Message 1

[nexicpolarity]

[An acolyte accompanies you on your journey out to the craters, silently leading the way across the many dips and crags of Nexus's rocky quadrant. Though it is late at night the sky is alight with the distant tails of meteors traveling in a cluster of bright streaks towards the horizon. The acolyte finally stops at the edge of one of the biggest craters, bowing once and sliding off again into the night.

Nexus stands with his back to you, hands gathered behind him in a thoughtful pose, his strange and constantly shifting exterior framed by the light of the meteor shower. He glances over his shoulder when you approach and offers a weary smile.]

Beautiful night to go flying, isn't it? Or out on a joy ride perhaps...

[His smile slowly fades and he shakes his head.] Might be a long while before I have time to do either of those again.

But this is about you, not me. I've asked you here to speak with me about the future. Very soon, things are going to change in a big way around here.

[Nexus hunkers down, giving you his full attention and maybe your neck a bit of a break from craning up so high to see his face.]

The thing is- I have to leave soon. The pillar has convinced my siblings of what I've always suspected- that we have had it too easy up until now. We must focus more of our efforts on keeping Unicron at bay.

That is why I need you and the rest of those that bare my glyph to take care of the haven. I won't allow Cybertron to grow stagnant in our absence. I'm counting on all of you to keep it alive and growing.

Can you do that for me?

Comments

[nexicpolarity]

[Nexus loses a little of his grim expression at Strelok's comment, barely resisting the urge to pat him heartily on the back in sympathy. That hadn't gone well the first time he'd forgotten and done it to an acolyte and he shuddered to think how much worse it would go with an organic. So instead he just nods in mutual commiseration.]

If I could trade places with you so that I could stay here instead, I would.

As for, exploring- I hope you don't think I find that a useless talent? [He waves a hand out over the crater, gesturing at the lands beyond.]

Builders and growers can both benefit from someone able to find the right land. I don't want change restricted to a small portion of Cybertron- I need it everywhere.

Though I'd appreciate it if you'd start in my quadrant first? [He says with a laugh and a wink.]

[gtfostalker]

[He would rather not end up splatted into a thin paste on accident, yes. Strelok really wouldn't be sure how to handle that in fact, so at least it's avoided.]

It is all right, you have big things to do. You must save the world, yes? It cannot be saved from one spot on a map.

[Strelok barks a laugh.] I hope you would not find it useless, or I would be very disappointed. Though I am starting to suspect you worry that I will wander off and disappear if I am not close by.

[To be fair, it is a habit of his, so Nexus is probably right to encourage him to explore closer to home. He grins and eventually nods.]

I shall see what I can see here in your quadrant. Who knows, maybe I will even get some help and make a map of the Haven. But once that is done...

[nexicpolarity]

I know a few that would disagree with you on that point. [Nexus's optics twinkle.] Vector for one. And Alpha Trion, if only because I don't think he's ever left his desk.

[He watches Strelok for a moment, brushing his chin with finger and thumb.] Your wanderlust is no secret. And honestly, I have enough trouble keeping track of myself sometimes without having to send the hounds out after you!

[Nexus produces a booming chuckle.] I kid. Change is something I've always striven for and so cannot condemn the search for it in another.

But I do need your help. And I appreciate it. A map would certainly be useful.

Once that is done...?

[gtfostalker]

Bah. Knowledge has its place... but books can only help with world-saving so much. [He grins.] But I guess even I could not make it without a few guardians and scientists.

Hah! It is good I have a hound to look out for now, then. But I will try not to make so much trouble for you, yes? For now. [He wouldn't be Strelok if he didn't make trouble for his friends, and he thinks at least that much of Nexus.]

Then a map it shall be! Once I find a mapmaker. My poor old PDS is shit for that these days and I am no artist or cartographer.

But once that is done... there are places outside the Haven I remember a little. I would find them again.

[nexicpolarity]

Everyone has their own strengths. [Even Alpha Trion and even that scoundrel Liege.] Better things come to fruition when we work together.

How kind of you! And you're the first one that I believe might even be able to keep that promise. [Even if it's only temporary.]

Wonderful! I might be able to help you with that, actually. [Nexus claps his hands and starts digging in a compartment in his arm that may not have been there before. He does pause and look up when Strelok mentions leaving the haven.]

Do you now? Well- I'm not going to stop you, but I assume you know enough to stay away from the badlands, yes?

[gtfostalker]

True, true. When you can work together, that is. Sometimes, it is not so easy, or possible.

The first? I do not know if I should be pleased... or embarrassed about there being so many less trustworthy refugees! [But it does give him incentive to keep that promise at least.]

Any help would be very welcome. [Ooh, he hadn't noticed that compartment before. Strelok watches with curiosity, the question getting a nod out of him as he raises his hands slightly.]

I have seen enough of the badlands for a while and will not be going back there. The places I remember were just out in the wastelands... and hopefully the badlands have not swallowed them up just yet.

[nexicpolarity]

It is less that they are untrustworthy and more that those that bear my glyph usually find themselves thrust into the middle of things.

[Honestly, he wouldn't have it any other way. His digging eventually produces a small box, about the size of an old television set. It has an open top for input, a screen and a couple of dials, and a chute for output.]

This device should come in handy. You can input blueprints with your communicator, insert raw materials at the top here, and it will produce what you have designed here.

[Basically its a mini 3D-printer- meaning it can generate parts that can then be put together to create a finished project.]

[gtfostalker]

That just means we get to have the most interesting lives. Besides, we are a tough bunch, I think; we can handle it.

[Ooh, now that does sound useful. Turning stuff he finds in actually useful things. What would he ever do without you, Nexus?]

Truly? I know of a Scientist or two back home that would kill for such a thing. I am sure I can find a good use for it. You are a very good friend, Nexus Prime.