by Marcus Rush » Tue Oct 29, 2013 8:19 pm
- Weapon: Automatic Acid-Pellet Gun
Bridge
As Springer's team departed the bridge, Magnus made his way past Bluestreak and Smokescreen. He stepped up onto the higher command well in the center of the bridge, overlooking the sunken operation decks below. Before his gaze the deceptively peaceful orb of blue, white and green, with splashes of brown, turned slowly on the primary view screen. Just beneath that the massive digital representation of Sol 3, sat the triple partial arcs that comprised the stations of Navigation, Sensor Tracking and the Helm. The stations were occupied though not presently filled by their primary inhabitants. He turned his optics towards the black and orange mech that had recently taken over position of the Navigation terminal.
"Blaster..." he finally broke his temporary silence. He knew he needed to finally address the masses on both ships. To prepare them for their future as well as their destinies when it came to the present, it was a task he did not relish and did not want. But Prowl was right, with Optimus missing there were few others who had the experience and were readily available to assume that role. Personally he would have rather had dispatched the Longevity or even the Guardian itself to search for more worthy candidates. Unfortunately, fates did not give him the opportunity. "Activate the internal ship communication grid. Splice with the Guardian's and broadcast the next sequence. Live."
As the internal servos embedded in the ceiling of the bridge began to flicker to life, Ultra Magnus stood up from his brooding and pivoted back to face those who remained on the bridge. Before him a small sensor pod began to flicker to life and patch in to the communications array that linked the two vessels.
He brushed off an imaginary thread of discomfort from his right shoulder and then instinctively straightened his posture. The display light on the sensor activated and flashed green indicating that the link was established and fully functional. Inwardly he marveled how swift Blaster could instigate such a complicated link of two totally different communication systems with only a few fundamental similarities. The Ark Class was one of the older types of vessels, the Guardian one of the more modern, a link would typically take a few minutes, but for the skill of the Voice, it was almost instantaneous.
There was a moment of silence as he allowed his image to usurp many of the lower levels, quarters and screens throughout the two warships. He knew that his presence was enough to garner a level of attention from those who served with him or beneath him, a legacy of his mentor perhaps. Or was it because he earned that respect?
His mind played out with a series of introductions that he could use to begin his address. All of the standards seemed to be too disingenuous and decidedly unprofessional. He was never one for true small talk, it took away from getting to the matters of fact and accomplishing the true objectives of discussion or debate. No, this address had to be his, made by him alone and had to have a stamp of his authority. In other words, he was in command and he had to act as such.
"Attention Autobots. As of last stellar cycle, I have assumed command of the united Sol Forces of the Autobot Army, Navy and Air Forces. Prowl has stepped down to resume his initial and pivotal role in the chain of operations. As for our Supreme Commander Optimus Prime. Many rumors of his demise have continually circulated throughout the star system, and many of those involve the congruent death of Megatron as well..." Magnus paused, his words hung unspoken but it was clear to those who knew him well that the very mention of his departed brother still bit at his processors. "While I cannot offer any level of security on the condition of Megatron, I can promise that whether he is functional or not, our fight with the seeds he has sewn into the fertile grounds that is his faithful is far from over. Units such as the Combaticons, once reported to be under the command of Shockwave, have been sighted and encountered in system. That encounter gives evidence that Shockwave has abandoned Cybertron, with other reports from other Autobot operatives, and is in system... most likely onboard the Thanatos."
He allowed the reports to settle in before he continued. "A strategic move that holds little meaning if Megatron is still functional or present within the sector. Again this is a logical progression of available pieces of evidence and does not initially confirm this belief and should not be taken that the Decepticons have suffered a major blow to their over all capabilities.
As for the rumors of Optimus, my brother... We have not yet found evidence that he was destroyed in that encounter between he and Megatron. No molecular traces have been discovered either, which tends to grant to a working hypothesis... of which I dare not to delve into for possibly stoking false senses of hope or dread."
His figure immediately bolstered, his shoulders stiffened and his optics flared to life. Discussing the possibility of discovering proof of his brother's death clearly tore at him, though he never showed it to the passing mechanism.
"Under the authority of Grimlock, the Ark 19 was deemed irreparable. Given the sentiment of the chief engineer of the Guardian, Ironfist, this was confirmed that only minor patches could be made to the vessel and a more complete facility was required to meet the required needs of the stricken ship. I realize that many onboard the 22 and Guardian called the 19 their home for a great length of time. She was proud vessel and has carried a proud tradition. Thus it was decided to dispatch her for repairs. Grimlock volunteered his team for the operation, though their methods were less than civil and has left a litany of displeasure regarding their departure. These matters with regards to their departure will be addressed at a more opportune time. For those involved in that incident, of which I am sure there are numerous, I will hear your comments and your reports as presented and take them in context with known events and evidence."
