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[madgoddess]

you call upon Quintessa, the Prime of Life "Whether you are a creation of mine or not, you are welcome here..." ( . audio | video | text | action . )

Comments

audio

[botopsy]

Yo, rock lady. Can we talk for a moment?

[his tone is friendly; he's not coming to her with a problem or an accusation. just a neutral question.]

Re: audio

[madgoddess]

[ Well. That's not the worst appellation she's ever been called by, she'll take it for now. ]

Of course we may, Ratchet.

text

[knaval]

can u make magic crystals on a roomba?

[madgoddess]

I can make magic crystals anywhere, I just limited it to the cargo bay for politeness sake.

Text, shortly after the Constellation Ball; UN: BC3`_Fznn>ggH

[intelligenceofficer]

You were one of the hosts of the recent festivities, were you not? It was a lovely affair. Charming decor, excellent drinks.

Perhaps you could enlighten me on how you selected the planets that were projected to the dancers. I've found myself quite curious about it.

[madgoddess]

Thank you for the kind compliment. It was as memorable an evening as I could have hoped for, some later disturbances notwithstanding.

Indeed, those were a true highlight of the event. Did you enjoy seeing yours?

[ She doesn't actually answer the question... this is not accidental. ]

A vision of not good things

[necrogladiator]

You stand on a burnt and darkened world. The sky above is devoid of stars, having been devoured in ages past. The ruined world smells of the very last day of your youngborn innocence, the final moment in which you did not know of evil.

A pillar of deep purple light flares into a sickly existences somewhere over the horizon, and by its foul illumination the land you stand on comes into view. The dead lay around in piles so high that the only way through is in a straight line forward. It is silent in the world of the dead. Not even the weight of their lingering souls can be felt. You understand that none of these poor sparks ever made it to the well of Allspark, to be reborn anew. There would be no absolution for them.

The dark light is seeping into your spark, sharp and deadly as venom. All these terrible, ugly thoughts that you’ve kept hidden for years, centuries, millennia, are brought to the surface on tendrils of a universe-deep hatred greater than your mortal imagination can comprehend. A hatred of all living things, created things, that fills your mind and spark, threatening to crush both in the grip of its existential horror.

At least, despite yourself, you arrive at a large clearing, the pillar at its centre. You move closer, and see, with a jolt of recognition, that a Matrix hovers on top of a dark stone plinth. The Matrix has been twisted and warped, its once holy centre filled with a dark purple crystal, glowing with a terrible power.

You want what it can give you. You want it so bad that the greed mixes easily with this agonizing dead world without love or kindness. However, you are not yet fully caught by its power. It only has so much control over you.

A laugh sounds behind you, and you turn around slowly, already knowing who it is. He stands there shrouded by a dark mist that shows only his jagged outline, bigger than you remember, and a set of bright purple eyes that watches with predatory glee.

“It is too late.” Says the voice, clear and full of triumph. “He is coming.”

Above you, in the empty void, two eyes open, each the size of a moon.

The eyes of the Unmaker see you. He knows you. He will not be stopped by you.

Behind you, Matrix of Darkness flares with overwhelming dark power, sending a wave of energy over the bleak, mountainous landscape. Hundreds of pinpricks of light blink into being, before spreading until a million of eyes are on you, each set of eyes filled with the power of the World Eater, the Chaos Bringer.

Unicron.

The creatures begin screaming what must have been their final, dying scream, and they begin to writhe against each other. With a surge of desperate rage, the dead flow as one in a wave of necromantic evil, avoiding the shrouded figure himself as he continues to watch. Thousands of dead hands and claws reach for you with the mindless need to get to you first and feed.

“This is my promise to you. Descendant of Quintus Prime.”

And you awaken, safe and sound.

For now.

audio

[myonerule]

Quintessa! I have received your gift and in return, I also apologize for the unnecessary tone I took during our argument. Considering the trials that are to come, I feel that it is best that we work together rather than apart.

You may enter my bar whenever you wish from now on. It will be a pleasure to see you there.

[madgoddess]

Your gracious hospitality knows no bounds.

[ She is... understandably suspicious of the offer, although she at least believes him to be sincere in wanting to work together against the coming darkness.

