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Post by Megatron on Oct 25, 2023 20:05:47 GMT
Megatron looked back at the femme, returning her brief smile with his own. He wished he was that confident in his skills he could remove the chip without concern for Quinn's own life, but he wasn't. That would be a job for more practiced hands, much like those of Ratchet. If he had attempted it and made one wrong move, Quinn's life could be put in danger and he didn't value risking that. "Should it become bothersome to you at all, don't hesitate to reach out for help Quinn, or if Shockwave were to make an appearance call me personally." It was not often Megatron did this, but over a secure open channel known only among the Decepticons Megatron sent the femme his personal frequency.
The fact of the matter was Megatron did know Shockwave well, and probably was one of the few who could handle the scientist in true fight.
And here came the hard questions, ones he knew Quinn would not value hearing as most did not. "Optimus Prime still lives, although not that I didn't try before I turned over a new leaf. We are co-leaders in a new organization called GHOST, trying to bring peace among our kind." Though Megatron paused, "But, I advise avoiding GHOST if you can. I have my...reservations about them." He spoke seriously, not wanting to see history repeated with the breakout. "And Earth has become our new home, the space bridge connecting us to Cybertron was destroyed in the final battle. Unfortunately, there is no telling if we will ever be able to reach Cybertron again." There was no hiding the regret and sadness Megatron held for being a part in that, having hoped there had been a way to save the space bridge, but alas the decision had been made.
Pushing back those feelings he continued, "It is not an easy alliance however. Autobot and Decepticons live among humans, some in hiding, other captured awaiting trial, some just trying to make a life here. Its complicated, and its not easy. We are trying to live among the humans, but there is tension." The former warlord wasn't about to sugarcoat the situation, not wanting Quinn to be blind sided when she inevitably returned to society. "The fact of the matter is, we have a tense peace, one that isn't perfect. And I won't lie that there are some Decepticons who aren't thrilled about this, or have labeled me a traitor for turning against our views." He sighed softly, "But I am trying, trying to find a more peaceful solution rather than see our fellow Decepticons thrown in cells without provocation."
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Oct 27, 2023 10:15:42 GMT
The leader—- ‘former’ leader of the Decepticons giving Quinn of all bots, his personal comm link frequency filled her with a brief rush of adrenaline. She felt valued in a way she had never experienced before, as if she mattered. And if she has to encounter her creator again, Quinn would have someone to actually stand up for her. Protect her, something… someone she never had before.
Megatron’s next words did cut into her, but not as much as the previous revelations. “I…I am confused. You have brought peace and work alongside Optimus Prime and the GHOST but I need fear the GHOST? Then we can never see Cybertron again?”
The spacebridge being destroyed didn’t really bother Quinn as much, as she wasn’t so worried about her ‘home planet’ as it was never truly home to her. Just a place she existed. The femme couldn’t understand the complexities of the human-Autobot-Decepticon relationship though.
“So… humans and Decepticons and Autobots live together in a tense peace with the GHOST but I need to worry about them… and other Decepticons hide from them and the Autobots and await trial? Trial for what? If the war is over and we have peace, why would there be need of a trial? Wouldn’t we all be guilty of participating in war? …Wouldn’t I be tried as an assassin?” She furrows her optic ridges as she steps back slightly, “How is this fair? Autobots are not tried in court solely because they’re on the winning side of the war? Everyone killed each other…” Tears form at the edge of Quinn’s optics as the weight of the situation hits her.
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Post by Megatron on Nov 1, 2023 7:41:11 GMT
"I suppose I should correct my statement." Megatron felt a slight bit of regret in how he had worded things. He felt his words were stronger and more influential when they didn't came from matters of compassion, something he greatly needed to work on. "Optimus Prime is yet handling matters for Autobots that did...greater crimes. But the goal is for rehabilitation, to avoid continuing chances for the war to reignite again." Megatron attempted to explain better, trying to find the right words.
The former warlord sighed softly, noticing the tears welling up at the corners of Quinn's optics. Once, he would have seen such things as weakness, even punished a Decepticon for showing such a thing. And now here...here he only felt disappointed he could not make things easier or less jarring. He didn't want to see his Decepticons fall to further problems than what had already been done, more so by his own hands and selfish desires. Perhaps he could have eased into the subject a bit more, but it was too late for that now.
