Transformers2005 - Friday, November 28, 1997, 10:20 PM ------------------------------------------------------ Rodimus Prime says, "Okay, setting." Rodimus Prime says, "We'll pick up basically where we left off last time we did this. For the unenlightened ;), the credits have rolled, the festivities have mostly died down for the night, and the meteor shower of Unicron-bits has lessened to the occasional thud off in the distance." Rodimus Prime says, "Magnus did his thing and thoroughly embarrassed Rodimus in front of everyone, basically confirming me as the new commander. Whether y'all want to accept that or have your own doubts is up to you." Rodimus Prime says, "ICly, I kind of sneaked off somewhere in there to get away from everything for a while, so I'm going to scoot now. Once I leave, you can go IC. Any questions?" Ultra Magnus stands on the edge of the podium, behind and to the right of Rodimus as the lattter concludes his impromptu speech, his massive arms folded across his chest as he watches the continued celebrations die down with a hint of a tired smile. < Rod sneaks off to the Iacon Commissary > Double-Take arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Sky Lynx has arrived. Rodimus Prime is standing before the large outer window, palms braced against the ledge as he presses his forehead against the slight curvature of the glass. Lost in thought, maybe, though he looks more 'lost' than 'in thought' at the moment. Double-Take wanders in, covered in various injuries. He looks around through the hallways, less than confident about security... he looks over, "Oh, heyya Hot Rod..." he says, then double-takes, "HOLY MOTHER OF... Hot Rod, you've... grown..." Rodimus Prime sighs, not turning from the window. "So I've heard," he mutters. Double-Take's optics blink... "Uhhh... Hot Rod?... there's gotta be something I'm missing in all this, and forgive me, I've spent the last 12 hours tryin' to get out of Decepticon territory, especially from those soapbar attack ships..." Rodimus Prime watches another piece of Unicron-debris thunk into the ground outside before turning to face Double-Take. "Uhm, sorry..." he murmurs softly, then clears his throat, "You... didn't see the explosion?" Double-Take snorts, "Barely. Dang thing's shockwave made me crash... ya don't pay too much attention to what's around you when you're trying to keep from blowing up your fuel tanks..." Rodimus Prime reaches up to rub uneasily at the back of his neck, wincing slightly. "Are you okay?" Double-Take says, "I was, until one of those soapbox warriors shot me... repeatedly... lucky thing I ditched him in the canyons." You say, "One of those... who?" Double-Take says, "But frankly, I'm more concerned about you... last time I looked at my medical references, transformers don't just GET growth spurts like this..." Double-Take says, "The blue ones that look like a bar of soap. The dumb ones, there's like 30 of 'em..." Transmission from Ultra Magnus: (*Sharp almost scolding tone*) Rodimus, where are you? Your troops need you, and a dozen other things need to be looked into. Rodimus Prime waves a hand dismissively. "I'm fine. And I don't know anything about soap, but those were probably Sweeps. Don't worry," he smirks a bit, "they're probably busy out looking for Galvatron's pieces right now." Rodimus Prime makes in unhappy face at his radio and slowly keys in the tranceiver. Sky Lynx enters from the launchpad somberly, he glances around the room, obviously he's heard the news of Unicron and Optimus Prime by now despite the fact that he'd been away on a mission Double-Take nods, "They're one member short. Crashed into the wall of the sonic canyons... fast, agile, and stupid to the core." You transmit a message to Ultra Magnus: I, uh... had to get out of there. They don't have to be looked into right NOW, do they? Double-Take says, "But... Galvatron?... after the..." he stops for a second, "Battle... at Autobot City... I was sent up to Moon One, and then sent down here, then big boy decided to have lunch..." Elita One arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Double-Take shakes his head, "So I wouldn't know who Galvatron is... though from the name I"ve got an idea..." Rodimus Prime attempts to make light of it, "Yeah, so I guess he got indigestion. Heh." Transmission from Ultra Magnus: As opposed to when else? We don't know how bad the damage to Cybertron is, or what the Decepticons are up to, not to mention the citizens surely hurt by this whole mess. It would be nice for us to all have the time to sit down and figure out just what exactly is going but, but we don't have that luxury, sorry. Not my fault. Double-Take smirks, and pauses... "How DID you guys destroy him?... I coulda sworn we were done for..." Sky Lynx starts to walk on without much of a greeting, then stops glancing back towards Rodimus. He basically stalks over towards the new Autobot leader, and begins scrutinizing him with narrow optics. Elita One receives a radio transmission. Double-Take stands, glancing around somewhat paranoidly every now and then. He tries to pump Rod for the reason he's had a little growth spurt, not to mention what the heck happened with Unicron... Elita One transmits a message via radio. You transmit a message to Ultra Magnus: Look, I don't know about you, but... *he trails off as a loud clanging of footsteps becomes audible in the background of the transmission, then finds his voice again*.. uh, people need to recover from.. all this. Elita One receives a radio transmission. Rodimus Prime eyes Sky Lynx uneasily out the corners of his optics and struggles to keep his attention focused on Double-Take. "I, uh, blew him up." Elita One taps her radio, and murmurs into it before shaking her head and twisting around. "That impetious young lady..." she murmurs softly. Elita One transmits a message via radio to Arcee. Double-Take grins, "YOU? No way! How? Did you finally learn to rig an antimatter backflush like Kup's been bugging you?..." Elita One turns and picks up her pace, starting to transform as she heads south. Elita One transforms into a pink tec-car. Pink TecCar steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Pink TecCar has left. Transmission from Ultra Magnus: No vacations till we know where we stand, sorry....(*The sound of a bunch of little feet can be heard and Magnus mutter's "Great timing..."*).. The consulate from Earth is here to assist, you going to come out and introduce yourself or do I have to send them out for coffee while you figure out what's what? Sky Lynx says in an almost indignant tone, "I soppose I report to *you* now, Very well then. The residents of Centari Minor agreed to help with the resistance in any way possible ... I suppose we'll be radioing them forthwith and informing them that their help is no longer needed." You say, "Well, sort of." He looks distractedly past Double-Take's shoulder at Elita, almost asks a question, then shuts his mouth over it as she drives out. Frustratedly, he lets it all out on Sky Lynx instead, demanding, "can I *help* you?"" Rodimus Prime trails, "...oh." Double-Take looks over to Lynx, "Report to Hot Rod?..." You say, "Uhm... tell them... we'll need help rebuilding if they're still interested." You transmit a message to Ultra Magnus: Right NOW? Sky Lynx snorts, not even wincing in the face of Rodimus' outburst, "Whatever." Double-Take says, "You get a promotion I didn't hear about?" Rodimus Prime sighs. "Sort of." Transmission from Ultra Magnus: Yes NOW! Double-Take looks to Lynx questioningly. Rodimus Prime winces at his radio. "Uh... Magnus wants me to... uhm, 'scuse me." He ducks his head and scoots out between Double-Take and Sky Lynx like a whipped puppy. Sky Lynx tosses a glare at Doubletake, displaying a rather sour mood at the moment, he turns his glance back at Rodimus, "I would expect you to take a situation this serious lightly, thank you for not dissapointing me." Double-Take sighs, "Dead man walkin'..." < Rod heads to AHQ > Central Courtyard and Landing Area