Prime Time

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=============================<* Iacon - Central *>==============================

Hub-capital Iacon. The colossal city-state glistens with golden and azure hues for miles around--as far as the naked optic could perceive. The city itself seems to throb with a life of its own, as power conduits give life and light to the multitudes of winding highway tracks and towering edifices. Videopanes and holomatter signs flash and pulse with moving color, pulling at the attention of every passerby.

The city remains as the seat of Cybertron's government and military; though where the former Senate's Citadel and Primacy Auditorium once stood, Metroplex now rests. The capital city is still recovering from the great battle against Megatron and his Decepticon army, but with the rebels' defeat at the hands of Optimus Prime and his metrotitan ally, the city is well on its way to a full recovery. There are still a few buildings that could use more repairs, but for the most part, the area has been restored.

The city-state is home to Starsreach Spaceport, with shuttles to Luna-2 available, as well as Ultirex Technoversity and Deltaran West Medical, where the planet's finest technical training can be found. To the northwest is Translucentia Heights, the most beautiful and privileged residential sector on the planet. The city-state also hosts the military's main base of operations known as the Decagon, as well as a training facility for new Autobot recruits.

The Pancontinental Expressway that connects many of Cybertron's major cities can be seen meandering through the skyscrapers, bustling with thousands of commuters every day. Below that is the local highway, Interstate Expressway, which leads toward a more commercialized sector of the city.

Tonight in Trion Square, quite a crowd of mechs has gathered. For in just a few breems, Optimus Prime, the supposed new leader of the Cybertronian military and government, has promised to make an appearance before all of those gathered, and really before all of Cybertron as well--whatever he says on this particular eve will be broadcasted live to even the remotest corners of the planet.

Sentiments are mixed...some of the citizenry feel hopeful that this new leader will not be like his predecessors. Just--something about him seems different. They've seen him a smattering of times, but most await this talk he's going to give, to see if he truly seems genuine. Or if he'll just sound like Sentinel Prime and Zeta Prime before him.

Others are less optimistic. After all, Zeta Prime started out with good intentions as well, but look what happened to him! Ever since they can remember, the Primes have been arrogant, oppressive, and insensitive. Why would Optimus be any different? He's bound to end up like the others in no time.

Still others are simply uncertain, with more of a wait-and-see attitude. Hence why they're either here, or watching on a videopane or holoscreen somewhere.

As per usual, Prowl is in charge of a security detail. The Decepticons probably aren't going to make another move this soon, what with Megatron being gone, but with this many people gathered it was always best to be prepared for the worst. He stands at his post on the perimeter of the crowd near the platform where Optimus will be standing, speaking into his comms to inform the Prime that everything is ready, and making sure the rest of his team are doing what they're supposed to be doing. Camera drones hover in different positions, ready to broadcast an image of Prime onto the various large screens on the buildings around the square.

Arcee has arrived here to hear out Optimus. She's known and worked with Orion Pax for a while, and she thought she knew him pretty well. But now that he's the new Prime, she feels a little bit nervous. Will he still have Orion's good spark? Or will he...change, and become like Sentinel or Zeta? She really isn't sure how to feel.

While she isn't working as an official part of Prowl's security detail on this occasion, Arcee tends to work with his team anyhow, as an extra set of optics on the ground. She's watching for Decepticon interference.

With this many mechs crowded in one place they won't -need- Decepticons to cause trouble. All it would take is a couple unhappy with whatever it is Optimus Prime has to say, and they would have a riot on their hands. All the same, they wouldn't want to be using potentially lethal, military level weaponry on the common civilians, would they? Of course not, that's something the -old- government might of done.

But that's why Wheeljack is here! Towing around a hover-cart with one hand, using the other to pass out electrode batons and collapsable riot shields to the security detail. Good thing he already had these ready before Prowl gave him that other little, ah, job, a few cycles earlier.

Hard to tell if it's because it's new equipment or that it's new equipment from -Wheeljack- that the guards are giving them wary looks. "How are these even suppose to stop an angry rioter?"

