Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 4, 2011 22:41:24 GMT -5
Month 2, Week 1, Day 4. Starts Semi-private. May become Open later on.
An unmarked blue BMW GINA sits in the parking lot outside the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan. Inside the convention center, the Tokyo Motor Show, one of the world's major car shows, is happening, and it wouldn't have been too long ago that the shapechanging vehicle would have been on display inside, but then the GINA went into production. Still, the car is unusual (and expensive) enough to draw more than a few admiring looks from the attendees as they come and go.
This is not the time and place Punch would have picked. Too busy. Too many humans, and he can't transform. If he did transform, someone would take his picture, and that picture would end up on the internet. Oddly, in this case he's somewhat less worried about that picture being seen by a Decepticon than by an Autobot. A Decepticon is likely, after all, to just dismiss him as a newly arriving Autobot. An Autobot might well realize he isn't one of them.
He called this meeting, but it's the person he's waiting to meet who set the location. And so he waits in this place where he can't transform for someone who can look like anything, and that's assuming that the other didn't get a new alternate mode entirely.
And of course, Punch himself will be harder to recognize, too.
And then there's the question of how to do the pass-off.
Well... this should be interesting, to say the least.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 5, 2011 19:45:16 GMT -5
Punch won't have any trouble identifying Mirage. The aristocrat rolls up to the show in his classic Cybertronian mode, earning no small share of interested looks in the process. A young, rather girlish-looking Japanese man exists quickly from Mirage's passenger side.
As members of the press start to crowd nearer, Mirage transforms which earns him more looks- and even more press. Cameras flash all about, and of course, Mirage smiles and poses. Have to maintain those good public relations and all, you know.
He scans the parked cars, pausing for a moment on the familiar color scheme of a certain BMW, before addressing the young man next to him.
"Mmm, I see you were correct. This does appear to be a gathering of appropriately high end vehicles, Mr. Serikawa. It should provide me a nice sampling of alternative modes to choose from."*
*Mirage is speaking Japanese, because the language pack Holi gave Mirage ages ago included Japanese. I am not going to attempt any sorts of "correct" Japanese usage or syntax, because people fumbling through that is one of my pet peeves. >_>
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 5, 2011 20:46:19 GMT -5
Inwardly, Punch groans as Mirage's arrival makes him the center of large amounts of media attention. Great. Just... marvelous.
Still, he watches the other spy, and when it seems like Mirage is looking right at him, he opens his headlight covers, then closes the left quickly in a wink, then closes the both of them.1
1 The GINA can do this. It looks rather like a person winking. Check out about the 2:40 mark.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 6, 2011 21:58:03 GMT -5
One corner of Mirage's lips turns up slightly, but by the time it does, the spy's gaze is well away from the GINA.
He wanders about for a short while, from time to time pointing out a vehicle that he admires. Eventually he returns outside the show proper and stops in front of the uniquely colored GINA. Mirage crouches next to the vehicle and tries to just barely run one finger along the hood.
"Such a unique skin. I'd like this one added to those I'd like to test drive, so to speak, please,"
The young man shifts slightly in place, "Ah, Mr. Mirage, this is possibly a privately-owned vehicle, given its placement." The robot raises an eyebrow, and he continues, "But I shall see what I can do."
It is quite possible that Punch may soon find himself whisked away along with some younger, sexier, even more modern models to an undisclosed location, awaiting Mirage's pleasure.
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 7, 2011 16:43:36 GMT -5
Mirage's assistant will discover that while the GINA is not being actively advertised, the owner is listed as being willing to consider offers.
When you're in a position like Punch's, sometimes it's good to keep your options open.
No more winks, blinks, or movements of any kind, however. Punch is back to pretending to be an ordinary car, ready to be added to Mirage's growing non-sapient car harem.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 7, 2011 22:24:39 GMT -5
And added to the "harem" Punch is! Hmm, Mirage seems to be making a habit of buying Punch in order to get whatever intel the other spy has. After a little more time has passed, Punch will find himself moved to private garage a short distance from the car show. He will be in the company of some very expensive vehicles, some new production, some concept. Mirage nods to his handler, "It will take me some time to determine if any will be compatible for an alternate mode. I will let you know when I need you again." Akira starts to protest, "Mr. Mirage, I-." The young man stops at the withering look Mirage directs upon his person. The aristocrat coldly asks, "Would you wish to have an audience when you were trying on your new clothes? I thought not. Now go. The cars will not be damaged in any way, I assure you." Once Mirage is alone with his pretty, pretty cars, he sits down on the floor in front of the sexy little GINA and purrs, "Love that look, darling. If I wasn't entirely to attached too my own classic profile, I might try it on for real."
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 8, 2011 16:36:23 GMT -5
It would seem that Punch's existence is starting to get pricey for Mirage.
"That could be inconvenient," the undercover agent says as he transforms. "Last thing I need are my 'allies' firing at me, thinking I'm you." We wouldn't want Punch mistaken for a spy or anything.
Without another word, Punch begins to walk through the area, searching quickly, efficiently, and with a practiced optic for any bugs, camera, or other recording equipment.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 9, 2011 10:11:25 GMT -5
"Please, we could hardly be mistaken for one another, even if we were the same model. For one, that paint job simply does not suit me at all, though it fits you very well."
