010 9:19:20 GMT -5
Rodimus frowns at Perceptor and shakes his head. "I've got my basic medical history on file with my schemtics, like anyone else would, but nothing especially in-depth. Why do you ask?"
Then, however, he turns his attention to Skid-Z, and the issues the young racer brings up.
"I... really can't say I understand what having a Spark has to do with this," Rodimus answers, annoyance playing at his features, though Kup's anger actually encourages Rodimus to keep his in check. "But as for wanting me to be honest about my doubts... yes, I can understand that. And I honestly do not doubt my ability to contain him. Botanica is correct when she says that my belief in my ability to keep Unicron contained is an important factor in actually doing so. I can not express my doubts because I can not allow myself to have them. That is really what this comes down to."
Rodimus sighs and then rubs the bridge of his nose. "But I can understand why some of you might be skeptical, and I realize that asking everyone to completely give that up would be... unrealistic at best. But we've got to minimize it, and that's what this meeting is for - figuring out ways to do just that." He lowers his hand to the table and looks around. "So far, the only suggestions are tell them straight - which, I admit, is pretty appealing - and don't make promises. While I understand the second, we've already talked over the problems that come with it. Anyone else?"
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Post by Emirate Xaaron on Dec 7, 2010 9:55:14 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron remembers Rodimus Prime telling him what Twin Twist told him, that in Twin Twist's reality, Rodimus Prime aged more quickly than is normal. He glances over at Perceptor thoughtfully. Perhaps Emirate Xaaron's thinking along the wrong switch of the tracks.
His expression turns neutral, if a touch frosty, rather like a Greek statue as Skid-Z states that he can't understand how someone without a spark can keep someone else trapped. Emirate Xaaron says softly, "We aren't soulless, Skid-Z. The light of our lives just manifests differently. According to legend, trapping and binding was the original method used to deal with Unicron. Primus, a light god, was sent forth to do battle against Unicron and his army of the dark, on the astral plane. Primus tricked Unicron into the material plane and caged Unicron in an asteroid. That may only be a story, or perhaps it is allegory for cosmic forces we cannot yet understand, but Primus trapped Unicron and set no guard to watch over him - Primus was alone, and he tasks yet to do himself."
"Unicron, here, bound now as then, has a guard. I'm not certain what better we can expect Prime to do, until the day he purges the Matrix." Emirate Xaaron turns and looks over at Rodimus Prime with a smile. "You might want to mention that part. That the Matrix can be purged. Will be."
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Post by Perceptor on Dec 7, 2010 16:26:42 GMT -5
"What does the possession of a physical spark have to do with anything?" Perceptor snaps, irritated, before he manages to bring his temper under control. He has no physical spark; does that make him less, somehow than Skid-Z, who does? He listens to Botanica's attempt to soothe Kup and smooth things over with something of an admittedly jaundiced audio receptor: he is NOT "too close to the source", and still found the implication offensive.
But he will hold his peace. They need to discuss solutions, not argue pointlessly amongst themselves about biases.
"Primarily," he finally interjects, "I wish to express to Rodimus, and to the assembled here, that I personally have no doubts as to his abilities in this regard. First, as Botanica stated and Rodimus confirmed, belief begets reality, and I choose to believe, because to disbelieve does everyone an injustice and opens the door to cause harm. Secondly, I will admit to a bias that the Matrix does not choose unwisely, and it is Rodimus that the Matrix has chosen. Thirdly, even a scientist of my caliber must be able to take some things upon faith alone, for to do otherwise, I feel, reduces me to nothing more than an overly complicated computer interface and scientific tool."
"In my reality, we have no Primus. We were created by the Quintessons as products to be bought and sold. We developed, over time, our own self-awareness, and our own souls, and I am, perhaps, a bit more sensitive about the issue of being considered to be nothing more than a machine than others who have a divinity to call upon are. Concurrent with this lack of the divine, I cannot render an opinion upon the tale that you relate, Xaaron, however, I must agree that having even a singular guard upon Unicron's machinations is preferable to having none."
"Perceptor?" Rodimus interjects with a sigh. "The point, please?"
"Oh, eh-heh. Yes," he coughs as he leans foreward in his chair. "I do, however, have several concerns that I feel must be aired. First, a development which I have noted since arriving in this reality, and which I have already discussed with Rodimus," he explains, glancing toward the Prime for a moment to nod. Of course, no one else needs to know that said discussion was but mere seconds ago. Rodimus still looks rather bored and impatient with him, so he hurries on.
