i'd only come here seeking peace

[twistedtalisman]

WHO; Sovereign, Megatron, and whomever Megatron decides to bring with him. (And some NPCs.)
WHAT; Seeding an alliance, or an attempt thereof
WHERE; Olviran, one of the mountain ranges
WHEN; Afternoonish.

The location that Sovereign has offered for their meeting is secluded but open; a prohibited airspace area at the mountain ranges of his home country. For nature lovers, it would be a breathtaking sight; plains leading up to snowy peaks, with sparse woods housing a variety of natural wildlife. Said wildlife has currently taken shelter, what with the two helicopters landing in the vicinity.

Just as he doesn't expect the others to show up without an escort, so has he; it's a small honor guard, really, screened and selected based not upon military service but on their...nuances.

This is in no way, shape, or form planned to go wrong. But if it is - one cannot discount the slimmest possibility - the goings there will be in control.

Thus, standing by the helicopters is a row of uniforms, standing at a parade rest position. Another man stalks up and down the line, ceremonial blade at his side; another figure yet tends to the controls within one of the vehicles. And the final man, with full uniform and coat, stands just before the center of the clearing gazing at the sky, patiently awaiting the arrival of their guests in full view and display.

I have nothing to hide, is the unspoken message.

Comments

[bigfuckinggun]

Megatron has no reason to trust any native of this planet, and Sovereign is no different. So many of them seem all too eager to dissect and examine Cybertronians for their own technological gain, and for all he knows he could be walking right into some kind of trap – but he kind of welcomes the risk. Gaining some kind of allies on this world would be a significant advantage – and if there is no allegiance to be had here, Megatron really wouldn't mind tearing apart whoever thinks they can take him captive.

He arrives flanked by the anticipated escort, Soundwave at one wing and Starscream at the other – the latter having been released from his cell purely for the sake of his demonstrated skill in the field of standing at Megatron's shoulder and looking sinister – followed by a couple of vehicons, in case he ends up needing some cannon fodder. He transforms as he comes in to land, his huge metal feet shaking the trees as they hit the ground.

"Sovereign, I presume," he says once the rest of his company has landed behind him, looking down at the human with critical optics – critical, but interested.

[starscheme]

The stakes are doubly high for Starscream today. Not only is there the standard threat that comes with dealing with humans (something that he's all too familiar with by this point), but his position within the Decepticons is on the line as well. He knows without Megatron even having to say anything, that the fact that he's out and being included in operations once more is a temporary measure only. If he wants it to become anything more than that, he had damn well better be on his best behavior.

He had been thrilled to have the opportunity to come, of course (Megatron's almost certainly gotten more than his fill of grateful and sycophantic blathering by this point), but there's no real indication of that visible in his expression now; this is serious business and he's got his serious face on. Landing just behind Megatron off of his left shoulder, Starscream uncharacteristically silent. He knows his job right now is to stand there and look stern, with his arms crossed and red eyes on the lookout for any funny business among Sovereign's sizable escort.

Of course, he's also keeping an audial on the conversation between the two dictators, in case he needs to pull off a well timed interjection of any sort for the sake of playing things up. He doesn't really expect to need to do that, but he also knows how these things can go, and he knows how much Megatron has a flair for the dramatic. He'd likely welcome the opportunity to reprimand someone, just as a display of power.

[soundwavesuperior]

If there is anything Soundwave excels at, it's watching. He watches this Human and his escort, aware of every move that they make. From the mildest shift of weight to purposeful steps; he waits ready to react if he catches even a hint of a threat.

Additionally he watches Starscream. The seeker has been uncharacteristically quiet. He knows that he is on thin ice and is wisely keeping a low profile. Although it never sticks. In a few weeks he will return to his previous antics. If Soundwave is to be honest, he is surprised Megatron had let him back into the fold at all. But, he dismisses the thought.

He returns his full attention to the meeting, recording the exchange for his records.

[twistedtalisman]

At the first sound of flight engines, the escort stirs; they've been warned of incoming units, but nobody seems quite certain what to expect. Even so, their discipline is impeccable; a single barked command has them snapping to attention, the superior by their side taking his own position as the captain of a small squad of troops.

And one yet respectful of this meeting of...generals. Or whatever these strange creatures could be called.

