Unexpected Visit
((Pre-requisites: Some references to this thread, when Blackout fought with Oriana Pax, ended up with the RiD Decepticon Commandos, almost died, and had something resembling an out-of-body experience, to summarize very loosely. Also, here is where it was first discovered that Hormah can boost other mechs' power.))
Blackout: *stumbles through a portal and puts a dent in a sanctuary wall, then backpedals so quickly that she steps on Hormah* What the???? *everything feels like... that song she heard when she'd left her shell.... she shudders*
Auspex: *wide optics... oh, fixing the wall will be fun. Later.* Hello?
Blackout: *gives the smaller femme a spooked look* Where is this??
Hormah: *Happy beeping despite having been stepped on. She likes the feel of this place.*
Auspex: *optics glow brightly, as she senses the surprise and fear* This is a sanctuary of Primus. It's all right... it's safe here.
*She glances at Hormah, finding the different reactions curious*
Hormah: *looks back at her with a bright grin, but then frowns and looks up at her leader as Blackout makes a sound.*
Blackout: Primus!? I'm dead. He won't want me here. *looking for the portal and feeling very afraid and guilty, but also angry and challenging. Just let him take her from Scorponok and Hormah for accidentally defiling his house with her Decepticon presence!*
Auspex: *smiles faintly at the smaller mech, but is distracted by the emotional maelstrom from Blackout. She blinks at the huge fem in dismay, voice consoling* It is safe here; for everyone. Faction is of no consequence.
Blackout: *snarls like a trapped wolf, one hand protectively over the storage compartment where Scorponok is sleeping* He won't want me here.
Hormah: He brung us here, b'y. It's alright.
Blackout: *glares at her.* Shut up!
Hormah: *subsides without any loss of cheer.*
Auspex: *sighs, wandering closer, hands up in a placating gesture* Please be calm. I am the keeper of this place, and I am bound to Primus' consciousness. He has no qualms that you are here. If you've come here unexpectedly, it's all right... this place has a way of doing that. There is no danger, here.
Blackout: *subsides into wary glaring, still not convinced that she hasn't broken some taboo.*
Hormah: *looks up at her and deedlebeeps in Minicon, then turns back to Auspex and grins again.* I still thinks he brung us.
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly, gazing up at Blackout* If you were not welcome here, you would not be here. *she smiles tentatively* But Primus does not turn away his children. Your companion is likely right.
Blackout: *long silence, then a mutter* I can feel that song.
Hormah: *deedlebeeping to herself quietly as she looks around and then wanders over to start exploring*
Blackout: *pang of concern for the youngster*
*very possessive and nearly motherly concern....*
Auspex: *nods in understanding* She is safe, as are you.
The song...? *her optics widen slightly*
Blackout: *watching her minion* The one I heard when that femme-Prime nearly killed me.
Auspex: *optics widen further* Ohh. You are Blackout? And... oh.. *her voice fills with surprised awe* You heard the song of the Allspark..? *She hesitates; seeing the construction of this Transformer, she recalls that their terminology is different... but she has no other term to apply* The afterlife...
Blackout: *blinks* The Allspark... that... would make sense. Except that it's gone.
Auspex: *her brow furrows as she blinks up at the mech* You can't destroy the Allspark. At least... not the Allspark I know. It is a place... only recently have I heard of this... cube, that also carries the name. I am not sure how they tie together... but the afterlife very much exists. And... not many still alive have heard that call...
Blackout: *more silent staring. She can't feel it, but there's a strong sense that she's supposed to be here.*
Auspex: Primus is a large voice, in that song... you are remembering that First Voice of the Allspark. I would hope... that it does not cause you discomfort. It is not necessary... you are safe here. *her voice drops a bit* I am not speaking merely of physical safety.
Blackout: *very slightly mocking* If he were all that the old one said when I was new he'd know what I've done. And he'd know that I'm not ashamed of it.
*it's bluster. The thought that she's wiped Bonecrusher from the Allspark still squicks her a bit.*
*Auspex's gaze is unwavering. There are dark things going through Blackout's mind; she can easily guess what sort of deeds the tall femme is speaking of* He does. He does not share them with me... but I see the darkness. Still... he knows who you are, and better than you do.
Blackout: *More mocking* You'd purge your tank if I told you, and you expect me to believe that the good 'god' wants me here?
Hormah: *is happy deedlebeeps over there*
Auspex: I realize it is hard to understand, if it is not how you are accustomed to thinking. But... war is a part of Decepticon life, and it is what you were made for. How can someone fault you for fulfilling your function?
*Her gaze wanders over to the smaller mech. She is very unusual... not quite so strange as Blackout, but certainly more alien than she is used to seeing. And the strange sounds she is making are foreign to her... but her spark is wide open, full of inquisitiveness, and a sense of peace at the presence in this place. She is not the one that needs to be here...*
Blackout: *snorts* Whatever. *and now the sneaking, creeping feeling of just wanting to lay the fight down and be left alone escapes.*
Auspex: *blinks, focusing on this new emotion* You are tired. It is not war itself that makes you weary, perhaps, but... the specific fight you have fought? What troubles you?
Blackout: *angry and defensive* *growls* Get out of my processor.
Auspex: *she shakes her head lightly* I cannot read your thoughts. It is only your emotions that I sense; the rest I infer. I sense some sort of reluctance... and it is related to battle. But fighting is so deeply rooted in your function, that I can only assume it isn't war, on the whole, but a specific experience. I know nothing more.
Blackout: *turns her head to look toward the rookie's cheerful voice, her hand once more going absently to her sleeping symbiont's hiding place. And now there is love in her feelings, mixed with a trace of sadness and a fierce resolve.*
*Auspex observes quietly. She catches a flicker... does she have another spark there, with her? It's often hard to tell, when they are very close together. But she definitely catches that hint of love and regret and determination, for someone... perhaps the younger mech? Or someone else..? She ventures the question* You worry for the safety of your loved ones..?