"Rodimus is aging prematurely. Within the time-frame of his arrival, he has aged to a significantly measurable degree. It will only be a matter of time before other Autobots on the ship begin to observe these changes, themselves. It is a complication that must be taken into account in whatever course of action is determined here," he explains in a rush.
"Secondly, I am interested in hearing about this 'purging', of which Xaaron speaks. What will that entail?"
"And finally," he says, pausing to sigh as he turns toward Rodimus, "we already know that Unicron existed here, and likely still does. If he still roves freely in this reality, can he become, or is he already, aware of the entity which you have contained within you, Rodimus? Given the spiritual nature of his existence in other realities, are they merely alternates of one another, or are they the same entity? Will they work in opposition to one another? Will they even care about one another? Will they be able to influence one another at all?"
"That is why I asked about how long you have been performing this task, Rodimus." Well, part of the reason, anyway, but Rodimus is clearly irritated with the time Perceptor has already taken, and probably isn't the only one. "Has being here, in this reality, had any effect upon you, or that which you contain, that is or has been different than what you had experienced before coming here?"
posing of Rodimus done with permission and by request
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Skid-Z
Minor
'Not obsessed; possessed! There is a difference, you know.'
Posts: 411
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Post by Skid-Z on Dec 7, 2010 18:21:51 GMT -5
Skid-Z learns that Rodimus = a territory. He's not overly impressed by any of the heated reactions, responding calmly:
"Well, One, I did not discriminate anyone and will never do so. Two, I affirmed my trust in Rodimus Prime and I don't mind doing so a second time, Three, I admitted being unknowledgeable about this and expected you to handle this with open mind, Four, I did not reject anything. I am still listening as keenly and openly as when this meeting started."
"You want a unified front? In the end, you want everyone at ease and calm about this, or at least not rioting? Well, start by understanding how some people can exercise caution, and move to educate them with patience, evidence and facts. You guys just educated me -in a mild offensive way-, but I have zero reasons to reject this. Others might have enough."
He shrugs, "Also, just a reminder because I'm certain everyone knows this; In some realities, really anyone can be imbued with a sentient essence by scanning an organic or a vehicle form already possessed. It can mean support out of unexpected places. Though I wouldn't be certain on rapid ageing...."
((Really sorry that this slows the thread down. It is not fair to not be able to let Skid-Z explain himself. I made it short.))
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Post by Kate Mason on Dec 7, 2010 19:11:53 GMT -5
Kup gives Skid-Z a very, very hard look. The kid fragging said, 'As a transformer carrying a spark, I cannot comprehend how one without a spark would control an essence of another thinking person trapped within their body.' He singled out Transformers without sparks as different, and singling out one group as different is, gee willikers, discrimination. Then Skid-Z proceeded to glitch and moan about people being 'offensive' to him, for standing up and defending that they're just as alive as everyone else, and completely ignored how the gilded lily tried to throw him some nice excuses.
Thing is, Kup's seen this kind of thing a thousand times before. Clearly, the kid's just dense, with a streak of put-upon. Getting blown up a few times on the battlefield ought to straighten him out. That usually works. Arguing's not going to do any good when the kid's not apt to listen to sense. Kup lets the table go, leaving the dents behind.
He does comment idly to Botanica, "A ghost tried to possess me once, y'know." He raps the side of his helmet. "Couldn't get in." This is usually when Rodimus calls beryllium baloney on Kup's stories.
As far as Rattrap goes, Kup knows they'll have reactions just like that and worse. He argues, "Don't 'play nice', Rattrap. Shoving dirt under the floor plating don't make it any less dirty."
Kup gives Emirate Xaaron a look over this 'purged' business. He can get the idea, but the specifics would be nice – whoa there, Perceptor, okay, that's too many specifics. Kup glares at Perceptor for a moment, as what the scientist says sinks in. Kup is old because he's old. If any of his students live to see Kup's age, he'll count himself as having done well. Seeing one of his students (a close alternate, anyway) age before his time? That... will be difficult.
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Post by Springer on Dec 7, 2010 19:33:52 GMT -5
Springer is rather ...well, bored by all the rambling, and he moves off the wall, stepping up to the table.
"Alright. We got an artifact full of the 'essence' of the big planet-munching guy that's apparently running around this universe. This thing is making Rodimus age faster. We need to tell everyone about it without causing much trouble - I vote we be up front and as frank as possible." He glances around the room. "I don't about any of you, but I think the initial shock wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as if it had a spin on it, and someone figured that out later."
"As for purging it or whatever...that stuff is all beyond me, unless it involves shooting at things." he raises his shoulders in a half-shrug.
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