The Wonderful Wizard of Tunisia

Africa -- Mirror Universe

Africa is the world's second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Much of it has escaped the depredations of the Transformers.

Contents:

Lightspeed

Kup

Galvatron

Geist

Obvious exits: &lt;East&gt; leads to Oceania -- Mirror Universe. &lt;North&gt; leads to Europe -- Mirror Universe. &lt;South&gt; leads to Antarctica -- Mirror Universe. &lt;West&gt; leads to South America -- Mirror Universe.

Fireflight arrives from the Oceania -- Mirror Universe to the east.

Fireflight has arrived.

Red Alert arrives from the Oceania -- Mirror Universe to the east.

Red Alert has arrived.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "Are our new foreign friends listening?"

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Fireflight says, "You mean me?"%r&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "Yes."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Fireflight says, "I am, then. Red?"

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "You are all invited. I think it prudent for you to be seen by and comunicate with our leader."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Fireflight says, "Errrr... is that who I think you mean? *suddenly sounds nervous*"

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Red Alert says, "I'm, uhm... still not quite in top form." He pauses. "Fireflight, please, please, please be careful in your flight."

Sixshot has arrived.

Sunder arrives from the Oceania -- Mirror Universe to the east.

Sunder has arrived.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Fireflight says, "I... I think I have it."

The deserts of Tunisia are quiet and cold by night, save for the occasional gust of wind over the dunes. The weather favors travel -- there is nary a sandstorm to be found, nor a Sandstorm, of the Autobots' feared Triple-Secret Police.

The dunes give way to deep ravines and valleys, the terrain rough, and in some spots seemingly unconquerable -- unless you know the tricks. Secret switches and signals cause cliff faces to shift on mechanical pulleys, groaning like a demon's bellyache as they shift and allow oncoming traffic access. And just to be sure, a few Decepticons are posted at sniper's nests and various fortified spots, a ragtag and motley assortment armed with outdated and unreliable blasters.

Welcome to the heart of the revolution.

Across the waters, a ripple was spreading. Above that ripple was the cause; a camo-green Phantom jet, with no markings. He flew low over the water, and while there was an occasional wobble, no doubt reminders from his two passengers kept the Aerialbot-in-disguise in line. HIs engines hummed loudly under the double load, but he did not complain at all, moving fast over the water.

And then, they were over the land. He rose a little to clear any trees and rocks, repeating a manta of "Straight ahead, straight ahead' to himself, to keep himself focused on his task at hand. Upon the phantoms' beat up back were two mechs : Red Alert, and Kup.

Kup is riding the jet like it was a pony. Judging from the look on his face, Kup feels really foolish right now. "Unnnh. Should just drive the rest of the way. We're over the damn Mediterranean, already."

Red Alert clings to the phantom's beat up back for dear life, for once cursing his enhanced senses; it makes Fireflight's unsteady flight seem all the worse. He is still badly injured from Kup's escape, and the shot on his shoulder from the jailbreak hasn't faded, either - a clear indicator that his self-repair system has been knocked completely offline.

"We'd NEVER get there in time Kup." the PHantom replies, a little bit of strain in his voice, but he valiantly tried to hide it "We'll be there in a few minutes, then you can hop off, though it looks like its getting REALLY rough right now down there, and Red Alert's still hurt." The Phantom then falls silent, not as talkative or cheerful as usual. Just... moody. He adjusts his course a little, and then steadies out again. "I'm picking up the Decepticons now on my sensors. We're getting close.

A Sweepcraft, making his way with an indirect route, cruises over Africa. As he approaches Tunisia, Geist transforms into his winged-bearded robotic mode, resembling Decepticon heros of olden times. The requested meeting approved. He calls for clearance ahead, giving listings of those who will be approaching and should be let enter the territory. He comes in lower and lower until landing within the entrance.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Fireflight says, "We're approaching now. Five minutes away."

XF-35B Astral Lightning &lt;Catechism&gt; is following someone who has a clue where the heck they're going. This whole plane of existence makes her cone ache, but if they might be in for some answers now, she is all audios. Not that her expectations are really high. While normally optimistic, Catechism does believe that she is dead, and this is the Pit, some weird place for lost data to go. She transforms and lands somewhat behind Geist.