Contents: Elita One, Arcee, Sunrunner Obvious exits: North leads to Reception Room. West leads to West Tower. East leads to East Tower. South leads to Road to Autobot Headquarters. Sunrunner blinks at everyone popping out of the ground. Arcee is standing leaning up against the doorframe, speaking to Elita and Sunrunner. She looks...tired. Worn and kind of haggard. Rodimus Prime freezes, then tries to scoot out along the wall without being noticed. Double-Take pops out of the ground. Elita One folds her arms, not buying much into the story, "I see, Arcee. And you are unwilling to take a break, because....?" Sunrunner asks innocently, "Is there some sort of secret door down there?" and then adds, "I wanna see!" Arcee says, "Because there's too much to do." Double-Take points over to the crater in the ground, "Help yourself... maybe we oughta make that thing permanent..." Elita One says, "Then far be it from any of us to take a break." Her arm flicks out to catch Sunrunner, "Maybe later. For now, we need to return to base." Sunrunner hushes herself as she realises Arcee is being scolded, and stands back to watch. Rodimus Prime takes his chance and bolts while the getting's good. Rodimus Prime shifts into what can only be called a high-tech flaming Winnebago. You move south to the road to Autobot Headquarters... You move south towards Memorial Spaceport... Outside Memorial Spaceport Contents: Sideswipe, Tracks, Flashbulb, Ultra Magnus, Krystal Obvious exits: Fly leads to Sky above Memorial Spaceport. West leads to New Cybertron Highway . East leads to New Cybertron Highway . North leads to Road to Autobot Headquarters. South leads to Memorial Spaceport. Ultra Magnus catches Sideswipe out of the corner of his eye and is just about to admonish him, yet _again_ when he see's the odd shape of Rodimus approaching and seems to relax quite visibly as he turns to the head of the human delegation and smiles indicating the approaching RV, "In fact here he comes right now. Ultra Magnus does find time in there to cast another reproachful glare on Sideswipe though. A slight frown creases the figure's brow, but nods as if sensing Ultra Magnus's hesitation to enlist human reinforcements. "I understand, of course, sir." comes the somewhat begrudged reply. The exos fall back and regroup through the blast doors of the space port. Tracks looks at the RV. "What a hideously colored contraption... Oh, that's Rod." Flaming RV skids to a halt near Magnus, jamming his wheels sideways in an impressive hail of debris. "Okay, okay, I'm here. What is it?" Rodimus Prime shifts to robot mode. Sideswipe whooaaahhs, and stares at Rodimus... Rodimus Prime affords Tracks a quick glare before looking back uncertainly at Magnus. Ultra Magnus turns to Tracks and casts his a very stern look as he turns back to Rodimus, his voice suddenly sweet and seemingly playing up to the audience, "Well the Human delegation is here to meet with you, _Prime_." Sideswipe shifts under UM's glare and considers being elsewhere.. Ultra Magnus isn't jealous in the slightest, just very questioning of the Matrix's motives given the short timespan of his rule. Rodimus Prime rubs the back of his neck. "Uh... yeah, sure." He tosses off an uncertain wave. "Uh, hi..." then undertones to Magnus in a soft hiss, "So what am I supposed to do?" Silverbolt enters from the west. Ultra Magnus almost sighs as he realizes he forgot to call off Rewind, then making a slight aside to Rodimus, "You know, make them feel welcome, show them around, answer their questions...." With a bemused chuckle, the cloaked figure raises a communicator to speak softly into it. Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. Rodimus Prime mutters under his breath, "Sure, I'd be happy to show them around the war-zone..." Silverbolt enters, looking like he's being thinking, as well as looking...he approaches the group slowly Ultra Magnus looks like he could really use a day off. Sideswipe transmits a message via radio to Rewind. Ultra Magnus stands right next to Rodimus, unseemingly nudging the smaller robot's shoulder with his own elbow in soft admonition. Krystal transmits a message via radio. Flashbulb taps her foot on the ground, "Well I could join the new head honcho cause I haven't gotten my all expenses paid tour." With a soft *ahem*, the lieutenant apologizes for the interruption. "Ah...yes...I'm sorry, Ultra Magnus?" Rodimus Prime elbows back not-so-softly and steps forward out of reach with an irritated look. "Uhm.. hi," he repeats uncertainly, clearing his throat. "We're still kind of picking up the pieces here so there's not much to see, but, uh... well..." he trails off. Flashbulb looks up and quips, "Well I left my umbrella on the other shuttle." Ultra Magnus shakes his head helplessly then growing sterner as he steps forward sensing Rodimus needs the save. "What he means to say Lieutenant is that we're looking at an as of yet undetermined amount of damage and loss of resources. Right now we're needing to take _scouting_ patrols (*You'd have to be dead to miss Ultra Magnus' reference to Sideswipe*) into the outlying areas to get a clear idea of exactly what we're dealing with at the moment. Sideswipe sidesteps and looks for something to lean on, eying Rodimus with a bemused expression.. and a slightly hesitant one, questioning. Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. Rodimus Prime grabs onto the words like a life-preserver. "Yeah, that too." The field commander bows slightly. "I understand sir. I'm not here for the guided tour. I'm here to offer whatever assistance I can, however...Ultra Magnus has seemingly informed me of his regrets." Sideswipe tries to fade in. really. but t just isnt possible.. He turns and starts to walk off. Rodimus Prime gives Magnus a quizzical look. "Regrets?" From beneath the hood, a sort of amused smile crosses the face as Rodimus looks vacant. Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission from Rewind. Silverbolt reaches the group and approaches Ultra Magnus Transmission from Arcee: Rod. Where are you going. Ultra Magnus looks at Rodimus and decides to let him handle the big decision, almost shrugging, "Well untill we've ascertained the exact status of the civilian base, and with the continuing fallout of Unicron's destruction, I figured it wouldn't have been wise to endanger them before we ourselves know what's going on, Sir." Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. You transmit a message to Arcee: I'm, uh, stuck out here at the spaceport with Ultra Magnus and a bunch of humans? Sideswipe leaves to the New Cybertron Highway to the east. Ultra Magnus is standing right beside Rodimus trying to deal with the extremely unexpected arrival of the Earth Corps. Silverbolt mumbles quietly and a bit unsurely to Ultra Magnus, as though to give him information without trying to distract him... It's hard to tell, but is someone...something...looking at you? It's just that odd sensation one gets when being watched intently. You say, "Well, yeah, that makes sense.. so, uhm, what's the problem?" Silverbolt mutters to Ultra Magnus, "... extensive... found...no... of... of this..." Ultra Magnus almost shrinks before you as Rodimus totally misses the point. Even more so as he hears Silverbolt's words of ill tiding then looks back to Rodimus and leans close to mutter to him. Ultra Magnus mutters to Rodimus Prime, "... to... them... and... them..." Ultra Magnus whispers " So what do you want to do with them? Pack them up and send them home?" Rodimus Prime gives the hooded figure a rather probing look, then clears his throat again loudly at Magnus' comment. "Oh, right. Well, it's not really fair to make you guys go all the way BACK after you just got here, right? So, uh.. yeah. You can stay at AHQ if you want to take a look around, but I can't promise much in the way of service." He grins winningly. Ultra Magnus turns back to Silverbolt and states more loudly, "That make no sense, keep looking. Get help from anyone you can still find in Iacon not busy. And