*Metroplex opens his largest gate and lets down the bridge, preparing the road for the Hunt Down That Rat Bastard Drath Squad. Who emerges? Stay tuned and find out!*
((I wasn't able to roleplay for a while. Because I'm not sure where Catalyst got dragged off to last, after he got repaired, I am going to assume he is still in Metroplex somewhere, somewhat aimlessly wandering around now that the other Transformers and the humans in the briefing room are off on their missions ;) ))
Events all happened rather quickly, or they seemed to do to him at least. Being stuck all alone in a swimming pool for months does things to one's perception of time. But he'd been repaired now, in body at least. And the Autobot medic hadn't lashed out in righteous anger, hadn't suspected a thing, his secret was still safe. Never one to worry long about anything, Catalyst sneaked out of the briefing room, in search of something to keep him occupied. Let others worry about kidnapped squishies, truces, any of it.
Most of the other transformers had left now, and had better things to do than mind some dissoriented Decepticon, and better still, there was no one giving him orders now...
He was in a philosophical mood; how does body affect mind? This cityformer Metroplex seemed like a fa-sci-na-ting character, someone who warranted closer study. However, the cityformer didn't seem the type to answer direct questions, so Catalyst would have to find his own anwsers. That would be fun...
Now where would the giant's brain module be? Hmmm...or what about the transforming cog? True, Catalyst had no real use for that; although seeing how Metroplex would cope with not being able to transform could be somewhat interesting in itself. And if nothing else it would make a good paper weight and an excellent conversation piece.
The odd-looking tapedeck-former idly wandered through Autobot City.
*Auspex is still in the hall outside the briefing room. She sees one of the Decepticons exit the room, appearing to wander aimlessly. He carries a distinct air of... mischief. That's odd...*
*Catalyst stops and looks back when he hears someone trying to get his attention*
Hello? I don't think I've met you.
a female Transformer...Autobot? Neutral? She seems a bit distracted, even as she addresses him.
Now he could probably get away with hurrying off, ignoring her. For all she knows, he is just another Transformer with Important Things To Do. And of course he is. Every single thing he does is important, he likes to believe he makes a difference, even if he doesn't quite have a plan on what he's going to do next.
Maybe he'll leave the cog plan alone for the time being. Or...maybe he can make a difference for this Transformer. Oh well, he'll just see what happens next...
All charm, the Decepticon smiles says:
"I'm Catalyst. And I'm off exploring! I don't often get a chance like this. Care to join me?"
*Usually, those with the air of having Important Things To Do don't carry the additional undertones of I Wonder If I Can Get Away With Those Things, behind it. While she'd like to stay updated on the situation with the human who built the machine, she's also curious about what this Cybertronian is up to. She nods in compliance* All right. My name is Auspex. Are you from this universe?
"Hmmm..the water...it is all a bit hazy to be honest. Though I think I would know if this was not my universe...Then again, does it matter where I am?"
*he muses*
"I heard of an Auspex once, but he was noting like you. You seem so much nicer."
Catalyst continues walking through the hallway and gestures for Auspex to follow.
"so in this point of the conversation, it is customary to discuss one's function. I'll start; I am an artist. I work with thoughts, minds. Shape them and free them of certain... burdens."
*smiles*
"And what is your story? You practically radiate, where you built like that? Programmed like that? or was it part of a more gradual learning process? I know! You can tell me while we have a look around this place."
then in a mischievous, more hushed voice
"I've never seen a city former's brain module before, have you? We could try and locate it, it is bound to be interesting"
*Auspex walks beside her new aqcuaintance. She simply shrugs, but says nothing. Their native universe sometimes makes a difference in the beliefs of those she speaks to.*
*she blinks, focusing on the name, and overlooking the flattery* Really? What was his function?
*She 'hmm's thoughtfully* An artist, in the traditional sense, working with minds? *She's actually quite alarmed, though she hides it well. He tampers with minds for his own artistic whims, and this is his function?? She tends to take that sort of thing personally, as she is charged with healing the spiritual damage of those who have been injured by life's circumstances. This could be potentially messy...