XF-35B Astral Lightning transforms into robot form. Catechism's feet unfold, her arms unfold out of her body, her nosecone rotates through her body and ends up on her shoulders to expose her face, and her wings rotate into position.

Once they're clear of the gauntlet of moving rocks -- which all move out of the paths of the incoming robots with nary a hitch -- they arrive at the entrance, which is a cave tunneled into a cliff face. In front of it, two robots stand guard -- the familiar forms of Ransack and Barrage, their forms decrepit from the single-minded dedication to their solitary, isolated post.

"Whoa there," Barrage says, holding a hand up. "Everyone. Identify yours-- uhh."

Barrage nearly topples over, but Ransack catches him. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Barrage says, shaking his head into his palm. "I just -- so focused lately, I forgot to eat. Fuel tank's a little low. No matter -- you all, ID."

Another Sweepcraft approaches. He transforms and lands alongside Geist. It's Sunder--the gentle, caring, huggable Sweep. He is as anxious as his brother to attend the meeting and hear what is to be done about the strange opposites from the other world.

================================= Decepticon ================================= Message: 2/75                     Posted        Author Astrotrain... Wed Dec 24   Astrotrain --

Contact has been lost with Astrotrain while on deep space survey of the site of Galvatron's explosion. Whereabouts currently unknown. The seeker's are said to be holding a 'good riddance!' party.

=
=================================================================

Geist nods to Catechism. "I hope that through this meeting we can find wisdom and direction. Yesterdays liberation of so many Decepticons is cause enough for meeting, but we shall see to presenting the problem of your misplacement." He turns to the guards. "I am Geist, Special Operations. Oceana cell. This is Catechism, a guest. More guests are coming. Be warned, they wear Autobot insignia. Do not panic."

Astrotrain arrives from the Europe -- Mirror Universe to the north.

Astrotrain has arrived.

Kup tenses up, gritting his teeth. He's willingly allowing himself to be flown straight into a Decepticon fortress. "I don't fragging believe this..." As they pass the two Insecticon sentries, Kup gives them a wary look. Every instinct he has is telling him this is stupid and that the Decepticons are all going to draw their guns on him and shoot him. "I dunno about you guys, but I don't like this. I just don't."

Kup hops off of Fireflight once they're near the entrance to the cave. He answers the two Insecticons' query with: "Take a look at me. Who do I look like? Yeah. I know. Crazy, huh?"

Red Alert shuts his eyes for a moment, then forces them back open. Gotta be alert for possible treachery... gotta be alert for possible treachery... AAAAAA!!! WHY WON'T FIREFLIGHT FLY STAIGHT! ... gotta be alert for possible- "I don't like it either, Kup, but we don't have man - ack! - many alternatives." After the landing, Red clambers off after Kup, and immediately stumbles on his injured legs.

Fireflight slows down... a lot... but not enough to stall. He stares at the incoming terrain - MOVING - ahead of him now. He continues forwards at that 'snails' pace "... Uhm... Terrain. Moving terrain." He states to his passengers, in that 'uh oh' kind of way. His sensors focus on the moving valley ahead, finding it almost... mesmerizing. He ignores Kup, just simply flying STRAIGHT FORWARDS...

And passing harmlessly between the well-timed rocks. He glides down, landing hard and braking quickly - for a reason, in that most coming here did not need a landing strip, but transformed to land here. He sighs, wheels relaxing as Kup hops off, and he waits patiently for his passengers to get off. Then he too transforms, moving after Red to grab his elbow to help him stand.

Catechism just wants things to make sense, though she doubts that she's going to get this. She suspects there will only be more confusion for her. She glares huffily at the Autobots and at... camo green jet? Is that Acid Storm? No, no, the design is wrong. Red Alert is so injured! It's so very tempting... but Catechism refrains and follows along quietly for now.

Falling foward onto all fours, Sixshot stands poised as a winged wolf, claws and teeth at the ready.

"A-A-Autobots!" Ransack gasps, stumbling to lift his armament. "Back away, Decepticons -- I daren't catch any innocent comrades in my attack!"

Barrage, too, hefts his weapon, pointing it at Kup. "I loathe using this," he says, shaking the barrel menacingly, "but I w-won't hesitate to protect my friends! Why are you here, /Autobot/?"