Blackout: *growls, optics narrowing. But then stops and hangs her head for a moment as her anger and protectiveness brings a sleepy chitter from the storage compartment.* *heavily, letting go of the fight* Scorponok.... Megatron's dead, and Scorponok died too. But I found another one in the Nexus, and I've promised I won't leave him again.
*regret and sadness, and a trace of guilt accompany the name of her fallen leader, and anguish the name of her lost symbiont, then once more that resolve blooms.* I've sold my soul to keep that promise.
Auspex: *her optics flicker, and she bows her own head, as well* I see. It's... hard to lose someone that is so close to you... I am not sure who Scorponok is, but I can sense that he is someone that you share an extremely close bond with. I see why... finding an alternate would be much of a relief. But you still carry the pain of losing your original bond. *she leaves Megatron alone for the moment; that seems to be a more delicate situation of circumstances, and morals... talk of that too soon may anger her. But this is a safer subject, for now*
Blackout: He's my symbiont. We're hardwired to hear and feel one another. *Honest and even doting affection colours her feelings. Scorponok may register as 'barely alive' on the sentience scale, but he's Blackout's world.*
Auspex: *'hmm's in mystified curiosity* I see... that is not something I'm familiar with... but I see, then, even more so, why that pains you so deeply... and why you would wish to make up for it, if you can. Why do you feel that you have failed him, and your leader? Casualties are a part of war...
Blackout: *looks away, not realizing that a dam has been breached and that she's willingly confiding in another for the first time in thousands of vorns* I betrayed Megatron.
*Auspex's brow furrows. Is this truth, or her own perception? She proceeds gingerly* May I... ask what happened..?
Blackout: *too ashamed to speak of it, instead sends a data burst of how she stood on a rooftop and laughed as her leader was killed by the human boy*
*Auspex's optics widen and brighten. Oh dear. Well... unless the fem has somehow created false memories for herself -- possible, but a messy prospect -- there is little in that memory that is open to interpretation. She sighs softly* I see. And yet... if you did not regret it at the time, what has changed your mind?
Blackout: I'm sane now.
Auspex: *blinks. She sees that it will be a struggle to gently draw information from Blackout, that she might know better how to proceed...* What happened, then, to make you not sane, at the time?
Blackout: *doesn't reply, though the anguish that accompanies thoughts of her first Scorponok returns and once more rouses a sleepy chitter from her storage compartment.*
Auspex: *frowns in concern, regretting the emotions these questions are stirring. Very carefully, she tries to understand more of the situation* You... lost your symbiont, first, then? His loss... made you that way?
Blackout: *nods*
Auspex: *is silent a moment, conferring with Primus, watching the fem with sympathy. Her voice is soothing, to soften the sting of the words* Were you angry with Megatron?
Blackout: *heavily* I just didn't care.
Auspex: *nods quietly* I understand. I can only imagine how mind-shattering it would be, to lose someone who was, literally, helping to hold your mind together. Does Scorponok's alternate know of those events?
Blackout: *gives a deep, surprisingly soft rumble of laughter* Scorponok doesn't worry about things he doesn't understand. He has me, and nothing else matters. He was ready to fight Rollbar's Megatron when I thought he was going to kill me.
Auspex: *looks puzzled for a moment* Ah. He has a very narrow worldview, which is not a bad thing. Still... could you have done anything for your Megatron, even if you had tried, at the time? And... why would the Megatron of the other universe harm you?
Blackout: *shrugs, feeling of dull frustrated anger* They say in the other realities where I exist I died, and he did too.
Auspex: *attempts to find where the anger is directed* Well... *softly* It's just as well that you survived, for the sake of the Scorponok that lost his Blackout.
Blackout: *It's from seeing all the stories that the Multiverse has to offer and finding that her side is always the loser, sooner or later.* Yes. *her hand goes to her side again.* He and the rookie are both glad of my existence.
Hormah: *laying in the sunken mural*
Auspex: Then... perhaps it is fortunate, that things happened for you as they did, despite the pain? Sometimes pain brings good things.
*She glances up to see Hormah sprawled out on the central mosaic, and holds back a startled chuckle. She knows she means no harm, and leaves her be*
Blackout: *sullenly* Whatever. *And her emotions are once more coloured by that yearning to just lay it all down and rule her own tiny kingdom of three. Or seven, if she can run off with Rollbar, Armorhide, Movor, and Ro-tor.*
Auspex: *blinks at her thoughtfully* You are content as you are now, are you not? The past, in my experience, is best left in the past. It is good to recognize your past mistakes, and regretting them is normal... but dwelling on what you should have done, but did not, is unnecessary.
Blackout: *snorts* You think I'm a sissy Autobot? *no, she is bad and hard, and shows gentleness only to her symbiont.*
Auspex: *gives her a knowing look* What did I say that implied that you were? I merely asked if you were content, and told you why I think you should not be ashamed anymore.
Blackout: *growling slightly* I betrayed my leader. Another Megatron's forgiven me, and that's his right. But I'm still a traitor.
Hormah: *has found an energon chip, and dutifully brings it to her leader.*
Blackout: *blinks and looks at it, her feelings lightening even as she growls and smacks the youngster away.* Don't waste my time with that.
Auspex: If you have found a new life and a new purpose, what does that matter? Would you do the same thing again?
*She blinks, idly wondering where the smaller mech found that... but she's not fooled by Blackout's bluster; there is affection there. She hides a smile*
Blackout: *glaring* No. I wouldn't. *ignoring the other part. This weak white femme obviously can't understand. And Blackout has been dismayed lately to find the pain of her betrayal fading.*
Hormah: *found it on the floor, of course. Probably stuck in some crack or something. Now she's happily munching.*
Auspex: Then... what is in your future? You spoke of another Megatron. Have you found a new place to be?
Blackout: *spikes with wary suspicion as her optics narrow*
Hormah: We lives in t' Nexus, b'y. Gots our own place.
Blackout: *sends her spinning with an angry cuff*
Auspex: *winces, 'eep'ing slightly, though she stays put* Then I am mistaken. You are becoming acquainted with another universe, however, I take it.