if they are busy, tough. This comes first, we must make sure the civilians are taken care of and are safe. Big Yellow Hovertruck enters from the road to Autobot Headquarters to the north. Big Yellow Hovertruck drives in from the north, zipping along at a respectable speed. She stops when she gets close to the others, transforming. The bright yellow hovertransport shifts and collapses down to form the Autobot femme, Sunrunner! Silverbolt nods solemnly and says "Understood sir". He then turns and starts out on his duty once more Looking hesitantly skyward, Silverbolt folds in his arms and legs and tranforms into a large Concorde SST. Ultra Magnus smiles very warmly at the Terrrans as he speaks, "I'll be along shortly, I have to see to the rescue operation. I'm sure Rodimus will be more than sufficient. The hooded figure does its best to hide a genuine smile at the flambouyant new leader, then swallows, assuming business as she turns to the large aerialbot. "You are searching for injured?" Ultra Magnus turns away and steps towards the main base, transforming into his large car-carrier mode to make the journey more expedient. Ultra Magnus just looked at you. Concorde SST emits from its speakers, "Yes...I would be, actually." Rodimus Prime sighs quietly to himself. Sunrunner waves down Ultra Magnus. "Can I help! Can I?" Rewind enters from the west. Ultra Magnus's voice is heard as he begins picking up speed towards Iacon, "Definitely. Sunrunner jumps up and down as she runs after him a few times before transforming and following. Sunrunner leaps into the air, and expands into a simply huge bright yellow hovertransport, falling to float just above the ground with a whoosh of displaced air. Rewind wanders down the road leading from Iacon, his faceplate staring downwards at a datapad as he goes. He seems rather oblivious to anything around him. Silverbolt transmits a message via radio to Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission. The human commander hesitates momentarily, throwing a glance back at the suddenly subdued Autobot leader, then looks back to the arialbot. "May I acompany you? If there are injured, a small body can search small places." Concorde SST emits from its speakers, "I don't see why not...are you sure you're up to it though?" Rodimus Prime breaks in, "Uhm, I'm not sure that's a good idea. I mean, we have small scouts and there could be... you know, explosives and stuff." Flashbulb looks about and sighs, "Well been nice knowing you guys, but um I am just a bit lost. So I'll just go look around on my own." Ultra Magnus pulls to a halt as he hears the trailing conversation from Krystal as he stops and emits his deep but warm voice, "I can't promise your saftey, but if you're willing to go. Ultra Magnus suddenly transforms, once more reprioritizing things based on Rodimus' profound ability to lead. Yellow Hovertransport almost runs into the back of Ultra Magnus, skidding to a halt. "Erf." Rodimus Prime blinks startledly at Magnus. "Watch out, you- never mind." Ultra Magnus points down to Sunrunner, "Sunrunner, you gather up all the other off-duty Autobots and help Silverbolt. Flashbulb says, "Cycle mode!" And she transforms into a Junk_Cycle, and is ready to move out. Ultra Magnus walks over towards Rodimus thinking that he needs to have a "talk" with a certain autobot leader. Yellow Hovertransport bobs up and down. "Okay!" Rodimus Prime wags a finger at Sunrunner. "Hey, volunteers only, it could be dangerous." Junk_Cycle transforms and starts to head on out, since she is not really that big of a help. Concorde SST sits, engines begining to start up, as the two leaders converge...It keeps it's scanners locked on the two. Tracks transmits a message via radio. The human figure nods in understanding. "Volunteer basis only. I only wish to help. You'd...be surprised what I can offer." Turning on heel, the cloak trailing behind the human walks towards the aerial transport, with a final glance at the Autobot commander. Yellow Hovertransport says, "Hey, Silverbolt! Where are we goin' anyways?" Ultra Magnus walks over to Rodimus and mutters down to him, "Let them go, we should probably talk first then catch up with them. Rodimus Prime gives the human an odd look before looking back at Magnus with a 'what NOW?' expression. Ultra Magnus looks at Rodimus with a "What is the Matrix ON" expression. Concorde SST emits from its speakers, "Took search for those who might have actually -survived- this mantage of destuction" Rewind looks up from his book, being startled, finally, by the voices. "...Now what, precisely, is going on?" Ultra Magnus motions for Rodimus to follow him over and to the side, away from the res t of the fathering. Rodimus Prime sighs, tramping through the debris in Magnus' wake. Sideswipe enters from the road to Autobot Headquarters to the north. Concorde SST opens a small door near his nosecone for the human to enter Ultra Magnus looks at Rodimus evenly his voice edging on sternness, but one which does bely a hint of patience, "Rodimus, you've got to get a grip on yourself and this situation. Everyone's depending on at least you being able to cope with things. Rodimus Prime keeps his voice down. "What? I can cope." Ultra Magnus looks at Rodimus evenly, "Great then I'm over-reacting and you can take control of this scouting operation while I try to reopen communications with Autobot City. Yellow Hovertransport idles facing northwards a bit away from the group, not really noticing the increasing gathering behind her. Sideswipe meanders in from Autobot HQ.. He steals a sidelong lgance at the gathering. Krystal has left. Yellow Hovertransport drives up to Sideswipe, towering over him in her transport mode. "Hey Sideswipe? You wanna help me look for wounded people?" From Silverbolt, The cloaked human figure enters the large Concorde confidently, smiling thoughtfully. Sideswipe looks up and up, "Erm.. That *would* be considered scouting. Yeah.. Could use the company." Rodimus Prime scratches his jaw. "Uhm.. sure." Ultra Magnus gets a slightly exasperated look as he shrugs, "Sure? Tracks receives a radio transmission. You say, "Sure. I can help with the scouting thing." Concorde SST closes his hatch and proceeds to take off, flying at a low altitude towards the west... Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "... leading..." Ultra Magnus nods and turns back to watch the beginning of the moving out operation seeming about to step forward and leave when he stops and turns back to Rodimus and speaking, "Rodimus, are you going to be okay with all this? I don't want you forcing yourself to make decisions you don't feel you can handle? Rodimus Prime clears his throat. "Is this thing working... ah. Great. Ahhh, aerial units, spread out from headquarters on a standard spiral search pattern for five klicks. If we find anyone they'll most likely be in that area." Rodimus Prime smirks. "Hey, if you want me to do it, I'll do it." Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner. Concorde SST scans the ground and area ahead as it proceeds westward... Ultra Magnus returns the smirk. "Let's just get it done." Then turning from Rodimus he shifts his gaze searching for Rewind. Tracks stands around, basically, looking around at everyone. Concorde SST leaves to the New Cybertron Highway to the west. Ultra Magnus calls out, not spotting the small tape offhand, "Rewind! Ultra Magnus looks around for Rewind still, noting something missing he raises his arm and makes another short signal. Transmission from Ultra Magnus: Air units taken care of, what about the ground units? Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. Rewind doubletakes, looking upwards. "Yes, Sir?" Rodimus Prime tramps back through the debris, kicking scrap out of his way as he works back to clear ground. Ultra Magnus finds Rewind and looks down to him, "What's the status of getting that uplink to Autobot City operational? Rodimus Prime says, "Oh, yeah. Uh, ground units do the same deal. Spread out, keep your optics peeled and be ready to play backup if needed. You guys know the drill." Rodimus Prime mutters, "Better than *I* do... why do I have to tell them that..?" Sideswipe remarks dryly, "Yeah scouting. Scrap, scrap amd more scrap." Yellow Hovertransport powers up again, turning around. "Come on, Sideswipe, let's go!" Ultra Magnus just shakes his head imperceptibly at the radio call then looks up at Sideswipe and looks at him evenly, "Sideswipe unless you want to be hosing down the corridors of Iacon for the next 20 cycles..." Ultra Magnus doesn't bother finishing his threat, knowing it's point has been made. Sideswipe looks up, "Hey give a guy a lift?" You say, "Geez, Magnus, take it easy. No one's going to get anything done if we push them around now. Hasn't everyone been through ENOUGH?" Sideswipe glances at Ultra Magnus, "I got enough things to think about. And hosin Iacon isnt one of them.. I'm moving." Rewind nods to Magnus. "Um. Oh. Well. Uh. I was assuming that the human I had talked to would be handling that. After you told me to forget it, um....I did." Tracks shifts and folds down into being a blue Corvette. Chevrolet Corvette rolls off, starting to do scouting. Rewind holds his book in one hand, rubbing the back of his helmet with his other hand. He nods to himself. Ultra Magnus sighs as if succumbing to the weight on his shoulders as he looks up and back to Rodimus through strained optics, as he sighs and says, "I know, but the civilians possibly laying near death don't have the time to hold on for us to finish our rest period. Once this is done, we'll all have enough time to relax. But untill our responsibility is met, we can't lay back. You say, "Yeah, but there're better ways to do it than threaten people with janitorial duty, right?" Ultra Magnus smirks as he regards Rodimus, "This is Sideswipe we're talking about here." Rodimus Prime replies evenly, "I know." Yellow Hovertransport giggles. Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "... thats..." Sideswipe shrugs. Rewind looks up to the giants, with a shrug. He then goes back to reading over his datapad, humming a tune to himself. As it plays, he mumbles, "...Flight of the bumblebee....green hornet's themesong.." Ultra Magnus straightens somewhat, as if sensing the extra leveraging that Rodimus is using, and willing to back down, jus not so easily, "Rodimus, time is something they don't have. Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "Better get... cover... ground,..." You say, "Right, so why is everyone standing around here glaring at each other?" He raises his voice. "C'mon, let's get a move on! There're hurt people out there!" Ultra Magnus nods as he turns away, once more transforming. "Rewind, get communications back online. Lieutenant MacKenzie is assisting Silverbolt if you need to contact him. Ultra Magnus suddenly flips and transforms almost "elongating" Rodimus Prime gives Magnus his best innocent smile, turns and transforms, driving out to help with the search. Sideswipe kicks over as he shifts into a red Sportscar. Rewind looks up from his datapad again, humming beginning to cease. "Huh? Oh. Yessir, Ultra Magnus...though it's not my field of expertise, you must understand...." < Fade to black, since search & rescue with @emitted gumbies is... well, boring, so we fudged it. > Central Courtyard and Landing Area Obvious exits: Ultra Magnus, Sunrunner, Sideswipe, Elita One, Rewind North leads to Reception Room. West leads to West Tower. East leads to East Tower. South leads to Road to Autobot Headquarters. Rodimus Prime tramps back in from the hallway leading down to the repair bay, dripping with some kind of oily goo. "They'll be fine!" he announces to the room in general, grinning as he wipes some of the gunk out of his optics. Sunrunner snickers at Rodimus, and makes an aside to Sideswipe. Ultra Magnus walks in, smiling for maybe the first time in recent memory as he watches Rodimus goo'ed form. Oddly enough Magnus's form seems to be entirely untouched by the goo as he makes a loud good-natured comment. "Showers are on your right sir!" Elita One shakes her head quietly, no smile coming forth. Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "... one... getting... *oddest* things.." Chevrolet Corvette snickers at that comment. The blue corvette shifts and folds upward into the robot form of Tracks. Sunrunner giggles. Ultra Magnus out of the corner of an optic spots Elita One and moves over to stand near her muttering down to her as he continues to watch the spectacle that is Rodimus. Ultra Magnus mutters to Elita One. Sunrunner moves off just as soon to Elita One's side, but stops as she sees Ultra Magnus already talking to her. Elita One falls silent for a moment, and looks up to Ultra Magnus. She mutters to Ultra Magnus, "... as... considering the..." er it! I didn't want to do this for a living! I wanted to be A LUMBERJACK!" Rodimus Prime pffts, spraying a neat arc of the stuff in Magnus' direction. "Yeah, if the water's even running. Some people can just handle the dirty stuff better than others..." Ultra Magnus does now have an expression of somberness, knowing how Elita One must be thinking. Sunrunner smiles, . o O (Don't say anything, don't say anything... don't say anything...) Rewind looks around the area, a little bit of goo on his datapad. He frowns, trying to wipe it off. "..Hmm...carbon-based semisolid. Possibly synthetic...forseeably a type of ancient oil.." Ultra Magnus raises a forearm to block some of the incoming goo, shaking it vigourously as if to clean it off, inadvertently sending a speck or 3 towards Tracks. Elita One looks down at her armor, partially splattered with the goo now, as she just tucks her head up neatly, not responding in any other manner. Sideswipe's expression wavers between somber and amused.. Hes hard pressed nto to break out into a smirk. Sunrunner continues to move to Elita's side as Ultra Magnus is distracted, putting a hand on her shoulder. Tracks heys! "Watch where you're throwing that stuff! My paint has been through enough with this mess, I'm gonna be polishing for weeks to fix it." Sunrunner's expression changes to one of concern, as she says something quietly to Elita. Ultra Magnus is about to reply to Rodimus when he remembers Elita as he kneels down beside her, keeping his head focused on Rodimus to make sure no further acts of silliness occur as he mutters once more to Elita. Elita One looks back to Sunrunner, "Yes?" she asks cordially. Tracks gets out a rag from a compartment, and tries getting the goop off... Ultra Magnus mutters to Elita One, "... thing... as... alone." Rodimus Prime's smile fades slightly, sensing the possible inappropriateness of his joviality. "Ah'm... right." He clears his throat and quickly busies himself scraping the oil off his arms, avoiding Elita's line of sight. Sideswipe folds his arms over his chest and smirks at tracks, "*Nice* paint.." Elita One smiles sadly. She mutters to Sunrunner, "... fine,..." She grips her hand for a moment, nodding to Ultra Magnus quietly. "Really, I will be..." Ultra Magnus then stands up and casts a sideways smirk at the Tracks/Sideswipe conversation before nodding at Elita then turning to Rewind, "What was that you were saying about ancient oil deposits a moment ago Reqind Sunrunner adds quietly, her face uncharacteristically creased with worry. "You're sure...?" Rodimus Prime glances around the room. "Hey, has anyone seen Arcee around here? She radioed me earlier..." Tracks grins. Elita One nods again, lying. "Yes." Tracks keeps polishing, however, annoyedly, trying to get everything off to get back to condition. Sunrunner hugs Arcee suddenly, "Okay," and then runs back to where she was, her concern forgotten. Sideswipe looks down at his rather, lack of impecable condition. then chuckles. rummaging around fora rag. Rodimus Prime holds up his still slightly-dripping arms winningly. "Thought I'd give her a hug," he grins. Tracks gets a second rag out, and offers it to Swipe. "Here." Elita One says, "She may be back at