Both sound really rather more terrified than anything else.

Geist has remained with the Insecticon guards for this very reason. They don't listen. He holds up his hands and blocks their aim. "Easy now. They are non hostiles. They are guests. We have invited them here." The bugs can get a little buggy, it's true. Finally he says with soothing authority, "At ease."

Red Alert allows Fireflight to support him... up until the point when the Insecticons bring their weapons to bare on them, at which pint he instinctively stumbles back. "Yes! Yes!" he says desperately, waving towards Geist with his free hand. "We were invited!"

Somewhere high above in the sky, there is a brilliant flash of light, a Quantum-Leap style portal... ...and then a screaming space shuttle. That usually happens when you go from the inertia-less empty void of space with no resistance, into an atmosphere and suffer sudden deceleration the likes of which could be compared to running face-first into a brick wall just for giggles. "Waaaaugh!" It's a good thing Astrotrain is very sturdy, or he would have been torn into ribbons in an instant. As it is, he manages to get himself decelerated, and in one piece as his superheated form begins to cool down, and he gets his bearings back. One instant he's in deep space looking for the place where Galvatron vanished, and now...? "...how the -smeg- did I end up back on this mudball?" he growls, his sensors going on full sweep mode around himself.

Lightspeed drove along through the area himself, rather literally. That is to say, he's currently underground, in his car mode, shooting out a path in front of him as he drove along. He said nary a word, just going straight at his work, not seeming to pay any attention to where he was going, save for when he got too far down to the heat of the lava/magma. His sensors didn't pick up any of the mechanical equipment that happened to be around, sometimes just passing by them with only enough space to keep him from seeing them. None the less, he continued to dig, and it could be anyone's guess as to why. "I really wish I had a better form for this..." Lightspeed muttered a bit.

Kup glares at the Insecticons. They're very fortunate that Kup manages to restrain himself and not turn the Insecticons' own weapons against them in the most horrific way possible. "Thank you... *Geist.*" Kup hisses between his teeth. He looks around at the other Decepticons. Catechism's here, too? Hm, must be another "good" Decepticon, for what that's worth. "Okay. We're here to meet your boss. The sooner we do that and get outta here, the better."

Both Insecticons have heard Geist, as well, but continue to panic anyway. "This is -- This is highly dubious, Sweep!" Ransack squeaks. "What if they -- What if they --"

There is a low rumble from behind them, as the cave door opens. "Now, Insecticons," a deep voice says, "it is important to remember to always respect the authority of our organization -- if Geist has placed his trust in these Autobots, we must afford him the same courtesy." Motormaster emerges, and the Insecticons sweep out of his way, lowering their guns.

"W-We apologize, Motormaster, Geist--" Barrage begins.

"We make mistakes only to learn from them," Motormaster says, resting a giant hand on Barrage's shoulder. "Geist, you and your men -- and your guests -- are cleared to enter. Galvatron is waiting. I am off -- we detected a falling object from the sky -- it may be an Autobot spy satellite. Be strong in my absence."

Then, walking past the crowd, Motormaster transforms and begins to drive through the hazards. Ransack and Barrage, humbled, stare at their feet. The door stands, open.

Fireflight tenses a little at the two Insecticons. Had he been wrong about all of this? He had started towards Kup, but then stops as it seems, others decided to interfere as well. He sighs a little and waves to the Sweeps he recognised, still looking... tired. "Come on then, Kup, Red Alert." he states, helping Red Alert again now, hoping that was the last of these instances. His optics dim and he glances to the ground, unfocusing.

Geist gives Motormaster a grateful nod and motions for the gathered company to move on into the facility. "This way... we'll try not to keep you from more important matters, Kup." He gives a jovial chuckle and warm smile. The Sweep leads the other-worlders and the M-Decepticons deeper into the headquarters.

Sunder follows Geist and Motormaster down deeper into Headquarters. He gives a reassuring glance to Fireflight. He then levels a glare at the two Insecticons. "I know it is difficult to trust Autobots, but these are particularly extreme circumstances," he says.

Catechism is not a 'good' Decepticon. She is evil and totally confused. Baffled, she shouts at Motormaster as he leaves, "Good luck?" The Motormaster that she knows owes her some money, but he's a decent guy, aside from that. Shrugging, she follows the group in deeper into the complex.