*She blinks at him curiously. Is this mere flattery, or does he have a degree of spiritual sensitivity? She holds to Primus's presence with part of her mind; this individual could be quite dangerous, actually* I am a servant of Primus. I am to help guide his children, ensure that they are spiritually and emotionally healthy, and attempt to heal them when they are not. I was created for this task, and I cannot be moved from it. *This is mostly a simple statement of fact, but there is some degree of warning in it*
*Her optics flicker* I'm sure it's very similar to anyone else's processor, only larger.
*in his best 'this really happened, no honest' spooky story tone, Catalyst replies:*
"Some say he repainted Transformers with decorative patterns, but nobody's really sure, because he was rather secretive. There were rumours though... that he could see patterns that allowed him to see into the future, that he never looked the same, twice, and that people around him went missing. Then one day he himself went missing..."
*Catalyst watches this servant of Primus, trying to discern if she believes his little horror story. He does not particularly care whether she really has some kind of connection with whatever higher being may or may not be out there, or if she only thinks she does. It is real enough to her, real enough for him to notice something about her, and it is this something that he finds rather interesting. Catalyst himself has always in some way been sensitive to harmony and disharmony. Long ago, as an apprentice instrument tuner, he would find the flaws in sound and pitch and would try to make it better, more in tune. Later, he was reprogrammed, given a new function, to seek out flaws and aggravate them, forever mesmerised by beautiful cascade failures, by disharmony spreading like rippling waves in a pond.*
*the Decepticon smiles enthusiasticly* "Well there's a function I don't encounter every day. Please explain, how do you, in your line of work tell if someone needs healing or not? What anyone needs? How would you define 'healthy', or 'broken'?"
I'm sure it's very similar to anyone else's processor, only larger
"oh processors often vary, even if they come from the same production line. Metroplex's was probably custom made, with a rather specific task in mind. But we won't know unless we check it out, right?"
((hehe, Catalyst being as easily distracted as he is, he might not even reach Metroplex' processor or transformation cog before thinking up another plan entirely, but then again, lots of Transformers learn the hard way why it is never a good idea to lose sight of this particular Decepticon))
*She nods thoughtfully, not actually believing or disbelieving. It doesn't matter to her* A seer, of sorts, perhaps. I was named so because we servants have some gifts of clairvoyance, granted by Primus, and 'see' what he would say to his children.
Auspex looks a little wary of his enthusiasm, but answers, keeping her mind close to Primus as she does* Primus will alert me to a person's emotional state, and the things that cause them distress, emotional trauma... and I use my insights and ask questions, to attempt to guide them back to a state of peace, and find strength in Primus to overcome their trauma.
To be healthy is to find comfort in Primus, despite circumstances, and to follow his will for one's life. He wishes peace for us. Those with hidden torments, traumatic events that have fractured their present mind-state, those touched by Unicron: they are who I tend to.
But we won't know unless we check it out, right?"
*she raises a brow* I don't know if the Autobots would appreciate that. Or Metroplex, for that matter.
*wonders how Auspex clairvoyance and sensitivity to other Transformers' mental states works; if and how it would show up on his various scanning devices. No doubt those had been destroyed during the battle with Unicron, and if not, the Autobots now occupied Cybertron, so either way the devices were lost to him. Pity*
*listens to Auspex' explanation, but all this talk about Primus means little to him, little more than a handy metaphore, a good story to describe certain states of mind*
"Ah? you can coax others using just the power of words?"
*nods approvingly*
" That is not a skill to be underestimated. But aren't you afraid of what will else it will take from them if you take their suffering? Some build their whole identity around their trauma. Take that away and they might collapse."
I don't know if the Autobots would appreciate that. Or Metroplex, for that matter.
"It is the sad truth that people do not appreciate what they don't understand. And it's just looking. There's no harm in looking. I just like to learn something new every day, that's all." *smiles a friendly smile*
*continues wandering through the hallways, in search of wherever a cityformer hides his processor.*
*She probably couldn't tell him if he asked; she was built, programmed, and taught to receive the mental impulses of Primus, and understand them.*
It isn't so much academic, convincing them of a certain viewpoint; it is more intuitive, listening to a person's experiences, and offering guidance. Often, the simple act of sharing a trauma with someone else, lessens the horror of it, and I show them the compassion of their god, and mine, I show them that they are loved. That is sometimes enough.
