Artrocity

Log Title: Artrocity

Characters: Dust Devil First Aid Kitt Swivel

Location: Tesarus

Date: October 15 2022

Summary: Dust Devil and other Autobots try to make a positive impression on Tesarus citizens. Swivel meets a scared art project.

As logged by RandomSyllables

NPC's played by Wedgekree

Tesarus

Tesaras has gone under some level of minimal repairs since the Autobots 'liberated' it. Mostly of clearing debris, but there's still the attempt. For the moment those few present are meeting with representatives of the city administrative council. There's a great deal of grumbling from the administrative council and various other members of the city present. Not quite outright hostility, but clearly the Autobots are not particularly welcome here. But the fact they're willing to talk faceplate to faceplate over it is a good start.

Dust Devil is trying to stand tall... which isn't easy at his shorter height as the taller neutral speaks down at him. It takes a few moments before Dust Devil can get a word in edgewise. "Hey, I'm sorry about the delay in services... that's the reason our guys are here and all right now ta assess the situation and hope ya'll give us a workin list of what you need from us, what we can do fer you and anythin yer hopin fer in the future and all. Yes I'm a bit young... no I wasn't onlined yesterday and I'm pretty sure I have the processing power to fully understand and articulate the needs of yer people to the proper channels.... if that's everythin, I can take this report back and get it relayed immediately and you can take this shippin manifest fer those two transports over there and kindly use those friends you mentioned apparently needing work ta unload them and get them where they need ta go." The bigger mech grumbles as he takes the manifest and leaves, allowing Dust Devil to vent and shrink down a little from the stiff posture. "I hope we don't have ta do this everyday..."

First Aid comes into the area, looking for any injured. "Let's try to set up a triage area and see who we can help. They might not be eager to let us help, so be careful."

Swivel is readily becoming Dust Devil's shadow, it seems. When he'd invited her along to Tesarus, she was not aware of the precise nature of his work there. But she is quickly learning there is more to Dust Devil than his pranks. She is mostly quiet, listening to Dust Devil, but watching the faces and body language of those he speaks with keen focus. Her presence is quiet and unobtrusive, but there is a keen alertness in her purple optics as she hangs back and observes.

Kitt drives up shortly after the others arrive, his sensor 'eye' moving back and forth with an electronic swishing sound. "Dear me, this does look like quite the mess. How may I be of assistance?" he inquires as he pulls up beside the group.

The main representative of the city would glance forwards at Dust Devil, "What we -need- is for you to get out of our city. We're a center of the arts and culture. The great Slog himself had a foundry here in which he helped create much of his early pieces and inspiration. But you won't be departing anytime soon will you?" It's disgruntled but it's not attacking, at least.

"We just want to have our city back to the institution that it was. Away from this war. To create something greater, grander."

Dust Devil starts to roll his optics, "And I appreciate the fact that you guys wanna get back down ta business and If I had my way I'd gladly leave yas to yer creativity.... The current issue is relinquishin full control back ta yer city governors and knowin fer sure that when we pull out that Megatron and whoever his lackies are aren't going to come in fer yer resources and decide that rather than works of art and skill you need ta make works of war. We've already doublechecked yer place fer explosives and are working on another sweep, I've been tryin ta find out what yer energon resources are and see if you have any closer energon sources that you can tap into so that you can effectively barricade yserselves in next time a bunch of idiots decide they need ta smack each other around outside yer doorway. -I- am totally fer all cities to have open commerce, individuality and full representation. I've already worked with Valvolux and if you haven't noticed, there's not an autobot banner above them. The faster we help each other....the quicker we can hopefully withdrawel and hopefully see Tesarus Products in markets all over Cybertron."

After a while, Swivel moves from her spot. Time for a different perspective. She ventures to try and blend and circulate with the locals, watching them, on the lookout for any signs of imminent hostility. She is listening, though. She'd never seen negotiations take place that weren't the sort conducted in the back alley or with weapons drawn. What a learning experience!

The negotiations are an experience. There's chatter back and forth. One of the artists goes over towards Swivel, "What brings you to this dreary alcove? A fellow appreciator of the fineries in Cybertron?" He's short, stocky, and pudgy. Even smaller than Swivel herself.

Another of the members of the city guild goes to pipe up. Him having the pips of someone associated with the Commerce Guild. "Tesaras wishes to merely accept those of an artistic bent. We do not care whether our things go far and wide. Merely to create them and indulge in them. This is a city of dreams and creativity."