"Glad you asked." Wheeljack twirled one of the batons in his hand... and then jabbed the questioning guard with it. The mech yelped as a few small arcs crackled over his chassis and he staggered back against the wall.

"Any other questions?" What, did you think he was going to demonstrate on one of the civilians? He's mad, not CRUEL.

The other guards quickly shake their heads no as they accept their gear all the same.

"B-Mech. I'm countin' on you to get th' good word out. You're my audials on th' streets. Don't let me down!"

The stylish Autobot that has come to be known as Jazz is standing on the stage proper. He's likely part of the security detail as well as just being here to have Optimus' back. He's always where the action is, so there's that possibility too. There's really way too many reasons for him to be here.

His conversation with a familiar speaker-looking holo-image is ended and he turns to look back out at the crowd that has gathered. "Lookin' good. I got no signs of trouble, Prowl. We're good." This is said over the local comms to make it that much easier for the security detail to know that Jazz is also here and on the case.

Jazz takes a quick two steps and leaps up onto a oversized speaker. He spins in place and drops down to hang his feet over the side of the speaker and gets comfortable.

There is one individual whose loyalty to the Prime is of no question. Hound stands ready, blue optics alert as all is prepared for Optimus Prime's speech. The green Autobot has worked for Prime even way back when he was still known as Pax, and there is no better tracker nor more loyal friend. He looks over as Wheeljack enters the scene, the corner of his mouth twitching towards a frown as the scientist manages to zap the guard. However, all seems to settle down and his attention returns to the both the stage and scanning the crowd around them.

Prowl watches as Wheeljack demonstrates one of the other security mechs. A very small and almost nonexistent smirk surfaces just for a moment, because he finds this a bit amusng but also effective at the same time.

True enough though that Decepticon interference isn't really expected tonight. But not really necessary for trouble to occur. He knows tensions are high. Some people are hopeful, others are loyal, but many are disgruntled or doubtful, and probably won't like what Prime is going to say. Of course he notices Hound, Arcee and Jazz as well, all of whom are trusted comrades.<< Affirmative, Jazz. >> he responds to his teammate's words.

Finally, Optimus appears, driving up to the platform. Prowl nods toward him to indicate he's good to go, and he steps up onto it. The cameras are live, and the massive Autobot insignia that had been on the screens before is replaced with a feed of him. He waits a few moments for the crowds to quiet down.

Alas no one will ever know Prowl actually smiled briefly, because everyone is facing away from him. Such a shame. Such a loss... well would be a loss if anyone knew.

Wheeljack sets the hover-cart down and closes it, and then sits on top of it to listen. Like several of the Autobots here he did know Optimus back when he was just Orion Pax, though maybe not as personally as the others. But that was still enough, because this was the sort of mech that made a really strong impression in just a few encounters, and Wheeljack was curious to know just what their newest Prime was going to say.

Arcee tries to move through the crowd to get a better view, but there's a lot of taller mechs in front of her. "Scuse me, pardon me," she says as she looks for a better vantage point. Jazz seems to have the right idea, so she locates another speaker nearby and climbs up to sit on it.

Hound watches as Optimus Prime steps up with a mix of confidence in the Autobot leader and an understanding of the difficulties he faces. As he turns to study the crowds for any sign of trouble, his face is stern- but not unkind. Beneath the disciplined military exterior is a warm interior. He feels for everyone here- for Prime, having to find a way to lead Cybertron in this difficult time, and the Bots he sees gathered in the crowd, whether here to support Prime or here because they are unsure about the future- their future and Cybertron's future. These are uncertain times, and there is much to be uncertain about. But- Hound knows the one thing they can count on- the one thing he IS certain of- is Optimus' leadership.

Jazz swings his feet while sitting on top of the large speaker. He's got his optics on the crowd, though, to make sure nobody's preparing any sort of sneak attack. He brings up a hand to give a half-salute and wave to Optimus before his attention returns to the crowd. His hands drum idly against the speaker he's made into a seat for todays' festivities.

When he spots Arcee on the speaker across the way, he grins nice and big. Thumbs up!

