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Post by Megatron on Oct 2, 2023 5:12:32 GMT
Characters Appearing: Megatron, Open Location (s): Pennsylvania shores Timeline: September 29 Plot Summary: Months after the breakout, Megatron finds himself once more contemplating his doubts regarding GHOST.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 2, 2023 5:12:42 GMT
Months had passed since the breakout, and many months still that the former warlord found himself patrolling the many counties of Pennsylvania.
To say the least, Megatron had been furious when he heard about what had occurred, even more so when the truth of what had been happening to the Decepticons came to light. His temper had not flared like that since the final battle at the space bridge. His silent fury had been so visible many had watched the black and gray mech shake, the audible sound of metal denting…It had only been when Megatron felt the small trickle of warm energon did he realize he had punctured the very palms of his hands. It also jolted him enough he realized how dangerously close his legendary explosive temper had been about to reach its boiling point. He had angrily excused himself that day, spending almost three days straight in the training room to the point of exhaustion and dangerously low energon levels.
Very few things had occupied his thoughts since.
When he wasn’t needed at base, Megatron spent his time split between hunting down fugitives or writing, finding himself becoming somewhat distant with GHOST. If not for his rekindled connections or the sake of keeping the Terrans and similar younglings safe he likely would have dropped his support entirely. What he had been promised had been a lie, a gut feeling he likely should have followed before. He had always felt he had a healthy level of suspicion when it came to certain matters, and joining GHOST had been no different. He held his reservations, kept them quiet and to himself for the sake of showing he meant his word. Now, Megatron was admittedly struggling to keep his faith in his old friend’s dream for cybertronian-human alliances. It seemed humans were generally interested in only one thing save for genuine humans such as the Maltos. Dot had more than earned his trust and vice versa, that was what he envisioned when it came to such matters.
And perhaps that was the problem, they were relying on human military and governments. Thinking about it now, his long standing distrust of such things remained. Even now as he flew over the state of Pennsylvania, old thoughts plagued the old gladiator’s thoughts. He saw potential in humans, he would give Optimus that much, but neither could they deny they were just as destructive as they were. Truth be told, humans and cybertronians were the same in many instances, and that was what concerned Megatron the most…
An audible sigh left the rotortiller copter, the ex-warlord finding himself near where the state met the water, finally angling himself downwards before finally transforming to robot mode. After several hours of patrolling the skies, his search had come up empty and early morning had turned into late afternoon. “Good a time for a break as any.” Megatron signed, his joints giving audible pops as he stretched his form a bit feeling the tension fall away after being transformed for so long.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 2, 2023 5:47:19 GMT
It had only been a couple of days since Quinn had emerged from the ruined and abandoned laboratory beneath the spacebridge memorial. Her comlink system was silent, and when she tried to reach out over the lines, she received only silence. Quinn couldn’t remember the last time she wasn’t on a mission or under the command of a superior officer or her Decepticon scientist creator. But being alone? That she was used to. Her entire existence was being isolated. While maybe not physically, socially she was often ostracized from the other Decepticons, as what good was a social assassin?
Now, as the slender Decepticon femme wandered about her surroundings, the sound of a passing aircraft caught her attention. Shortly after, she could hear the sound of something heavy landing, what she assumed would be the same aircraft. Unsure if she would find friend or foe, Quinn took the gamble of investigating. After all, she could remain stealthy if in fact she found an Autobot or one of those strange and fragile humans they allied with. Sticking to the cover the first provided, she quickly made her way towards the location of the sound. As she neared a clearing in the distance, she stopped at the edge of the tree line, keen to survey whoever or whatever was before her.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 4, 2023 2:39:20 GMT
Quinn's stealthiness left Megatron unaware he was no longer alone. And perhaps being occupied with his own thoughts didn't help in that regard.
Being so in the open and exposed, the former warlord probably should have kept himself as alert as possible, as he once did as the Decepticon leader. Technically he still was a Decepticon, but could he consider himself their leader? He could argue he wasn't quite fully an Autobot, but neither was he the Decepticon he once was after that fateful final battle. Well, what should have been the battle. These thoughts and many others continued to plague Megatron, ever struggling internally if he had done the right thing, if he truly was no longer that tyrant people had always seen him as.
"Where are you when I need you Terminus?" Megatron sighed to himself, finding himself wondering more and more what had happened to the old miner. He had barely seen Terminus after he made his escape, and soon enough the older miner had seemed to just disappear entirely without a trace. As Alpha Trion had been the guidance to Optimus, Terminus had in his own way been his own guide and mentor. His biggest supporter, and perhaps once his most positive influence.
But that was old history now.
Megatron growled softly to himself, scooping up a large boulder in his hand, "There is never a proper answer is there, no true path to the right thing." The ex-gladiator growled to himself, clenching his hands to the point the boulder cracked visibly, and with an angered roar the black and gray mech threw the massive rock, sending it skipping along the waves. 'Things can never be that straightforward can they.'
