Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 17, 2008 22:49:47 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron has a few buttons. He tries not to have buttons. People press them, and it rather distresses him. Being touched is one of his buttons, but for the sake of fitting in with this cursed party, he has stifled his revulsion. Now Mirage has hit upon Emirate Xaaron's big red button: Swerve.
Of course Emirate Xaaron crumples like wet tissue paper. He's going to be watching, though. If Mirage keeps pressing at these buttons of his, Emirate Xaaron is likely to become sullen and withdrawn. Those words that Mirage wasn't planning it are a bit reassuring, but again - does this just come naturally to Mirage?
He looks down, studiously staring at Mirage's Autobot symbol, and he replies, "I could... talk to Kup, I think. Mine knew what it meant that I am not dead. This one - he goes for the common man demographic?"
Emirate Xaaron is still not aware that Kup isn't some weird form of politician.
He offers, perhaps too eagerly, "We can finish, of course. I wouldn't want to embarrass you."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 17, 2008 23:44:57 GMT -5
Perhaps it does come naturally to Mirage, this subtle game of manipulation. It is so similar after all, to the intrigues of society, to the careful dance of the dilettante. But still, it is unintentional, natural bent or no.
Mirage laughs, "Xaaron, this Kup isn't a politician of any sort. The Kup of my reality is not one either. The idea amuses me to no end. Kup is entirely too honest and straightforward to ever be suited for a political career. But I can let him know you are willing to talk with him, if you like."
He swings Xaaron back into the dance. He almost unconsciously caresses the Emirate's back, as he insists, "It would not be an embarrassment. I have appreciated this chance and thank you for it."
"You have already mentioned some of the differences between myself and your Mirage. Are there others worth mentioning? And what similarities?
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 18, 2008 9:54:23 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron looks honestly baffled and a bit disturbed. He protests, "Not a politician? Well, what is he, then? Next, you're going to tell me that he doesn't fancy pr... oh. You will tell me that, won't you?"
Kup may be over near Swerve, but Emirate Xaaron isn't too horribly worried. As far as he can tell, Swerve is middle-aged, not a boy, and while he's pleasant enough, he wouldn't call the constable pretty. Swerve has many virtues in the Emirate's optics, but beauty isn't one of them. Still, if Kup stays so touchy with Swerve, Emirate Xaaron may glare a few daggers when no one is looking.
Right now, he's distracted by Mirage caressing his back. Emirate Xaaron does not shudder; shuddering would give away one of his buttons more so than he already has. He really doesn't think that Mirage is going out of his way to make his dancing partner miserable, not the way some people Emirate Xaaron knows would. It isn't that Emirate Xaaron is being charitable in his assessment of Mirage; it's that he knows Mirage has much better ways to distress him than dancing with him in close. If Mirage really wanted to distress him, he could easily pick one of those more distressing things to do.
He settles himself by concluding that it must simply be how this Mirage is. If he wants something else out of Emirate Xaaron, Mirage is soon going to find out just why the idea of his other self seeking out Pee-Dee's company disturbs this Emirate Xaaron so.
"I'm assuming that your set of abilities are similar, although he obviously can't dance like you can," or play court politics, but Emirate Xaaron is studiously not trying to think about how Mirage played him like a concerto violinist, "He pretends to be more than he is, sometimes."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 18, 2008 19:53:08 GMT -5
And this is just how Mirage is. He touches the Emirate, not because he wants something, but because this Mirage is by nature a tactile mech. Unlike his counterpart, who avoids such contact as a mater of course, Mirage touches as a matter of course, and it would pain him to learn that a touch he meant to be both complimentary and soothing was causing such distress.
"Interesting. It is good to know that we've similar skill sets. It is easier to plan for. I know my own weaknesses best, after all."
Mirage tries to spin the Emirate out again, a cheerful move at odds with his mood or their conversation. "I dislike distressing you by asking this, but other than the Prime, who gives you the most worry?"
No, Mirage does not like asking that. Not at all.
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 18, 2008 22:48:29 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron spins like an electron in a decaying orbital. Well, perhaps not. His position is not governed by a probability field. It's fairly certain that he's actually in the given position that he appears to be in and that looking at him will not appreciably change his position.