First Aid pauses "Im not here to help as an Autobot. Im here to help as a medic, and fellow Cybertronian. I hear Tesaras has fallen on some hard times, and some citizens may be in need." He says.

Dust Devil eyes the other city guild member. "I care. I want ta see Cybertronian made and inspired crafts all over this planet of ours. We have an entire generation of mechs and femmes whose only source of artistry is what craftmanship was put into their weaponry. Some are turning to offworld resources to fill that void of culture. That Culture is what seperates us from being mere robots and bein actual lifeforms. As more and more people hear about Cybertron's rebirth and start returnin, I hope you get more and more artists flocking to your city of all factions to learn and teach so that new generations can share these skills to future ones!"

Swivel glances down in surprise. One, in being addressed, another, in being able to look down at someone. Not that it gives her any sense of superiority. She smiles brightly and openly. "Never been before, an' I'm lookin' fer new experiences!" She pauses for a moment. "Iffin dreary ones," she tacks on with a thoughtful expression, her gaze momentarily wandering from the stocky individual over to where First Aid is trying to help those in need. It's just a passing glance before she resumes giving the stocky individual her attention. Well, most of it. She's still occasionally scanning the demeanours of other mechs and femmes present.

The small, globular Cybertronian gives a nod over at Swivel, "Of course." He goes to move away from her while she goes to meander about, muttering something about Autobots in irritation. The tone in the room seems to be tense and wary. The Cybertronians there seem to feel like they've traded one occupier for another.

One of those over of another Guild, the pips faded over but with the tags over of the Entertainers that looked like it had been scorched. "Why then if you wish to see Cybertron so renewed do you go alongside the Autobots? You do not wish tos ee any harmed. But does not war bring that all?" Spoken to First Aid.

Dust Devil's words get an actual murmur of surprise over at them. And then discussion back and forth over.

First Aid pauses. "Im a pacifist, I don't believe in fighting. But I do know the Autobots want to help drive off those who would bring much more violence." He notices the pip marks. "You've been damaged? Let me get some scans on you." he says in a very calm even voice.

Dust Devil rubs the back of his neck. "Look....right now we have a chance to start things off better than they were before. To take the good of our world and move forward with it and try to leave those things that were bad, behind. To correct mistakes made."

There's a low grumbling over from amongst the council - or at least those directly interacting with Dust Devil. "Better?" One goes to speak up. "Even now as you replace Decepticon guns with Autobot ones. Walls patched over. Megatron will return here merely as there's your presence."

Swivel smiles and gives a little nods and goodbye wave to the mech as he walks off, muttering about Autobots. She's not surprised by the negativity towards the Autobots and her face reflects just one of open interest as she mills about. Irritation and distrust is not unusual and not what she's searching for. She's not consciously sure what she is looking for, but unconsciously it's desperation, disgust, and/or markers of grave determination.

Dust Devil sighs, "I know Council Members. The problem is preparing the planet for possible future issues while also having enough sense to allow it's natural growth. Unfortunately I've yet had the ability ta convince Megatron that there is enough room fer all on Cybertron now. Our people are a fraction of what they were. There is room for all...there are places fer all. Whether one is a minibot, warbuild, scientist or just is happy bein a general laborer, all will be needed to finish Cybertron's rebirth. There shouldn't be reasons fer us all to fight, but old habits seem to die hard."

There's an even smaller robot than Swivel going around. It's one about half her size. It's going along on a pair of treads over along the ground. "Jester Five.. Still functions." A large bubble in some sort of force field encased above his rotating dome.

The council member grunts, "The old habits are of both sides. The Autobots precipitate the conflict as well as the Decepticons. You are not as bad as they are, but you keep the conflict going and do not try and scale down the violence."

Dust Devil grins a little and tries to find him a spot on one of the transports so that he's more optic to optic with the Council members. "I've actually done my best to lessen the amount of violence at least on my behalf. But I'm only one. It will take all of us to stop the fightin. And to convince the fighters that we still need them. Cybertron will need protectors so that our resources don't tempt OTHER species"

Swivel listens to the negotiations ongoing, her keen hearing allowing her to keep track of it even as she wanders. Face to face to face to - oh! What's that? She turns to the small mech treading about - literally. She tilts her head in curiousity. "Y'alroight, there?" One does not report they are still functional if there wasn't a threat of them not being so.