Blackout: *glares, but then remembers exactly what this weakling is and rumbles* Yes. I have allies. *glances at Hormah, who's laying on her back and chewing on her energon chip, totally unfazed by the cuff other than to look honestly repentant.* In more than one reality... some more willing than others.
Auspex: *nods* Hmm. Your companion is clearly of a different construction than yourself...
Blackout: Like slag she is. She's half Minicon, but she's not that different from me. *possessive? Yes....*
*She frowns at her disclosure of Hormah's other half.*
Auspex: *optics widen in amazement* ...half Mini-Con? How... *a possibility occurs to her* She is the result of a LOL, perhaps?
Blackout: *rumbles and nods* We sat on a couch.
Auspex: A... couch? *she shakes her head* It's the Nexus, anything's possible...
*she looks thoughtful* I assume there was a Mini-Con involved, if it wasn't the couch itself... *Again, it is the Nexus...* Do you know the Mini-Con, or did you both happen to be there at the same time?
Blackout: *gruffly* I'd never met him before we both planted our afts on that slagging couch.
Auspex: *nods again* If I recall correctly, the universe where the other Megatron is, does not have Mini-Cons. Does she stay with you? What of her Mini-Con... relative?
Blackout: What about him? She's mine.
Auspex: *shrugs* I only wondered if he was interested in keeping up with her, or if you felt you had ties to his native universe, as well, through her.
Blackout: *confused* He's an ally. *rumble* What do you mean, keep up with her?
Auspex: Well... generally, one feels something of a sense of identification, with a mech that comes from one's own design, no matter how... strange... the creation. He might wish to see how she's progressing.
Blackout: *shrugs* He didn't want her. Said something about not being able to keep her safe and fueled.
Auspex: *nods* Then he is concerned for her well-being. It is good that you consider him an ally.
Blackout: *shrug* I owe him.
Auspex: *tilts her head* Why is that? *what is her reasoning, she wonders?*
Blackout: I drank a lot of his fuel. *frowning at Hormah, who is looking at the ceiling with interest*
Auspex: *blinks for a moment, somewhat startled* Ah... that was generous of him.
Blackout: *shrug. Iceberg had been a friendly little mech, if jumpy. That's about all she remembers of him.*
Auspex: *returns to her original point* You have a few ties to other universes, then. Do you wish to permanently call any of them home, or are you content to stay in the Nexus?
Blackout: *suspiciously* What's it to you?
Auspex: I am a servant of Primus. I am concerned for the well-being of my lord's children, and you are one.
Blackout: *Millenias' worth of wariness and suspicion flares up in her emotions*
Auspex: *looks back at her placidly. This is a typical Decepticon reaction* I know it is hard to understand... but it is my function, to care for other Transformers. It is why I ask so many questions; I wish to know how you are.
Hormah: *decides to reach over and give the priestess a temporary upgrade*
Blackout: ......0_o
Auspex: *gasps softly in astonishment. She has no idea what the other fem has done...! She feels something... similar to when she requests power from Primus, only... she hasn't asked. She stares shakily at Hormah with wide, very bright optics, doubly startled when she... begins seeing images, as well as emotions...*
Blackout: ....Priestess? *she's a little concerned. This femme hasn't got any weapons to upgrade; nowhere for the charge to outlet. She doesn't want to be responsible for frying Primus's minion.*
Auspex: I... *her optics flicker in wary amazement at the smaller of the two other fems* What did you do...? *she glances down at herself, seeing that her plating is taking on a brighter sheen, as it does when Primus pours his power into her... which is rather rare...*
I'm all right... but I can.. see more than normal. *She pauses. She cautiously extends her senses toward Blackout... and finds herself assaulted with images from the other fem's past. The strange thing is... she seems to be easily processing them, as well.*
*So many things... Blackout shinier, newer, a strange and alien altmode... how Megatron favored her as a tool of destruction, how she went about fulfilling that function... her respect for and belief in her leader, and the contrast with her reaction to his death... Scorponok, both her original symbiont, and the one she met in the Nexus (a chibi scorpion-Transformer is a strange thing, indeed...), how it feels to be linked in such a way... her camaraderie with the Decepticons from the universe where they are the minority to Predacons... her inadvertent construct's creation, and the Mini-Con -- oh, she's met him -- involved in the process...*
*Auspex blinks, taking a moment to ponder these things, though she continues to 'listen'*
Blackout: *frowns at the glow, but then starts as she seems to hear something like that song again. It's reassuring, telling her that she has nothing to fear from the white femme... and to her surprise she believes it. There's no way she can't.* Huh....
Hormah: *just grinning widely from where she's sitting on the floor at the two larger femmes' feet.*
Auspex: *catches sight of the place Blackout is living, in a set of caves in the Nexus... the desire to be somewhere where she can keep her symbiont safe and tentatively muse about her new construct, who has the strange ability to augment other mechs' power, much like a Mini-Con powerlinx; and the discovery of this, when she did so to Blackout's weapons, the subsequent crater... her similar modification to... the zamboni's weapons! Lord Primus, promise me that's temporary, she thinks, with a bit of humor... her fight with Oriana, and the agreement she made with a human-like man who was more than what he seemed, to save her life... and the sort of things she agreed not to do; the decided demise of her last kill's consciousness, for example, and his subsequent, ongoing reprogramming...
Blackout: *silently goes to one knee, overwhelmed by the overwhelming sensation that she is loved and forgiven. Her hand goes up as though to defend herself from the sendings, though a part of her drinks them thirstily.*
Auspex: *and after this dizzying array of emotions and events that she has seen... she knows that Blackout is, through and through, a Decepticon... but, as is always the case, there are those that she cares for, remains fiercely loyal to, and there are undying convictions that will weather any of life's storms.*
*And, the priestess realizes, Primus has been speaking his reassurance to Blackout -- of his acceptance, despite what he disapproves of, that he is not leaving her to flounder alone; of the recognition of her as his child. How much she is believing it, remains to be seen.*
Blackout: *voice shaking slightly* Stop. No more. Please.