the base, Rodimus." she offers, "I placed her on leave until she gets some rest." Sideswipe takes the rag, "Hey.. Thanks..." He then vigourasly swipes at the dust encoating himself. Rewind looks upwards at Magnus, seemingly appearing on cloud nine that someone is actually interested in his information. "Oh. The goo. I suspect that it's some type of ancient oil or lubricant, which solidified slightly over the eons. Much like drying paint." Sunrunner doesn't seem to notice being mildly dirty. Rodimus Prime blinks. "On leave? She agreed to that?" Ultra Magnus stands up in the center of the room, crossing his arms and pretending to cast a stern facade as he admonishes Rodimus, "Now what kind of an example are you setting? Tracks nods. "no problem." Then he continues trying to rub everything off. Elita One says, "She didn't have a choice." Ultra Magnus then turns back to Rewing and nods at him. "So, how old are we talking about, and more importantly where did it come from? Sideswipe glances up, attempting to get a feel for the thread of conversation even as he works to get himself somewhat 'respectable' Rodimus Prime frowns. "She didn't go through any more than the rest of us did." Ultra Magnus casts a cursory "warning" glance at Rodimus as if to inform him he treads on thin ice. Elita One says, "Perhaps not, Rodimus." she starts, "However, with everyone else seemingly in a celebatory mood, considering, I figured that she would need to be placed in the spirit, also." Ultra Magnus looks away from Rewind every so often to gauge Rodimus' ability to handle things at this point. Rodimus Prime ignores Magnus. "You can't force someone to feel one way if they don't want to." Elita One says, "You have no idea how true that is, Rodimus." Ultra Magnus turns back to Rewind, engrossing in the forthcoming explanation of cellular structural oxodization feeling it the safer choice rather than become involved in the subtle war of wills behind him, Ultra Magnus just looked at you. Sunrunner nudges Sideswipe, grinning, "I think Elita doesn't like our new boss too much." Rodimus Prime rubs his helmet uncertainly, streaking it black. "Then why force her to take leave? It's not like we couldn't use the extra hands." Sideswipe hrrrns, eying the dirty rag, "What makes you say that?" Rodimus Prime shoots a look in Sunrunner's direction, backing down uncomfortably. Rewind hmmms. "..Probably around the first war, I wager. Or perhaps from around the Quintesson occupation. Through study, I've been able to understand their ancient writings....which are in many ways, strangely similar to the Terran Egyptian's hieroglypics....of course, those are incredibly ancient writings, so I'm sure their system of recording facts has changed." Elita One says, "You want her back, then you take her off leave." she states simply. "Now, if there is nothing else." she says, as her voices seems completely devoid of emotion. "I have an inventory to run for the Femmes to return to Iacon." Ultra Magnus winces as he actually does start listening to Rewind's speaking he stands up and moves behind Rodimus in a silent gesture of support and a respect undeniable as he simply stands there. Dwarfing Rodimus in the process unfortunately. Rodimus Prime mutters, "I was just asking..." Concorde SST enters the courtyard through the gates to the south. Concorde SST taxis into the area stops near where the other are Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "... isnt pretty..... should toss the... them... let them... off*" Sunrunner winces as Rodimus glares at her. Sideswipe frowns... Sunrunner giggles. Elita One says, "And you got your response." Ultra Magnus turns as he spots Silverbolt enter and raising his voice intentionally, "Silverbolt's returned along with Lietuanant Chris Mackenzie from the Earth Corps..." Subletly having been tossed aside by this point. Rodimus Prime grabs onto the distraction in relief. "Silverbolt!" he calls, waving an oily hand. "How'd it go?" Concorde SST emits (A hint of dismay in the voice) "Not well I'm afraid. We happened to return a few civilians that managed to survive to Iacon, or at least what remains of it. Most of the planet is in toatl destructive chaos... Rewind follows Magnus around as he moves over to Rodimus, still spouting. "As a matter of fact, I'm fairly sure that our other ship that was departing from Autobot city, from what I've been told of it, _did_ crash in the Quintesson system. Now, considering we haven't had contact with them in...oh..give or take about 11 million years, I find the prospect of learning of their continued existence utterly fascinating..." Concorde SST emits "Not many survivors I'm afraid. Especially near the large, uh, hand prints left my Unicron Ultra Magnus nods solemly, looking down to Rewind and speaking, "Thank you Rewind" then looking up and shaking his head sadly. "If only we had had some warning." Concorde SST opens it's doors for the human to disembark Sideswipe stows the rag. Sideswipe mutters to Sunrunner, "I... to... Sunstreaker!" Elita One nods somberly. "I still have no report from Firestar, Moonracer, and Chromia. They were on the other side of the planet when the attack occurred." Sunrunner nods, and waves to Sideswipe. "Okay, see ya." Rodimus Prime shudders. "I've learned all I want to about them, thanks, Rewind." He looks back to Silverbolt, still wearing a look of distaste. "Well, all we can do is get to the ones who can still be helped..." Ultra Magnus folds his arms and looks at Silverbolt, "Any indication of Decepticon activity? As convienient it would be, I don't want to bet on them having been wiped out. Sideswipe kicks over as he shifts into a red Sportscar. Sportscar shifts and hauls out of there! Rodimus Prime pfahs. "Yeah, right. Led by who?" Ultra Magnus turns back to Rodimus and shrugs. "Starscream, Shockwave, or worse. I mean who knows what other Decepticons were created that we didn't meet. Concorde SST emits from its speakers, "I could barely find -any- movement, let alone Decepticon activity. Suffice to say, They are probably at as a big a loss, if not moreso, than ourselves....sir." Rodimus Prime smiles. "If Starscream's in charge, then we have this thing locked up." Ultra Magnus allows himself a grin in spite of everything else as he nods at Rodimus, "Agreed, but we don't want to count on it." From Silverbolt, The human listens intently over the internal speakers, rising slowly after looking over one of the frightened civilians. Rodimus Prime shrugs. "I already took care of Galvatron. What more could we have to worry about?" Rewind looks up to Magnus, nodding. "Yes, yes. Extremely interesting, isn't it? Though the possibilities are also somewhat dangerous, considering the lore I've read on the Quintessons." Concorde SST carts towards the city... Ultra Magnus gives Rodimus a "You don't really believe that" as he looks back down to rewind without saying anything at first. Elita One states calmly, "Just because the leader is dead does not mean the Decepticons are to be counted out. After all, Shockwave is still alive from all accounts. Concorde SST leaves to the West Tower to the west. Rewind looking up at Magnus as he looks down, faceplate-to-faceplate. Ultra Magnus starts, "Rewind... that's enough for now. Rodimus said it best, the less we know of them, the better for now. Daniel has arrived. Rodimus Prime just grumbles quietly to himself, scraping a long string of partially-dried gunk off his side. Rewind blinks at Magnus, as if he just suggested doing something sacrilegious. Ultra Magnus looks up wondering why the humans haven't gotten out of Silverbolt yet. A sound cuts softly through the air--the faint hum of an anti-grav system, and a soft hiss of thrusters. Sunrunner blinks. Rodimus Prime says a bit snippily, "And you wouldn't be so hot on finding out more about them if they'd tried to dump YOU to the Sharkticons, either." A small figure slips into view, weaving between some of the towering forms with a practiced ease, and fearlessness that only boys can truly