[Closed], [Open] after

[luckyfaceplate]

WHO: [Closed] - Optimus and non-Lost Lighters
[Open] - Optimus and YOU!
[Closed] - Optimus and Sentinel
WHERE: Near the Crater
WHEN: After Bumblebee recovers from being hurt, a few weeks after everyone's arrival
WHAT: Information sharing and political stuff
WARNINGS: NONE

[CLOSED: NON-LOST LIGHTERS: NO TARN ALLOWED]

Optimus had asked word to be spread about a gathering. It'd taken some time (some of them had gotten injured along the way), but word had gotten out. With a new, yet destroyed Cybertron, Optimus had wanted to set the record straight with quite a few things. One, that they were not here to continue the war. The planet's landscape was proof enough that the environment had clearly seen its fill of that. Two, to fill in others who had not otherwise caught up with what was going on back home, as well as any people not from that universe. And three, how leadership should be distributed.

Topics covered
-Finding out just who is and isn't accounted for
-The Megatron situation
-Filling in on what's been going on for those not caught up
-Leadership and how it's going to be treated, who's going to follow who's lead.

The rest is just mingling, catching up on some old friends who may have died or worse. Feel free to use this as a moment to make new friends as well, or potential new not-so friends.

Who knows!

[LATER: OPEN TO ALL]

After the meeting had taken place, Optimus had decided to get a little 'fresh air'. Why yes, he knows he doesn't breathe. But with everything now as situated as possible, he needed to consider some of his personal thoughts. Things that couldn't be brought up there. Many things had come back from the dead (quite literally in some aspects) on his arrival here, and dealing with those wounds opening was not something he'd originally thought he'd face so soon. Bumblebee...Shockwave...Roller...

Was the universe teasing him on this? He'd miraculously gotten Ironhide back, it wasn't completely beyond all reason. But it'd reminded him just how fragile everything was in his hold. If he believed in it, he'd call himself cursed.

No...it'd been a series of circumstances. Series of many things that went wrong. Things not even he could have prevented if he wanted to. And sometimes...

He didn't know which one was worse.

[EVEN LATER: CLOSED: TO SENTINEL PRIME]

This had been long overdue. Optimus had met Sentinel Prime the day they'd all arrived, and while their conversation had been anything but pleasant, there was still unfinished business to attend to. Granted, before he could, Megatron had gotten ahold of the Prime before him, finishing what he'd somewhat started. Sentinel himself was...alive, at least. In extreme medical care, but fine. All Optimus could do was wait until he was conscious again.

Before he'd have a chat.

He walks in, giving his regards to whichever medic was on duty at the time before glancing around, looking for the ex-Prime. Thankfully, he wasn't too hard to spot. A large gold and red monstrosity was very hard to miss. The green thumb of Cybertronians, dripping with pretentiousness. There's a brisk walk over to his bed, eyes as hard as when they'd met for the first time.

"You're awake."

Nice observation, Optimus.

"I was beginning to think you'd become a real sleeping beauty."

The sarcasm, there's oh so much.

Comments

LATER: OPEN TO ALL

[luckyfaceplate]

[Feelings talk goes here]

R U READY

[deceptionshark]

[After his encounter with Nautica, some time ago, Megatron was all fired up and ready to do things. That faded after a bit and he found himself bored again. He's not entirely sure if he was consciously on the lookout for Optimus, but when he spots a familiar red-and-blue colour scheme, his spark jumps with excitement. Could it be?

Eagerly, he circles lower, taking in every detail he can from above, before transforming and landing a respectable distance away. From this angle, he immediately noticed that this is not, in fact, his Optimus Prime. The differences are obvious to him. Glaringly obvious. Disappointment clouds his spark, but he puts on a charming, sharp-toothed, smile nonetheless.]

Optimus Prime.

[Do you know who he is, Strange Optimus? He should hope so.]

I was wondering when I'd run into one of you.

SO READY

[luckyfaceplate]

[It's not a voice he certainly recognizes. Foreign, in some aspects as he hears it utter his name. Something about it seemed to chill his spark, and his ear pieces flick slightly, the only noticeable sign of acknowledgement the other is going to get for a few moments.

Who would say his name with such a sneer? With such vitriol?]

Megatron.

[Tired Optimus turn away from the crater, flicking over to the being behind him. It's certainly not a Megatron he recognizes. Far too spiky, and somewhat more unhinged than his own. His stance doesn't falter, a trait of any and all Optimus Primes, as the other approaches. Despite the unfamiliarity, when it came to Megatron, Optimus was always prepared. Even for the ones of other universes.]

Then you know I am not your own.

[Arms fold, looking straight at him.]

That being said, I'm curious to what you want with me? Technically, we have no issues with each other. My war is over.

[deceptionshark]

But mine is not.