There's a floating bulb encased in an energy field above the Mini-Con's dome, "I function!" Even as he's spinning around on treads. Looking over at Swivel then with his optics flickering.. Then over in a slow chitter and a tightbeam <<Please.. Help>>

There's a look of grumbling and dissent coming through the council over and then a sigh. One of them goes to speak up, "We want you out of here as soon as possible, but we understand here is yours by right of occupation. We do not wish to join any sort of Autobot Commonwealth."

Swivel immediately focuses on the bubble, her sensors booting up reflexively in case there is some danger she ought to be aware of. <<Wot d'ya need?>> Swivel tightbeams in response, her gaze shifting briefly to the little mech, but not for long. She watches that floating bubble cautiously. She is torn between lighting out of there and staying to help the little mech. Oh what if that's a bomb? Or some other weapon? Is she in danger? Oh, are the Autobots in danger? Is she being an alarmist? Maybe an alarmist. She probably shouldn't panic and scream for Dust Devil to do something - especially if she doesn't know what that something is. So instead she waits on more information, trying very hard to hide her mounting anxiety.

Dust Devil nods, "And we would rather not have ta stay here too long either, there is much to do besides here and again, you have a right to govern yerselves."

The small little Mini-Con whimpers over in tightbeam <<They keep on taking off parts of me and putting on more displays. They say they want me to be functional, mobile art! Please, help. They've already taken my head.. My arms.. I don't want to know what's coming next. Please, save me>> On top of his 'dome', the force field would flicker, making a surreal display of random colors on it.

There's a nod over from the council, "Then we agree. At the earliest opportunity we'll have the Autobots depart."

Swivel's optic ridges raise in surprise before her little nub of a nose crinkles when the little fellow explains his predicament. <<Who? Who's doin that?>> She suddenly looks around, as if expecting to be able to identify, on the spot, some nefarious villain that would butcher a living person for the sake of art. Of course, she KNOWS it's not that simple, but she looks nonetheless.

Dust Devil bows slightly to the council and turns to see where Swivel wandered off to.

Swivel, unfortunately has someone trundling towards her. It's the fat Cybertronian she talked to when she arrived that's smaller than she is! "Ah, you've met Spread-or!" 'Spread-Or' attempts to try to glide behind Swivel and fails. "Come, come! We need to put on something as a representative of these talks in all their crestfallen modularity! Oooh, that gives me an idea for a new theme!" He goes to reach out with a mitt to try and 'tug' Spread-Or over.

GAME: Swivel FAILS a COURAGE roll of Average difficulty.

That mech may be shorter than Swivel, but she eyes his stocky build. He probably could pound her. And then what if she got turned into art, too? She finds herself edging away from the little mech. Speaking up would be the RIGHT thing to do - and she has promised herself she'd be good now! But instead of standing up to that stocky mech and telling him to take his hands off of Spread-or - as she maybe is fantasizing about doing right now - she smiles weakly to the mech. "Oh! Yes, uh, yes, fascinatin'! Must be great fer morale!" Swivel says hurriedly before stepping away from the both of them.

Instead she opts to send Dust Devil a frantic tightbeam, <<Um there's this mech beggin' me fer help and I'm too scared ta help him but they're takin' him apart and replacin' him with art and I think that's bad. That's bad roight? Summin' shuld do somethin'. Someone that CAN do somethin'.>>

Dust Devil frowns as he gets the message and moves over to where Swivel has motioned. he looks at the pair about to leave and offers, "Hey, what's goin on here?"

'Spread-Or' goes to try and trundle along even as the stockier, fatter mech goes over, "I'm Fuzzle. This is Spread-Or. He's representative of the changing times of Cybertron, for how everything has been horrifically torn off and pressed back together. As a mobile art canvas, he is to showcase anything that can span the creative mood of repurposing. I've fixed him so that I can take off each limb and segment of his frame to put on a new bit based upon the salvage and wreckage about."

The small Mini-Con he's designated as that is caught over in a big, muzzly hand even as the flickering force field about his head would flash over and turn bright neon.

Swivel stands back, but specifically does NOT look at Dust Devil. No, no, she didn't summon him. Instead she risks one quick apologetic look to Jester Five or Spread-Or or whoever he is. <<He asked fer help. I don't think he agreed to wot's happenin'.>> Swivel tightbeams to Dust Devil, even as she is turning away to try and distance herself from the situation in case it doesn't go well.