Fireflight smiles back to Sunder, giving the sweep a little bit of a wave with his free hand, although the smile was forced. Instead, he focuses back ahead now, keeping his peace.

Red Alert looks towards Kup for confirmation - and perhaps to get a handle on what he thinks of all this - before he allows Fireflight to guide him onwards. He eyes Motormaster warily, nervous frown etched deep in his expression, though it's the Insecticons he watches most carefully as they pass. As soon as they do, however, he gets back to looking around him, his attention jumping from spot to spot in its usual, jerky manner.

Kup stares, hard, at Motormaster. He really can't believe it. One of the most hated Decepticons, even by his own side, is a caring and compassionate leader? And the Sweeps are warm and friendly? "Ehnnnnh. Don't worry about it." Walking into the entrance to the cave, he manages to catch something from Catechism. What did she say? And she looks just as puzzled as he feels about Motormaster. Frowning, Kup leans in towards his fellow Autobots and quietly mutters, "Watch that Seeker chick. I think she came here from the same place we did."

Decepticon Shuttle &lt;Astrotrain&gt; begins to lose some altitude, partly due to wanting a better look at the surroundings, and partly due to the fact he's a little overheated at the moment and needs to give his flight thrusters a chance to cooldown. Following along a river for some distance, he finally decides enough is enough and transforms, landing in the water, which is deep enough to come up to his knees. Crocodiles scatter in all directions as the big Decepticon triplechanger makes his presence known, and the locals from the fishing village he landed near all stare in awe for a few seconds. That is, until Astrotrain lashes out with a huge boot and upsets one of their boats, sending it crashing amongst the buildings! "Freakin pusbag rodents! I bet you had somethin to do with this, didn't ya!? And why the smeg aren't I gettin any transmissions!?" He is of course sending out hails on the Decepticon frequencies, but they are of course, the wrong frequencies.

In a chorus of shifting and spinning parts, Astrotrain's body spins and lifts up into his large robot mode.

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: Where the smeg -is- everybody? I better not learn everyone went and moved back to Charr or somethin just cause they think the Boss bought it!

Red Alert tilts his head in response to Kup's comment, but really. He's watching them /all/, anyway. Then, suddenly looks up at the roof, stumbles against Fireflight, and mutters, "Oh, no..."

Fireflight errfs at Red Aler'ts actions, body tensing to help support the mech "... Red?" he murmers, concerned. He then looks at Kup's back, uncertain "I think Red needs another hand, Kup."

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: ...Astrotrain? The situation is... extremely confusing, and I suspect that we may all be dead.

"I'm fine! I'm fine!" Red Alert protests, and he tries to stand up and walk straight. Then quickly gives up and goes back to leaning on Fireflight. In fact, he leans a little far forward, bringing his head nearer to Kup as well, and whispers one word. Soft, but the Sweeps can probably still hear it: "Confirmed."

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: FINALLY someone answers. Whaddaya mean dead? That's stupid. If I was dead I wouldn't be lookin at pus-ugly humans right now. I always figure the afterlife had a bottomless keg and hundreds of femmes dancing for my enjoyment.

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: And I don't see either one here!

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: No, Astrotrain. I think this is Hell.

The rock in Lightspeed's path suddenly becomes easier to dig through -- in part because his digging sends him falling into a tunnel. The sound of activity can be heard echoing through it -- coming from nearby.

Meanwhile, Motormaster putters toward Astrotrain's position, as the fishing village panics. "Where are the Predacons?!" they yelp in their native tongue.

The main group crosses a short tunnel into the main chamber of the cavernous Decepticon base. Despite being seemingly assembled from bits and bobs and whatever parts they could scam into their hands, the base is maintained fairly well -- caverns connected by tunnels, kept as clean as the inside of a cliff face can really be kept. Familiar Decepticon faces mill about -- Baffles the Air Guardian and Goldpaver the Security Officer are exiting a tunnel-gate. "Another supply run -- ugh," Baffles says.

"Did you not hear Galvatron, though?" Goldpaver asks, sounding lucid and in full possession of his mental faculties. "All we need to overcome the Autobots is a little energon."