[There's an intense hunger in his gaze as he makes eye contact. He has destroyed his own Optimus once. He could destroy another. And then maybe another. And keep on destroying them until this world finally burns. Megatron knows his and Optimus Prime's place in the universe, and he glories in every moment of it. This Optimus might not be as intimately familiar to him as his own, but surely he knows the dance just as well.

This Optimus isn't his Optimus. There needs to be some punishment for that.]

The war can never be over. Such a thing is impossible as long as you and I live in any universe. It's inevitable, see? But you will always believe. That is what you do.

[He smiles again, almost fondly.]

It comforts me that even you will not disappoint me.

[Pointed fingers flex, as if ready to draw out his sword, but somehow, he refrains. Patience Megatron. Patience.]

[luckyfaceplate]

[Something about the way he says that, it bristles the proverbial hairs on Optimus's neck. Blue eyes narrow, almost dangerously as he keeps quiet, as stoic as the Optimus that Megatron seems so...fond of. If 'fond' was the proper term to use for such a feeling. He knows the dance, sure enough. But there's something off about his new partner. He simply has to figure out what set him this way. ]

Hmm. Perhaps that's one thought. For awhile, I'd assumed that while any of us still lived, war would follow. But the future is a hard thing to predict, and placing too much faith in one specific path can lead to...

[He pauses, trying to find the right word.]

insanity.

[He notices those fingers, itching for a fight. his own fingers twitch, drumming the air silently as he keeps his eyes locked on the other.]

And yet, I cannot say the same.

[deceptionshark]

[Insanity? Oh he knows Optimus. He knows this very well. He's not so deluded that he's not aware that his own mind is broken beyond repair. This self-awareness allows him to view the world with an amused eye. These pitiful creatures cannot see what he can see. Optimus though. Optimus understands him.

Or, at least.

His Optimus did.]

Ahh, but some paths must be followed. Others must be destroyed. That is the way of things. The way of you and me.

I've killed my Optimus Prime, you know. Destroyed him and his people.

[He says, despite a small voice in the back of his mind wondering, hoping, that maybe he is wrong.]

He destroyed the one thing that could have restored our burned and ruined Cybertron to stop me. [He laughs.] And he suffered for it. Would you have done the same, I wonder? Destroyed something so infinitely precious to protect the weak?

I'm curious.

ewww feelings

[tomemyoutliers]

Shockwave doesn't follow Optimus out - busy talking to those few bots he knows or recognizes and introducing himself to the ones that he doesn't. It's slow going, and he's used to the expressions of shock by now that everyone gets when he says his name. Most are too polite to say anything but the stares are the hardest things to hide. To say that he minded wouldn't be entirely accurate, he's just tired of having to explain himself.

There's one mech he doesn't have to do that with, and Shockwave goes in search of him.

"Optimus!" And his voice is cheerful but relieved, smile easy and wide. "I wondered where you ran off to."

[luckyfaceplate]

Hearing Shockwave's voice, in such a cheerful tone no matter--it'd only emphasized his thoughts further. Was this world just playing a cruel joke on him? Shockwave had been at the meeting, and had been rather supportive of the entire thing. But there was discussion to be had, and Optimus had no time to really deal with the situation of Shockwave being here.

Until now.

He turns, when the jet approaches, eyes a tad bit more wide and alert than usual.

"Mm. I thought some time away from the meeting would do some good. I see you had similar thoughts."

And it totally wasn't because he was there.

[tomemyoutliers]

"Working a crowd is a speciality of mine, but I've been known to enjoy peace and quiet on rare occasion." Another grin, as he settles down next to Optimus in his usual spot. There's something he needs to talk to Optimus about; Trailbreaker had given him some information about his future yet it wasn't enough. Empurata and Shadowplay - enough to change him. He expected the Shadowplay, but the empurata was surely out of spite.

Yet that didn't explain everything, not the glances he received from those around him as soon as he introduced himself. And Shockwave is determined to get the answer out of someone.

[luckyfaceplate]

"Mm. Seems like I've acquired that too among the years." Wanting peace and quiet was a luxury for him. And obtaining it, he really didn't know what to do with it. Add onto the fact that Shockwave is here, alive.

As he was.

After a quiet, awkward silence, his voice softens slightly. "It's good to see you, old friend. Words cannot even begin to describe."

His plating seems to settle a bit, as Shockwave stands next to him. As if his presence quelled the unease in his spark.

[tomemyoutliers]

"An enjoyment of the quiet moments or charisma? Because if it's the latter, Optimus, I must inform you that you have always had it." A smile, one of his hands coming up to rest upon Optimus' forearm gently before the smile fades away. "And you."

He's silent a moment longer, venting slow and even before he speaks, voice heavy with emotion. "I have been told a little of my fate. Shadowplay and empurata." Out of spite, and his face darkens quickly. "But not of what it did do me."

He knows he won't be the same. That much is obvious. But he has to know the details, he does.