Arcee notices Jazz looking over, and she grins broadly, waving at him before things get underway.

Optimus looks...tired, but not sad. Yes, it's true, a great burden has fallen upon him. His position is certainly not one that is generally thought well of. But someone had to lead them...someone had to stand up to corruption, whether it was at the hands of Nominus, Sentinel, Zeta, or Megatron. But at the same time, he's optimistic.

Well his name isn't Optimus for nothing.

The people of Cybertron, while perhaps as weary as he, are looking to him for leadership. He's confident that they can count on him. He glances briefly around at his friends: Hound, Jazz, Prowl, Arcee, and even Wheeljack though he perhaps doesn't know the engineer as well as the others. The sight of their faces encourages him--with them at his side, he's confident that Cybertron would be at peace once again in the future...

A hush finally falls over the audience, all optics on the new Prime's figure.

"Citizens of Cybertron, thank you for taking the time to hear me out tonight. I know that many of you are wary of me...doubtful that this world will ever see peace and prosperity again. And likely with good reason. I myself have witnessed firsthand the horrors that our former leaders--my predecssors included--inflicted upon the downtrodden."

"But I am here today to tell you that I promise I will do everything in my power to avoid making the same mistakes and heading down the same path as Zeta Prime and Sentinel Prime before me have done."

"I want you to know, that my comrades and I are just like you all. We may have different jobs, different bodies, and different talents, but in the end we all have the same right to freedom. And we promise that we will honor that right."

"We will rebuild this world, little by little. We will apprehend the Decepticons -properly-, we will give each of them the right to defend themselves before a court of law, and be judged not upon the actions of their peers and comrades but upon their -own- actions and attitudes. It will take time, and patience. But if we just keeping looking ahead, if we keep pressing forward, we will get there." He pauses a moment, to gesture around at the mostly-repaired city of Iacon. "Look how far we've come together already."

"Thank you." With that, the speech ends and Prime steps down from the platform, with the crowd erupting into a multitude of different reactions. Some applaud and cheer, while others boo and hiss, and still others just don't say anything, simply standing there with dubious or perhaps even disdaintful expressions.

Prowl, for his part, applauds though not in a particularly enthusiastic or sardonic manner, his face remaining mostly expressionless. After a few seconds he's finished applauding, and opens a private commlink to Wheeljack. << Come see me in my office after the proceedings. >> It's not a question.

Wheeljack joins in the applauding, but at least keeps it respectable. Optimus has the right idea though! They need to look to the future more so they don't trip over the past... wait, is that right. Hmm, something seems off with that analogy, but whatever.

<> But seeing as Prowl probably doesn't register that as a joke he follows it with <>

Arcee listens intently to the new Prime during his speech, and his promises seem to win over her insecurities. By the time he finishes, she's one of the more enthusiastic supporters, applauding from her speaker perch. As she looks over the crowd of mechs, she realizes many of them have mixed emotions, and not without good reasons. The security forces will need all the assistance they can get.

Hound listens, and almost every word just makes him want to smile. This is the wise and visionary leader he knows- and now Cybertron is beginning to know him too. The scout adds his enthusiastic applause to the end of Prime's speech, allowing himself a small smile. He remains alert, however- he's got a job to do and aims to protect the Prime and the crowd from any who would seek to harm them. He catches sight of Arcee doing the same and offers her a quick nod of the head.

Arcee glances around once the speech is over, giving Hound a wave when she spots him, then she hops down off the speaker. She's relaxing a bit as there's been no telltale engine-roar of tetrajets crashing the event, not even a glimpse of Decepticon activity. Maybe they were trying to figure out what their next move would be, as their current state of affairs were in a serious state of disarray.

She isn't particularly subtle, but Arcee tries listening in to the mechs she saw booing, just to make sure they aren't planning anything that the security detail should know about.

Wheeljack doesn't look to worried... granted, the partial lack of facial features helps with that. But he did give the guards better equipment, so why worry?

Unless they don't actually work as well as he demonstrated.

... Well at least nothing blew up

Hound is satified this went about as well as it could have. He also makes his way off from the stage area, still ready to sniff out any trouble should it arise. It's only a matter of time before the Decepticons make another move.

