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General Assembly Many first-time visitors feel small and insignificant here...this massive amphitheater serves as the meeting place for the United Nations General Assembly, the controlling force behind the UN and most of the planet Earth. Rows of seats in concentric semi-circles, each ring a few steps above the last, radiate outwards from the Director's desk at the far end of the room. Looking closely, you note that each seat is actually a comfortable desk-like station complete with a sophisticated communications console - featuring microphones as well as speakers and translators, status monitors and many other helpful features. A large viewscreen is mounted in the wall behind the Director's head, designed to show close-ups of the delegates as they speak. Contents: Craig Wallace Hummer Rob Kennedy Obvious exits: Guarded Door <S> leads to Security Council Chamber. Sec-Gen's Office <SO> leads to Secretary-General's Office. Carved Doors <Out> leads to Reception Hall. Edward Bryant, despite his best efforts, chuckles faintly. Backtrack's grin widens. He mutters to Edward Bryant, "... still... of... a... there,... was afraid... the..." Edward Bryant senses, Backtrack's grin widens. "I thought you still had a glimmer of humor in you. For a minute there, I was afraid you'd turned back into the Secretary General." Craig Wallace stands up and walks over to the Reception Hall. Edward Bryant smirks. Craig Wallace seems to be feeling better, and heads back to his seat. Backtrack blinks at Bryant's reaction, and looks around, confused, as if he's missing something. Edward Bryant calms down slightly, and looks over his notes. Backtrack senses that the conversation and his welcome are both drawing thin, and moves over a few seats back to the transformer section of the Assembly. Venom strides in briskly, his insectoid legs carefully folded tight against his body and shielded by his wings to keep them out of sight of the bug-disliking humans. He sweeps a gaze around the room and nods slightly to Backtrack. Earthscorch enters close behind Venom. Sunflare follows Diktat, nodding as she spots Backtrack. Diktat strides into the room, slightly behind Venom and too the right. He's playing the Imperial March from his speakers. Earthscorch glares back. Backtrack is sitting in the transformer section of the Assembly, and beckons for the other Decepticons to fall in line and peacably take their seats. Earthscorch walks over and takes a seat in the second row back. Flanker smiles as he picks out Backtrack, then turns on his heel lightly, coming to sit with him. Rob Kennedy looks at Earthscorch as he glares at the Decepticon before he looks at the empty seat for a moment that is empty. Firebird sits down a few seats from Earthscorch. Venom carefully sidles into the row, seating himself beside Backtrack. Venom mutters to Backtrack, "... situation?" Venom whispers, "What's the situation?" to Backtrack. Diktat takes a seat with practised grace Sunflare moves in to sit at Backtrack's other side. Earthscorch just shakes his head. Flanker leans forward to speak quietly into Backtrack's audio receptor. He mutters to Backtrack, "Vertigo... along... looking... things." Backtrack senses, Flanker leans forward to speak quietly into Backtrack's audio receptor. "Vertigo will be along shortly... she's.. well... looking at things." Vertigo catches up, and looks around in awe, "Oh.. wow! This is neat!" Flanker grins as Vertigo times her entrance with his comment, then waves her over. Diktat raises from his seat as the Militant commander enters, and offers him a bow, before returning to his chair. Backtrack mutters to Venom, "... are... to... for... the... Diktat... need... line." Backtrack whispers, "We are here to present our case for annexation before the General Assembly, Venom. Myself and presumably Diktat will speak, and I need you to keep everyone in line." to Venom. Sunflare nods politely. Chikome-Ollin steps slowly through the door way and stops, saying rather loudly to himself. "Looks like a scrap yard in here with all these damn Machines." He strides slowly down the main isle, taking his designated seat. Rob Kennedy is sitting in an area that is nearly empty of spectators. He nods to Chikome as he enters. Vertigo waves to all the dignitaries and stuff, and carefully finds her seat next to Flanker, and says, "Ain't this just neat!" She looks back towards the Secretary-General's office. "Wonder what is in there." Backtrack leans back and replies to Flanker, holding up a finger for patience from Venom. He mutters to Flanker. Flanker senses, Backtrack leans back and replies to Flanker, holding up a