I do not "take away" their past traumas; those are unchangable, they cannot be forgotten. But often, the past, when remembered, will stir the same emotions that the person experienced when the trauma happened. In this way, the past haunts them, and similar current experiences will elicit the same negative reaction. I teach them to alter their viewpoint, to see past problems as Primus does. They see the past, remember it, remember how they felt at the time, but they will no longer relive the pain of it. They must remember that Primus can give them strength. And so, they retain the strength they gained in the past, because of the experience, and gain strength from Primus's peace.
*She looks skeptical, but follows* You work with minds. You want to see a mind. I doubt that mind is in need of adjustment. So, forgive me if I seem suspicious. *she touches the wall lightly, instictively, wishing to protect Primus's... very large child!*
((*whimpers* I've lost this post three times now... so if I forgot to address something, it's because I had to keep retyping it... :( ))
((-first of all, because of an unplanned change of my schedule I have very limited internet time for this week and the next, can probably only manage a post a day, if that :/ I'm sorry -also, sorry to hear about the posting problems. I've had that happen too, very frustrating. These days I often type in a notepad window or copy paste in a notepad window before posting. That is, if I remember to))
*Catalyst folds his arms and listens. Hmm...more of this talk of gods. He can understand how such stories can shape the way someone thinks and point someone in certain directions. As such, religion can be useful, but Catalyst has never bothered with gods. If deities exist, they appear to be indifferent, absent.*
"I have heard of this principle, this method of healing. You would ...calm the storm, until there aren't any waves left, no more change, so much stillness and nothingness." *Catalyst struggles to explain how wrong this appears to him*
"Change is the nature of things, not a perfect picture of motionless waters."
"...And I do notice how you seem to be on a different frequency somehow, and it is great you're able to use this to help others, but why attribute this to a deity? And how do you know the nature of the deity you worship? If Primus is a caring god who resides in us all, then I do not see proof of it. There are plenty who get along just fine without any concept of peace or compassion or need for tranquility. Would you deny them the validity of their point of view? There are other ways to overcome damage than simple acceptance, passivity, submission"
You work with minds. You want to see a mind. I doubt that mind is in need of adjustment. So, forgive me if I seem suspicious.
*notices the protective gesture and smiles, a bit slyly. Catalyst walks towards another wall and nonchalantly leans against it, arms folded*
"I'm sorry you do not see it. And did I say anything about adjusting? I'm hurt how people always seem to make such snap judgements about what they think I'll do next. Then I have no choice but to prove them wrong, you see"
*then in a playful, enthusiastic tone* "We won't know if the cityformer or anyone else here needs adjusting until we observe the evidence!...or do you have another plan? I'm open to suggestions, if they're interesting"
((S'okay, whenever you can is fine, I have plenty of conversations already that have gone on for weeks, in several Nexus threads. ;p Yeah, I usually do them in notepad first, or at least copy the post before I send it.. but I forgot. Consistently. Three times. Yes, I'm hopeless. ;p ))
"I have heard of this principle, this method of healing. You would ...calm the storm, until there aren't any waves left, no more change, so much stillness and nothingness."
*she shakes her head* Peace is not the cessation of motion. Peace is learning to flow with the motion, to take life in stride, but not struggle against it, and let it break you. I agree; we would not grow if there was no change and no conflict in our lives. But you can either become bitter and fearful of the past and the 'what ifs' of the future, or you can be confident that no matter what has happened and what will happen in your life, Primus will give you the strength needed to endure.
"...And I do notice how you seem to be on a different frequency somehow, and it is great you're able to use this to help others, but why attribute this to a deity?