Hormah: *looks at her, then turns to Auspex, who feels the bright, merry and alien touch of a Minicon mind for a moment before the charge fades and takes the upgrades with it.*
Auspex: *feels the unexpected boost fade, and relaxes as the torrent of information slowly subsides. Letting Primus's power go for the moment, with a silent mental exclamation that is something akin to wow, she meets the gaze of the hybrid Transformer, starting a bit at the sense of her mind. Definitely of Primus, and yet... other lines of life-power, running parallel to his, yet blending in perfect harmony. Just when she thinks she's seen all of the strange wonders Primus can cause to come about through the Nexus... something new comes along. She senses her carefree nature, the lack of emotional burden... she offers the other fem a gentle smile, before returning her attention to Blackout*
I 'm sorry -- I was not... expecting that level of communication, any more than you were. Are you all right? *she frowns in concern at the other fem, knowing that her question is probably useless, but feeling somewhat apologetic for what could be called an invasion of her mind, inadvertent as it was*
Blackout: *optics lowered as she braces herself against her knee, but she lifts her head to look at Auspex with an absent frown.* You didn't do it. *wary trust is behind the words now, even gruff good will.*
Auspex: *concedes* Not completely, no. *she glances over at the orangy fem for a moment* That is quite a power you have, young one. I would guard that carefully. But... thank you. *She gives her another approving smile*
Blackout... it seems that you are content with the path you are following now. If you still feel that you must atone for allowing Megatron's death... aiding your allies, I think, will fill that void.
Hormah: *shrugs from where she's laying on the floor, merrily* Don' mention it, me son.
Blackout: *jaw squares slightly as she wonders just what Auspex had heard and felt in all that. Quietly* Those rookies are mine. *She has no words for affection other than that. Scorponok has felt others, but she's never spoken them aloud that she knows.*
Auspex: *brow furrows slightly at Hormah's odd manner of speech, but then, she's heard much stranger (hello, Junkions...).*
*She nods slowly at Blackout* Then keep them, as you would your own, and I think you will find that your shame will ease. That is necessary... it will do no good to anyone for you to continue berating yourself for what has passed.
Blackout: *shakes head and straightens a little more, feeling peaceful and a little amused.* Don't preach.
Auspex: *adopts a little smile* Very well. I'm glad you seem more at ease, now.
Blackout: *frowns thoughtfully, a little suspicion niggling at her as she looks at the priestess and wonders. But then she looks at Hormah and stands up so that she can kick her.* Get off the floor, you're not an animal.
Auspex: *tilts her head at the helicopter Transformer* What is it?
*She blinks as Blackout approaches her offspring. Decepticons have always had very strange ways of showing their affection to their loved ones...*
Blackout: *watches Hormah roll to her feet with a laugh and takes a swing at her, which she ducks. As she interacts with the younger femme she decides that she doesn't really care what Auspex knows. It's not like she's going to use it for blackmail or anything.* Nothing.
Auspex: *studies them silently, sensing Blackout's acceptance, and acknowledges her answer with a nod, and a bit of a smile. So long as they don't destroy anything, she's satisfied to watch them be content Decepticons.*
Blackout: *takes a few more half-hearted swings, and then turns to look at the dent in the wall with a frown.* No idea how to fix that.
Auspex: *also blinks at it, frowning slightly, more annoyed with the wall for having the poor grace to dent, than with the fem who unintentionally put it there* Well... it's all right; perhaps I can find someone who knows enough about construction, to repair it well enough. Primus knows very well that his sanctuary is not as pristine as it once was, vorns ago. He keeps it anyway. *Her smile is somewhat wry*
Blackout: Flimsy stuff. *her large fingers run over the impression, then snap to the side and spang off the back of Hormah's helm.* Keep your eyes open.
Hormah: *Blinks and rubs her head, cheer totally unabated* I's fer needed ta recharge, boss.
Blackout: *frowns* You just did.
Hormah: *slightly bleary grin as she shrugs*
Auspex: *chuckles slightly* It is well enough to stand against most mechs native to this world. Perhaps your people have stronger alloys. In any case, as long as it does not endanger the stability of the sanctuary, it can remain until I find someone who can fix it.
*Her optics glow softly in amusement at Hormah's good cheer. She has a feeling she'll help ease any bouts of moroseness to come, on Blackout's part*
Blackout: *looks at the wall again and bangs it gently with a fist, then turns back to the rookie with a frown as she wonders how the slag the thing can be tired or hungry again already.* *then she remembers that Hormah didn't recharge at the sign with the rest of them that morning and feels a little sheepish.*
Auspex: *watches the two fems curiously, drawing in the various emotions* I would offer energon, but I'm not certain if you can process it... *she honestly has no idea about the fuel needs of Mini-Cons, or Blackout's people, who seem to be able to draw off electricity directly*
Blackout and Hormah: *both suddenly totally focused on the white femme. She just said the magic word.*
Blackout: Why wouldn't she be able to?
Auspex: *hides a smile at their now-riveted attention* I don't know much of anything about either of your technology, and it seems so different from what I'm accustomed to. But I can spare some energon; I only have a limited supply, from what visitors bring to me, so I'm afraid it's not much, but I will gladly share it.
Blackout: *frowns and swats the rookie again* She can wait till we get back to the Nexus.
Hormah: *rubs head and shrugs, still grinning*
Auspex: *doesn't hide her amusement, this time* Do what you will, then; it is not a great burden, but neither do I insist that you stay, if you wish to return to the Nexus.
Blackout: *massive shoulders rise in a shrug that ends with a quivering of her rotor blades.* Our base is there, in the canyon near the red rock arch. *no idea that Auspex knows that.* We fit there better than we do here.
Auspex: *nods a bit* I'm glad to have met the both of you, then, Blackout, Hormah. *she nods to each in turn* Please, call on me if you need a listener; I will happily talk with you. I hope to see you in the Nexus.