"Cybertronians and humans attempt to live in peace, GHOST is an organization created to work towards such a goal while taking down those who seek to destroy that peace. Yet, recent events have led me to be cautious in some of the humans who align themselves with organization that may fall to habits that put all at risk." The warlord confirmed, watching the femme carefully, "I don't tell you this to alarm you Quinn, but to be cautious and on your guard. Whether you choose to continue your previous work as an assassin or choose to try to live a different life is up to you." A decision that might not be an easy one for some, and to have just awakened after years in stasis probably didn't help in that regard. "I warn you to not see more of those who had followed me meet worse fates."
Megatron seemed to become thoughtful for a moment knowing of all Decepticons he wasn't one to exactly talk. Lives had been taken by his hand more times than many, both directly and indirectly. If anyone deserved a true, proper trial and seemed beyond rehabilitation chances it was him. And that was perhaps another reason he tried so hard to change the mind of other Decepticons if he could. "I do press for you to not follow old habits now that Shockwave is not in the picture at the present if you can Quinn."
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Nov 1, 2023 11:32:53 GMT
Quinn couldn’t help but internally flinch as Megatron mentioned Optimus Prime’s ‘handling’ of Autobot war crimes, as the very thought felt hollow. Be it her master’s conditioning or her experience during the war, she found cruelty existed from both Decepticon and Autobot sides. She wiped away the tears that had formed at the corners of her optics, finding herself surprised she had even allowed herself to indulge in such emotions. As Megatron speaks of GHOST and Cybertronians trying to live with humans, Quinn pauses, “So you don’t trust the humans you work with? And those humans have just you, as their sole Decepticon ally? While everyone else gets locked up?”
Megatron’s words of her assassin past cut deeply into her psyche. “…you think I would choose to be an assassin? That I would want to be the executioner for someone else?” Quinn frowns and tries to contain her emotions to the best of herself, “…I told you of the chip… Y-you know of my life that I didn’t choose. I have never asked for any of this. I’ve always been told what I’m supposed to be. What I need to do.”
The small assassin’s frame stiffens and she violently stomps a pede into the ground, causing debris to scatter. “…I never chose to kill. HE made me do it, otherwise I would suffer or die. You wouldn’t ever have known, but I cried every time after I took a life.”
Her ruby optics glare at Megatron, searing into him, “So no….. Do NOT worry that I’ll ‘follow old habits’ from Shockwave.”
Quinn felt more distant from the former Decepticon leader now, feeling more vulnerable than before both physically and emotionally. She also now felt scared of this GHOST faction and that they would toss her in a cell, as they seemed to share the Autobots’ sentiment
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Post by Megatron on Nov 2, 2023 17:31:35 GMT
"Quinn, I meant no ill-will behind my words." Megatron met the enraged femme's gaze without flinching, daring to step closer towards the former assassin. "I say it as a warning, because others are not like you, they don't adapt so easily to a life outside war. I say it because I want to see you succeed in finding who you think you are, not what you were shaped to be." Megatron explained knowing in some small way he played a part in that among others who had been twisted by Shockwave's experiments. It was not something he wanted to see others falter to.
Taking risk to be this close to someone so furious at his words, Megatron gently gripped her shoulders with his hands, hands that at one point could easily have ripped someone of her size in two. "Heed my words well, whatever you choose to do, just never falter, take that fire you show now and find your place in this world. I've watched those under my command falter, let their selfish, dark desires keep root rather than see beyond the chaos. I've struggled with it personally, and all I now wish is to see the Decepticons represent what we once fought for." The former warlord couldn't think of any other way to make his meaning more clear, how to press for Quinn to keep up that compassion she seemed to express. If she truly had been like this after each mission, after each life ended with her own hands, he held high hopes she could be one of the few who could overcome the stereotype of their faction. "If what you say is true, then I have high hopes you will thrive where others have not."
Releasing his grip, Megatron turned back to her previous questions, "But no, there have been other Decepticons who have allied with GHOST and the Autobots, but...they are few." The silver and black mech admitted wishing he could give far more positive answers. "I ally with them because of what my position was, for the crimes I have committed. I don't wish to provoke further problems if I didn't." There was no hiding the faint bitterness in his voice, as if shackles had been placed albeit more loosely. "I wish it were different, but I agreed to join them out of respect for an old friend." The mech sighed before his expression seemed to soften, "But there are few humans I trust, ones not directly associated to them."
It was strange for him to always say that out loud, stating that he trusted those he once considered beneath his notice. But, some humans were worth the risk, Dot high on his list.