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 4, 2023 3:17:10 GMT
As Quinn made her way to the edge of the tree line and peered through, she was surprised by who she saw. “…Is that Lord Megatron? Why is he by himself?” She thought to herself, her optics darting around as she searched for other Decepticons or potential enemy targets. She would find none, but her curiosity was piqued. Throughout her life as a Decepticon, she hadn’t interacted with Megatron much before. Most of her encounters were brief and in passing, as her master considered her beneath being in Megatron’s presence. After all, she was more-so a weapon than a bot to her master.
Quinn wasn’t sure how best to approach the Decepticon leader, nor was she sure he would even recognize her. She didn’t want to be on the receiving end of his cannon, that was for certain. As she observed Megatron for a bit longer, she noticed something was off about him, different. He seemed…. Remorseful? Sad even? Was this *the* Lord Megatron that struck fear into both Autobots and Decepticons alike? As the thoughts swirled in her processor, Quinn watched as Megatron hurled a boulder angrily in the distance. “Okay… he’s angry I suppose,” Quinn was a bit on edge now, but she didn’t really have a backup plan going forward. She had no orders, no energon, and no base for shelter. She would have to risk approaching Megatron.
She took a deep intake before slowly stepping out into the clearing, hoping to Primus it would be obvious she was a Decepticon. “…Lord Megatron?” She projected her voice as loudly as she could, but whilst trying to maintain a respectful tone.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 4, 2023 5:25:15 GMT
The sound of faint steps was the first thing Megatron heard, reacting out of reflex as he whipped around, his cannon humming to life as he turned on the spot. Before him, Megatron found himself staring down at a slender femme, his ruby red optics scanning her quickly but carefully, not immediately charging his cannon to full power. In fact, compared to what Quinn might have known, there was restraint rather than an immediate shot towards her direction.
The ex-gladiator stood there silently for a moment, feeling a vague sense that he recognized the femme but couldn't quite place where he had seen her. He had seen many faces in his function, and in the war they had started to blend together over the many millennia. Though the way she addressed him, there was faint confusion for a moment, "I...do not go by that title any longer." Megatron spoke cautiously, slowly lowering his arm as he deactivated his Fusion Cannon. No one addressed him as "Lord" anymore, causing Megatron to go from cautious to curious as he looked down at Quinn. Was she perhaps one of those exceptions to not knowing the outcome of the war?
Seeing the occasional Cybertronian who had long since come out of touch with the war did occur, and sometimes they needed to be brought up to speed on the situation. There was mixed results of course..."Just Megatron works, I haven't gone by Lord in thirty years." Megatron explained, making an assumption that this femme may not be up on the times. Slowly he approached Quinn, his frame having relaxed since Quinn herself seemed trying to be respectful and non-threatening and trying his best to return the favor.
"Forgive my forwardness, but have we met before? You seem vaguely familiar." The warrior inquired curiously, as he stopped a few feet from Quinn.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 4, 2023 5:44:05 GMT
Quinn froze in place as she heard the distinct hum from Megatron’s Fusion Cannon. Fear gripped her spark tightly; one because she didn’t want to get blasted, and two because she was facing Megatron of all bots. Despite her initial fear, she remained steadfast and tried not to cower. When he paused and looked at her in confusion, Quinn wasn’t sure how to respond. “He doesn’t go by Lord anymore?” She thought to herself. Once his body language relaxed, as did Quinn’s if ever so slightly, after all she was easily dwarfed by Megatron’s bulk and height.
The next words out of Megatron’s mouth regarding the time shocked her. Her optics showed her visible surprise, as if a knife had been twisted into her gut. The words that left her were shaky, “…Thirty years? You’re saying it’s been thirty years since I was last awake?” Her frame tingled and she felt unsteady. Why? How? So many questions flooded through her processor. But mostly a sense of dread and self-loathing as she realized she had been abandoned and no one cared to come find her.
Quinn heard Megatron’s question, and her response was slow and hesitant as she struggled to process. “….I am Quinn, Lor—-, ahem… Megatron,” she lowered her helm slightly, a habit that had been conditioned into her.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 4, 2023 21:53:22 GMT
Quinn's reaction and words initially confused Megatron further. Asleep for 30 years? What had she meant by that? While Megatron pondered these words, he still nevertheless listened as Quinn introduced herself and only then did vagueness turn to recognition.
Now he remembered, the femme was familiar because he had seen her around Shockwave many times or at times when he needed a specific set of skills. She was one of many Shockwave's experimental projects, creating ideal warriors for specific needs, in Quinn's case she had been one of their assassins specializing in stealth tactics. And just like any of the scientist's pet projects had been kept on ice when she was needed. He had only spoken with her when it came to missions, but never a full conversation. And to know she had been left in stasis sent a pang of guilt to the mech's spark. "I remember now...One of Shockwave's assassins." Megatron confirmed softly, his gaze shifting to the ground, becoming half-lidded at this revelation.
