[network] Things just got a little bit hotter around here.

[warmesthugs]

[There isn't much visible in the video feed at first; the image is grainy and out of focus, and the frame briefly scrolls upwards a couple of times before falling into its rightful place, as though someone is tweaking the settings.

When it settles, all that's visible is a massive, dark shape silhouetted against the sky. He glares at the screen with two baleful red eyes and brimming rage makes the biolights tracking down his cheeks burn bright. Two words boom over the line.]

Explanation. Now.

Comments

[sparkwhisperer]

[Tarn squints. He never explicitly told Helex such a thing. That isn’t to say that he wouldn’t. In fact, admitting that the war is over and playing the peaceful toothless old hound has never been his plan. Not even now. ]

[However, telling Helex that now, in front of Megatron, simply can’t be done. The miner is young, and naive, and inexperienced and that sort of statement will most certainly end badly. Tarn just needs to find an angle to get through to him. A bit of patience and charisma is all it will take]

I have told you no such thing. We will discuss this later in private.

[He casts him a stern glance, hoping that Helex has the sense to drop it for now. He will make everything clear soon. He turns to address Megatron, bowing his head ever so slightly. ]

You have my sincere apologies, Megatron. Sometimes Helex has the tendency to jump into action before knowing the entirety of the situation. While such dedication and enthusiasm is to be rewarded in the field, sometimes it can get him into a bit of trouble.

[aminerproblem]

[Megatron remains oddly cool as Tarn runs his mouth. He does tilt his head in a mock curiosity, hiding a sickened realization as Helex explains his motives. How inconveniently truthful of him to give away what he suspected to be Tarn's true intentions.]

Keep your damn apology.

[He wipes the energon from his face.]

I know the only reason you didn't let him twist my head off is because you're waiting for me to become whatever cruel master you want to use to justify your brutality. I'd always wondered what you'd do when you realize that won't happen.

[He closes the distance between him and Tarn, some of the explosive rage, the fire that would have kept him alive in Kaon's fighting pits, beginning to twist his features.]

Seeing as mercy is clearly something beyond you, here's a simple warning: If I see either of your handiwork undermining my word again, the blood spilled on the ground will be draining out of the stumps of your necks by the end of the cycle.

Have I made myself clear?

[warmesthugs]

[Tarn doesn't really need defending, ordinarily; but Tarn ordinarily has his cannon, which is missing, and ordinarily it isn't Megatron getting into his space and being threatening. Tarn is angry and will probably be even more angry later, but Helex is nothing if not loyal to his commander.

He doesn't try to grab now, but he does shove, both trying to push Megatron away from Tarn with two hands and wedge himself in front of his commander, to make himself a wall between Tarn and Megatron.

Helex says nothing. Tarn's the talker. Helex just scowls.]

[sparkwhisperer]

[Tarn takes a step back from Megatron as he advances on him. He is shocked for a moment at the purely murderous rage twisting his features. It only takes a moment for that shock to turn into absolute pride.

His Megatron is in there, after all. slowly, but surely, beginning to emerge with time]

[Tarn stumbles a bit as Helex pushes himself between them in a show of misplaced protection, too distracted by his fan-girlish awe. he is thankful that his mask covers his wolfish grin.]

Helex, step back, It’s fine.

[Tarn stares very levelly back at Megatron, peering around Helex’s broad frame.]

Understood. I won’t disappoint you.

[aminerproblem]

[Megatron seems fairly unintimidated despite nearly having his head torn off by the smelter. He's silent as Helex shoves his enormous body between them, giving the Decepticon only one step as he's pushed back. Despite the maelstrom of emotion that had struck his expression, he manages to settle his rage-shaken limbs.]

[Tarn sounded a little to content with the arrangement to satisfy him, but he wasn't here to exact vengeance. He was here to ensure Tarn's minion didn't destroy what peace they had.]

[So he straightens his posture and stares back, waiting for them to make their leave.]

We'll see.