master. Daniel calls out, eyes lighting as he spots the assembly of familiar fingers. "Rodimus! Guys!" Concorde SST enters from the West Tower to the west. Ultra Magnus grins trying to lighten the mood, "Tried Rodimus? _You_ said they did drop you..." Daniel rides, cutting sharply on a rectangular hoverboard--small blossoms of gold light flared from its thrusters. Elita One snaps out just as quickly, "And this is not the time to slack down, if anything, the side that rebuilds first will have the advantage." Concorde SST opens the hatch for the human to depart Sunrunner watches Daniel whizz by. . o O (That looks like fun... I wonder if Whiz can make me one... Naah...) Ultra Magnus turns casting an involuntary concerned look over at Daniel then to Elita One as she echos a sentiment he shared himself earlier...and remembers the reaction it brought then. You say, "Yeah, but I didn't get eaten now, did I?" He brightens, "Hey, Dan--" cutting himself short startledly. "Did I... say something...?" Elita One falls silent, suddenly aware of her pent in anger. "Excuse me..." she says, as she turns from the group. Daniel holds his arms out just slightly for balance, his smile untarnished as he curves around behind Ultra Magnus, and then around towards Rodimus. "Rodimus, you should see all the neat stuff the others are digging up. There's this great--uh...." He hesitates, lowering himself to the ground, and glances around to the various faces, absorbing their moods. Rewind stares at Magnus for several moments. "...N...._Not_ learn about them? But they're almost c completely alien to us at this point..." he begins to protest, then sighing through his vocalizer. Ultra Magnus gets the look of the overworked, underpayed, and overtired mediator as he moves back a step between Elita One and Rodimus, looking at him as if trying to remind him of her special burden then over towards Elita and steps towards her. Ultra Magnus steps closer to Elita trying to cut the distance down as he mutters to her lowly... Rodimus Prime lowers himself slowly to a knee. He mutters to Daniel, "... make up... or... think." Daniel senses "Rodimus Prime lowers himself slowly to a knee. "They can't make up their minds whether to be happy or mad at me, I think."" Daniel reaches up, ruffling his own hair with one hand as he watches the Autobots. Feeling he's missed something, he switches his glance to Rodimus--one who usually shares the same mild confusion in such situations. Krystal steps down from the cargo ramp in the Concorde, shrouded still by the hood and black cloak against the chill in Cybertron's atmosphere. Folding back his wings to produce arms and erecting himself on legs which from below him, Silverbolt transforms into his determined looking robot form. Ultra Magnus mutters to Elita One, "... things... for... than... have..." Daniel sighs slightly, and nods to his friend. It mutters to Rodimus Prime, "... know how that... My... are... getting mad... If they're anything... Dad,... and take... ballgame in a... while." You sense Daniel sighs slightly, and nods to his friend. "I know how that is. My folks are always getting mad for stuff like that. If they're anything like Dad, they'll just give up and take you to a ballgame in a little while." Rodimus Prime snickers softly. "Somehow I don't see that happening." Elita One looks blankly startled at Ultra Magnus. She mutters to Ultra Magnus, "... difficult? I am... making... we... allow... to... into... sense... security!" She mutters, her tone harsh as emotions finally start rising to the surface, unable to remain contained. Silverbolt watches everyone seemingly talk amoungst themselves and remains quiet. He still seems unsure of this whole new leader, and some of that corcern seems to suface every now and again in his optics Daniel manages a slight grin, shrugging his shoulders. "...Well, stranger stuff's happened, right?" He glances around, speaking more to Rodimus than the others, although his voice picks up enough to include them all. "...You guys need any help?" Sunrunner steps over near Elita now that it sinks in that her previous companion is long since gone. Elita One finishes quietly as she finishes. She mutters to Ultra Magnus, "... Optimus... like..." Ultra Magnus leans back to Elita, still holding the attempt at keeping the peace, but reeling as Elita makes one comment which does cut to the bone as he responds. Rodimus Prime rises to his feet abruptly, stabbing a finger at Elita. "Yeah, and maybe I'd like people to be able to enjoy a victory for once in a million years! We WON, Elita! We have breathing room. For the first TIME, we have breathing room and it never bothered us before. So why's it have to be so deathly serious now?" Ultra Magnus mutters to Elita One, "... I'm trying to... it's... situation... to... adapt.... delay....(*trails... as... speaks*)" Daniel starts slightly, shifting his foot so that he hovers away from them slightly. Ultra Magnus looks from one to the other and suddenly tries to interject. "There's no need for this..." Daniel glances up at Rodimus, then to the others. "...We are supposed to be happy, right?" Elita One spits angrilly, "At WHAT cost, Rodimus?!" her finger stabs out in return. "How many are dead on Earth?!? How many are unaccounted for here?!" Sunrunner just watches the arguments fly back and forth like a cat watching a ping pong game. Shifting somewhat uncomfortably, then jumping outright as a suddenly irrate Autobot leader leaps to his feet, shouting and a rather over- wraught female jumps back in his face, the human field commander swallows heavily. "Please....don't do this to each other...." Ultra Magnus closes his eyes as Elita speaks out more and more as he turns to look at her, "And that's noone's fault. Certainly noone here. Sunrunner says in a weak, tiny voice, "... Elita...?" again seeming very concerned about the situation. Rewind takes a few steps back from Elita One, musing aloud. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Rodimus Prime winces slightly but comes right back. "So how's it different from any other battle? We have better things to do now than beat ourselves over the heads over the deaths. There are a lot of people still alive who need our attention a lot more. WE'RE still alive. It's war." Ultra Magnus turns and finally lets it out, choosing the most inappropriate time, "Rewind, Shut up Please!" Daniel glances towards Rewind, thinking for just a moment that even -he- knows that's not really appropriate. A mixture of sadness and anger boil into Elita's voice and expression as she advances. "We are alive, but that will not last if we allow ourselves to slack off and celebrate. There is rebuidling to be done..." she trails off suddenly with her next words, "Dead to be mourned..." Ultra Magnus steps into the path between Elita and Rodimus holding his arms out between the two in the air, his eyes glinting, "Look, you're both right but this kind of display isn't going to help anyone get through anything! We need time to adjust. If we don't take the bit of time, we'll be walking around haunted and maybe make bigger mistakes." Daniel lowers the hoverboard to the ground, knocking it off with a tap from his foot, and springing off again. Rubbing his hands at his thighs lightly, cleaning some of the grime from the palms, he tentatively approaches Elita. You say, "No one's slacking. But everyone's just been through the mother of all battles and we're NOT going to accomplish anything if we don't get a breather. I'm not SAYING drop everything. Primus, you're the one who put Arcee on leave, where're you coming from??" Ultra Magnus gets more and more angered by this display before he final booms out, "ENOUGH! Rodimus, Elita this isn't the time or place for this... now just everybody cool down." Sunrunner nodnods! Rodimus Prime swats irritably at Magnus' restraining hand. "She started it," he mutters. Ultra Magnus feels like he's dealing with 6th graders. Daniel hesitates at the feet of the femme commander, then glances back again...just at a