"And a lot of luck," Baffles groans. Seeing the incoming group, he jerks a thumb toward the gate. "The big guy's in there," he says. "He's not in the greatest mood, though."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Catechism says, "Uh... I think my Astrotrain is here."

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: Hell? Naw. If it were hell I couldn't shoot at fleshies. They're disgustin but it -is- kinda fun to watch em scatter!

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: *random energy discharge noises followed by screams* Haw haw haw!

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: The Decepticons here are nice to humans! Even if the humans try to kill them! I'm telling you, this is totally Hell.

Red Alert had been leaning forward. Now he suddenly stands straight and looks back instead. He frowns. Then he opens his optics in alarm and starts to pull away from Fireflight. "Astrotrain! Our Astrotrain! He's here! He's attacking some humans!" he shouts wildly.

Lightspeed continues his journey through the rock and earth... and right into a tunnel, slamming down and onto the tunnel path and skidding to a stop. He remains there for a bit, not moving or digging now, lost in his own little world. Though the activity doesn't slip by him after a bit. "Huh? Wait, where... did I do this? I must have! Man, I must really have been digging something big today! And Rodimus thinks I can't do anything worth while." He said. Lightspeed turns and begins to drive towards the sound of activity. "I wonder who followed me though. Nosecone I bet, just wanting to taunt and tease me. Just wait till he sees this!"

The proverbial record screeches, and all activity stops in the cavern to stare at Red Alert.

Kup nods to Red Alert, continuing to follow the path. "Yeah. And Red, you need any help, lemme know. I'm right here for ya." Passing by Baffles and Goldpaver, Kup manages to overhear their conversation, and smirks. "So Galvatron's up past that gate? A'right. Thanks. And good luck with those Autobots, I hear they're a buncha jerks." Giving them a thumbs up in approval, Kup marches up to the gate and looks for a way to open it, a way which hopefully doesn't involve collecting a bunch of nonsensical items and placing them in certain locations on the lock.

"Ehm, what?" Kup says to Red Alert.

Astrotrain watches the kicked boat turn end over end into the village, and guffaws mightily a moment later, hands even resting on his hips in the process. He discharges a few blasts from his rifle in the direction of the humans, not realy hitting anyone, or anything important for that matter. His mind is on other things. Like the radio buzzing in his audials, and Catechism's voice saying crazy things. His optics narrow slightly as he looks left, then right, forgetting the humans now for the insects he truly considers them to be as he tries to take stock of the situation. "Say -what-?" He says aloud in response on his radio, then scowls. "...nah."

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: Uh, suuuure. Cons bein nice to humans. You sure you feelin alright? Need a checkup?

Geist nods to the pair. "Unfortunate, but thanks for the heads up." He notices the hushed brief converse but does not hear what is said. He only glances at Sunder as he continues to make his way in. He is about to open the gate when Red Alert suddenly turns into a spaz. "Settle down right now." He commands. "Where is he?"

Fireflight blinks a little, and grabs at the air where Red Alert was - two seconds earlier. Then he blinks, optics brightening again as he realizes what Red Alert said "... What??" He looks now to the other autobot, staring at him. Then all around at the Cavern. Eyes. What to say? He kneels beside Red Alert, to help him back up again.

"I'm not sure where," Red Alert admits, frustrated. "By the strength of the signal, not too far, but I don't have the means to triangulate on my own..." Then he truns to glare up at Catechism, then points to her. "Why don't you ask him?"

Catechism looks over at Red Alert, feeling like a goober for forgetting that Red Alert can intercept radios. (It's in her contract, as a Decepticon. She has to meet a certain goober quota every week, which includes forgetting what Autobots can do and forgetting that she can fly.) She snaps, "Why don't /you/ ask him, hmm?"

Astrotrain is of course unaware of Red Alert and listening in to local signals and all that stuff.

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: C'mon! What's all the silence about! This is stupid enough with no one else listening! They all packed up and went back to Charr again or something didn't they? Typical!

Geist sighs. "Perhaps it has something to do with the anomolous reading Motormaster spoke of and is investigating. Have faith in him." He stands between the m-autobots and Catechism. "And if you lot don't mind, I'll ask you to cease embarrassing me for trusting you enough to bring you here. Can you all try to act your age?"