To Jester Five she also chances a short tightbeam. << I'm sorry. >>

Dust Devil doesn't look at Swivel. He stares at Spread-or and then Fuzzle. "I see....But....is it the rust infection there part of the display? I know we've had several bots and others come in for treatment. It's pretty infectious but benign if caught early...." He looks Spread-or over. "Wow....several spots. Glad I noticed that telltale shimmer." He moves to purposely look Fuzzle over. "You look clear but you might want to add some nickle in your next refuelin." Looking back at Spread-or, "Our medics already have the antidote to this and if you'll follow me, I can get First aid to administer the treatment and hit you with our Chorostop coating. You'll have to stay under these special lights for a day but by tomorrow you can go rejoin Fuzzle here and finish helping with the project. I'd hate for such a great work to be tarnished with spreading this infection."

GAME: Dust Devil PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Average difficulty.

Whatever sort of fast talk that Dust Devil gives in justification is enough to disorient the rotund mad artist, "Oh dear. I suppose that means that until then I'll have to grab more random rickshaws to affix on him. I haven't shorn anything from his frame in at least a cycle. He's going ordinary! This cannot be for something that must be constantly reinvented and recreated. Please, disinfect him and then bring him back promptly. Oooh.. As a showcase of the cratering of times and erosion I can add some rust to him. I just need to get some acid modules from the medbay to eat away at him and then some sterilized scraplet drones.."

Dust Devil has perhaps ever seen a Mini-Con that can only trundle go along at such high speeds to hide behind him.

Dust Devil smiles and nots to the mech while moving to lead Spread to First Aid. he tightbeams to the little guy, <<the medics will check you out and you can tell them what you want to do. Figure this was better than causing a huge fuss or fight over ya.>>

The small Mini-con whimpers <<They wanted to take out my spark to put it in a display case.>> Yeah, let's ge thim away from the mad creative peoples...

Dust Devil goes to follow after Swivel. He can't find her at first but he ends up finally getting her tracks and trying to catch up.

Swivel had made it close to the gates of Tesarus before Dust Devil manages to locate and catch up with her. She is walking fairly quickly and constantly glancing around.

Dust Devil smiles at Swivel. "Hey what's the hurry?"

Swivel slows her step somewhat but does not stop. "Oh..." She looks over at Dust Devil. "I just feel bad I din't do more. I'm a fretful coward, I'm afraid."

Dust Devil grins at Swivel, "It's okay....ya don't need ta be the bravest in the room, ya still helped that mech.

Swivel finally brings herself to a stop. "Did he get help?"

Dust Devil grins at Swivel and sits on the ground nearby, "I told them that he had a serious rust infection that needed treated immediately and First Aid took him for treatment. Told the other guy to go home and refuel with extra nickel and all to keep from catchin it."

Swivel's hopefully look becomes muted when Dust Devil says what happened. "Oh." She looks around, but does not sit down. "But wot... will happen when the other mech wants him back?"

Dust Devil says, "By that time hopefully the little mech will be feelin better and will be able to voice his concerns and if he wants sanctuary we can get him to like Valvolux or somewhere else."

"I hope... he dun lose his nerve. Must have taken a lot fer him ta reach out to me as he did. This musta been goin' on a whoile. I kinna imagine wot he's been through," Swivel says, glancing over her shoulder. She then looks down at her feet. "Thanks fer doin' somethin'."

Dust Devil says, "All I can do is offer him a chance. Past that....well it's up to him. WE can help him and protect him but it will be up to him. Just glad we got him out without a battle"

Swivel weighs this out in her mind. It's true, someone needs to want help to be helped. But she also knows wanting help and feeling brave enough to take action to help yourself are two separate things. But that is a thought she will keep to herself. Swivel just nods and agrees with Dust Devil. "Yes, that's good. Glad no foightin' happened."

Swivel looks up, peering at the sky. "I oughtter head back ta Toraxxis."

Dust Devil says, "Race ya ta the Rollout if ya want...." he grins, "I gotta get some rest.""

Swivel perks up at the mention of a race. "Yer on, Dust Devil! But before we begin, just wanna say, thanks for bringin' me! I learned a lot, methinks!" And after that little sentimental remark, Swivel transforms and revs her engines, ready to zoom off at the signal to begin. Because of course she would wait for some sort of signal - it would not be fair is she hurried off without making sure Dust Devil was good and ready.