Because it is supernatural. I can sense the emotions of others, I have had visions, and have had them confirmed by others. And... the depth of the relationship I have with Primus... *she sighs, finding words inadequate to describe it* It is beyond delusion, beyond mere wishful thinking. I speak with him, I can allow others to speak to him through me. I can feel his presence and power in the planet, in the Matrix-bearer, and he once used me to banish the power of Unicron from one of his victims. He has even had control of my mind and motor functions on a few occasions. I am very certain these abilities do not come from me, my own sensors, or a delusional mind. At the very least, Unicron knows him, and there is quite tangible evidence of his existence.
There are plenty who get along just fine without any concept of peace or compassion or need for tranquility. Would you deny them the validity of their point of view? There are other ways to overcome damage than simple acceptance, passivity, submission"
*She smiles, a little sadly* They're missing out on quite a bit. There are other ways of coping, yes, but often it will only further embitter the mind and spark. Anger can overcome weakness, but it brings its own weaknesses, that do not balance the original. So too denial, obliviousness, and facades.
...And did I say anything about adjusting? I'm hurt how people always seem to make such snap judgements about what they think I'll do next. Then I have no choice but to prove them wrong, you see"
And how do you know that it wasn't for that very reason, that I said it? *she smiles gently*
"We won't know if the cityformer or anyone else here needs adjusting until we observe the evidence!...or do you have another plan? I'm open to suggestions, if they're interesting"
*Auspex shrugs* What do you expect to see? And why do you believe Metroplex would let you?
Events all happened rather quickly, or they seemed to do to him at least. Being stuck all alone in a swimming pool for months does things to one's perception of time. But he'd been repaired now, in body at least. And the Autobot medic hadn't lashed out in righteous anger, hadn't suspected a thing, his secret was still safe. Never one to worry long about anything, Catalyst sneaked out of the briefing room, in search of something to keep him occupied. Let others worry about kidnapped squishies, truces, any of it.
Most of the other transformers had left now, and had better things to do than mind some dissoriented Decepticon, and better still, there was no one giving him orders now...
He was in a philosophical mood; how does body affect mind? This cityformer Metroplex seemed like a fa-sci-na-ting character, someone who warranted closer study. However, the cityformer didn't seem the type to answer direct questions, so Catalyst would have to find his own anwsers. That would be fun...
Now where would the giant's brain module be? Hmmm...or what about the transforming cog? True, Catalyst had no real use for that; although seeing how Metroplex would cope with not being able to transform could be somewhat interesting in itself. And if nothing else it would make a good paper weight and an excellent conversation piece.
The odd-looking tapedeck-former idly wandered through Autobot City.
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Hello? I don't think I've met you.
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Hello? I don't think I've met you.
a female Transformer...Autobot? Neutral? She seems a bit distracted, even as she addresses him.
Now he could probably get away with hurrying off, ignoring her. For all she knows, he is just another Transformer with Important Things To Do. And of course he is. Every single thing he does is important, he likes to believe he makes a difference, even if he doesn't quite have a plan on what he's going to do next.
Maybe he'll leave the cog plan alone for the time being. Or...maybe he can make a difference for this Transformer. Oh well, he'll just see what happens next...
All charm, the Decepticon smiles says:
"I'm Catalyst. And I'm off exploring! I don't often get a chance like this. Care to join me?"
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*he muses*
"I heard of an Auspex once, but he was noting like you. You seem so much nicer."
Catalyst continues walking through the hallway and gestures for Auspex to follow.
"so in this point of the conversation, it is customary to discuss one's function. I'll start; I am an artist. I work with thoughts, minds. Shape them and free them of certain... burdens."
*smiles*
"And what is your story? You practically radiate, where you built like that? Programmed like that? or was it part of a more gradual learning process? I know! You can tell me while we have a look around this place."
then in a mischievous, more hushed voice
"I've never seen a city former's brain module before, have you? We could try and locate it, it is bound to be interesting"
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*she blinks, focusing on the name, and overlooking the flattery* Really? What was his function?
*She 'hmm's thoughtfully* An artist, in the traditional sense, working with minds? *She's actually quite alarmed, though she hides it well. He tampers with minds for his own artistic whims, and this is his function?? She tends to take that sort of thing personally, as she is charged with healing the spiritual damage of those who have been injured by life's circumstances. This could be potentially messy...