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "Motormaster. Our guests report hearing something of a Decepticon from their world causing trouble with \"

"Because he wouldn't answer me!" Red Alert sniffs as he struggles back to his feet, accepting Fireflight's support once more. Then he turns to frown at Geist. "My age? My age? So just how old do you have to get to stop caring when you hear the sounds of people screaming?"

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Catechism says, "I /said/ that I think my Astrotrain is here!"

Kup rubs his temples, as if he has a massive headache. "Unnh. Let the Decepticons from *this* world handle it. We got a job to do. Astrotrain's a pest, but if he's alone, he shouldn't be too hard for 'em to deal with. And for the record, if I acted my age, I'd be *dead.*" Grumbling, he opens the gate and walks inside.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Motormaster rumbles, "En route still, but getting close. Can't help it if we all have different speeds..."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "Motormaster. Our guests report hearing something of a Decepticon from their world causing trouble with villagers... if by chance this turns out to be what you are looking into, please relay confirmation so we may put our guests minds at ease that you are on it."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Spirited Geist says, "Acknowledged. Good luck."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Motormaster rumbles, "Thanks, comrade."

Fireflight sighs tiredly, thining his lips as he helps Red Alert up, nudging him a little "Not now please." he murmers softly to Red, probably having as much invested in this meeting as Geist did. Is this what its like being 'adult'? He hoped not.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Sixshot says, "What's this?"

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: Astrotrain, if you're... killing humans or wrecking property or whatever? Please knock it off. I suspect that the local Decepticons will tar and feather you, and you do /not/ want to meet the local Autobots.

Sunder sighs heavily at the disturbance. "Can't we all just get along?" he moans. He looks desperately in need of hugz.

Catechism sighs and radios Astrotrain, telling him to knock it off. It hurts, precious. It hurts.

Fireflight does too, but this wouldnt be a good time probably.

The tunnel leads Lightspeed very, very close indeed -- to the sound of the gate whooshing open, and a tall, dark figure emerging. Galvatron, battered and rusted, limps out of the portal, his body seemingly jury-rigged into continued function. He doesn't look like he's about to fall apart -- but he does look like he's seen the wrong end of the fight one too many times. "Indeed, Sunder," the Decepticon leader rasps. "I myself have asked the same question many times. Now then -- who would like to introduce me to our guests?"

Meanwhile, near Astrotrain, the familiar shape of Motormaster approaches. &lt;&lt;I'm seein' him,&gt;&gt; he radios back. &lt;&lt;Going to try and make contact.&gt;&gt; "Ho there, friend!" Motormaster calls, transforming and holding a hand out. "What's the problem here?" Red Alert mutters to himself, something about how it's perfectly all /right/ for him to be concerned when there's an actual problem, and it's perfectly /reasonable/ to assume there's a problem, because there often is. Still, he lets himself be escorted in, following along behind Kup.

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Sixshot doesn't sound very pleased. "Motormaster, if there is resistance inform me. No more harm is to come to settlement."

&lt;M-Decepticon&gt; Motormaster rumbles, "Roger that, sir."

Moving forwards, Fireflight stops shortly, all concerns vanishing as he stares at... Galvatron. Okay, it was a rather beat up Galvatron, but it was still GALVATRON. Galvatron. Cannoner of Transformers... A recent memory of being Superion and struck by it flitted through his mind, the green aerialbot shivering. Galvatron. He then glances to Red and Kup, moving forwards as the Security Director needed him to, still staring at Galvatron.

Galvatron.

Speaking of cannons, of note: This Galvatron does not have one.

Fireflight is too distracted by Galvatron to notice any cannons, or lack thereof. Padding out from behind Galvatron, was Sixshot. Red optics burning with curiousity and some wariness, his wings withdrawn behind him out of the way. He was here in a protective capacity, that and he wanted to know more about these...curious 'not' Autobots. There was no gentle impression from what could only be the sixchanger from memory, though there was definately more restraint. Geist steps forward, starts to look like he's going to introduce them, and then looks like he changes his mind. "It's probably better if they introduce themselves... suffice it to say, strangers from a strange land." He turns to the m-autobots and m-decepticon, giving a nod.