An unfortunate event that he had to discuss before the more positive aspects of his initiatives. But it was something that Jazz had brought to his attention, and Prowl needed closure, though he knew the black and white strategist would never admit to it. "As for events that have taken place since my arrival. The sequestering of our forces onboard our two vessels in Earth orbit is not a tactic I completely support, though at the time I do believe I can understand the perceived necessity. However, though our presence on the planet has slowed our discovery, it has not stalled the fortification of smaller Decepticon units on the surface. In order to prevent future incursions onto this planet, I have initiated what has been dubbed Operation: Autobot City. Under the guidance of Prowl and a team of specialists, we have begun scouting a location for a new semi permanent colony on the planet in which we can more fully defend the planet from off world incursion.
To further the success of this operation, we have begun implementation of a development blitz. We can no longer allow ourselves to have the terms of this conflict dictated to us. In order to improve the construction and effectiveness of our future Autobot City, I have asked and now I put a call to any Autobot onboard the 22 or the Guardian, with engineering or scientific backgrounds to check in with Wheeljack for further instructions or project assignments.
In addition to these tasks that I have laid before our Autobot Corps of Engineers, I have begun reviewing policies of Earth side scouting and research opportunities. Earth is not our home, we are merely visitors to this world, brought here by the same tyranny and lust that has stained and demolished our very sparks. In Optimus's memory, I will not allow the same fate of Cybertron and countless other worlds to befall this one."
He paused again, this time he mused to himself quietly as he watched the others on the bridge. The majority of their optics already riveted to him as he stood there exposed to the camera. He had been brief and clear in his intention regarding earth, though he did not delve into the specifics which those who were not of command level did not need to be made privy to. He had established that even with the current lack of physical presence of his friend or his most hated foe, there was little to confirm their existence or their deaths. There were still more that he had to address, and he was loth to do it.
"As for more pressing matters that overlap with our current programs that have been established. Reports regarding the defection of Hot Rod, Hardhead and Hex must be addressed. These rumors are false to the highest degree. As it stands, these individuals have been infected with a powerful entity that has driven them to a depth of darkness that lurked within their personalities. This infection is extremely dangerous and incredibly lethal. It is the embodiment of a legendary horror unlocked from the dark caverns of Cybertron's distant past. Named the Fallen," the name drove several quick gasps by those units who had just come on duty in the lower levels and wells. "The fallen, a usurper and betrayer of ancient Primes, a slayer of brothers and a murderer of innocent sparks, has assumed control of Hot Rod and reformed him. This Black Rodimus plans the entire obliteration of the Cybertronian race."
He looked down and gave a passing glance to Ratchet and Axle. Giving an imperceptible nod, Ultra Magnus continued. "Black Rodimus's power alone is more than a match for our combined forces here on Earth. That reality is inescapable. Therefore, I am initiating a parley with the Decepticons to combine our forces in neutralizing this threat. We will rescue our comrades, their deaths are an unacceptable outcome to future operations. Therefore during our negotiations and our planning, I want all available Autobots to check in their status with medical staffs of their assigned vessels and prepare for deployment." He knew that coming from anyone other than himself or Optimus, this news would have been a laughing matter and would have reverberated through the holds. But Ultra Magnus was not the sort to have much of a sense of humor when it came to operations, and that meant the whole would have to be on alert and ready to go the moment he gave the order.
"I am aware that this is a lot of information for a great many to assimilate. And there are still details that are unclear and cannot be made public until we know the full breadth of their implications. However, it must be made clear here and now. I am Ultra Magnus, I accept the responsibility as your Commander. We will not fail in our ambitious endeavors. The memory and the hope of Optimus Prime will guide us in our actions and act as a beacon through these dark crises..."
The transmission was cut as Magnus toggled a simple switch off the feed. He shook his head as he descended down towards the others gathered. "Not necessarily my most motivational speech. Though that has never been one of my more endearing features. At least it serves to inform those who listened the mechanizations of what is going on in these times... Blaster make sure that feed was received by the Guardian and recorded for future transmission to Prowl and Arcee's units on earth... once they are better situated."
"Bluestreak, your rather extensive experience in... salesmechship, I believe I will require your assistance in developing a pitch for our Decepticon friends."
"Oh and one more thing Blaster, send another blast to the Thanatos. And repeat the process once every 3 breems until a response is received. Inform me immediately once contact has been achieved."
