Call of the Guardians [Narrative to Video, Action Welcome.]

[kismet_loop_mods]

[It's later in the morning when the news will come up on everyone's comm drones. A grim-faced Thillens announces that yet more people have gone missing from their homes and that Alia is detecting large amounts of some dark, chaotic energy all through the city today. There have been no signs of Miasma bubbles within the city, so perhaps it's because a big one is coming. Whatever it is, he warns the citizens of Haven to be careful.]

[Sometime later in the morning, before noon, the ground shakes and rumbles and something in the atmosphere changes. Small objects will lift from the ground, floating as though suddenly suspended in a place where there is no gravity, and yet the residents will feel a heavy, oppressive pressure pushing on them. It'll be a battle of will to stay on their feet rather than drop to their knees. The urge to drop is strong, like the urge to lie down in bed when one is so exhausted and they know they'd be asleep in moments if they could just lie down and close their eyes. Not impossible to shrug off or ignore, but an urge that keeps tugging at the citizens nonetheless.]

[The small earthquakes will continue to rumble, making the ground shudder, though thankfully not causing much damage. Far to the East, a thick column of black rises from the great canyon. It's blacker than black, almost seeming to absorb and swallow the light around it. There is a figure high up, on top of the thick pillar of oily substance, but the person cannot yet be made out. This will not be a problem for long.]

[Once again everyone's comm drones will open, this time to show the face of a familiar Guardian. Galos grins at the screen, but there's something different about him. His eyes are solid black, the same black as the substance he lounges on high above the city. The light-absorbing goop shifts and moves under and around him, sometimes almost looking like masses of hands...sometimes even looking like faces.]

Citizens of Haven. [His voice is a little deeper than when he first greeted new arrivals, a strange quality to it like an echo of another speaking a half-second after him.]

I am Galos, and I am now the sole leader of this city. I have become a God as I have taken the power of a God. Those who refuse to bow to me will be crushed.  The rest of you will live in peace - you will no longer have to fear the touch of the Bringer of Chaos again.

[He laughs then, almost sounding like a madman. When he regains his composure, he turns that dark grin on the camera once more.]

All the citizens of Haven will come to me and swear their loyalty. Those who have not presented themselves as loyal subjects will be executed. You have until tomorrow morning to swear yourselves to me.

[The feed cuts.]

[It is not long later when the comm drones will once again broadcast to the citizens of Haven. A tall, thin Cybertronian stands before the camera this time. Behind him stand five others.]

Citizens of Haven, my name is Gyroscope. I am one of the Guardians of this city. Standing with me are those who would also see you safe and free. Wheeljack, Irja, Contrail, Van, Jinora, and I have sworn to protect you and this place that is currently your home.

Four of our number are missing, and one, as you all saw, has just declared himself your ruler. We do not support Galos's claim to leadership. He has found a way to siphon the power of Unicron, The Destroyer and Chaos Bringer. While he may promise peace, we fear that such an evil power is already corrupting him.

We ask you to stand with us. We ask you to stand up for yourselves. Galos will not be easy to defeat, but giving in will mean oppression and darkness for everyone. [The bot pauses and looks back at his fellows, seeing if they have anything to add.]

[Behind Gyroscope, the broad-shouldered mech whom some will know is Wheeljack looks livid. The Chief Engineer's hands are in tight fists, blue optics darkened to a vivid indigo. The anger, however, is a controlled one as he focuses on the needs of others.] Those who can fight, great. Those who can't, we'll do our best ta create a safe space for ya until this is done with. I've got a bunker I've been workin' on. Those who need it, I'll send guard drones ta escort ya ta safety. Just contact me on my personal frequency. Your comm drones have it programmed in already.

Comments

[the_other_green_seeker]

[The Guardians sans Galos get a reply almost immediately in the form of a ROYALLY pissed off Seeker.]

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FRAGGIN' KIDDING ME! AGAIN!? Is there always going to be some fragging IDIOT who thinks it's a good idea to side with a thing that wants to eat the slaggin' UNIVERSE?! What the frag was he even-?!

[Jadewing trails off into an inarticulate noise of anger as he punches the nearest wall, leaving a dent in it. Fist still in the dent, he cycles a few deep breaths to get himself back under control. With a final ex-vent he straightens up, a bit stiffly, wings held high and tight. He's still flaming mad, oh yes, but he's back in control. And ready to put that anger to use.]