finger for patience from Venom. "Sounds like she's already here." Venom mutters to Backtrack, "... Earthscorch... an intriguing... well... that we... assistance to... ending... this 'Longsight' poses... since... Autobots... not..." Venom whispers, "Understood. Earthscorch has an intriguing suggestion as well -- that we offer our assistance to the Terrans in ending the threat that this 'Longsight' poses to them, since the Autobots have not been helping them successfully." to Backtrack. Earthscorch glances at Venom. Backtrack mutters to Venom, "... already... Earth... I... that... I... be *pleased*... it." Backtrack whispers, "I was already on it. As Commander of Earth Ops, I believe I have that option, and I would be *pleased* to exercise it." to Venom. Flanker reaches out to catch Vertigo back before she disappears. Rob Kennedy stands from his former position and makes way towards his commander, and sits down. He smiles and chuckles, "We should hope that there is no leak in the ceiling or they may rust." Venom nods slightly to Backtrack. "This would be an excellent opportunity to present that... possibility," he murmurs softly. Diktat mutters to Venom, "... what... is... It... me... use my oratorical... greatest..." Sunflare waits quietly, looking around at the room and its inhabitants... Out of nowhere, something emits loud, cackling laughter that chills to the core. Turning your gaze to the source, you shake your head, as you see nothing...or do you? Slowly, winds begin to swirl around one particular spot, light in color, but ever darkening. As the winds darken, so does the sound of chanting. As quickly as it begins, the ordeal ends and the Sparrow Team commander known as Coyote Chasm-Waters stands before you. Coyote fades into view! Backtrack nods. He mutters to Venom, "... and... damage... Autobots.... something... can... which will... damage... reputation of the..." Venom senses, Backtrack nods. "I'm also planning on offering limited aid to help with rebuilding and fixing the damage done by the Autobots. This is something we can easily afford, which will do grave damage to the reputation of the Autobots." Sunflare blinks. "Wha..?" Earthscorch sighs a little at what he just overheard. Venom glances over towards the other section of Transformer-size seats, noting Hummer's presence. "Mmm. Seems that the Autobots haven't sent much of a presence. Do you recognize that one?" He indicates Hummer. Coyote makes his usual grand entrance and joins the other Militants on hand muttering, "bah...don't need no ID to get in this place...just raw skills, no?" Flanker blinks, wondering about the new arrival that just seemed to appear, then makes a mental note to get his optics recal'd. Diktat mutter something about some people not understanding diplomatic protocol. Chikome-Ollin turns, chuckling. "You do enjoy making a grand entrance, don't you Chasm-Waters." Hummer's blue optic visor glimmers as it focuses on Diktat for a moment, then resumes its roving scan. Vertigo gets grabbed, and sits down, sulking. Craig Wallace sits and stares at the Decepticons. Sunflare looks back at Craig. "Yes?" Craig Wallace shakes his head. Coyote removes the knapsack from his back and nods to the Warlord with a chuckle, then returns Flankers gaze, and comments, "if i'm not mistaken, I blew you up where we come from...of course, I killed so many Machines, its sorta hard to keep track, ya know?" Venom glances over at the EDC representative, frowning darkly as he does. Earthscorch looks decidedly unimpressed at Coyote's statement. Diktat places one hand on Flankers shoulder, and leans over. Flanker arches an optic at the tiny voice. "Indeed? I'm afraid I don't remember. My apologies." Diktat mutters to Flanker, "... not... to... bait" Sunflare shrugs slightly, and settles back in her seat. Rob Kennedy chuckles, "Yes you do seem to forget how many of these miserable machines you put to rest." Coyote sits... Indian style, of course... in his seat and glances around at the Decepticon entourage, "so this is the best the Cons have to offer? I don't know whether to surrender to stupidity to roll through the assembly, dying of laughter..." Earthscorch sighs. "Please attempt to restrain yourself, human." Craig Wallace seems to smile at the gibberish coming from the Militants. Backtrack nods to Venom. "Hummer, I think. I know I captured him once, that's the name he gave. He's relatively harmless." Sunflare hrmphs. Speaker of the Assembly stands up, and wraps his mallet, and speaks, "Order... order on the floor, please." Chikome-Ollin laughs briefly at Coyote. "True, but you missed out on the Triumverate, unlike Commander Kennedy and Battle Chief Mankiller." He