*She blinks at him curiously. Is this mere flattery, or does he have a degree of spiritual sensitivity? She holds to Primus's presence with part of her mind; this individual could be quite dangerous, actually* I am a servant of Primus. I am to help guide his children, ensure that they are spiritually and emotionally healthy, and attempt to heal them when they are not. I was created for this task, and I cannot be moved from it. *This is mostly a simple statement of fact, but there is some degree of warning in it*
*Her optics flicker* I'm sure it's very similar to anyone else's processor, only larger.
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*in his best 'this really happened, no honest' spooky story tone, Catalyst replies:*
"Some say he repainted Transformers with decorative patterns, but nobody's really sure, because he was rather secretive. There were rumours though... that he could see patterns that allowed him to see into the future, that he never looked the same, twice, and that people around him went missing. Then one day he himself went missing..."
*Catalyst watches this servant of Primus, trying to discern if she believes his little horror story. He does not particularly care whether she really has some kind of connection with whatever higher being may or may not be out there, or if she only thinks she does. It is real enough to her, real enough for him to notice something about her, and it is this something that he finds rather interesting. Catalyst himself has always in some way been sensitive to harmony and disharmony. Long ago, as an apprentice instrument tuner, he would find the flaws in sound and pitch and would try to make it better, more in tune. Later, he was reprogrammed, given a new function, to seek out flaws and aggravate them, forever mesmerised by beautiful cascade failures, by disharmony spreading like rippling waves in a pond.*
*the Decepticon smiles enthusiasticly*
"Well there's a function I don't encounter every day. Please explain, how do you, in your line of work tell if someone needs healing or not? What anyone needs? How would you define 'healthy', or 'broken'?"
I'm sure it's very similar to anyone else's processor, only larger
"oh processors often vary, even if they come from the same production line. Metroplex's was probably custom made, with a rather specific task in mind. But we won't know unless we check it out, right?"
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Auspex looks a little wary of his enthusiasm, but answers, keeping her mind close to Primus as she does* Primus will alert me to a person's emotional state, and the things that cause them distress, emotional trauma... and I use my insights and ask questions, to attempt to guide them back to a state of peace, and find strength in Primus to overcome their trauma.
To be healthy is to find comfort in Primus, despite circumstances, and to follow his will for one's life. He wishes peace for us. Those with hidden torments, traumatic events that have fractured their present mind-state, those touched by Unicron: they are who I tend to.
But we won't know unless we check it out, right?"
*she raises a brow* I don't know if the Autobots would appreciate that. Or Metroplex, for that matter.
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*listens to Auspex' explanation, but all this talk about Primus means little to him, little more than a handy metaphore, a good story to describe certain states of mind*
"Ah? you can coax others using just the power of words?"
*nods approvingly*
" That is not a skill to be underestimated. But aren't you afraid of what will else it will take from them if you take their suffering? Some build their whole identity around their trauma. Take that away and they might collapse."
I don't know if the Autobots would appreciate that. Or Metroplex, for that matter.
"It is the sad truth that people do not appreciate what they don't understand. And it's just looking. There's no harm in looking. I just like to learn something new every day, that's all." *smiles a friendly smile*
*continues wandering through the hallways, in search of wherever a cityformer hides his processor.*
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It isn't so much academic, convincing them of a certain viewpoint; it is more intuitive, listening to a person's experiences, and offering guidance. Often, the simple act of sharing a trauma with someone else, lessens the horror of it, and I show them the compassion of their god, and mine, I show them that they are loved. That is sometimes enough.
I do not "take away" their past traumas; those are unchangable, they cannot be forgotten. But often, the past, when remembered, will stir the same emotions that the person experienced when the trauma happened. In this way, the past haunts them, and similar current experiences will elicit the same negative reaction. I teach them to alter their viewpoint, to see past problems as Primus does. They see the past, remember it, remember how they felt at the time, but they will no longer relive the pain of it. They must remember that Primus can give them strength. And so, they retain the strength they gained in the past, because of the experience, and gain strength from Primus's peace.