There are security cameras outside the building, trained on the door much as one might find in a clothing store, and a couple in the interior, also trained on the door. Monitor what comes in and what goes out, but allow as much privacy to the buyer as is feasible. Punch was free from observation when he transformed, and if the spy is careful, should be able to keep himself off camera.
Of course, all the cars currently in the private showroom certainly have security systems and failsafes in case an overeager buyer or competitor gets froggy. Those don't affect Punch and Mirage at all*.
"I'm surprised. I would not have expected you to go for an alternate mode that stands out in such a way."
"How have you been faring?"
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 9, 2011 20:15:13 GMT -5
Punch stays out of the view of the cameras, though he does take a moment to make sure that they're visual-only. And yes, actually he is checking the cars for bugs, something beyond basic vehicle security measures. He hnhs, muttering, "That's the problem when a planet gets too advanced. Recording everywhere. Less of an issue on Pz-Zazz... more robots there."
Still searching, he glances back at Mirage and shrugs. "There are a few about, and this mode offered other handy features." Plus, it'll make it easier to upgrade his color-change functions, not that he has anyone he can go to for that. "Besides, in a few years, all our modes'll be a lot more common. Even yours," he gestures towards Mirage. Then he smirks. "Especially yours, Mister Elite Guard."
He grunts at the question as he finishes his search and turns towards the other spy. "As normal," is his answer. "I imagine your folks have guessed that we've lost Shockwave. Some sort of Spacebridge accident. Didn't destabilize things as much as you'd hope. Scourge took the reigns. Starscream wants it, but it looks like he won't be making a move until he gets more certain about things. Tension, yeah, but no out and out struggle."
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 10, 2011 13:13:44 GMT -5
Mirage quirks a browridge, "Lost him? We assumed he was here, but-" Mirage stops here. Better not to give Punch too much knowledge. "A space bridge accident. How... reality appropriate."
He watches Punch as the other spy does his checks, not offering to assist. This is something better left to the more paranoid person- and the one with the most to lose.
"Scourge leading and Starscream second? That sounds like a volatile recipe."
"And what," he says, smirking, "does my being Elite Guard have to do with humans poorly copying my vehicle form?"
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 11, 2011 21:16:43 GMT -5
"We're assuming he's here, too," Punch observes. "Probably for some of the same reasons," but Punch doesn't get into what those reasons are. He gives Mirage a curious look when the other mentions how 'appropriate' the space bridge accident is, but doesn't push for details. He also just nods a head to confirm that Scourge leading and Starscream second does sound like a volatile recipe.
"You guys been in the spotlight, right? More time you spend in the spotlight, more they'll want to copy you. Everyone'll want to have the latest Mirage, or whatever they decide to name it."
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 11, 2011 22:40:07 GMT -5
Mirage looks decidedly unimpressed at the idea of being copied. "Hmpf. They can certainly try to copy my design, but nothing on this backwards little mudball will ever come close to the original."
He waves a hand, "But never mind. We aren't here to discuss fashion."
"So there was no major scuffle over leadership? That is rather unusual, is it not?"
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 12, 2011 17:19:38 GMT -5
"I wasn't in the room, but nothing loud enough that it got the rest of us heard, and by the time they were announcing Shockwave was gone, they were playing nice with each other," Punch shrugs. "For my own reality, I'd call it unusual, yeah, but I don't know yet what counts as 'usual' for turnovers here.
He tosses Mirage a datastick. "There's also that Gigatron business. Wouldn't be talking to you direct about it, except that command's probably going to have to let the troops know about him. Hopefully one of you guys can recognize him. None of the 'Cons did," at least, none who spoke up, Flame, "and this guy isn't someone you want to be caught off guard by." He shakes his head.
|
|
|
Post by Mirage on Sept 13, 2011 9:44:16 GMT -5
Mirage catches the datastick with one hand, dropping it into subspace in the same instant.
He nods, "I both understand and value your discretion on such things, even if my own curiosity must go unassuaged. But Gigatron?" Mirage asks, "I'm not familiar with the name. I take it he is someone of import among you lot- among the Decepticons, rather?"
"It must be a rather important matter if you think it should be disseminated to the ranks, given the risks in which that doing may place you."
|
|
Counterpunch
Minor
The Overlord, His Peerless Highness, Arch Duke Counterpunch. The Salient Vanquisher of His Own Mind
What're you looking at?
Posts: 419
|
Post by Counterpunch on Sept 13, 2011 21:21:23 GMT -5
"Arrived a twisted wreck of a skeleton, recovered faster than he should have. Claimed to be a... prison shrink. Spent some time with us, then on Rock Watch, crucified Bonecrusher with his own struts. Partially disabled Wreckage and Starscream... things were already a mess by the time I arrived. Blast hit me, that's all I knew. I was thrown against the wall, my armor and the wall melted by the heat so I was welded in place." Punch, stoic Punch who lives his life behind enemy lines shivers slightly. "While I was out he took down Scourge, Hellbender, and Bruticus." The fact that the Decepticons now have a Bruticus is, itself, a pretty significant bit of information itself.
"Stole some of the rocks, left the ship, was blasted by every gun we could turn on him, and he left."
Punch looks at Mirage. "He's out there, and we don't know where, and 'Bots need to know, to start putting together what you can figure out about him. Because I expect we'll see him again."
|
|