grins darkly at the memory, turning towards Rob. "Which leader did you take, Commander? I remember Straxus being the name of the one I snuffed the wretched life from." Diktat crosses his legs and observes the room in perfect silence. Venom turns his attention to the speaker and focuses his gaze on the small human, zooming his vision in close to observe the nuances of his gestures. Coyote reaches for invisible seat belts around his chair and shakes his head to Earthscorch, "sorry sir... I can't seem to restrain myself... perhaps if you were educated like the fine flight attendants on the craft which flew me over and directed me in the proper method of seat belt buckling, I could restrain myself... also, if you'd point out the emergency exits, it'd be helpful... never know when things'll go... *BOOM*..." Sunflare shakes her head slightly. Diktat smiles at Edward Bryant as his pulsing optics reach him, raising his optics in sympathy. Speaker says, "Secretary-General Bryant has no opening statements, so if the Decepticon represenative cares to step forward." Rob Kennedy says, "It has been so long ago and so many machines I laid to rest the names seemed to have slipped my memory at the moment, but I wouldn't mind an assassination on one of these fellows." Earthscorch only chuckles at Coyote's insolence. Flanker says, "Aerospace, desist. There is no reason to exchange barbs with those ones, for they only seek to display us as negatively as they can." Backtrack gestures to Diktat, needing his attention for a moment. Diktat leans towards Backtrack. Backtrack mutters to Diktat, "Go ahead and go first. I need to... over... notes... need..." Backtrack whispers, "Go ahead and go first. I need to go over my notes and we need you to take the first steps." to Diktat. Diktat nods. Rob Kennedy chuckles and simply blurts out, "Ah yes now I remember how could I forget putting Starscream in his place. One missile up into his fuel tanks and well that was done." Diktat mutters to Backtrack, "... to..." Diktat whispers, "I'll keep to generalities then, Commander." to Backtrack. Firebird hears Rob's Starscream comment. Backtrack nods. He mutters to Diktat, "... get... that." Diktat senses, Backtrack nods. "Keep it simple, just get them comfortable. You're good at that." Coyote leans over to Rob and mutters, "do you think these machines can do anything useful...say, brew coffee? a machine with a coffee maker would be right handy, especially to your Fire Team troops when out in the field...better than that stuff Serpent team came up with that's _called_ coffee.." Diktat rises to his feet, stopping for a couple of seconds to flick a stray particle of dust from his armour. He strides towards the main podium, smiling diplomatically. Chikome-Ollin turns to glance briefly at Kennedy and Coyote, giving them a silencing gaze, before turning his attention back to the floor. Earthscorch nods respectfully at Chikome-Ollin. Backtrack chops the edge of his hand at his own throat, in a universal gesture for his warriors to be silent and composed. Earthscorch sits back. Diktat bows to the speaker before taking the podium, resting his hands on each side of it. He raises his optics to teh crowd and speaks in a soothing, relaxing voice, "Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen of the United Nation. We bring you a message of peace." Coyote stretches with a nod to Rob, then fiddles with his eagle feather and braids before folding his arms across his bare chest as the ceremonies begin, "Play ball!" Sunflare nods to Diktat, smiling in encouragement. Chikome-Ollin glances back to Earthscorch with a 'I'd like nothing better than to see you smelted down into a lump of slag and used as a paperweight because it's all you're good for' look, then turns back to Diktat. Earthscorch shrugs slightly. "Your funeral..." Flanker intones quietly, "Earthscorch, desist.... now." Backtrack throws a look at Earthscorch briefly, and nudges Flanker's knee. Diktat smiles. "The Empire has never desired anything but to create a harmonious union with the Watery Globe you love so. And because we've been so... forceful our enemies have allowed our aims to be corrupted by their rank propaganda. Hopefully I can ease your fears." Earthscorch nods slightly and composes himself. He's not used to being treated so by lower life forms :) Vertigo pffts at Earthscorch and leans back in her chair. Diktat looks serious, "Some have said that we would wash this planet clean of Humans, pausing only to dine on their blood." He smiles, "That is clearly the dribbling of the insane. We desire citizens for the Empire: Look at Polyhex. Crime is infitesimally small, There is no visible homeless