Blackout: *nods and then PINpoints herself and her family away*
*but later, if Auspex should look out her front door, she'll see a large cube of energon sitting there.*
Blackout: *stumbles through a portal and puts a dent in a sanctuary wall, then backpedals so quickly that she steps on Hormah* What the???? *everything feels like... that song she heard when she'd left her shell.... she shudders*
Auspex: *wide optics... oh, fixing the wall will be fun. Later.* Hello?
Blackout: *gives the smaller femme a spooked look* Where is this??
Hormah: *Happy beeping despite having been stepped on. She likes the feel of this place.*
Auspex: *optics glow brightly, as she senses the surprise and fear* This is a sanctuary of Primus. It's all right... it's safe here.
*She glances at Hormah, finding the different reactions curious*
Hormah: *looks back at her with a bright grin, but then frowns and looks up at her leader as Blackout makes a sound.*
Blackout: Primus!? I'm dead. He won't want me here. *looking for the portal and feeling very afraid and guilty, but also angry and challenging. Just let him take her from Scorponok and Hormah for accidentally defiling his house with her Decepticon presence!*
Auspex: *smiles faintly at the smaller mech, but is distracted by the emotional maelstrom from Blackout. She blinks at the huge fem in dismay, voice consoling* It is safe here; for everyone. Faction is of no consequence.
Blackout: *snarls like a trapped wolf, one hand protectively over the storage compartment where Scorponok is sleeping* He won't want me here.
Hormah: He brung us here, b'y. It's alright.
Blackout: *glares at her.* Shut up!
Hormah: *subsides without any loss of cheer.*
Auspex: *sighs, wandering closer, hands up in a placating gesture* Please be calm. I am the keeper of this place, and I am bound to Primus' consciousness. He has no qualms that you are here. If you've come here unexpectedly, it's all right... this place has a way of doing that. There is no danger, here.
Blackout: *subsides into wary glaring, still not convinced that she hasn't broken some taboo.*
Hormah: *looks up at her and deedlebeeps in Minicon, then turns back to Auspex and grins again.* I still thinks he brung us.
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly, gazing up at Blackout* If you were not welcome here, you would not be here. *she smiles tentatively* But Primus does not turn away his children. Your companion is likely right.
Blackout: *long silence, then a mutter* I can feel that song.
Hormah: *deedlebeeping to herself quietly as she looks around and then wanders over to start exploring*
Blackout: *pang of concern for the youngster*
*very possessive and nearly motherly concern....*
Auspex: *nods in understanding* She is safe, as are you.
The song...? *her optics widen slightly*
Blackout: *watching her minion* The one I heard when that femme-Prime nearly killed me.
Auspex: *optics widen further* Ohh. You are Blackout? And... oh.. *her voice fills with surprised awe* You heard the song of the Allspark..? *She hesitates; seeing the construction of this Transformer, she recalls that their terminology is different... but she has no other term to apply* The afterlife...
Blackout: *blinks* The Allspark... that... would make sense. Except that it's gone.
Auspex: *her brow furrows as she blinks up at the mech* You can't destroy the Allspark. At least... not the Allspark I know. It is a place... only recently have I heard of this... cube, that also carries the name. I am not sure how they tie together... but the afterlife very much exists. And... not many still alive have heard that call...
Blackout: *more silent staring. She can't feel it, but there's a strong sense that she's supposed to be here.*
Auspex: Primus is a large voice, in that song... you are remembering that First Voice of the Allspark. I would hope... that it does not cause you discomfort. It is not necessary... you are safe here. *her voice drops a bit* I am not speaking merely of physical safety.
Blackout: *very slightly mocking* If he were all that the old one said when I was new he'd know what I've done. And he'd know that I'm not ashamed of it.
*it's bluster. The thought that she's wiped Bonecrusher from the Allspark still squicks her a bit.*
*Auspex's gaze is unwavering. There are dark things going through Blackout's mind; she can easily guess what sort of deeds the tall femme is speaking of* He does. He does not share them with me... but I see the darkness. Still... he knows who you are, and better than you do.
Blackout: *More mocking* You'd purge your tank if I told you, and you expect me to believe that the good 'god' wants me here?
Hormah: *is happy deedlebeeps over there*
Auspex: I realize it is hard to understand, if it is not how you are accustomed to thinking. But... war is a part of Decepticon life, and it is what you were made for. How can someone fault you for fulfilling your function?
*Her gaze wanders over to the smaller mech. She is very unusual... not quite so strange as Blackout, but certainly more alien than she is used to seeing. And the strange sounds she is making are foreign to her... but her spark is wide open, full of inquisitiveness, and a sense of peace at the presence in this place. She is not the one that needs to be here...*
Blackout: *snorts* Whatever. *and now the sneaking, creeping feeling of just wanting to lay the fight down and be left alone escapes.*
Auspex: *blinks, focusing on this new emotion* You are tired. It is not war itself that makes you weary, perhaps, but... the specific fight you have fought? What troubles you?
Blackout: *angry and defensive* *growls* Get out of my processor.
Auspex: *she shakes her head lightly* I cannot read your thoughts. It is only your emotions that I sense; the rest I infer. I sense some sort of reluctance... and it is related to battle. But fighting is so deeply rooted in your function, that I can only assume it isn't war, on the whole, but a specific experience. I know nothing more.
Blackout: *turns her head to look toward the rookie's cheerful voice, her hand once more going absently to her sleeping symbiont's hiding place. And now there is love in her feelings, mixed with a trace of sadness and a fierce resolve.*
*Auspex observes quietly. She catches a flicker... does she have another spark there, with her? It's often hard to tell, when they are very close together. But she definitely catches that hint of love and regret and determination, for someone... perhaps the younger mech? Or someone else..? She ventures the question* You worry for the safety of your loved ones..?
Blackout: *growls, optics narrowing. But then stops and hangs her head for a moment as her anger and protectiveness brings a sleepy chitter from the storage compartment.* *heavily, letting go of the fight* Scorponok.... Megatron's dead, and Scorponok died too. But I found another one in the Nexus, and I've promised I won't leave him again.