I'll fight. In fact, I'll personally rip that little glitch's pointy head off if I get the chance. I've had it up to the wingtips with this slag.

[video]

[the_earth_laughs]

[The small fairy Guaridan, the one Gyroscope identified as Irja, is the one to answer. Her tone is sad.]

I doubt it makes a difference, but...we don't believe he's sided with Unicron so much as...using him.

Your help will be very welcome.

Re: [video]

[the_other_green_seeker]

[Oh hey tiny, organic flying... thing. Trying to puzzle out what you are is almost distracting enough to make Jadewing forget how angry he is. Almost.]

Unicron's always using you, whether you sided with It willingly or not. So no, no difference.

So should I come to you guys, or what? If we're going to do this, we're gonna need to coordinate.

Re: [video]

[the_earth_laughs]

[She's inclined to agree, so she lets it go.]

Yes. We're gathering at the Hub.

[ye_olde_engineer]

. . .

[This coming from a Decepticon. And a fragging SEEKER at that. But . . . but no, his personal feelings and prejudices have no place in this city, ESPECIALLY not now. He's cool and business-like as he replies.]

Yeah, Seeker, there's always gonna be the idiots an' the slag-suckers. Always kinda thought there was somethin' I didn't quite feel comfortable with about Galos, but this?

[He shakes his head.]

Anyway, we'll be glad ta have ya. Thanks.

[Because whatever his personal feelings? Even he knows that having a Seeker on your side is A. GOOD. THING. in combat.]

[the_other_green_seeker]

[Jadewing is actually startled enough by the sight of the familiar- but very dead, where he comes from- Autobot that he does forget how angry he is for a moment.]

Wheeljack?! But you're... [Blink. Half to himself.] ...Right. Weird-aft space-time slag. Great...

[There wasn't even any proof that this was 'his' Wheeljack, though if he wasn't he seemed similar enough for it not to matter. Oi, that was going to be a fun discussion, assuming they both survived.

The thought of which brought him back to the matter at hand. And also brought back the exasperated anger.]

Hmph... At least the whole fraggin' planet isn't in imminent danger of getting eaten this time. Guess that's something...

Anyway, I'll be there as soon as I can. And I'll try and get in touch with my trinemates on the way. Though if Thundercracker, Wing, or Blurr call in before that, tell them I'm already on my way over.

[Video]

[ye_olde_engineer]

[The initial reaction gets a hesitation from the old engineer, and he seems to squint at the videofeed.]

…Acidstor-… Huh, no…no, wrong accent colors.  Hmn.

Dead?  Yeah. You fraggers finally got me. Congratulations.  Nice thing about this place is, for some of us, it's a second chance.

[At least that spared Jadewing the "fun discussion" later – or at least the "you're dead /when/ I'm from" part.  The last part, though?...the engineer's optics darken again, wing panels twitching, and he has to look away, even glance around a bit, before he trusts himself enough to speak again.  He nods.]

If I hear from 'em, I'll tell 'em.

[deadlydoctor]

Not this again. [Someone is really pissed off.] Are we cursed or something? I had the enough the first THREE TIMES!!!

[framed_wheel]

[Gyroscope is the one to answer]

There is no scientific proof of curses.

That said, we understand if you'd rather stay out of this. If you would, though, we would appreciate your help in moving other non-combatants to the bunker or hospital.

[deadlydoctor]

[Sorry Gyroscope but you are going to suffer from listen to a 2 minutes rant filled with complains and curses until Knock Out calms down slightly.]

Don't you go all Shockwave on me, I know what I am talking about. We can't be this unlucky!

I would appreciated if you fixed his mess as quickly as possible...whatsyourasname. [But he will do as requested.]

[framed_wheel]

I'm not familiar with one named Shockwave. And frankly luck likely has little to do with it. This most likely falls under the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon.

And I assure you, we'll be dealing with this as quickly as possible.

[ye_olde_engineer]

Seems like it sometimes, doesn't it? Trust me, pal, I've had enough too.

