Oracle
Minor
The future is always in motion.
Posts: 426
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Post by Oracle on Jul 3, 2008 18:25:51 GMT -5
Oracle is somewhat attempting to become one with the background now that they have arrived and her presence is no secret. Not exactly easy since she distinctly lacks the required foliage look needed to really blend in, but she's trying anyway.
Remaining separate from the center of things does allow her to keep a better watch on the whole situation though, even if she feel slightly like she's indulging her paranoid side a bit much. Still, considering how many people are out to get them on this planet, whether or not present company and his ...minions?...are counted, it's probably not paranoia. The comment about an unholy enemy got a slight shudder. Oracle could agree with that description.
When it seems they might be moving off, she is quick enough about rejoining Xaaron, though she makes a very deliberate effort not to hover or crowd. For one, he doesn't need smothering, he's a rather capable combatant apparently, even if he needs a bit more sense in looking after himself. And secondly it would be stupid on her part anyway. She was betting that would be the fastest way to torque him off she could come up with at the moment, other then doing something truly foolish. So she simply keeps a sharp optic on this strange Starscream and the rest of her attention on their surroundings while staying within what she knows is comfortable reach.
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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 Jul 4, 2008 0:33:10 GMT -5
Botanica arches an eyebrow as Starscream essentially repeats what she had just said to Xaaron, with a bit of exposition thrown in for flavoring. She shifts her hold on Starscreams null rays so that they sit a bit more comfortably in her arms and shrugs. Oh well, to each his own.
When Xaaron agrees to talk with Starscream as an equal, though, she is instantly wary. Not of Xaaron, of course, but of the situation. She may hold Starscream's primary weapons in her hands, but it does not follow that he is truly helpless. Nevertheless, she approves of the Emirate's handling of the situation so far. It might not matter to him that she approves, but she does.
"Emirate, would you prefer First Aid and myself to remain or no?" .
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First Aid
Rookie
Conscientiously Objecting
Posts: 239
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Post by First Aid on Jul 4, 2008 19:49:18 GMT -5
First Aid is more disturbed by Starscream’s not particularly enlightening answer than he’d ordinarily expect to be. It’s not completely unreasonable to be verbally cautious about what you actually want, after all, even if it is odd after you’ve made yourself physically vulnerable, and –
Emirate Xaaron’s response ought to reassure him (equals are people you're careful of), and it does, but he still feels like he’s about to jump right out of himself, given half a reason.
Great. Looks like he’s not handling the whole ‘been through a battle and haven’t had a way to check in with my gestalt’ thing as well he thought.
He looks to Botanica when she speaks, and tilts his head just a little to the Emirate, waiting for his response.
On an afterthought, he clasps his hands together behind his back. Cuts down on temptation to fidget.
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Post by Starscream-3 on Jul 5, 2008 2:51:30 GMT -5
Starscream gives a nod of sincere understanding as Xaaron talks of not wanting to bring him to his fellow Autobots, but then offers a small smile in appreciation when he adds that he is not interested in taking a prisoner to talk. "Your word is enough for me." If it's not, then they're already dead.
Starscream stands up and follows in the direction Xaaron gestures. Starscream will lead the expedition to the temple on foot, assuming no one tries to alter this in any way, so that it's his back exposed to the ones with the guns rather than the other way around.
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Post by Emirate Xaaron on Jul 5, 2008 13:12:57 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron answers Botanica first, "I would like you to stay, at the very least. It is up to your discretion if you wish First Aid to remain." For one thing, it is easy to her to get away in a pinch. For another, she is command staff, and he would like to have her around for these talks. First Aid is her trooper, and he feels that her judgement will be sound.
He suggests to Starscream "Bring a trooper of yours or two with you. I am not dismissing her," he looks to Botanica, "or her," and then to Oracle. "At least one to witness that we do not... mistreat you."
And also so that Starscream cannot creatively re-write the terms of any deal when he returns to his troops.
That said, he follows.
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Oracle
Minor
The future is always in motion.