loss. Ultra Magnus lowers his hands as he looks from one to the other, "Maybe you should finish with that shower Rodimus...." Sunrunner looks down at Daniel, a big question mark hanging over her head. Elita One doesn't even hear Magnus or Rodimus' words, her shoulders slumping, loosing all semblance of the commander and a live myth, instead appearing oh so human. Daniel scratches at the back of one hand, peering up at Elita--a figure still somewhat a stranger to him, although he recalls a certain bond shares between them. "...Elita?", he questions. Ultra Magnus turns away as he remembers that the Human was also around as he looks towards her, "Sorry very much Lieutenant, however as you've seen, it's an....emotional, time for us all. Rodimus Prime mutters sourly, "Fine, I'm going to find a water main. Have fun beating yourselves over the head without me." Rodimus Prime turns and stalks out. You move south to the road to Autobot Headquarters... Road to Autobot Headquarters(#178 RntN) Obvious exits: Fly leads to Sky above AHQ. South leads to Outside Memorial Spaceport. Daniel enters from the Central Courtyard to the north. A hiss of mini-thrusters precedes Daniel as he coasts in on the hoverboard, once more pushing it to extreme speeds to try and keep up with his friend. His posture is a mockery of a surfer riding an ocean curl, but he seems to think he's all style. "...Rodimus! Wait up!" Rodimus Prime is wrestling with a rusted-shut pipe valve, one foot braced against the water main. He glances up on hearing his name -- is that really his name? It still doesn't sound right -- swiping a hand irritably over a bit of oily gunk on his cheek. His posture slumps on recognizing Daniel, and he waves him over tiredly. "Over here." Daniel tries to push the board a little faster but it simply won't have it, and he must resign himself to coasting near at merely breakneck speeds. Curving around behind him, barely coming to a halt at one side, he neatly jumps off the board and landson his feet. His weight tilts forward slightly, causing him to lean on one of Rodimus' legs for balance... Rodimus Prime reaches down quickly to steady the boy. "Hey, careful. I'm not going anywhere." Daniel is quick to right himself with the bit of help, glancing down at the white jumpsuit as it now appears to be smeared with...some...weird stuff. Wiping at it, thinking it sort of neat in an odd, boyish sort of way, he again upturns his gaze. "...Well, good. Everybody seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere, now. Why is everybody so mad...is it...because of Optimus, do you think?" Rodimus Prime sighs. "I don't know. I'm just trying to keep up and everyone's yelling at ME like... like... I don't know. Like I should be able to push some magic button and make everything better." Daniel shifts slightly, glancing down for a moment, perhaps having been through this before. The concept of being able to counsel his friend is, at least, novel, and he savors it while he can. "...I guess...I don't really get it, either. I mean...I thought everything -was- better, you know? I mean...better than it was before." Daniel questions, squinting the brown eyes for a moment. "...Hey, wait a minute...aren't you the leader now? Are they -allowed- to yell at you?" Rodimus Prime grips the valve handle with renewed ferocity, forcing it to turn by virtue of sheer brute force. "Apparently," he grunts. "And it IS better, but everyone's too busy focusing on the casuaaaaaaaggh!" he slams backward on his back as the pipeline suddenly gushes out a torrent of ice-water directly into his chest. Daniel lets out a startled, "Woah!", staggering back in sheer surprise as the water gushes forward. He starts to move forward, then hesitates, eyes open and widened, expression both anxious and awed. "Rodimus! Uh-- a-are you OK?" He starts forward, shouting to be heard over the hissing roar of the water. Rodimus Prime sits up, coughing, the water sheeting off him on either side. "Fine," he sputters, putting up his hands to shield his face from the torrent as he lurches to his feet, battling the water back to the pipe. Rodimus Prime turns his face away as he flails forward with both hands to grab the valve, wrenching it shut. Daniel watches, now with the faintest of grins. He briefly considers trying to board on the deluge, but quickly discards it as ridiculous. Instead, he rushes behind Rodimus, and begins pushing at the back of one of his legs--leaning his weight into it as helpfully as he can. Daniel calls out, "...Is it off, yet?" Rodimus Prime straightens as the water eases off to a trickle, wiping his arm across his forehead. "Yeah," he huffs. Daniel relexes his weight off of his leg, stepping back, grinning from beneath the spiky web of his bangs. "Well," he offers, catching a small breath of his own "...You're -clean- now" Rodimus Prime wipes a thumb over the slick, wet metal of his chest, smirking. "Well, there's THAT mission accomplished, anyway." Daniel springs lightly forward with both feet, landing in a puddled section of floor--a fairly easy task, to be certain--and splashing shortly in all directions. He grins up at him, springing to another puddle. "See? Only leader for a little while, and already you're doing fine...now they can't complain." -hop- *splash* Rodimus Prime's smile fades slightly. "I don't think I'm cut out for this leader thing. All I've gotten is a bunch of sour looks and grief from Ultra Magnus." Daniel hops forward again, once more splashing, but it's quickly losing its novelty. Catching another small breath, he again looks upwards, meeting the kind and familiar blue optics. "...Aw, don't feel bad. My Dad says Ultra Magnus gives them to everybody. And besides..." He seems to sober, as well, voice growing uncharacteristically quiet, "They're still...y'know, upset. Maybe it'll just take awhile." Rodimus Prime exhales loudly, sitting down to lean his head back against the main with a clang. "They're all mad at me." Daniel peers at him quietly, then wades through a few shallow puddles. "...I don't think they're mad at you...maybe just...you know...mad at how things happened. Like..." He pauses, trying to climb up atop one of his legs, his voice strained with effort as he continues, "Like..uhnn...when my folks fight...sometimes they snap at me, too. They don't mean to, but...uhrrn...it just happens." He drops back down to the ground with a small *splash*, and a soft exhale. "Besides...what did you do, that they could be mad at?" It is a genuine question, as he apparently harbors no ill feelings of his own. Rodimus Prime shrugs, extending his hand to offer it as a platform. "Took them by surprise, I guess..." he snorts softly. "Took me by surprise. They act like I planned this just to spite them." Daniel seizes the opportunity gratefully, if almost absently, climbing onto his hand, and then boosting himself up onto the partly-raised knee. Settling there, apparently quite comfortably, he rests his hands on either side of him and gazes at his friend. "Everybody needs somebody to blame. Maybe we need to do something to make them see it the other way around. You know...kind of like a party...but maybe with purpose. D'you think that would maybe help?" Rodimus Prime rolls his head to one side, splashing his hand vaguely in the puddle, his expression in direct contrast to the deceptively older cast of his face. "They don't want to relax at ALL," he moans. "Not the higher-ups, anyway. Ultra Magnus, Elita... I know everyone else could use the break but I'd get in trouble for it." Daniel squints, then leans forward with the smallest of smiles. "...Get in trouble with -who-? Aren't you the boss, now?" Rodimus Prime cracks a smile. "Yeah, I guess so. But still -- I don't want Ultra Magnus mad at me." Daniel voices a small giggle as he leans back again. "...I thought it would kinda' happen anyway. Didn't you tell me he always finds something?" Daniel raps his knuckles against the side of Rodimus' knee. "Besides-- what if he *likes* the idea?" Rodimus Prime shakes his