[Heavily Encrypted to Autobots + Mikaela:]

[show_my_cannons]

Told some of you this. Not all. Never got a chance to...

When this mess started, an unknown signal contacted me. Said they knew how to get rid of these forms we were shoved into. Said we all had to be in the same place, then to contact "Guardian

Comments

[like_a_bossbot]

You've never talked to this 'Guardian' before?

[show_my_cannons]

No. Never heard of them. The signal was more encrypted than I have ever seen.

Could always be a trap. But we are out of options.

[like_a_bossbot]

That was my first thought.

It just seems very convenient, that all of us are in one area, in weaker bodies without our normal weapons.

[show_my_cannons]

Then we will go in armed.

Been practicing with one of the humans at the center. And the other Prime still has his drone. We are not completely defenseless.

[like_a_bossbot]

Not completely.

[He sighs, making a face at the still bizarre feeling.]

I suppose we don't have any other options, at this point.

[show_my_cannons]

Better than nothing.

... I will not wait, Prime. This has gone far enough. I am tired of being forced into a form not my own.

[The fact that he's talking to Barricade civilly about this should be enough proof of that.]

[like_a_bossbot]

I don't blame you.

I just... I think that if we do this, we need to be prepared. Not only are we putting ourselves exactly where this 'Guardian' wants us, but we're also going to a meeting full of equally unhappy Decepticons.

[show_my_cannons]

Yeah. Thought about that.

If this works... And we are restored, the odds become less even. Two Primes, two Megatrons. Too many Starscreams for my liking. And we can no more trust them to hold up a truce than I can trust Bonecrusher to fly.

Our Megatron will be the largest problem, I think.

[like_a_bossbot]

Do we know who all has been effected? I get the feeling the odds are not in our favour.

I suppose he won't be appeased simply by getting his body back?

[show_my_cannons]

Both Megatrons. Every Starscream but ours. So, no. The odds are not with us.

... No. He will not. If it comes to it, when we are restored... I will engage him. You and the other Prime get the others out.

[like_a_bossbot]

Blackarachnia and Dirge too. [This fight is looking less than promising.]

... I'm not leaving you to fight Megatron alone, Ironhide. I don't care which universe he's from.

[show_my_cannons]

[He snorts.] I am not afraid of that jet. He is of little concern.

... Yes, you are. The other Prime can handle his Megatron, should he be a problem. Our Prime is not here... after him, I hit the hardest. Distract him as long as I can.

[like_a_bossbot]

He's a clone of our Starscream. He may not be the real deal, but he's still a threat.

No, I'm not. No one is going to play 'distraction.' We all get out of this together.

[show_my_cannons]

... Your Starscream is very irritating.

[He's picturing a copy of Dirge, only named "Starscream".]

Yes, you are. Jazz already ordered me to get out at the first opportunity. There are others less equipped to take damage than me. Look after them, Optimus.

[like_a_bossbot]

You don't know the half of it.

[Siiiigh. And we are all the better for it.]

I don't like this plan.

[Optimus feels so inadequate. You're stealing his job, Ironhide. :<]

[show_my_cannons]

And for that, I am thankful. Ours is bad enough.

I know. But... If your Megatron arrives, he is all yours. But I... know this one. Taken him on before.

[He doesn't speak for a moment or two. And then his voice lowers.]

You... look after the others, while we hold the retreat. Look after... Make certain Jazz does not try another round of needless heroics.