Catechism turns around and drops to her knees in a sweeping bow, her face practically hitting the floor. Battered and buffeted by tide and time, that is still Galvatron, even if he looks a bit different - and bowing is a survival reflex in the Empire. She murmurs, "I am Catechism, but... not your Catechism, my lord. The last thing I knew before ending up here, The Fallen, an ancient enemy of our people, had condemned me to the hell for special traitors, so I have to admit - I strongly suspect that I am dead and this is the Pit."

Astrotrain is about to rant and rave at Catechism some more on the radio, possibly even making questionable suggestions about her creator, when he hears a familiar voice behind him! He turns in place, silhouetted by the flames of a burning building behind him, glaring full on at the Stunticon leader! "Well it's about FRAGGIN time!" he finally exclaims. No, despite Catechism's attempts to explain the situation to him, the triplechanger is quite simply not 'getting it' to put it. He advances a few steps, one foot coming down on a truck belonging to one of the local fishermen. Thankfully, it is empty, but the vehicle is crushed into so much tinfoil under the big triplechanger's weight. "I've been hootin and hollarin into the radio like a dope and gettin a whole lotta silence until now! Where the -frag- is everybody!?" He angrily demands, waving his rifle about for emphasis. "And who the frag's been slackin off? Lookit all these fleshbags gettin cozy! It's like they didn't even think I was gonna do something to them at first!"

Kup backs away from Galvatron, optics widened. Getting past the other Decepticons without springing into action was hard enough, but *Galvatron?* And there was Sixshot with him, too, and Kup has very recently brawled with the Six-Changer on Monacus. "Ehh. Hello," Kup hisses out, fists balled up. "I'm, uh... I'm Kup. Heard I was dead. Well, lemme just say, where I come from, I ain't dead." What else can he say? He isn't sure. Really, he's too busy trying to calm himself in what his millenia of experience tells him ought to be a den of vipers.

Lightspeed continues down the tunnel, almost driving by the others but quickly turning around to stop and stare at the group assembled there now. Kup, whom he had only heard about but not seen, Red Alert, and a whole bunch of Decepticons. The M-Technobot remains sitting there in his car mode now, seeming as if he was now deep in thought, his processor running at its full power to crunch the numbers and try to come up with reasons for all of this to be true. In truth, he was still in his fantasy of digging deeper and deeper in to the earth and enjoying himself to even fully realize who was all was there.

Red Alert takes a moment to sniff at the air once, then twice. Then he turns and looks off in a seemingly random direction... save that it doesn't seem quite so random when Lightspeed suddenly shows himself, coming from that exact direction. "I'm... uhm... I..."

Red Alert forgets completely about introducing himself. :(

Fireflight of course, does not notice Lightspeed at all. Still holding Red Alert up, he stares at Galvatron, before speaking. cause when Galvatron asks a question, you ANSWER "... I'm Fireflight... repainted. I got tired of being mistaken for this worlds' Fireflight." he then tilts his head in the direction of Red Alert "This is our universe' Red Alert... I think he hears something important. He does that a lot."

Fireflight of course, does not notice Lightspeed at all. Still holding Red Alert up, he stares at Galvatron, before speaking. cause when Galvatron asks a question, you ANSWER "... I'm Fireflight... repainted. I got tired of being mistaken for this worlds' Fireflight." he then tilts his head in the direction of Red Alert "This is our universe' Red Alert... I think he hears something important. He does that a lot." Sunder stands quietly as the m-autobots and m-con have their audience with Galvatron. He says nothing, allowing the others to speak. If Galvatron wants to ask him anything, he is ready to respond with what he knows.

Sixshot came to a halt a little infront and to the side of Galvatron before sitting with a languid ease belonging more to a feline than a canine. Of those new gathered, Kup was placed soundly at the top for being a forseeable problem. He could recognise fraying nerves, and the last thing anyone wanted was violence in the chamber. The sixchanger still kept an 'ear' out so to speak for updates on the other unfurling situation, but patiently waited for orders from the Decepticon leader if he was needed. Short of an unprovoked assault on their end, there was nothing to fear from Sixshot.

Meanwhile, away: Motormaster is flabbergasted by Astrotrain. "You wear our insignia -- but you behave like an autocratic Autobot! Explain yourself, sir," the indignant Stunticon leader demands, pointing a finger accusingly.