"Quinn, forgive me. I had no idea there were others still in stasis in Shockwave's labs. If I had known..." The former warlord's words trailed off, clenching his fists at realizing he had more work to do. It wasn't just hunting rogues, but finding those lost souls like Quinn, left to rot and unknown to the world. "But yes, it's been thirty years since the war ended. A lot has changed in that time, and I am no longer the same leader you once knew." This was where Megatron became cautious again as he looked up at the femme, "I...joined forces with the Autobots and humans, changed my ways. I have been trying to change the Decepticons back to what we once were, to improve our chances of survival. I...understand if you don't agree with the changes, but I don't want to sugarcoat what you may encounter." Megatron explained to her tentatively.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 4, 2023 23:10:14 GMT
The word “assassin” felt like a blade cutting into her as it left Megatron’s mouth. Quinn had never truly accepted her title, as it wasn’t a path she had chosen willingly. It felt to her as something to be ashamed of, even if it was the only thing she was likely good at in this world. Looking ahead now, Quinn could’ve sworn the bot before her wasn’t Megatron, as he seemed like a different mech altogether then she remembered. After all, the Megatron she was used to would’ve died before apologizing or offering sympathy to anyone.
Actually, this was the only time Quinn could remember experiencing either. ‘And did he just ask for her forgiveness?’ It was a strange feeling that she didn’t quite know what to do with. She wasn’t upset with Megatron being unaware of her locked away in stasis, it wouldn’t have been information shared with him anyway. The next words from Megatron stunned her even more than before, and she just stared blankly at him in silence for a couple minutes before regaining her composure.
“You’re saying the war is over? You joined the Autobots?” Her ruby optics glinted with confusion, “…The Decepticons lost then? Why and how did you join the Autobots? You hated them. You wanted this war… Y-you created this war… I…exist— I was made to kill for your war. And now suddenly you decide you don’t want it anymore?” Her expression and body language become more erratic and emotional as her processor is wracked with emotions, many of which she had suppressed her entire life.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 6, 2023 4:30:08 GMT
“When someone is close to death and takes in his surroundings, it can change a mech, Quinn.” Megatron remained cautious as he spoke, noting that Quinn’s behavior was becoming erratic and emotional, perhaps as a side effect of many things. But, he wasn’t going to lie to her. He had crafted many lies and half-truths in his time as a warlord, even more so had taken advantage of bots like her, something he no longer would wish on anyone. “And I didn’t join the Autobots per se, but allied with them. I had…someone open my optics, really saw what my choices and desires had wrought.”
But Quinn was right in that regard, her and many others had become what they were for his cause, lost their lives and dignity stripped for his war. That was something that would never change…
Sighing softly, the black and gray mech kept his distance as he knelt to one knee, removing something that resembled a much earlier Fusion Cannon at first until he pressed a button on the side letting it unroll. Inside was revealed to have a number of medical tools and gadgets, his way of safely transporting them as he needed. And perhaps make a few others think twice…”The fact of the matter is yes, we lost. But, if I hadn’t changed my ways, I would have driven our kind to further extinction than we already are. I changed and have tried to encourage others to change for our survival.” Megatron told her honestly, taking out a scanner before he stood once more, carefully meeting Quinn’s gaze. “That said, if you’ve been in stasis that long it’s best I at least check your systems if you will allow, a basic scanning to ensure you’re not suffering ill effects.” The mech suggested, leaving it open for her to agree or not.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 6, 2023 4:57:34 GMT
Never before had Quinn experienced both burning anger and utter confusion at the same time. Part of her wanted to lash out at the former Decepticon leader, smashing her fists against his armor until she bled energon… But another part of her was just quiet and stunned by this new Megatron before her. He addressed her with respect and decorum, and his voice was infuriatingly calming. He spoke of changing his beliefs and taking his life in a different direction. Maybe a piece of her spark hoped she could do the same, although the chip in the back of her neck remained, a reminder she was considered property to someone. Someone she had no idea if she would come face to face with again.
As Quinn watched Megatron lay out an array of medical supplies and tools, she gave a thought as to her next action before speaking, “…Can you give me one moment?” She turned around, her body language rigid before she made her way back to the tree line a few yards away. Her wrist-blades slid out from their sheathes, and she took a deep breath before she swung at the base of one tree. Her blade sliced cleanly through the trunk, the tree topping to the ground. Suddenly she began moving from tree to tree, hacking and slashing violently, pained shouts and cries coming from her as she did so. After a minute passed, Quinn would finally calm down, breathing heavily before sheathing her blades.