problem and the trains run on time." Rob Kennedy looks at Earthscorch with a looks that kill grin on his face. He makes his fingers into a gun and makes mock movements of the weapon firing without any noice. Diktat raises his hands, "We offer each brave soul on Earth a chance to become part of something greater than themselves: A Galactic Empire whose sole aim is to create a universe where no-one need die in warfare ever again. If you come to the Empire's welcome arms, you shall have an end to this hopeless warfare, this meaningless death." Backtrack nods slowly at Diktat, muttering sotto voce, "Good job, keep it up." Earthscorch nods in approval. Chikome-Ollin chuckles loudly. Craig Wallace smirks. Rob Kennedy cackles to himself as he hears all these 'lies'. Sunflare nods, smiling. Coyote yawns, then makes a well-timed *BURP*, then glances around nervously with a 'did I do that?' look...then offers an apologetic look to Ollin, "damn Nabiki's cooking..." Craig Wallace mumbles, "Oh and the Cons aren't facists..." Chikome-Ollin mutters to Coyote, "... Species Hatred..." Earthscorch looks unimpressed. Diktat smiles, "Of course *some* of you think us fascists." He pauses for a length of time, "Complete hogwash. We are disciplinarians, yes: We believe in organisating a structure which will allow *all* beings *whatever* material their skin may be to reach their upmost potential. We believe in creating an atmosphere where excellence, in whatever field can excell. Many of the greatest Artists and Philosophers of Cybertron *were* Decepticons. We are not barbarians. We do not slay without thought. We take no pleasure in meaningless death. We will only take pleasure when our two worlds can be joined in chains of trust. Thank you." Earthscorch tries to figure out the meaning of 'hogwash.' Craig Wallace shakes his head... sighing. Diktat bows slightly to the audience, and unleashes his most devestating, charming smile (#37 if you're interested) and makes his way slowly down from the podium. Backtrack nods approvingly of the speech, himself having a little difficulty separating the truth from the embellishment. Craig Wallace glances at Edward. Sunflare mutters to Backtrack. Sunflare whispers, "Commander, am I supposed to speak during this?" to Backtrack. Flanker notes that he's majorly idle, but nods at the high points to pretend he's really paying attention. Rob Kennedy grins as a small little sound followed by a putrid smell that makes way towards the Decepticon secetion and smirks and mutters, "Strange, her cooking got to me a little also." Backtrack mutters to Sunflare, "You can if you want..." Backtrack whispers, "You can if you want. Just raise your hand when Diktat is done." to Sunflare. Edward Bryant pretends to be paying attention, but is also really busy, as the only TPStaffer on, so slept through must what have been a fascinating speech, really. Coyote coughs and waffs his hand in front of his nose, "dangit Rob... don't be doing that stuff! Now we gotta set in our _own_ pew..." Sunflare ehs? Diktat rolls his optics slightly, "Ah, the master race find an art form suitable to their talents." He smiles at the Militants as he takes his seat. Earthscorch chuckles at Diktat's statment, quietly. Sunflare slowly raises her hand. Craig Wallace smiles and waves his hand infront of his face. Speaker stands up, "Assembly recognizes the female one..." Sunflare says, "Lieutenant Sunflare, MSE." Coyote shakes his head, "funny... doesn't look familiar... I don't recognize dat one.." Diktat smiles as Sunflare stands up. He winks at her encouragingly, mouthing, "Give 'em hell." Earthscorch nods at Sunflare. Craig Wallace smirks as Sunflare stands up. Sunflare carefully makes her way to the podium, pausing for a moment before she begins to speak. Backtrack smiles, giving Sunflare a thumbs-up of encouragement. Coyote eyes Ollin and replies audibly, "but I'd need Rob to put that in there... he's the one who's apparently all fired up... er... oh! another sort of surprise... ah... ok.." Sunflare says, "Ladies and gentlemen, I speak to you not only as a Decepticon, but also as an explorer, a seeker of knowledge..." Coyote rises in the middle of the meeting, checking an invisible watch, "well... gotta run... ya know how it is... may the Great Spirit guide and protect you all til we meet again... err... well, not _all_ of you, just the humans... err... um... ok, just Rob and Ollin... tata!" Coyote cackles darkly for a moment...his beady namesake eyes flickering in almost a dance-like motion. Slowly, Coyote's lips begin to murmur, beginning a long and ancient chant...as he chants, his light-weight power armor seems to radiate slightly with