*regret and sadness, and a trace of guilt accompany the name of her fallen leader, and anguish the name of her lost symbiont, then once more that resolve blooms.* I've sold my soul to keep that promise.
Auspex: *her optics flicker, and she bows her own head, as well* I see. It's... hard to lose someone that is so close to you... I am not sure who Scorponok is, but I can sense that he is someone that you share an extremely close bond with. I see why... finding an alternate would be much of a relief. But you still carry the pain of losing your original bond. *she leaves Megatron alone for the moment; that seems to be a more delicate situation of circumstances, and morals... talk of that too soon may anger her. But this is a safer subject, for now*
Blackout: He's my symbiont. We're hardwired to hear and feel one another. *Honest and even doting affection colours her feelings. Scorponok may register as 'barely alive' on the sentience scale, but he's Blackout's world.*
Auspex: *'hmm's in mystified curiosity* I see... that is not something I'm familiar with... but I see, then, even more so, why that pains you so deeply... and why you would wish to make up for it, if you can. Why do you feel that you have failed him, and your leader? Casualties are a part of war...
Blackout: *looks away, not realizing that a dam has been breached and that she's willingly confiding in another for the first time in thousands of vorns* I betrayed Megatron.
*Auspex's brow furrows. Is this truth, or her own perception? She proceeds gingerly* May I... ask what happened..?
Blackout: *too ashamed to speak of it, instead sends a data burst of how she stood on a rooftop and laughed as her leader was killed by the human boy*
*Auspex's optics widen and brighten. Oh dear. Well... unless the fem has somehow created false memories for herself -- possible, but a messy prospect -- there is little in that memory that is open to interpretation. She sighs softly* I see. And yet... if you did not regret it at the time, what has changed your mind?
Blackout: I'm sane now.
Auspex: *blinks. She sees that it will be a struggle to gently draw information from Blackout, that she might know better how to proceed...* What happened, then, to make you not sane, at the time?
Blackout: *doesn't reply, though the anguish that accompanies thoughts of her first Scorponok returns and once more rouses a sleepy chitter from her storage compartment.*
Auspex: *frowns in concern, regretting the emotions these questions are stirring. Very carefully, she tries to understand more of the situation* You... lost your symbiont, first, then? His loss... made you that way?
Blackout: *nods*
Auspex: *is silent a moment, conferring with Primus, watching the fem with sympathy. Her voice is soothing, to soften the sting of the words* Were you angry with Megatron?
Blackout: *heavily* I just didn't care.
Auspex: *nods quietly* I understand. I can only imagine how mind-shattering it would be, to lose someone who was, literally, helping to hold your mind together. Does Scorponok's alternate know of those events?
Blackout: *gives a deep, surprisingly soft rumble of laughter* Scorponok doesn't worry about things he doesn't understand. He has me, and nothing else matters. He was ready to fight Rollbar's Megatron when I thought he was going to kill me.
Auspex: *looks puzzled for a moment* Ah. He has a very narrow worldview, which is not a bad thing. Still... could you have done anything for your Megatron, even if you had tried, at the time? And... why would the Megatron of the other universe harm you?
Blackout: *shrugs, feeling of dull frustrated anger* They say in the other realities where I exist I died, and he did too.
Auspex: *attempts to find where the anger is directed* Well... *softly* It's just as well that you survived, for the sake of the Scorponok that lost his Blackout.
Blackout: *It's from seeing all the stories that the Multiverse has to offer and finding that her side is always the loser, sooner or later.* Yes. *her hand goes to her side again.* He and the rookie are both glad of my existence.
Hormah: *laying in the sunken mural*
Auspex: Then... perhaps it is fortunate, that things happened for you as they did, despite the pain? Sometimes pain brings good things.
*She glances up to see Hormah sprawled out on the central mosaic, and holds back a startled chuckle. She knows she means no harm, and leaves her be*
Blackout: *sullenly* Whatever. *And her emotions are once more coloured by that yearning to just lay it all down and rule her own tiny kingdom of three. Or seven, if she can run off with Rollbar, Armorhide, Movor, and Ro-tor.*
Auspex: *blinks at her thoughtfully* You are content as you are now, are you not? The past, in my experience, is best left in the past. It is good to recognize your past mistakes, and regretting them is normal... but dwelling on what you should have done, but did not, is unnecessary.
Blackout: *snorts* You think I'm a sissy Autobot? *no, she is bad and hard, and shows gentleness only to her symbiont.*
Auspex: *gives her a knowing look* What did I say that implied that you were? I merely asked if you were content, and told you why I think you should not be ashamed anymore.
Blackout: *growling slightly* I betrayed my leader. Another Megatron's forgiven me, and that's his right. But I'm still a traitor.
Hormah: *has found an energon chip, and dutifully brings it to her leader.*
Blackout: *blinks and looks at it, her feelings lightening even as she growls and smacks the youngster away.* Don't waste my time with that.
Auspex: If you have found a new life and a new purpose, what does that matter? Would you do the same thing again?
*She blinks, idly wondering where the smaller mech found that... but she's not fooled by Blackout's bluster; there is affection there. She hides a smile*
Blackout: *glaring* No. I wouldn't. *ignoring the other part. This weak white femme obviously can't understand. And Blackout has been dismayed lately to find the pain of her betrayal fading.*
Hormah: *found it on the floor, of course. Probably stuck in some crack or something. Now she's happily munching.*
Auspex: Then... what is in your future? You spoke of another Megatron. Have you found a new place to be?
Blackout: *spikes with wary suspicion as her optics narrow*
Hormah: We lives in t' Nexus, b'y. Gots our own place.
Blackout: *sends her spinning with an angry cuff*
Auspex: *winces, 'eep'ing slightly, though she stays put* Then I am mistaken. You are becoming acquainted with another universe, however, I take it.