Posts: 426
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Post by Oracle on Jul 5, 2008 20:32:44 GMT -5
While Oracle can see the logic of Starscream having one of his own there to verify whatever is said, as well as potentially ease tensions on his side of the equation, the 'or two' gets a brief look cast at Xaaron before she goes back to her watching.
While that might even out the numbers, Oracle isn't exactly a proponent of a fair fight, and she's not bothered by admitting that. Yes, hopefully all her concern would be without cause but by the time she found out which it was, it would either be too late or a moot point.
Musings aside she would simply have to trust Xaaron's assessment of the situation and do her own job. A brief glance at Botanica and First Aid, then she followed Xaaron and Starscream toward the temple.
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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 Jul 5, 2008 22:23:08 GMT -5
Botanica merely nods in acknowledgment of Xaaron's orders, for orders they were though he phrased them most politely. She turns to First Aid, though she does not immediately address him. She waits instead for Xaaron and Oracle to get a few paces down the path, and when she speaks, it is not a whisper, yet still quiet.
"I imagine that asking you to return underground will upset you to no end," Botanica says, "Yet that is what I am going to ask." She reaches one hand up and attempts to lay it gently on First Aid's arm, "I know your sense of duty and responsibility is as strong as anyone's- perhaps stronger- and that is why I ask and do not order. But please- you are too valuable to risk."
That said, she lets her hand drop and after waiting to hear First Aid's reply, turns to follow the others down the path.
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First Aid
Rookie
Conscientiously Objecting
Posts: 239
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Post by First Aid on Jul 6, 2008 22:04:16 GMT -5
First Aid unconsciously shifts into Botanica’s touch a little, and nods. “Yes,” he says quietly, “I'll go.”
Being a grown up is no fun at all, but he gives a little wave as she turns to head down the path. Doesn’t do to sulk, and besides, he does appreciate the compliment. He really does.
(He wants to tell Hot Spot about it.)
He waits until Botanica is out of sight, trying to force himself into calm, and then he waits just a little longer, because he isn’t sure of Starscream’s sight, before he heads off on a somewhat meandering track back to the tunnel entrance. He can’t do anything about the fact that white stands out a mile where ever you go, and red’s not much better, but at least he’s shorter than the canopy, and it’s harder to spot movement that’s going in curves. Straight lines stand out more.
Out of thread.
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Post by Starscream-3 on Jul 7, 2008 6:55:28 GMT -5
"I understand." How hard is it to trust the person who bears the face of your enemy? "I have put the call out for my own troops." Starscream says as they continue their brief walk.
A few awkwardly quiet moments pass as Starscream waits to be joined by his fellow Decepticons. He feels obligated to break the silence. "...I'm sorry. For not getting here sooner. I hope there were no casualties."
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Blackout-3
Cadet
With strength and with honor we fight.
Posts: 37
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Post by Blackout-3 on Jul 8, 2008 1:00:24 GMT -5
With his size and bulk, Blackout is not built for stealth. He's plainly visible for several moments before he arrives, approaching at a measured, hopefully non-threatening, pace, hands to his sides with open palms forward.
Stepping up behind and to the left of Starscream, Blackout bends slightly at the waist, nodding his head, the closest he can give to a military bow. "Sirs," he greets, his tone formal. He's fairly sure the Oracle and Botanica of the dimension they came from are female, but there's no guarantee it carries over here, so hopefully a simple military acknowledgment will do.
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Post by Emirate Xaaron on Jul 8, 2008 8:23:28 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron's thoughts go a bit like this. Botanica has a powerful arc lightning attack, but only if she has multiple metal targets. He does not want Oracle or himself included as said targets. Therefore, allowing Starscream to bring in a few cronies can actually serve to hinder the Decepticon, if things go foul.
First, he and Oracle get behind Botanica. She uses her lightning attack and hopefully shocks the Decepticons enough to stall before vanishing. Oracle transforms to jet mode and does a very noisy take-off, peeling off in the opposite direction that Emirate Xaaron runs. Such a tactic should find them all retreated to safe areas and the Decepticons without the foggiest where they went.