a dark, unseen power. Methodically, the chanting increases in tempo and sound...the eerie light begins to swirl about Chasm-Waters, taking on the form of dark winds, ever encompassing, ever darking....until at least, the chanting ends, the winds disperse, and 'the Trickster' is gone... Coyote dissolves into nothingness. Sunflare says, "While I know that you have reached out, looked for what lies beyond your homeworld--and I do congratulate you on your efforts..." Craig Wallace shakes his head. Sunflare says, "You cannot imagine how much you have not seen--all the power, and all the sheer beauty that exists among the stars." Craig Wallace sighs. Diktat smiles encouragingly at Sunflare. Sunflare's optics shine as she smiles softly. "I have spent six million years in pursuit of the stars, and still have seen so little." Earthscorch listens to Sunflare in interest. Chikome-Ollin rolls his eyes, making a few notes to himself. Sunflare says, "Join us, people of Earth. Join us, and together we shall see such sights, learn so many truths..." Rob Kennedy sighs as he mutters to Mr. Ollin, "Talk about your fulf." He looks at Sunflare and winks at her in attempt to get her to well mess up. Diktat smiles again, thinking of the Sunflare he first met who would barely rise her voice above a whisper. Backtrack attempts to catch Sunflare's optics from across the hall, and give her an encouraging nod. Sunflare cannot go on, she's become so caught up in her emotions. "Thank you..." she says softly, then steps down. Chikome-Ollin leans back over to Kennedy. "Notice how she forgets to mention the slavery, the second-class status." Diktat raises his optics at Chikome, but doesn't turn around. He offers Sunflare a round of applause. Backtrack raises his hands in applause as well, voicing his approval. Backtrack then raises his hand to be recognized by the Speaker. Sunflare nods, smiling, to Diktat as she sits back down. Earthscorch nods at Sunflare as she seats herself. "A moving speech." Rob Kennedy chuckles, "They do seem to forget it indeed, not to bright are they. Then again what more do you want for those meant for the next life as a coffee machine." Sunflare settles back in her seat, still smiling. Earthscorch now ignores the Militants completely. Craig Wallace laughs at the Decepticons. Diktat mutters to Sunflare, "Ignore..." Sunflare mutters to Diktat, "... they..." Backtrack rises to his feet, and makes his way to the podium, standing behind it and composing himself. Setting a datapad on the surface before him, he looks around the room, taking in the collected eyes and optics of those assembled, whether they be here to speak, ridicule, or simply watch passively. After several heartbeats of making a more casual eye-to-optic connection with the General Assembly, he rests his hands on the podium and begins to speak. Diktat mutters to Sunflare, "You... making the usual..." Sunflare mutters to Diktat, "Thank... I... so..." Craig Wallace glares at Backtrack and softly says, "Oh joy another one..." Diktat smiles. He mutters to Sunflare, "... course: If you speak... something..." Diktat mutters to Sunflare, "You're bound to..." Rob Kennedy rolls his eyes to Earthscorch and chuckles to himself, and mutters, "I think he will make a nice wall plaque, or even better be reconfigured as my new coffee machine." He hmms to hmself as he gets an idea and sniggers to himself. Chikome-Ollin says to nobody but himself. "First the Autobots ask for Citizenship, now these Decepticons try to conquer the planet by turning us into a garrison. It's amazing mere Machines could get so full of themselves." Sunflare nods slowly to Diktat. Diktat sits back to listen to Backtracks speach, one leg resting lightly on the other. Backtrack pitches his voice for the built-in amplifiers in his vocals, setting them to an appropriate volume, and says, "Ladies, gentlemen, and sentient beings of the General Assembly, welcome. My name is Backtrack, formerly the UN Ambassador for the Decepticon Empire, and now Commander of the Decepticon forces stationed on Earth. Today, we are gathered not to drum up old memories, and not to sling accusations or insults. We are here before you to offer a vision of the future, an olive branch to quench the fires of war and hatred which have been unjustly inflicted on this planet for better than twenty years." Craig Wallace laughs to himself. Rob Kennedy looks over to Mr.Ollin and smiles as he mutters to him, "How nice of him to make that statement." He leans back into his seat and looks back up at Backtrack with a large smile on his face, prehaps a shrewd looking grin, as he chuckles again. Diktat smiles, and appreciates the reaching out