Blackout: *glares, but then remembers exactly what this weakling is and rumbles* Yes. I have allies. *glances at Hormah, who's laying on her back and chewing on her energon chip, totally unfazed by the cuff other than to look honestly repentant.* In more than one reality... some more willing than others.
Auspex: *nods* Hmm. Your companion is clearly of a different construction than yourself...
Blackout: Like slag she is. She's half Minicon, but she's not that different from me. *possessive? Yes....*
*She frowns at her disclosure of Hormah's other half.*
Auspex: *optics widen in amazement* ...half Mini-Con? How... *a possibility occurs to her* She is the result of a LOL, perhaps?
Blackout: *rumbles and nods* We sat on a couch.
Auspex: A... couch? *she shakes her head* It's the Nexus, anything's possible...
*she looks thoughtful* I assume there was a Mini-Con involved, if it wasn't the couch itself... *Again, it is the Nexus...* Do you know the Mini-Con, or did you both happen to be there at the same time?
Blackout: *gruffly* I'd never met him before we both planted our afts on that slagging couch.
Auspex: *nods again* If I recall correctly, the universe where the other Megatron is, does not have Mini-Cons. Does she stay with you? What of her Mini-Con... relative?
Blackout: What about him? She's mine.
Auspex: *shrugs* I only wondered if he was interested in keeping up with her, or if you felt you had ties to his native universe, as well, through her.
Blackout: *confused* He's an ally. *rumble* What do you mean, keep up with her?
Auspex: Well... generally, one feels something of a sense of identification, with a mech that comes from one's own design, no matter how... strange... the creation. He might wish to see how she's progressing.
Blackout: *shrugs* He didn't want her. Said something about not being able to keep her safe and fueled.
Auspex: *nods* Then he is concerned for her well-being. It is good that you consider him an ally.
Blackout: *shrug* I owe him.
Auspex: *tilts her head* Why is that? *what is her reasoning, she wonders?*
Blackout: I drank a lot of his fuel. *frowning at Hormah, who is looking at the ceiling with interest*
Auspex: *blinks for a moment, somewhat startled* Ah... that was generous of him.
Blackout: *shrug. Iceberg had been a friendly little mech, if jumpy. That's about all she remembers of him.*
Auspex: *returns to her original point* You have a few ties to other universes, then. Do you wish to permanently call any of them home, or are you content to stay in the Nexus?
Blackout: *suspiciously* What's it to you?
Auspex: I am a servant of Primus. I am concerned for the well-being of my lord's children, and you are one.
Blackout: *Millenias' worth of wariness and suspicion flares up in her emotions*
Auspex: *looks back at her placidly. This is a typical Decepticon reaction* I know it is hard to understand... but it is my function, to care for other Transformers. It is why I ask so many questions; I wish to know how you are.
Hormah: *decides to reach over and give the priestess a temporary upgrade*
Blackout: ......0_o
Auspex: *gasps softly in astonishment. She has no idea what the other fem has done...! She feels something... similar to when she requests power from Primus, only... she hasn't asked. She stares shakily at Hormah with wide, very bright optics, doubly startled when she... begins seeing images, as well as emotions...*
Blackout: ....Priestess? *she's a little concerned. This femme hasn't got any weapons to upgrade; nowhere for the charge to outlet. She doesn't want to be responsible for frying Primus's minion.*
Auspex: I... *her optics flicker in wary amazement at the smaller of the two other fems* What did you do...? *she glances down at herself, seeing that her plating is taking on a brighter sheen, as it does when Primus pours his power into her... which is rather rare...*
I'm all right... but I can.. see more than normal. *She pauses. She cautiously extends her senses toward Blackout... and finds herself assaulted with images from the other fem's past. The strange thing is... she seems to be easily processing them, as well.*
*So many things... Blackout shinier, newer, a strange and alien altmode... how Megatron favored her as a tool of destruction, how she went about fulfilling that function... her respect for and belief in her leader, and the contrast with her reaction to his death... Scorponok, both her original symbiont, and the one she met in the Nexus (a chibi scorpion-Transformer is a strange thing, indeed...), how it feels to be linked in such a way... her camaraderie with the Decepticons from the universe where they are the minority to Predacons... her inadvertent construct's creation, and the Mini-Con -- oh, she's met him -- involved in the process...*
*Auspex blinks, taking a moment to ponder these things, though she continues to 'listen'*
Blackout: *frowns at the glow, but then starts as she seems to hear something like that song again. It's reassuring, telling her that she has nothing to fear from the white femme... and to her surprise she believes it. There's no way she can't.* Huh....
Hormah: *just grinning widely from where she's sitting on the floor at the two larger femmes' feet.*
Auspex: *catches sight of the place Blackout is living, in a set of caves in the Nexus... the desire to be somewhere where she can keep her symbiont safe and tentatively muse about her new construct, who has the strange ability to augment other mechs' power, much like a Mini-Con powerlinx; and the discovery of this, when she did so to Blackout's weapons, the subsequent crater... her similar modification to... the zamboni's weapons! Lord Primus, promise me that's temporary, she thinks, with a bit of humor... her fight with Oriana, and the agreement she made with a human-like man who was more than what he seemed, to save her life... and the sort of things she agreed not to do; the decided demise of her last kill's consciousness, for example, and his subsequent, ongoing reprogramming...
Blackout: *silently goes to one knee, overwhelmed by the overwhelming sensation that she is loved and forgiven. Her hand goes up as though to defend herself from the sendings, though a part of her drinks them thirstily.*
Auspex: *and after this dizzying array of emotions and events that she has seen... she knows that Blackout is, through and through, a Decepticon... but, as is always the case, there are those that she cares for, remains fiercely loyal to, and there are undying convictions that will weather any of life's storms.*
*And, the priestess realizes, Primus has been speaking his reassurance to Blackout -- of his acceptance, despite what he disapproves of, that he is not leaving her to flounder alone; of the recognition of her as his child. How much she is believing it, remains to be seen.*
Blackout: *voice shaking slightly* Stop. No more. Please.