He considers Mirage's question and explains, "Personally, if I was an unbiased observer - and I am not - I would be most worried about Omega Supreme, after Rodimus Prime. He's a decent sort. His main problem is that he can look away from and wash his hands of anything, and when you combine that with his massive power, well... I hope you can put together a better plan to deal with him than having your own Omega Supreme do the trick."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 19, 2008 0:04:35 GMT -5
Omega Supreme? Oh that...is not a good thing. The possibility of fighting the Guardian is a frightening one, but imaging the two behemoths clashing is enough to chill Mirage's spark.
Not that such a worry show on his face.
"Omega Supreme is certainly one to worry over, as would be Grimlock, if you have one, just for sheer power. But you are not, as you said, unbiased, and stature or strength is not always indicative of the danger inherent in an individual."
Mirage makes a turn to the right, but has to abort and go left to avoid Tiny as she sways a bit too close to the pair on her way across the room. Stepping on the mecha dragon would be bad form, after all.
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 19, 2008 8:54:30 GMT -5
"He keeps Hook in a crystal cage. I am told that they have a history together - Long Haul, as well. Evidently, he was the warden of the Crystal City internment camp and they its architects. Perhaps you Autobots could use that," Emirate Xaaron muses.
He hits on the next point haphazardly. "Grimlock - well, yes. As for stature and strength not correlating to the danger level, Perceptor... I... do not really wish to speak of him, but? Do not be captured by the Autobots, especially if you happen to be a jet. Skyfire collects jets, and Perceptor ensures that they do not flee. Death is better than being a simpering pet like Thundercracker is now. On the other hand, Perceptor can devise fates worse still for those are are not snatched up by Skyfire. So."
Is that blasted dragon everywhere? She's going to eat him in his recharge, isn't she? He shakes his head.
"The portal generator is his work, but I'm sure you guessed that."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 19, 2008 10:07:13 GMT -5
"Perhaps," is all Mirage says regarding Omega Supreme. Other than what he has overheard or read in the database, Mirage know little about this version of the guardian. His own has a much different history.
"I did not know Perceptor before waking here. Our own seems a decent enough sort, if a bit verbose. However, he has great skill. I can well imagine what such skill twisted from the right could become."
"And I have no intentions of being captured."
A though occurs to Mirage, "Was your Skyfire also an old friend of Starscream's?"
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 19, 2008 19:35:26 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron fears what would happen if this Perceptor were to become as twisted as the Perceptors he has known, with the fruit of knowledge in full flower after the fall. Will the seed be planted tomorrow, when Perceptor sees what he could do?
Emirate Xaaron gives Mirage a queer look and shakes his head. As if it is obvious, he denies, "I am unaware of Skyfire and Starscream ever having a link. It would have been extremely unfortunate for Starscream, if they had, although I am sure Skyfire would have been preening over such an acquisition. I think he may be friends with Oracle, however."
Emirate Xaaron doesn't know the half of it, and he really doesn't want to.
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Post by Mirage on Mar 19, 2008 22:41:19 GMT -5
"Interesting. Our Skyfire and Starscream have a history."
Mirage leads into another promenade, then a series of quick turns. He can't help but notice that Xaaron settled in quickly to the dance. Four million years, he'd said, but one would be hard pressed to guess that watching him.
"You dance rather well. Much better than I expected, I confess, given your attitude and admitted lack of recent practice." Mirage gives the Emirate a considering look. "I am curious, though. Why did you agree to this dance? I somehow doubt you are actually enjoying yourself, as much as I would like to believe otherwise."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 20, 2008 15:28:18 GMT -5
"Really? What sort of history? I haven't access to any of the files here, so I am rather in the dark," Emirate Xaaron inquires.
"I have not been shot, sliced, scorched, shocked, or otherwise had my life threatened in the course of this dance. I think we may reasonably accord me to be enjoying myself," Emirate Xaaron answers, just a hint of wry amusement in his voice, but he means it seriously enough. The 'not right now' part of of 'he wants to die but not right now' is very important to him! He tries to press in a little closer, since it would seem to be what Mirage would want.