Inside the caverns: Galvatron looks over all present, noting their reactions -- before his eyes settle on the Earth-1 Autobots, and Catechism's bow. "Really, now," the benevolent old mech croaks, waving a hand at Catechism, "enough of that. I am no one's lord. In the Decepticons, all are equal."

Galvatron's attention returns to the Autobots. "Kup, eh? And Fireflight. And... I would wager from how easily distracted you seem -- that you," he says, pointing to Red Alert, "are Sideswipe. I am Galvatron -- and I have heard of your plight. But not enough. Nowhere near enough. Tell me /where/ you are from, if you would be so kind as to... indulge an old robot."

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: Uh...hey Catechism?

Red Alert is still looking back towards where he can hear Lightstpeed, but really, he has more important things to fret about, doesn't he? Finally he turns back and sighs. "It happens more often than you'd think," he admits.

Especially when Sideswipe has painted himself like Red Alert for pranking purposes.

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: Not now, I'm talking to Galvatron!

You receive a radio message from Astrotrain: Oh good. If you could uh, describe him in one word right now, what would it be?

Geist optic brow lifts as he turns to see... Lightspeed. Not on his list of known friendly Autobots. "Excuse me..." He steps away from the group and towards Lightspeed. "Excuse me."

You send a radio message to Astrotrain: Injured.

Catechism rises from her bow. She already explained that she thinks she's dead and stuck in the Pit, but then - somehow, despite being underground, she senses that the Catechism Signal is being shined in the sky. What now, has Timmy fallen down the well? Very disgruntled, Catechism leaves to go pull Timmy out of the well again. Being a good guy ain't all it's cracked up to be.

Kup's optics narrow. "Right... I'm Kup. Wish I coulda met my alternate self, here, and killed 'im, but the Rodimus YOU know beat me to it. The guys a fraggin' psycho. But the Rodimus Prime *I* know is nuthin' like that. Yeah, he's hot-headed and a little full of himself sometimes, but he's courageous, selfless, and would never stop to help someone in need. Confused? Well, now you know how I feel." He nods over at Catechism. "I dunno what crack she's on, but her, me, Red, Fireflight, Springer, and maybe others were around when something blasted a big hole in reality and we fell right through it into some kind of alternate reality. How it happened, and how we can get back, ain't a subject I know too much about. Suffice it to say, we need yer help."

Sunder's alerted to Lightspeed's uninvited presence and heads towards him, to determine where he was from and whether he was from the same place as Catechism and Kup and the others.

Tumbleweeds roll past as a silence settles down while Astrotrain stares back at Motormaster, his lower jaw hitting the ground. This is interesting for two reasons, first being that tumbleweeds are from the Old West, not from Africa, and that Astrotrain's jaw -literally- hits the ground with a metallic *CLANK*. He has to literally reach down to scoop it up and put it back into place. "Wha...but I didn't, but you...they..." he starts, then points at the burning building, then to Motormaster, then pauses. "...one second." He pauses, tilting his head to one side, a brief radio transmission exchange taking place, then finally giving way to silence once more. Oh so sloooowly, his optics shift back towards Motormaster again, studying the big Stunticon leader for a long passing moment. "Ah geez..." he finally states, rubbing the back of his head slowly, lowering his rifle and suddenly looking more than a bit sheepish. "...look, I'm feelin a little messed up here. There's been ALOT of wierd stuff goin on and I dunno if my head's on straight. Sorry about that...cool?" And with that, he extends his free hand towards Motormaster in a shaking gesture!

"An alternate reality," Galvatron muses, stroking his chin. "Such things are not foreign to us -- I remember when a group of... I believe they were Aztecs, called the Pacifists attempted to stage a cross-dimensional rescue effort, some years ago, before the Autobots killed them."

Kup rubs his forehead. "Wait, lemme guess... and they were opposed by a group called... the Malefactors?"

"Avalanche," adds Red Alert, looking at Kup, then back up at Galvatron. "Our Avalanche is in this reality, too. I could tell by the way he seemed to expect Grimlock to talk. You'll need to be careful of him." His optics open wide at the references to the 'Pacifists,' then he glances back at Kup.

[Missing the end of this log. If anyone has it, please add it in!]