If you don't wanna fight, that's fine, s'long as ya just don't side with Galos. Like Gyroscope said, you can help relocate others. Pit, they'll need a medic with them as it is. [And with Paian gone and him heading off to help with the fight...]

[deadlydoctor]

You don't know half of it. [Knock Out runs a hand over his faceplate, silently counting to ten.]

I am my own side. And whatever Bulkhead's in too. [Which means he's an Autobot but it's still weird to call himself that out loud.] Yes yes I know, I am the only decent doctor you have. I got this, I'm used to this. Sadly.

[ye_olde_engineer]

Well . . . you're the only decent doctor not already tyin' himself up in the fight, anyway.

Anyway, good enough. Like I said, s'long as you're not with him. I'll send a group of guard drones, programmed ta recognize your voice. They'll help protect anyone ya got with ya, or whatever else ya need 'em ta do.

[private/locked if possible]

[fractalize]

[ This was happening, again? Why? Why again, and after she'd been through the rabbit hole and back, Elsa has had about enough of being jerked around by other people. First it was being brought to this accursed place, attacked by a psychotic giant, zombies, rabid mutated----things, sent home, and then being jerked back and then, here we are again, with another new psycho, and she's just done. If there ever was a time for her to embrace her duty to be a militant queen in the face of a threat, she's doing it now. ]

Gyroscope.

What else do you know about Galos? How organic is he?


...Will he be susceptible to cold?

[private/locked to Guardians and Elsa]

[ye_olde_engineer]

[Huh . . . little slip of a human girl . . . but he knows better than to judge on looks alone. Pit, if nothing else, she seems determined enough. That alone is admirable . . . and something he can work with.]

I'm not Gyroscope - name's Wheeljack - but maybe I can help.

Far as we know, he's fully organic. Or . . . he was - no idea what he's let into himself now.

On that note, dunno how susceptible he is ta cold now, but . . . whatcha got in mind?

[permalocked whee also editing for length and clarity AND ICON WHOOPS]

[fractalize]

Wheeljack.

[ She acknowledges with a nod. ]

Queen Elsa. Of Arendelle.

And I plan to freeze him out until he surrenders. I've been told what to do for long enough now, I think it's time to fix it.

[ It's all rather confident, which is a weird tune for anyone that knows Elsa. ]

I can take care of that, or provide anything else of like matter; cold.

[ Rather than with confidence, she continues factually. ]

If I can create a whole palace, I can certainly attempt to snow him out, or at least provide a decent distraction.

Re: [private/locked if possible]

[framed_wheel]

As Wheeljack said, my dear, he is fully organic. Logically he should be as susceptible to cold as any other organic being, but it's hard to say for sure considering the power he's found.

If nothing else, it's worth a try if you're truly willing to join us.

[private/locked if possible]

[fractalize]

Logically.

My magic, is ice. All of it. I could erect an army of men made of snow if I willed it.

[ Well. As far as she knows. She's never tried. And as far as that goes, hella nerfed. ]

One clear shot at the heart, and he'll be frozen from the inside out, and his only hope would be an act of true love.

I almost killed me sister with it on accident, once.

[ She looks rather dour. ]

He has someone very important to me.

And if he's hurt, I---

[ Conceal, don't feel. ]

I won't hesitate to kill him.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Just tell me where the fight is.

[Drift is in NO MOOD for pleasantries OR SHENANIGANS he just wants to stab the guy that took Wing from him.

Again.

8(]

[Video]

[ye_olde_engineer]

[Yeah, frankly, Wheeljack's not in much mood either.]

Fight's in the East, but we're meetin' up at the Hub first, see who all we got an work out a battle plan with everyone's various strengths an' capabilities.

[Video]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

[UUUGH DRIFT REALLY JUST WANTS TO GO BATTLE RIGHT NOW. he almost says as much BUT there's that whole being responsible thing that he oughta do and yeah.]

Fine, as long as it's quick. I'm on my way.

[treacherous_widow]

[See Blackarachnia facepalm.]

Gee, this sounds familiar and me without my play toys.

[framed_wheel]

And what "toys" might those be? Perhaps we can provide something that would allow you to aid in this battle.

[treacherous_widow]

[Blackarachnia studies him for a moment. Were they really just going to hand her things? Well, if that's the case...]

To start, explosives and a lab.