The mechs who had been booing don't appear to be planning anything too obnoxious this time around. But Prowl knows this calm won't last long. Not with the way things are right now. The Decepticons may be in disarray at the moment, but sooner or later, they are bound to make a move. He also has his suspicions that Megatron is not in fact dead, but only out of commission.

Once Prime has left the area, the crowds slowly start to disperse, with the security detail just moving along, making sure everyone is clearing out in an orderly manner. << Alright team alpha, let's just make sure no one gets trampled. >>

And while the guards are doing their guard thing Wheeljack trundles over to where the Autobots with actual names are. "If anything blows up at this point it is entirely not my fault."

Hound gives Prowl and glance as he receives the radio message, returning an << Affirmative. >> as he sends a few gaurds to strategic vantage points in the area to ensure the safe dispersal of the crowd. He directs traffic from his position, looking over as Wheeljack makes his comment. "I don't think anyone will blame you. I think this has all gone really well, actually, though we need to keep our gaurd up."

"Well I won't blame you unless you really are to blame." Prowl assures Wheeljack flatly, continuing the monitor the crowd's exit from his position. Everything looks to be going smoothly enough from here. There have probably been a few little hiccups but nothing any of them would need to intervene for.

That said, he gives the engineer a -look-. "You haven't -actually- brought anything potentially explosive to this rather crowded situation, have you?"

Of course, everything looks to be going smoothly. That is, except for the small orange mech near the back, who, pitiably, is being trampled on. He has kept getting pushed down for the past five breems, and security still hasn't done anything.

Maybe because he's just too patient to make a big fuss?

There's a line to be drawn though. When his briefcase is knocked down and with its contents spilled, the tiny psychiatrist yelps, "E-Excuse me, is security /watching/? This is a little bit like an assault..."

Wheeljack laughs, lights flashing rapidly a few times. "What? Of course not!" Which is followed by a pause, and then a shrug. "I mean, I offered a pyrotechnic display for the end of Prime's speech to punctuate the moment." The engineer gestures in several directions with his hands, as if indicating the possible placement. "Could of been in red and blue, since those are Prime's colors. But Red Alert kept saying something about fire hazards. Though what would burn? Everything is made of metallic alloys. But I didn't really get a chance to argue the point because that's when Prowl called me for.... other things... yeah." A vage jesture in Prowl's direction. "Other -emergency- things."

What? Hound's optics snap over towards Rung and his plight. The Autobot scout wastes no time in heading over towards the orange mech. He directs some more gaurds to assist in guiding traffic away from Rung as he steps forward to lend a hand. "I'm sorry! Are you alright? Can I help?" Even as he speaks, he's already picking up items and trying to hand them to Rung.

Prowl notices Rung, but doesn't himself do anything. Instead, he glances at Hound expectantly. Because Hound is the compassionate guy who helps the underdog. That's right, everyone has their job. And Wheeljack...

Sigh. He just ...why did he have to say -that-? The tactician gives the engineer a slightly exasperated look, but says nothing about it. The issue will have to be address in his office, -later-. "Good." Also, he really tends to ramble on with information that tends to be irrelevant to the situation. "That's--" He tries to tell him that he really doesn't care to hear about how he annoyed Red Alert like there was no tomorrow. But naturally, he just gets cut off.

"Well, you're a little bit late," Rung says a bit tartly, slightly miffed. "I haven't been able to get up off the ground for the past five breems." Then he sighs. "It's alright, there's no need. I'll just retire my briefcase, since people see to fancy buffeting it." His right arm pops open, revealing a strangely spacious compartment. He begins to place the items from his briefcase into his arm.

Uncanny, he glances at Prowl the same time he notices him. He shakes his helm and adjusts his glasses. "Now, it has come to my attention that I ought to visit an Autobot named Magnus. Would you happen to know where he is, or perhaps where his office is?"