Hormah: *looks at her, then turns to Auspex, who feels the bright, merry and alien touch of a Minicon mind for a moment before the charge fades and takes the upgrades with it.*
Auspex: *feels the unexpected boost fade, and relaxes as the torrent of information slowly subsides. Letting Primus's power go for the moment, with a silent mental exclamation that is something akin to wow, she meets the gaze of the hybrid Transformer, starting a bit at the sense of her mind. Definitely of Primus, and yet... other lines of life-power, running parallel to his, yet blending in perfect harmony. Just when she thinks she's seen all of the strange wonders Primus can cause to come about through the Nexus... something new comes along. She senses her carefree nature, the lack of emotional burden... she offers the other fem a gentle smile, before returning her attention to Blackout*
I 'm sorry -- I was not... expecting that level of communication, any more than you were. Are you all right? *she frowns in concern at the other fem, knowing that her question is probably useless, but feeling somewhat apologetic for what could be called an invasion of her mind, inadvertent as it was*
Blackout: *optics lowered as she braces herself against her knee, but she lifts her head to look at Auspex with an absent frown.* You didn't do it. *wary trust is behind the words now, even gruff good will.*
Auspex: *concedes* Not completely, no. *she glances over at the orangy fem for a moment* That is quite a power you have, young one. I would guard that carefully. But... thank you. *She gives her another approving smile*
Blackout... it seems that you are content with the path you are following now. If you still feel that you must atone for allowing Megatron's death... aiding your allies, I think, will fill that void.
Hormah: *shrugs from where she's laying on the floor, merrily* Don' mention it, me son.
Blackout: *jaw squares slightly as she wonders just what Auspex had heard and felt in all that. Quietly* Those rookies are mine. *She has no words for affection other than that. Scorponok has felt others, but she's never spoken them aloud that she knows.*
Auspex: *brow furrows slightly at Hormah's odd manner of speech, but then, she's heard much stranger (hello, Junkions...).*
*She nods slowly at Blackout* Then keep them, as you would your own, and I think you will find that your shame will ease. That is necessary... it will do no good to anyone for you to continue berating yourself for what has passed.
Blackout: *shakes head and straightens a little more, feeling peaceful and a little amused.* Don't preach.
Auspex: *adopts a little smile* Very well. I'm glad you seem more at ease, now.
Blackout: *frowns thoughtfully, a little suspicion niggling at her as she looks at the priestess and wonders. But then she looks at Hormah and stands up so that she can kick her.* Get off the floor, you're not an animal.
Auspex: *tilts her head at the helicopter Transformer* What is it?
*She blinks as Blackout approaches her offspring. Decepticons have always had very strange ways of showing their affection to their loved ones...*
Blackout: *watches Hormah roll to her feet with a laugh and takes a swing at her, which she ducks. As she interacts with the younger femme she decides that she doesn't really care what Auspex knows. It's not like she's going to use it for blackmail or anything.* Nothing.
Auspex: *studies them silently, sensing Blackout's acceptance, and acknowledges her answer with a nod, and a bit of a smile. So long as they don't destroy anything, she's satisfied to watch them be content Decepticons.*
Blackout: *takes a few more half-hearted swings, and then turns to look at the dent in the wall with a frown.* No idea how to fix that.
Auspex: *also blinks at it, frowning slightly, more annoyed with the wall for having the poor grace to dent, than with the fem who unintentionally put it there* Well... it's all right; perhaps I can find someone who knows enough about construction, to repair it well enough. Primus knows very well that his sanctuary is not as pristine as it once was, vorns ago. He keeps it anyway. *Her smile is somewhat wry*
Blackout: Flimsy stuff. *her large fingers run over the impression, then snap to the side and spang off the back of Hormah's helm.* Keep your eyes open.
Hormah: *Blinks and rubs her head, cheer totally unabated* I's fer needed ta recharge, boss.
Blackout: *frowns* You just did.
Hormah: *slightly bleary grin as she shrugs*
Auspex: *chuckles slightly* It is well enough to stand against most mechs native to this world. Perhaps your people have stronger alloys. In any case, as long as it does not endanger the stability of the sanctuary, it can remain until I find someone who can fix it.
*Her optics glow softly in amusement at Hormah's good cheer. She has a feeling she'll help ease any bouts of moroseness to come, on Blackout's part*
Blackout: *looks at the wall again and bangs it gently with a fist, then turns back to the rookie with a frown as she wonders how the slag the thing can be tired or hungry again already.* *then she remembers that Hormah didn't recharge at the sign with the rest of them that morning and feels a little sheepish.*
Auspex: *watches the two fems curiously, drawing in the various emotions* I would offer energon, but I'm not certain if you can process it... *she honestly has no idea about the fuel needs of Mini-Cons, or Blackout's people, who seem to be able to draw off electricity directly*
Blackout and Hormah: *both suddenly totally focused on the white femme. She just said the magic word.*
Blackout: Why wouldn't she be able to?
Auspex: *hides a smile at their now-riveted attention* I don't know much of anything about either of your technology, and it seems so different from what I'm accustomed to. But I can spare some energon; I only have a limited supply, from what visitors bring to me, so I'm afraid it's not much, but I will gladly share it.
Blackout: *frowns and swats the rookie again* She can wait till we get back to the Nexus.
Hormah: *rubs head and shrugs, still grinning*
Auspex: *doesn't hide her amusement, this time* Do what you will, then; it is not a great burden, but neither do I insist that you stay, if you wish to return to the Nexus.
Blackout: *massive shoulders rise in a shrug that ends with a quivering of her rotor blades.* Our base is there, in the canyon near the red rock arch. *no idea that Auspex knows that.* We fit there better than we do here.
Auspex: *nods a bit* I'm glad to have met the both of you, then, Blackout, Hormah. *she nods to each in turn* Please, call on me if you need a listener; I will happily talk with you. I hope to see you in the Nexus.
Blackout: *nods and then PINpoints herself and her family away*
*but later, if Auspex should look out her front door, she'll see a large cube of energon sitting there.*