Subconsciously, Megatron run a thumb over a more recent scar he had gotten from Mandroid, thinking of what he had said to Quinn as well as his own recent actions. "Quinn, the choice is yours to what you wish to do. I didn't want you to go into this world not knowing of its changes, and I mean my word that I only wish to see the best for the Decepticons, to see us grow. I understand if you don't wish to continue being involved in combat, many do not. But I do advise for you to be cautious until things with GHOST truly come to light." The former gladiator murmured, not wanting to see further problems arise. "If you ever find yourself in a position with them, contact me, and I will be there."
Perhaps Megatron was taking great risk in trying to help Quinn as well as willingness to step in to vouch for her, but the risk seemed worth taking. He was growing tired of watching GHOST's actions seeming to single out certain individuals, more so the Decepticons. So, opportunity presented itself to start taking things into his own hands.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Nov 3, 2023 9:34:25 GMT
Quinn was surprised as Megatron, THE Megatron stepped close to her. She remained steadfast as he spoke to her, determined despite her petite frame, to stand strongly before him. His words of him wanting her to succeed in finding who she was, and his belief in her and concern for her tugged at her spark.
Quinn nearly jumped out of her frame as Megatron gripped her shoulders, adrenaline coursing through her. As much as she wanted to be angry, she just couldn’t hold any anger in her spark. Even if Megatron may have been the spark of her suffering, she couldn’t find it within herself to hate him, and felt he wanted to atone for past wrongdoings. …Besides, she couldn’t remember the last time anyone had dared to touch her in a friendly or concerned manner. Only battle and Shockwave’s cruel needles or experimentations. Such a simple feeling that she was told was foolish and sentimental, yet she found great meaning in it. Quinn’s intuition told her along with Megatron’s words, that he meant what he said and it hit her like a train ramming into her spark. Honestly, she wanted to just fall apart… just for once… But that would be shameful.
Choosing to calm herself, Quinn took a breath before speaking, “I… appreciate your words. Truly. If you were lying you could’ve easily torn me apart but yet you choose to give me words of kindness and respect.” She gives an ever so slight smile, “Even after I berated you, you advise me and tell me of secrets and potential threats. …I will gladly ally with you, I-if that’s okay with you? And… if need be I would be willing to say hello to anyone you deem a friend? I know Autobots may not like me much, but I hold no ill will towards them if that helps.”
It was clear that Quinn didn’t wish to be left alone, especially not after this encounter. She’d been alone for too long and now that she felt she had potentially secured a friend, she grew anxious.
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Post by Megatron on Nov 7, 2023 2:32:35 GMT
Megatron felt relief when Quinn seemed to calm down, and more relief at her words. There were times he worried if he still came off as intimidating and commanding, when he usually meant well after these past thirty years. He was trying to be better, to not let his old self creep up from beneath the surface and rear its ugly head. He never wanted to be that mech again, not unless he was forced to be. Even then, it would be for the most dire of circumstances.
Yet, it seemed Quinn understood he was trying, trying to be a good individual and be genuine. But her last few sentences shocked him a bit. She was willing to ally with him even knowing what that could mean for her own safety. For a moment, Megatron was silent, his optics searching her optics, her expression, her body language, but there was no signs of doubt or fear, no signs she was saying that to get on his good side. She meant them. Where uncertainty probably should have been, Megatron felt nothing but warmth in his spark, a feeling of having someone he felt he could trust and would make for a good ally. He barely knew Quinn, but his gut was telling him he could trust her intentions. "I would welcome your company Quinn, there are few Decepticons who would do so willingly." The former warlord thanked her genuinely, offering his own genuine smile. "Though, I warn you will be putting your life in danger by those who see me as a traitor." He warned her once more.
But, he couldn't blame her either for possibly wanting to company. She had been alone for sometime, stuck in stasis for the past few decades, so he could imagine motivation was also survival. "But, I give you my word I'll do my best to support you where you need me and seek your help in return. Allies are few and far between, so your company is a welcomed change." Megatron told her, pressing a curled fist to his chest as a sign he would hold his word to his very spark.
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Nov 12, 2023 8:08:42 GMT
Quinn had to admit she was slightly worried Megatron's answer would be no. That would leave her back at square one and on her own. But still she held hope in her spark he would accept, and maybe... just maybe she could start a new chapter in her life. She knew she had next to zero social skills but the small femme hoped she came off as genuine. When Quinn heard Megatron's response, she swore her spark skipped a beat. Her ruby optics widened as she was greeted with a smile and as an ally. "...Thank you. And I have dealt with having my life in danger the entirety of my existence, and I don't care if anyone sees me as a traitor. Unlike them, I never chose to be a Decepticon."