He does add, "Most people are either dancing or watching. Some are doing both, I am sure. It is better to be seen making an attempt to fit in than to be seen sullen and alone, a ripe target. Also, it would have been discourteous to refuse."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 20, 2008 21:52:28 GMT -5
They come out of the turns and back into the side sway. Mirage gives Firebolt a rather annoyed look. What on Cybertron did she just start playing? He shakes his head, then answers the Emirate, "The type of history that discussing it would be too close to gossiping. You would have to ask him for details yourself. Though I can say that that there are reasons why choosing the Autobrand was not a given for him. And he has not spent the entirety of his time on this Primus forsaken planet with us."
Mirage would like Xaaron to be enjoying himself, truly he would. But that subtle shift closer is at such odds with the Emirate's words that it is worrying. Without being obvious, Mirage reestablishes a polite dancing distance. "If that is your measure for enjoying something, then I do not want to ponder on what your existence till now has been like."
"Perhaps agreeing was the more politic thing to do, but no one, including myself, would have thought less of you for refusing. And, just so you are aware," Mirage looks faintly apologetic, "my intentions from the off were for a dance and nothing more."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 20, 2008 22:06:41 GMT -5
Musical chaos! Emirate Xaaron should be annoyed, being an older Transformer from a respectable class who has never left Cybertron. Secretly, however, he's thrilled. It is a small discord, a mere crabapple, but he'll take what he can get.
He considers and replies, "Perhaps I will. However, it is his party, and it sounds as if there are raw wounds. It would not do to pour corrosives upon them so soon." Emirate Xaaron does need to better know exactly what sort of people he's dealing with, something more specific than 'unlike anything he knows'. Best of all is to know what threads tie and bind these people, what strings of fate need to be cut to cause dissolution.
Mirage was being extremely subtle, but Emirate Xaaron had intentionally closed distance, so he does notice. It strikes him as rather peculiar, but Mirage's words shed some light on the situation. Emirate Xaaron is a bit reassured, but it nags at him. Everyone wants something. Mirage just wants a dance? Emirate Xaaron supposes that he is one of the few people here who would know the old Cybertronian forms. Of course, it does imply that Mirage's intentions could have been for more, had Emirate Xaaron not been, well, Emirate Xaaron.
He apologises, "My apologies for monopolising your time, then, when you could be seeking more fruitful pursuits."
Emirate Xaaron does not comment on his past. Yes, this is a good day for him. It implies exactly what Mirage thinks it does.
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Post by Mirage on Mar 21, 2008 0:50:51 GMT -5
Mirage actually looks perturbed as he looks down at Emirate Xaaron. "Do not apologize. I asked you to dance, did I not? Yes, that decision was largely based on your knowledge of Cybertronian form, but this has been far from a chore."
A pause, then the courtier's mask is back, and he smiles, "You are not exactly unattractive, after all- though not my normal preference. You dance well, and you are capable of intelligent conversation. I have had worse partners at a ball before, I assure you."
Besides, what prospects are there here for a spy with discerning tastes? Mirage might relax his standards on occasion, but he has always had the luxury of choice, the advantage of being the pursued not the pursuer. The Seeker female, perhaps, and Skyblast is also intriguing. Bluestreak...no, no...everyone always tries to pair off with Bluestreak. Almost as prevalent as the twins fanatasies, those are. Swerve, but not this Swerve....
Mirage looks down again at the Emirate, "My turn to apologize, I'm afraid. My thoughts wandered a moment. I do not mean to offend."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
Rookie
Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
Posts: 162
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 21, 2008 19:07:58 GMT -5
So the mask can slip, can it? Useful to know.
He isn't exactly attractive, either, and he knows it. Emirate Xaaron has little vanity. He is sure that Mirage has had much better partners at dances, too.
He replies honestly, "There is nothing to offend in me." Being capable of offense would imply there was something in him worth defending.
It would amuse him how they're falling all over each other with apologies, but such is the way of these things. The Autobots he knows, though, they would never apologise, not like this.
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