imagery. Sunflare listens, nodding in approval. Backtrack grins slightly, leaning forward. "In deference to your stomachs, I'm going to try to keep the rhetoric to a minimum, and instead concentrate on facts. Facts are the basis on which an intelligent decision is formed, and my aim today is to show you the facts necessary for you to decide in favor of membership as citizens of the Decepticon Empire. Rob Kennedy glares at Backtrack as he speaks, "Yeah as second class citizens. Unless you found a nice way to fluffen that up also." Craig Wallace smirks again. Sunflare begins to frown. The Speaker raps his gavel. "Order on the floor, please." Diktat smiles. Good. Rhetoric is his job. Diktat snorts at Rob, and returns his gaze to the stage Backtrack ticks off points on his fingers as he begins to pace back and forth across the floor, patching his vocals into the Assembly's microphone system to keep the sound directed properly. "It's been said that the Decepticon Empire represents tyranny or slavery--and that the citizens of Earth would be summarily subjugated and the planet's resources stripped. This, I can say definitively, is false. Earth will retain its current government, with the United Nations free to continue its elections and the national status of Earth's citizens unchanged. Providing that the United Nations can maintain order as usual, travel on the planet will remain unrestricted, with Imperial military forces being used as a last resort, in the situations where heavily-armed criminals pose a threat to Earth's own defenses." Craig Wallace shakes his head somemore. Backtrack continues. "In fact, the net effect on the average Earth citizen will be minimal, if not nonexistent. The bulk of the changes will be administrative, in order to accomodate the merging of our collective efforts and the registration of Earth as a planet of Imperial citizenship. Most people will wonder what the big fuss was, to be honest... and will wonder why everyone was so up in arms about Earth joining the Empire. The benefits, however... will be many." Rob Kennedy crosses his arms as he smiles. Craig Wallace mutters to himself, "Like it will be legal for them to kill us then... Sunflare shakes her head sadly. Diktat rolls his optics. At least inwardly. Outwards he's the perfect atendee to a diplomatic convention. Backtrack says, "Jobs, for one. There will be good wages available in the many thousands of new job openings in industrial work, construction, and the sciences. And speaking of which, I imagine many of your scientists will have a field day with what we're willing to share. Even the smallest of our technological advantages could keep your scientists ecstatic for decades, and all of these things are advantages shared by all Imperial citizens." Rob Kennedy grunts to himself as he speaks for only those that are around him, "Yeah as slave labor." Chikome-Ollin leans over to Kennedy. "Modest, aren't they." Rob Kennedy chuckles, "Modest indeed." Diktat sighs, and types a small message on the datapad on his arm. He quietly prints out the message, and passes it towards the Militants. Rob Kennedy rolls his eyes to Diktat as he chuckles quietly again, his voice is quiet as he mutters to Ollin, "I am surpised they took the time to learn how to write, must have gotten a copy of hooked on phonics." Backtrack's sensitive audio sensors pick out the scattered bits of conversation, and he makes no overt response. However, he then says, "Now, in address to the issue of slave labor. Honestly, I've found this the most amusing allegation of all. Don't get me wrong; to be frank, I don't blame you for being afraid of this. If I were in your shoes, being told what you have been, I'd be wary too. But in order to refute such banal cautionary tales, you need look no further than our own ranks. You see, we have at least one human who has chosen to take up Imperial citizenship already... and one of them, in particular, holds a respectable position within our armed forces. Her name is Nicole, and although she is on assignment right now, she could happily tell you herself that she is far, far, from being a slave or a second-class citizen." Rob Kennedy takes out his lap top and sends an message to the data pad as his brow narrows. Chikome-Ollin turns to look towards Diktat, his expression cold as he simply mouths, "F--- you, Machine." Earthscorch smiles slightly, watching the Militants out of the corner of his eye. Diktat smiles beatifically as he looks back at the warlord. He mouths, "No Genitals, I'm afraid." Chikome-Ollin chuckles. "No suprise, there." Rob Kennedy chuckles, "Good thing, we wouldn't want you to reproduce." Backtrack stops pacing, and faces