Quinn looked up at Megatron and smiled slightly, "I appreciate any support you can offer. As for allies, do you have any that would not... mind me? And I'm sorry for asking, but is there anywhere that may provide shelter? If only temporary?" The thought of potentially having not only allies but possible friends was a foreign concept to her, but deep down she craved it. But perhaps she was getting ahead of herself...
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Post by Megatron on Nov 14, 2023 21:33:49 GMT
"I never chose to be a Decepticon."
Quinn's words rang in Megatron's head, mentally grimacing thinking about what Shockwave had done to the femme. She was no the first he had heard say that, he had heard it a few times by now for those few Decepticons who no longer wanted to deal with the war. Thundercracker had certainly been one of the more adamant of them, remembering the seeker's words when they had crossed paths for the first time no longer as leader and soldier. But, the former warlord tried not to let that weigh on his spark now.
"I'm sure you'll do wonderfully in this new era Quinn, you have a good spark that seems rare these days." Megatron told her, confident she could be one of the few Decepticons who could show the world they weren't all bad, and that he was trying his hardest to give those who had been under his banner a chance to find their own path. And perhaps as a way to atone for the indirect machinations he had caused for those like her. "I have a few allies, some of them...less than thrilled with my presence or other Decepticons, but there are a few I can introduce you to." Megatron assured her, realizing this patrol had garnered him more than he was ever expecting to get. Sure, he had in fact found a Decepticon, but one that he thought could prove a good ally.
Now was the matter of where she could stay while she was trying to get on her feet. "There is a new Cybertronian-human city, Autobot City, that is open for any and all trying to make a life for themselves. I even have a small living space in the city, so I'm sure I can help you find something there if you'd like." He informed her, even offering to give her a little aid. "If not, my small apartment has a spare room I don't really use until you can find something for yourself."
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Quinn
DECEPTICON
Posts: 59
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Post by Quinn on Nov 15, 2023 10:59:41 GMT
Megatron’s encouraging words hit her deeply, especially the comment that she had a good spark. Quinn… a bot created for nothing but committing murder at the behest of others. A femme deprived of her own identity and will, one who witnessed intimate death, as an assassin didn’t fight on a battlefield nor fight fair. The amount of life she saw drain from the optics of her victims was countless, and until now she thought death was all she was capable of. But now she was seen as what she really was, a femme who never asked for this life and Quinn was being offered a fresh start. Even better, a chance to make a positive difference and avoid death or violence.
Megatron mentioning there were “a few” allies she could meet made her spark skip a beat, as she was excited at the possibility of being accepted and make friends. But at the name “Autobot City” her attitude became more solemn. “….If the city is for everyone, why is it called Autobot City? …I.. I don’t know if Autobots wouldn’t hate me since I… well, my whole life has been dedicated to the assassination of Autobots. What if I killed a friend of theirs? I doubt they would just… forgive me,” she lowered her helm. “I sincerely appreciate your offer, but you would know the current situation better than I would. …Would the likes of Optimus Prime or even Bumblebee welcome me with open arms? Or would I be thrown into captivity?” Quinn fidgeted nervously, worried she would have to hide yet again. Gaining Megatron as a friend was one thing, someone who understood her and her suffering, but Autobots... Their judgement terrified her.
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Post by Megatron on Nov 27, 2023 18:30:47 GMT
"Quinn, take a deep intake." Megatron told her gently, knowing she would have a number of questions. The more he explained the more she likely would want to know, but being in the forest far from backup or help didn't sit well with his spark especially for someone else who would be labeled a traitor rather quickly. He was more than willing to answer her questions, but he'd prefer they were in a place where they could be safe and at least have nearby allies. But at the present, Megatron had found Quinn where that could be rather difficult to achieve if trouble was afoot.
For now, he felt it was about that time they left the area to avoid further problems. Quinn was friendly, but not every Decepticon, GHOST agent, or Autobot were.
The former warlord motioned for the former assassin to follow, "Come, lets head to a more familiar spot where I know trouble won't find us, not as easily anyway. Once we return to the city, I'll answer all your questions Quinn I promise." He assured her, offering a smile of assurance.
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