S'up space dad

[system_dp]

What's that Optimus, hoping to have some quiet time by the crater to think? Hahaha unlikely, more so since there is a small (for Cybertronian standards) robot who happened to be puttering about in the crater at around the same time the Prime is doing his thing. That robot, being Miria, may have noticed Optimus and is trying to not be noticed.

Which makes it kind of hard to get out of the crater, since transforming and flying out is to flashy. So climbing it is. Which is not quiet at all, especially when she slips and let's out a small...

"... ow."

oh nothing just telling space dad jokes

[luckyfaceplate]

Years of working with bots smaller than him gave him a keen eye for this sort of thing. He was more wary of things below him than at eye level. It was his good perception and...well, the small 'ow' that catches his attention, eyes flicking down to the crater to see who had uttered the small noise.

Cue a crouch down as well, to get a better look.

"Do you need help?"

Nothing too patronizing, but merely asking.

oh dear, pity for your space children then

[system_dp]

Oh, someone is there. Enjoy that very human looking face looking up at you, Optimus. Even though the majority of Miria's body is not human looking. You know, with the space jet robot parts.

And even if Optimus was being patronizing, she wouldn't have realized it.

"... This Unit was trying to not be spotted," she replies in a matter of fact tone. "In case the Cybertronian is hostile."

Even after meeting some nicer Cybertronians she is still being cautious, sorry Optimus.

[luckyfaceplate]

The appearance brings back some slightly not-so-welcome memories in the form of Hunter, but it's certainly one he's not going to admit outright.

"Seems like your attempt didn't go over as successfully as you'd hoped. Although I'm pleased to meet you."

...

His hand is too large to hold out for a handshake, so he'll just gesture politely.

"I am Optimus Prime."

[system_dp]

Good thing he didn't offer his hand, Miria wouldn't have known what to do with it. Also give her a moment to actually get out of the crater, which will let Optimus see two things. One; she is very much mini-bot sized then she is human-sized and two; one of her arms has a very large hand shaped dent in it.

"... This Unit is called Miria, it is a pleasure Optimus Prime."

Introductions are good, yes? She's doing her best to be social but it's kind of flat.

[officerjuicebox]

Awkwardly shuffling in after all was said and done...? Yep. That's him all right. Carrying a makeshift box full of salvaged parts, too. It's not quite showing up five minutes late with Starbucks, but hey, it's close. There are a few others milling around, leaving, it looks like. And Pa -- Prime heading off in another direction.

That's where Roller heads, pausing a few feet behind him, box in hand like some kind of apology gift.

"So..."

So Shockwave is here and you're Prime.

"Did I miss anything?"

[luckyfaceplate]

For awhile, Optimus's spark ached when Roller didn't show up. The thought that all the changes, all the information had spooked him certainly weighed heavily on his mind. It was eased slightly with Roller showing up at the last minute, but not enough.

One thin he doesn't expect is Roller approaching him after, as he looks out at the crater. Where does he even start?

"You've been avoiding me."

[officerjuicebox]

"I was out shopping for spare parts," he corrects, doing his best to keep it more or less mild. Because his partner isn't wrong. He had been avoiding him Avoiding... all this.

Avoiding running into too much guilt.

"I'm here now, though," he adds, awkwardly. "Do we have a plan... or...?"

[luckyfaceplate]

He knows when you're lying, Roller. Although he won't bring that part up. Orion might have called him out on it, but he'd been through a war now. And sometimes, little victories are the most important.

"I want to head out to see what this planet has. I expect its mostly deserted, but I have to be sure."

...

"But I also want to talk."

[officerjuicebox]

"You really think we're going to find anything out there?"

He shifts the box onto his hip, gesturing with the other hand. Pax usually had a plan, and while they could be... interesting... they were always there. And he'd support him.

That's what partners were supposed to do.

"Talk about... what?" he asks, even though he has a good idea, and it makes his spark sort of sink.

[taselikeabee]

[ hey man he's just thankful to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while.

and he might be trying to slip away. because there's a chance of a lecture that's been delayed.

Bee is small. it's possible to slip out unnoticed, right? ]

[luckyfaceplate]

"Bumblebee."

Sorry, Bee. Your skills as a saboteur are good, but not enough to get by Optimus. They've worked together for far too long, and been apart for what seems like longer.

Now was the time to talk.

"Would you join me for a moment?"

[taselikeabee]

Shit.

Bumblebee sighs, shoulders slumping a bit in defeat. He turns to give Optimus a rather accusatory look. This isn't going to just be a walk and they both know it. The big guy could just come out and say it, but he won't. Bee can't turn him down either.

"Yeah. Yeah, okay."

[luckyfaceplate]

He can see the slight daggers behind those eyes, but if he was affected by them, it certainly didn't show. The point is, Bumblebee had tipped him off to something very concerning at the meeting. He'd held off--as it wasn't right to bring it up in front of everyone.

But here.

"Your injuries. You're telling me the Decepticon Justice Decision is responsible?"

That's all he's going to say, to start. Optimus was a bot of few words, usually. But this is news to him, certainly.