the Assembly once again. "My friends, you have an important choice before you. A wise individual among the human race once said that there are three kinds of people: those who dwell on the past, those who live in the present, and those who look towards the future. Citizens of Earth, I have spent the past twelve million years dwelling on the past, and I have met my share of people with no vision beyond the present. But with your vote for Imperial citizenship, we will walk hand in hand into a promising and destined future... together. Thank you." Diktat winks at Rob, nods towards Backtrack, then turns to applaud. Backtrack descends from the podium, and nods to the Speaker as he moves back towards the Decepticons. Sunflare applauds as well. Craig Wallace almost busts out luahing. Earthscorch raises a hand. "I'd like to speak briefly." The Speaker nods and raps his gavel. "The Assembly recognizes... the Decepticon." Earthscorch says, "Earthscorch." Craig Wallace mumbles, "What a name...." Backtrack manages to keep from palming his face. Earthscorch stands and walks to the podium. "I'd like to speak to you in cold hard logic. You no doubt, question our motives. I ask you why? Why should we wish you as enemies?" Diktat laughs as Sunflare whispers to him , then snaps on his control. Diktat mutters to Sunflare, "It's... the... moniker." Sunflare nods to Diktat. Earthscorch says, "When we stole your resources, it was in the intrest of furthering our ends, namely destroying the Autobots. It was nothing persnal. Now I believe, we have all gained a new respect for humans through association." Earthscorch says, "All other reasoning and motives aside, continued hostilities against humans would cost us more than it would gain. We have no reason to decieve you, but we could both gain from peace." Craig Wallace mumbles again, "And all we do is loose..." Chikome-Ollin laughs, nodding in understanding, before leaning over to Kennedy again. "No wonder.. they fear losing to us mere humans if they continue hostilities, so they try this in order to save themselves." Diktat closes his optics to control himself. He loves all life... but Militants are so... *wrong*. Earthscorch says, "It is simply a matter of logic and common sense. We have nothing to glose but much to gain." Craig Wallace sighs. Earthscorch says, "We have no reason to make you our slaves, and if we tried, you could defend yourselves adaquetely, and things would simply dissolve to where they are now." Earthscorch says, "So once again, I ask you why? why would we wish to deceive you on this? That is all..." Earthscorch bows and returns to his seat. Craig Wallace laughs softly to himself. "The are afraid to loose..." Sunflare puts a hand on Diktat's shoulder, trying to calm him down. Diktat turns to Sunflare and nods, mouthing "I'm fine." Sunflare nods, and removes her hand then. Rob Kennedy hmms as he speaks softly to his surrounding area, "I can't believe what I am hearing, bunch of crap this stuff is." Earthscorch looks at Diktat, looking for approval on what he just said. Dead silence at the blunt honesty of the statements fills the chamber. This silence is broken by a commotion from the back of the room, followed by a shout: "Because you're an aberration on this earth, you monsters!" And with this, the piercing cries of an automatic laser rifle, the stock removed for portability, cut through the air, sending bursts of crimson light towards the Decepticons. Immediately, many of the people in the room hit the floor, cries ringing out. Backtrack blinks. "What the hell--Decepticons, do not return fire!" Diktat winks at Earthscorch, "You're fine"... and then the laser blast. Sunflare eeks! and dives under the seat in front of her. Craig Wallace hits the floor and grabs his weapon and radio, "Command we have a situation here." Chikome-Ollin starts to dive towards the floor, until he realizes where the blasts are going. He chuckles quietly, moving back to his seat and observing. Earthscorch doesn't even bother to dodge. Diktat spins around, frowning. He ducks slightly and raises one optic again, "When *will* these Militants learn to shoot?" Rob Kennedy dives to the floor and chuckles as he looks at Mr.Ollin. He starts to clap out loud as the man with the gun comes in, "Nice work sir." A man in a cutoff pair of jeans and a leather jacket washes the rather ineffective laser fire across the Decepticon ranks, as security guards rush him, swearing and wondering how he even got in. In the midst of his frenzy, the man shouts, "All machines will be purged from this world! The Human Purity League has spok--" Several heavily armed security officers burst into the room. Sunflare says, "I