Autobase - Conferencing Hangar

[tangled_metal]

The setup is one that was planned for some time ago, but never used more than once or twice: scaffolding and monitors, cameras and microphones and encrypted hard-lines. There is space here for one mech to speak to multiple humans face-to-face, both in the flesh and on the screen; there is room for others as well, to wait their turn as needed. In

Comments

[not_toothfairy]

As Grimlock concludes his extended description of exactly what Stryka and her forces are capable of, the representative from the People's Republic of China leans forward. "I don't suppose," he says, "that there is any chance of these Decepticons being turned aside before they actually reach Earth?"

The question is innocuous enough, diplomatic-speak for something that has been flitting at the edges of many an administrator's minds: if the Autobots are not here, what need will the Decepticons have of Earth?

"I'll take that one," says Ironhide, standing up and nodding to Grimlock to stand down. "Name's Ironhide. Autobot general and weapons specialist. And the answer to your question is no. We haven't got the space-based defenses necessary to hold them off anywhere else in the system. And while we could be back in space tomorrow if necessary-"

He bends over and calls up the files on Starscream, placing them side-by-side with Shockwave's.

"Shockwave is a Megatron loyalist of the highest caliber. Starscream is an ambitious militarist with a short temper and a long memory. Shockwave wouldn't put forth the effort to bring his forces down on this system for anything less than long-term strategy. Starscream was forced to flee a planet populated by organics. He's going to want revenge- not just on us, but on this world. Given that they've hated each other for longer than humanity's been building cities, and they're working together now..."

"... then they have goals that will not allow for being turned aside from Earth." The Chinese representative nods slowly. "I see. Thank you, General."

Ironhide grunts, nods, and steps away from the platform. If Optimus wants to wrap this up, it's up to him.

[autocommander]

Optimus Prime retakes the podium. It's important that humans get used to the other Autobots, in case... well. In case.

"This is the best intelligence we have, analyzed by sentients with the greatest experience in the field dealing with this opposing force. Our reports have been sent as well, in greater detail, by hand, in case Soundwave has already infiltrated - which we project at a 95% probability."

"This is one of the greatest threats your world has ever faced. But we have pledged that you do not stand alone. We are fewer than they, but that has always been the place of the Autobots, since this war began. I regret that it has come to your word. If I could change it, I would, but the choice was made by fate long before any Cybertronian touched your world, when the Allspark crashed here. But we are here to help. It is our responsibility."

"I do not sleep; if you have questions concerning this, I am available constantly to answer them. The Autobots do not sleep, and we will be ready to move at five minutes notice to take action. We are all gathering here, so that at any time we can roll out."

"Are there any further questions at this time?"

[tangled_metal]

There are a few murmurs, but eventually they dissolve to the shaking of heads. "Not at the moment," says the American representative. "Thank you, Optimus."