head. "I already know he won't LIKE it," he muses, his tone turning thoughtful. "I just feel kind of weird... I mean, I respect him. I don't want to have to... show him who's boss..." he stutters slightly like the words don't really sound natural. Daniel is quiet for some time as he thinks this over. "Well...it's got to happen some time, right? I mean...bet to happen over something fun?" His voice is somewhat uncertain, as if he still toys with the idea himself. Rodimus Prime hmms heavily. "More like, better it happen now than later, but yeah.." Daniel leans his weight back onto his palms again, smiling openly now. "...So, whadd'ya say?" Rodimus Prime smiles. "I'm the boss." Daniel's features brighten, taking no small delight in the sound of that. He grins, "Like you always said--except now people really do have to listen to you." Rodimus Prime's face twists oddly for a moment. "As long as I don't screw up," he qualifies, but quickly flashes a smile to disperse his concerns. Offering Daniel his hand -- either to the ground or to his shoulder, he leans forward slightly, about to get up. Daniel grins, pushing hismelf down from the knee, and landing neatly in his palm. He leans upwards, apparently preferring the seat of honor on his shoulder, instead of a mere ride on the hoverboard. Rodimus Prime scoops up said board neatly in his other hand as he stands up, handing it up to Daniel. Squaring his shoulders, he mutters something about braving the storm and turns to walk back inside. Daniel settles himself comfortably, resting the board across his lap as he rides out on the Commander's shoulder. Central Courtyard and Landing Area Contents: Rewind, Krystal, Silverbolt, Tracks, Elita One Obvious exits: North leads to Reception Room. West leads to West Tower. East leads to East Tower. South leads to Road to Autobot Headquarters. Daniel rides out on Rodimus' shoulder, the hoverboard across his lap as he beams down, and across, at the others. Silverbolt stands listening to the human and Elita One conversing. Rodimus Prime walks back in, calmly this time, his armor gleaming somewhat wetly from his battle with the water main. Rewind absently taps his hand on his faceplate now, a bit boredly. Considering, he perks up. "I don't suppose anyone would care to know any of the best selling novels from the year 1895 onwards?" Elita One nods again. "Understood. Lieutenant, and I will take your words into advisement." Silverbolt looks at Rewinds and suggests "Ah, maybe another time." Daniel reaches up, pushing a few tendrils of damp brown hair back from his forehead as he takes in the impressive view... Rewind would frown, if he had lips. Daniel looks around, noting Ultra Magnus' absence with a quiet surprise. Krystal nods quietly as she begins to raise the cowl of her cloak over her head again. "All right then." Rewind looks back at silverbolt. "How about a list of birthstones and flowers for the months of the Terran calender?" Rodimus Prime clears his throat quietly. "Uhm.. sorry about that," he says in a subdued tone. "Can we be civil now?" Daniel grins down at Rewind, momentarily distracted. "Hey--I'm December!" Silverbolt shakes his head quietly Elita One looks at Krystal for a moment, and accepting the encouragment, stands. "If you wish, Rodimus." Rewind's head whips over to Daniel, expression brightening. He wanders over to Rodimus' leg, looking up. "December's two stones are Zircon and Turquoise. The flowers are Narcissus or Holly." he says, proudly. Tracks looks down to Rewind. "I'd think it'd be Holly or Pointsettias, m'self... whenever people have flowers out in December its usually the poinsettia." Daniel seems disinterested at the mention of flowers, though he 'cools' quietly about the stones. "Neat. That's cool, Rewind..." Krystal just looked at you. Rodimus Prime takes a deep breath. "Okay then. I think," he says deliberately, "that most of us will be far better able to deal with all this rebuilding stuff if we take a day off to recover first. We can scout for survivors all cycle tomorrow, but as far as the not-so-urgent stuff goes, I want to put it off for now and let everyone get used to things. Me included." Daniel's smile remains as he looks around to the others, anticipating enthusiastic agreement all around. Elita One says, "If that is your orders, I will relay them to my team." Rodimus Prime says slowly, "Yeah, those're my... orders." Krystal smiles silently to herself fro beneath her hood. It is an improvement from earlier, that is certain. Silverbolt nods respectfully "You have the Aerialbots' fully cooperation" Daniel sighs quietly, a little underwhelmed. Elita One nods. "I am expecting final reports by the beginning of the cycle, and I will be able to tell you exactly who I have left in the Femme ranks." Rodimus Prime starts to move his hand as though to put it on Elita's arm, but arrests the instinctive gesture with a conscious thought, and just nods. Krystal arches an eyebrow at the silent compassionate gesture, intrigued by its genuity and its impulsiveness. Elita One tilts her chin slightly to Rodimus, and salutes cordially, stepping back as she starts to head for her duties. Rewind looks at Tracks. "Those are the flowers, according to my database. Pointsettias aren't even mentioned, sorry." Rodimus Prime returns the salute awkwardly, putting his hand quickly back at his side like he's not quite sure where to put it. Daniel clears his throat, quietly pressing, "...So what is everybody gonna do for fun, huh?" Rewind looks upwards at Daniel. "Hmm. Do you have a copy of Webster's handy?" Elita One stops for a moment, and looks down one last time at Krystal. "Thank you." she says simply with a faint smile, and moves out. Daniel pauses, the darkly-lashed eyes turning down to Rewind. "Uh...Webster's what?" Rodimus Prime smirks. "Well, staring at me seems to be pretty high on everyone's list, so maybe I should just stand in an empty room and let people wander through." Tracks snickers a bit at that comment. Silverbolt smirks "I'd say a guided tour...But I've seen enough for one cycle" Rewind looks at Daniel, seemingly taken aback. "Webster's. Noah Webster's dictionary?" Daniel quotes, "Take a picture, it'll last longer." He pauses, then says, "Hey, maybe we can take everybody fishing?" Daniel glances to Rewind again, murmuring a quiet 'oh'. "Well...not on me, no..." Rodimus Prime chuckles. "Not on Cybertron, Danno." Daniel seems faintly disappointed by that, then glances aside to Rodimus's profile. "...Well, what -do- you guys do for fun, up here?" Daniel smiles slightly. "You do -have- fun on Cybertron, don't you?" You say, "Not for a long time. Warzone, remember?" You say, "We'll come up with something. Even if it is just watching Whiz make a fool of herself." Rodimus Prime smiles gamely. Rewind would frown, if he had lips. "Well, I suppose I could always cycle through some of Bartlett's quotations, if you like." Daniel uhhhhs, and glances to Rodimus again at Rewind's suggestion. "...I think I like the Whiz-thing, better." You say, "For now, though, I think I'm going to at least try and get some rest.. or something." He frowns vaguely. "It's a lot to sort out." Daniel shifts his board a little more comfortably across his lap. "Yeah...I think they wanted me back in the barracks about an hour or two ago. Heh--uh...they don't have to know, right?" Rodimus Prime chuckles. "You were with me. Who're they going to complain to?" Daniel grins, now -really- starting to like the idea of this. "Hey, al- right-...you don't think you could convince them to let me have a dog, do you?" Rewind looks upwards at Daniel. "What breed of dog?" Daniel starts to reply, then hesitates, wondering what sort of deluge of information this is going to prompt. "Uh...golden retriever?" You say, "Don't push your luck. C'mon, I'll drop you off. Good night, everyone." Silverbolt salutes "Good night sir", hen Transforms and flies off to find a place to relax Daniel raises a free hand to wave at the others as he rides Rodimus' shoulder out. "...Later!"