*She looks skeptical, but follows* You work with minds. You want to see a mind. I doubt that mind is in need of adjustment. So, forgive me if I seem suspicious. *she touches the wall lightly, instictively, wishing to protect Primus's... very large child!*
((*whimpers* I've lost this post three times now... so if I forgot to address something, it's because I had to keep retyping it... :( ))
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-also, sorry to hear about the posting problems. I've had that happen too, very frustrating. These days I often type in a notepad window or copy paste in a notepad window before posting. That is, if I remember to))
*Catalyst folds his arms and listens. Hmm...more of this talk of gods. He can understand how such stories can shape the way someone thinks and point someone in certain directions. As such, religion can be useful, but Catalyst has never bothered with gods. If deities exist, they appear to be indifferent, absent.*
"I have heard of this principle, this method of healing. You would ...calm the storm, until there aren't any waves left, no more change, so much stillness and nothingness."
*Catalyst struggles to explain how wrong this appears to him*
"Change is the nature of things, not a perfect picture of motionless waters."
"...And I do notice how you seem to be on a different frequency somehow, and it is great you're able to use this to help others, but why attribute this to a deity? And how do you know the nature of the deity you worship? If Primus is a caring god who resides in us all, then I do not see proof of it. There are plenty who get along just fine without any concept of peace or compassion or need for tranquility. Would you deny them the validity of their point of view? There are other ways to overcome damage than simple acceptance, passivity, submission"
You work with minds. You want to see a mind. I doubt that mind is in need of adjustment. So, forgive me if I seem suspicious.
*notices the protective gesture and smiles, a bit slyly. Catalyst walks towards another wall and nonchalantly leans against it, arms folded*
"I'm sorry you do not see it. And did I say anything about adjusting? I'm hurt how people always seem to make such snap judgements about what they think I'll do next. Then I have no choice but to prove them wrong, you see"
*then in a playful, enthusiastic tone*
"We won't know if the cityformer or anyone else here needs adjusting until we observe the evidence!...or do you have another plan? I'm open to suggestions, if they're interesting"
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"I have heard of this principle, this method of healing. You would ...calm the storm, until there aren't any waves left, no more change, so much stillness and nothingness."
*she shakes her head* Peace is not the cessation of motion. Peace is learning to flow with the motion, to take life in stride, but not struggle against it, and let it break you. I agree; we would not grow if there was no change and no conflict in our lives. But you can either become bitter and fearful of the past and the 'what ifs' of the future, or you can be confident that no matter what has happened and what will happen in your life, Primus will give you the strength needed to endure.
"...And I do notice how you seem to be on a different frequency somehow, and it is great you're able to use this to help others, but why attribute this to a deity?
Because it is supernatural. I can sense the emotions of others, I have had visions, and have had them confirmed by others. And... the depth of the relationship I have with Primus... *she sighs, finding words inadequate to describe it* It is beyond delusion, beyond mere wishful thinking. I speak with him, I can allow others to speak to him through me. I can feel his presence and power in the planet, in the Matrix-bearer, and he once used me to banish the power of Unicron from one of his victims. He has even had control of my mind and motor functions on a few occasions. I am very certain these abilities do not come from me, my own sensors, or a delusional mind. At the very least, Unicron knows him, and there is quite tangible evidence of his existence.
There are plenty who get along just fine without any concept of peace or compassion or need for tranquility. Would you deny them the validity of their point of view? There are other ways to overcome damage than simple acceptance, passivity, submission"
*She smiles, a little sadly* They're missing out on quite a bit. There are other ways of coping, yes, but often it will only further embitter the mind and spark. Anger can overcome weakness, but it brings its own weaknesses, that do not balance the original. So too denial, obliviousness, and facades.
...And did I say anything about adjusting? I'm hurt how people always seem to make such snap judgements about what they think I'll do next. Then I have no choice but to prove them wrong, you see"
And how do you know that it wasn't for that very reason, that I said it? *she smiles gently*
"We won't know if the cityformer or anyone else here needs adjusting until we observe the evidence!...or do you have another plan? I'm open to suggestions, if they're interesting"
*Auspex shrugs* What do you expect to see? And why do you believe Metroplex would let you?
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