After composing herself, she turned back around and walked back towards Megatron. “Very well…” She gazed at Megatron with an unnerving calm about her.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 8, 2023 21:33:49 GMT
Megatron looked down at Quinn for a moment before giving a small nod, allowing her to do what she needed. He would not rush the femme, letting her step into the tree line as he knelt back down by his medical kit.
As Megatron prepared any of his necessary tools, he paused for a moment as he heard the first tree collapsed, followed by several more and yells that accompanied each strike. Well, he couldn't exactly expect anything less for someone who was facing a slap in the face of what reality was now. He probably be fortunate she didn't decide to take that anger out on him personally. Realistically, he probably could have easily stopped her, but would have allowed her to take her anger out as she needed. "Hm, could be worse I suppose." He mused humorlessly to himself, carefully taking an energon patch out and taking a couple others in hand.
By then, Quinn was making her way back causing him to look up towards her listening to her words. She was eerily calm, making the mech's ruby red optics darken slightly. He would have to use caution just in case the femme hadn't fully released her rage, "It shouldn't take long." He affirmed as he stood and approached her once more, "Here, a little boost in energy." The black and gray mech offered the pinkish purple energon patch to her with his free hand as he began scanning her form, checking everything was functioning and no hidden small injuries were present. Although, he did pause briefly as his scanner picked up on a small chip, something he knew for a fact Shockwave implanted for various reasons.
As the former warlord finished scanning her, he took a moment to look away to peer at the results, "If you also wish I can attempt to remove that chip, if you're so inclined. I can understand if you don't." He offered.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 9, 2023 8:05:54 GMT
Energon still raced through Quinn’s lines as she slowly began to call herself from her outburst. It felt good in a way, as she realized she had deprived herself of expressing her emotions. The anger was therapeutic, especially after a literal lifetime of enslavement and torment. She watched Megatron’s expression and movements closely, noticing a slight apprehension from him. As subtle as it was, Quinn was very much attuned to changes in body language and behavior, especially if any level of fear was involved.
She watched Megatron calmly as he approached and offered her the energon patch. The small femme slowly reached out a servo and gently took the patch, placing it on her upper arm, the sudden release of energon making her take a deep intake. As Quinn began to slowly feel more energized, she was hit with a surprise. It had taken her a few moments to process what Megatron had said next, and she looked at the former Decepticon leader with wide optics. She then instinctively placed a servo over the back of her neck where the chip is located.
“…I see you’ve found my master’s mark on his property. It is kind of you to make such an offer, but I’m not sure it’s possible for it to be removed by anyone other than him. I don’t know anymore if it was a truth or not, but he warned me if I ever tried to remove that chip, that it would immediately fry my processor and permanently deactivate me,” her words were somber, but she maintained a respectful tone despite the subject clearly distressing her.
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Post by Megatron on Oct 9, 2023 23:35:26 GMT
Megatron listened as Quinn explained about the chip embedded into her neck. Yes, that seemed fairly on par with what Shockwave had used to keep those under him in line. Megatron himself was quite familiar with the mad scientist's methods, so he wouldn't have put it past the purple mech to have been truthful. "Hm, suppose you have a point. Shockwave was not known for his bluffs, rarely so." The former warlord confirmed himself.
That being the case, he simply nodded in understanding, "For your safety and peace of mind, I won't attempt a removal. But, if there is a way Quinn, I wouldn't completely give up hope." Megatron encouraged, not wanting the femme to think the chip should hang over her head forever. But it did make Megatron wonder, thinking about the lab that resided under the very site of the Space Bridge Memorial park. He couldn't help wondering if Quinn had escaped her confinement if that also meant...Silently shaking his head, Megatron did not entertain this thought for the moment, simply focusing back on the femme.
"Other than the chip, it seems your energon levels were just a bit low. No significant injuries or the like from what I scanned." He finished his examination of her, finally stepping away to put away his tools. "But as I said Quinn, a lot has changed since you were last out of your stasis." He spoke casually for now, carefully putting everything in its proper place before rolling the kit back up to place back on his arm.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 11, 2023 12:39:17 GMT
There has been a brief moment where Quinn had hoped Megatron would put her fear of Shockwave’s threat to rest, seeing as he would know the Decepticon scientist best. Megatron’s words confirmed her fears, but she wasn’t upset, more so glad Megatron had heeded her words. No one had ever considered her opinion or concerns before, and Quinn couldn’t help but find she enjoyed being treated like someone who mattered. Her brief sense of confidence was fleeting as she realized what could occur if her master were to reappear.
“…I thank you for your concern and kindness, truly” she allows herself the slightest moment to smile before returning to her neutral expression. “…You mentioned much has changed since I’ve been away. You are no longer the Decepticon leader, but what else? The war is over but what of Cybertron? Is Optimus Prime alive? How do Decepticons and Autobots live with each other? With the humans?”
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