Either ignorant of or just ignoring the dirty look Prowl is giving him Wheeljack taps a digit against the grooved plate that percludes an actual mouth. "I mean, metal would be more likely to melt than burn. There is no way one of those pyrotechnic discharges could reach that temperature.... Unless more than one of them happened to go off at exactly the same time. Aimed at the same spot. But I even labeled them specifically not to be aimed like that!"

There's another slight yet awkward pause, and then he rubs the back of his head with one hand. "Wait, did I attach those with heat resistant adhesive? Not much of a safety warning if it burns off... maybe that's what ol' Red was talking about..."

Nope, Wheeljack is off in his own little world of SCIENCE now.

Hound looks slightly chagrined, scrambling to pick up the items faster. "My apologies, I thought we'd taken care of this but... I guess not." The scout hands Rung the items, pausing to look at the compartment on the other mech's arm. "I've never seen anything quite like that," He comments, then coughs. "Not that it's any of my business." At the mention of Magnus, Hound pauses. "You mean Ultra Magnus? I am familiar with him, yes. I could send word that you're looking for him if you like."

Prowl also notices the guilt glance from Rung. Seriously? He's going to do that, now? No, really. He leaves the helping Rung job to Hound. Hound knows where Magnus' office in the Decagon is, right? Of course. He better, anyway.

Right now, he has more pressing matters to attend to. "Wheeljack." He says once, probably right around when the engineer was going on about how the pyrotechnics had been labeled not to be aimed at the same spot. But then Wheeljack just keeps going on and on.

He facepalms, then finally he has to actually raise his voice. "WHEELJACK. My office. Now."

Rung just waves a hand dismissively at him, looking tired. "Don't worry about it, it's taken care of now," he says to Hound. When he mentions the compartment in his arm, Rung just says, "You're welcome." His expression might have read as partially amused, but it's a bit hard to tell.

He frowns a little. "I suppose, but I'd like to speak with him directly, if he is in his office, I will go there, but if he is not I'd like to find him and have a conversation with him face to face," he says.

Yes, Prowl. Seriously, don't let guys like Rung get trampled right after issuing an order to make sure no one gets trampled on. No one can even get the guy's name right, he deserves something.

"So I suppose, technically, THEORETICALLY, it could happen, but that is like a gigadruple to one chance in odds." Is that even a real number? "Wait, is the event over?" Wheeljack turns to look around. "There was something about the end tha--"

Prowl finally raises his voice enough to get through the rambling.

"Oh right, -that-." Cue an overly acted up point towards the Decagon. "To the office... RACE YA!"

Not that Wheeljack waits for Prowl to object about making a game out of it before he transforms and speeds off.

Hound blinks a bit at that response, but quickly gets back to business. "Ah. Well, yes." The green mech quickly runs through his database, and arrives at the specific address. "Yes, his office is located in the Decagon, Second Floor, Wing 3. Also..." He almost frowns in a way, looking for an Autobot badge. "You... might want to make sure everything is... neat and orderly. It's... kind of a thing with him." Almost subconsciously, his own hand reaches for his own badge to ensure it is as straight as possible.

Prowl sighs as Wheeljack races off. He turns briefly to Hound. "Security at Toraxxis needs to be reinforced. Briefing in six cycles." Hmph. He needs to speak with Jazz and Arcee soon as well. With that along with a multitude of other things on his mind, he transforms himself and returns to the Decagon as well.

The crowds have mostly cleared away by now, and things have gone back to business as usual. Just another solar cycle in Iacon...

Rung smiles and pats Hound on the arm reassuringly. "Don't worry," he says to the other Autobot, "trust me, I know."

Rung is about to head towards the Decagon when Wheeljack races off, knocking him over. Again.

"H-how rude," he splutters unhappily. "Security at Toraxxis? Make sure your own aren't constantly getting run over first, hmph," he mutters.

Then he dusts himself off and plods along towards his destination.

Hound nods as Prowl addresses him. "Understood, Sir." Then he refocuses back to Rung, smiling as the thin mech pats him on the arm. He lets out a small chuckle. "Alright then, I will." As everyone heads off, Hound remains at his station- watching the crowds and guarding the flock much like his namesake.