don't want to hurt you--why are you shooting at me?" Chikome-Ollin looks down at Kennedy, shaking his head. "Wasn't me. Besides, the firepower is to ineffectual to be done by Militant hands." The man whirls in midsentence, training his rifle on the security guards a little too late. Earthscorch rises to his feet. "It is you humans that do not seem to wish peace! Why do you keep insulting and attacking us!? Craig Wallace stands up. Backtrack waves his hand. "Just keep your head down, Earthscorch! It won't hurt you unless it strikes an optic or another sensitive point." Rob Kennedy says, "No, to the guy coming in here like that, least he is doing something about us." He snaps at Earthscorch, "Because you are the ones that ATTACK US!" Earthscorch sits back down. Diktat seems completely competent. He's used to assasination attempts. He looks over the fanatic... and usually they're better dressed. Sunflare comes out from under the chair, carefully peeking her head up. As soon as the man turns his weapon on the security guards, the response is immediate, predictable, and final. The left side of the terrorist's face disappears in a burst of autoshot fire, a fine red mist filling the air near him. Almost as a useless afterthought, a sonic stunner washes over him, only to be rendered even more moot as several laser blasts strike him. The sawed-off laser rifle strikes the floor with a clatter of finality almost at the same time as the dull thump of his body. Backtrack winces. Diktat looks down at Sunflare, "You can get up now, Sister. The danger has been..." He turns to the attack, "Well and truly dealt with." Craig Wallace walks over to Backtrack and Diktat, "As senior EDC officer I think it is time for you to leave." Sunflare says, "I'm sorry..." Earthscorch says, "You can join us and stop the attacks, or not join us and allow these sensless hostilities to continue." Sunflare sits back down, still a bit shaky. Backtrack looks down at Wallace, almost sadly, and inclines his head. "I am truly sorry that this happened. I had one more thing to say, but I think perhaps it can wait for a more... appropriate time." Diktat touches Sunflare's arm to try and calm her. Earthscorch nods at Craig. "Perhaps. I expected more from you humans." Chikome-Ollin turns to one of his aides. "Find out who that man was. If he has any family, see that they are compensated for their loss." Backtrack snaps from the side of his mouth, "That will be all, Earthscorch." Diktat smiles, "You should have seen me after my first assasination." Sunflare says, "I didn't think anyone was going to try to kill us while we were here!" Chikome-Ollin smiles brightly over at Sunflare. "Welcome to Earth." Diktat smiles, looking around, "It's *always* a good day for an assasination." Sunflare says, "That's not funny..." Diktat nods, "Sorry. It's the Diplomatic equivilent to Battlefield humour." Sunflare ohs softly. Craig Wallace nods to the group, "I understand your purpose here, and personally I'd love nothing more than to melt you all down, the Secretary General has granted you safe passage, now go." Earthscorch says, "I'm not sure that's appropriate, Diktat..." Backtrack remarks to Wallace, "That's rather pleasant. I'm sorry to hear it. Decepticons, fall in." Earthscorch says, "very well. if that is how it must be." Earthscorch falls in. Craig Wallace nods to Backtrack. Craig Wallace crosses his arms and glances at the Militants. Diktat bows to all the Terrans. "We apologise for this fiasco. Hopefully one day, when all are one under the Empire, these things will be mere history." Diktat falls in after his brief speech. Sunflare stands, and falls in after the others. Chikome-Ollin waves to the Cons. "See you in the scrap yards sometime." Craig Wallace points at Chikome, "Enough." Diktat bows to Chikome as he passes, "We bear you no malice, Brother of the Universe." Backtrack turns to walk out, followed by the Decepticons... and then stops before the door, turning. "You know," he says, as if to himself, but clearly audible, "I'm not sure I understand humans as well as I thought I did. They claim to want peace, they claim that we're warlike... and yet they voice approval at the attempted assassination of our own diplomatic delegation." He shakes his head. "Decepticons, let's go." Earthscorch shakes his head sadly. "Such unreasonable creatures." Diktat steps out of the reception hall through the main doors and returns to the plaza outside. Backtrack shrugs. "They cannot be faulted for their feelings. We have twenty years of hostility to overcome the consequences of." Diktat nods, "We must pour the balm of the Empire into these mental wounds. All things heal eventually." |