Unmasked, Sovereign's expression is reminiscent of childish delight...for all of a paltry second or so. By the time the foremost has addressed him, it's tightened to something somewhat more professional, even if he seems to be somewhat distracted by all of this.

look at them look how is it how do they

"You presume correctly," he confirms, bringing a hand to his chest and bowing slightly in respect and greeting. "As I presume you are Megatron, and this is your escort. Behind me, Shield and the honor guard-"

The 'captain' raises his chin just slightly, but otherwise holds his position, aware of scrutiny. His eyes remain forward, mostly on Sovereign but it's quite possible he's planning possible escape routes if any of this goes sour.

"-and ensuring we are not disturbed, Gateway." He makes a vague gesture to the helicopter that his other bodyguard is seated within. She doesn't look up. "We welcome you," Sovereign finishes, lowering his hands and straightening fully. "and expect that next time, we will be able to offer a greeting somewhat more in line with your own customs."

Why, yes. He wants to learn all about you.

[bigfuckinggun]

Megatron glances over the humans introduced, but does not bother taking particular note of them. Humans, for the most part, all look alike to him, their variations on the whole being more subtle than those between Cybertronians – if the specifics do somehow prove relevant later, he knows he can count on Soundwave keeping track of them.

"This is Starscream, and Soundwave, two of my most ... trusted followers," he replies, gesturing briefly to each of them in turn. 'Trusted' is of course nothing but the truth when it comes to Soundwave, but in reference to Starscream it's a threat, a reminder that if he doesn't prove himself trustworthy he's going to suffer. "Your hospitality is noted – but you need not concern yourself with our customs. Surely you are more interested in what we have to offer you."

[starscheme]

Despite the absence of any outward confirmation of the fact, Starscream catches Megatron's drift quite clearly. He does not bow his head in recognition or offer any sort of greeting to their host. He just remains silent and glances at his leader briefly before focusing on eyeing up Sovereign. If he has to guess, surely this guy probably doesn't have any bizarre super-human powers like the ones he's encountered in the past, if the sheer amount of military backup he has with him is any indication...

[soundwavesuperior]

Soundwave takes extensive note of each human, committing them to memory. Each unique facial feature, each fleeting glance and change in posture. He records it all.

Pride swells at Megatron's comment. He has committed his life to the cause and has been present for many glorious victories, standing by Megatron's side. Even it meant the sacrifice of things important to him. He intends to see the Decepticon cause through to the very end.

[twistedtalisman]

They're interesting reactions; fearlessness from one, pride from another. And then Megatron himself. Sovereign shrugs, as though it matters little to him which path is taken, and it really doesn't - so long as he gets what he wants.

"If you prefer to address business, then by all means. I am most interested in your technology," he admits simply, a true enough statement. He wants more than that, of course, but one step at a time. A thin, humorless smile spreads as he continues with, "I realize that encompasses quite a bit.

"To me, the question is, Megatron, what do you want? I have everything from resources to the simple assurance of security, so long as you are upon my land."

[bigfuckinggun]

Technology. Not surprising – and nothing Megatron isn't willing to grant. After all, if an agreement is to be made here, it wouldn't do for an ally to be underequipped...

"The Decepticons do not want for resources," Megatron says, waving a dismissive hand. "But our enduring presence on Earth is necessitated by the presence of our hated enemies, the Autobots. As long as they remain here, so must we, if we are to defeat them once and for all. But the Autobots have allied themselves with the Earth organisation CONDOR – no doubt familiar to you – thus gaining themselves a stronger foothold on this world while our own becomes ever more precarious." As if he hasn't gained the use of an airborne battleship and a functioning space bridge recently – but Sovereign sure as heck doesn't need to know about the space bridge. "And so my real question for you, Sovereign, regards the nature of your own relationship with CONDOR, and the Earth nations over which it presides."

[twistedtalisman]

Oh, he's quite familiar with CONDOR. Through indirect means, but you don't set out to take over the world without understanding what sort of opposition you'll be facing. So he tilts his head and simply listens, before speaking slowly and calmly.

"My nation is a peaceful one. We seek only the betterment of man, and the sheltering of any who seek asylum in our borders."

MINE

It's a simple statement, and yet what isn't said also has meaning.

"CONDOR is an organization run by fools, and the sooner they're revealed for the farce of protectors they are, the better. I have a degree of intelligence of their workings, and I presume they mine, but as far as any of them are aware this nation is not a threat."

And he very much plans on keeping things that way. But then, arming those who would be threats...