Boy, it would be handy if Emirate Xaaron actually explained these things, wouldn't it?
Just as he predicted, Botanica seems quite able to handle First Aid, and it's for the better that he is ou of the way for now, Emirate Xaaron feels.
At Starscream's question about casualties, Emirate Xaaron narrows his optics. His gold and silver armour is polished and shining, but he cannot hide the dents, the holes, and the very cracks in his armour from too much heat warping, a myriad of shots, and the just plain beating he took. Indeed, his movements are a bit stiff. Is his condition not answer enough? Emirate Xaaron chooses to answer cryptically, "Hopes are generally worthless, unless backed up by actions. What actions do you intend to bring to the table?"
That massive, hulking helicopter that reminds him of Evac's build-line seems polite enough, but Emirate Xaaron knows well how deceptive poltieness can be. He takes up a post near one of the pillars of the temple, leaning on it slightly.
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Oracle
Minor
The future is always in motion.
Posts: 426
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Post by Oracle on Jul 8, 2008 17:19:10 GMT -5
Yes, it might be slightly helpful if Xaaron shared these things. Oracle has no idea how Botanica's attack works, or she might see some of the logic behind having more targets around instead of fewer. Not knowing that she simply shifts fractionally at Blackout's arrival before she assumes a position to Xaaron's left, somewhat unconsciously mirroring the larger Decepticon's position.
Blackout's politeness and Starscream's question don't get much of an outward response from her. The first because right now actions are going to speak a lot louder then words so she'll reserve judgment, and the second because if she does react it probably wouldn't be polite in return. Probably best she just continues to stay quiet, though her wings flick slightly in displeasure.
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Post by Needlenose-3 on Jul 8, 2008 18:47:19 GMT -5
It takes a few moments for Needlenose, Sunbeam and Zigzag running behind him as he walks, to return to view. If Emirate Xaaron wanted to use himself as the 'acid test,' this mechanoid is one of the ideal ones to test with. However, neither of the Targetmasters' weapons transform, and Needlenose does not call on his back-up in subspace. Instead, he simply takes his position behind and to the right of Starscream.
"He's the representative of this bunch?" Needlenose asks, tone shocked and somewhat disbelieving. Zigzag, however, gets angry.
"Obviously these Autobots don't take us seriously, if they're sending Xaaron to speak with us," he snaps.
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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 Jul 9, 2008 0:47:16 GMT -5
Botanica is glad that First Aid agreed to return to (relative) safety without fuss. One less worry, she thinks, as the group arrives at the temple. She hovers over and takes up position at Xaaron's right. Very carefully, she bends and places Starscream's null rays on the ground before her. Held as they had been, the weapons would be in they way of her attack, and besides, Starscream's troops may not look quite so favorably on the Autobots if she is holding such weapons. If a quick transform and exit is required, she can still grab them as she disappears, after all.
Starscream's question also gathers a sharp look from Botanica, and her fingers unconsciously brush the edges of that fresh bandage on her side. Casualties? There does not have to be deaths for there to be casualties from such a battle. They lost much, both tangible and intangible.
Her hands drop to her sides as the other Decepticons approach, and she gives a polite nod to Blackout's greeting. Needenose and Zigzag's outbursts prompt a different reaction, however.
"We are according the one you choose to follow a measure of respect, despite our associations with his name and form. Reciprocation of said would be most appreciated," she says quietly, evenly, and there is neither warning nor animosity in her tone. That it is Botanica taking up for any Autobot, let alone Emirate Xaaron should be telling enough to the Decepticons.
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Post by Starscream-3 on Jul 11, 2008 18:53:27 GMT -5
Starscream has no idea about how cunning Emirate's offer was. He was merely suggesting
Without turning to look at his subordinate, Starscream just camly intones, "Needlenose, Zigzag, That will be all." You DID see Botanica there, right?
"As for what I offer in actions.. I have a large number of my troops on this world with me. They're loyal, they're good soldiers. Aerial units. Ground troopers. Infiltrators and spies. A vast range of engineers and technically inclined. What actions we offer will be based on how we can work with your own troops and units."
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