It might be some time before she actually takes him up on the offer to enter the bar, however. Only time, and perhaps Alchemist's intuition, would tell. ]

audio

[seekermiddlemanagement]

Lady Quintessa, forgive me for not asking you this in person, but I am a bit busy right now.

You said once that this power you are teaching me to use is accessed through a sacrificed connection, right?

Could I access more if I sacrifice another connection?

[madgoddess]

It can be, yes. Were you not satisfied with the power I bestowed upon you?

Text;

[cityspeaks]

Lady Quintessa,

I'm Cityspeaker Windblade of Caminus. I was hoping I could have a few moments of your time.

[madgoddess]

Hello Windblade, adherent of Solus. To what do I owe the pleasure?

audio

[seekermiddlemanagement]

[Slipstream waffles over this for some time, but eventually she comes right out and says it. Over the phone because she doesn't want to face Lady Quintessa's anger and disappointment in person.]

Lady Quintessa, I am afraid that my Lord Megatron has forbade any further contact with you.

[Awkward silence.]

I am sorry. Thank you for all that you have done for me.

[madgoddess]

Do forgive me, Slipstream... I was under the impression that you desired power to enforce your own independence, after the lack of it cost you so dearly in the past.

Not to use it to become a more obedient lackey. Was I mistaken?

voice

[knaval]

Do you date?

Re: voice

[madgoddess]

Riptide, you're a very amiable soul, but I do not believe we're compatible like that.

[ Is she teasing him? Probably. ]

audio

[spacetimeprime]

Your garden is a marvelous sight to behold, indeed. I would beg your leave to cultivate a small section of it for my own purposes, or even for you to assist me with such.

[madgoddess]

Thank you, Vector. I've enjoyed tending it... it brings me an uncommon sort of peace.

Certainly you may. What did you have in mind?

Follow-up on Admhuria Mall Mission

[tech_nically]

((OOC: ICly reported earlier since we just wrapped the log. He would have made it in person but I'll just give a summary of what he would have told Quin in regards to the mission. but if you want to play this out and if Quin has questions, I'm game too!))

Several of us were contacted directly by one of the two Twin goddesses some time after our arrival, though our meetings were separate. Tara'isha, Anjra's consort, is apparently more than just a representative of the goddess of Fate. She made contact with Saori. Meanwhile, Miko and I were summoned (I can't explain it otherwise) by Ana'alia, who while looking practically identical to Tara'isha, wore the colors associated with the goddess of Destiny. She made us an offer in exchange for obtaining the mask in Anjra's office, and provided us each a replica to replace it with, as well as a keycard to gain us access to those offices.

We were able to bluff our way into Anjra's personal office with some unexpected help from a bounty hunter, but upon arrival we realized we were not the first ones there. One of Destiny's supposed followers whom we encountered on Koyopa had already made an attempt on the mask. We found her unconscious beside it. Unfortunately the same befell us when I tried to see how the mask was being protected.

Ana'alia warned me about pixie magic but I don't think much could prepare one for having one's mind trapped in a maze. The pain is very real, and I don't know what the consequences of death inside there were, but I know that if you died, you would have to start at the beginning again. We found Naj'ta there and managed to convince her to work together so we could find an escape. It was not an easy task, but obviously we managed to succeed in the end. I don't know what the repercussions might be. Although we did not harm anyone in the office, Naj'ta slaughtered the lone secretary there, and I am not sure how she got in and out, but it's likely we may be faulted for the crime, though we did not give out our actual names.

The mask was given to Tara'isha. She's promised to have it delivered to the ship within 2 months. I can only assume Ana'alia has been appeased somehow in the matter as well, since we did not see or hear from her thereafter.

action

[eugenesis]

[Strange. When Quintessa inspects a corner of her crystal garden, she finds that some of the smaller flowers with very thin stems have snapped, as if someone had applied too much force to the point that they broke.

Within minutes of inspection, she hears tapping noises below the foliage of the crystalline plants. The tapping ends, then there's a voiced click, and some shuffling. Between the plants, there is a hint of bright green.]

[madgoddess]

[ The damages must have been done when Quintessa was out about the ship, because she hadn't heard the little flowers ringing in protest. The sounds lead her toward the culprit. ]

I don't believe you're supposed to be without supervision.

[ A little incongruous of her to say, considering Aura is actually slightly larger than Quintessa at this point. ]

[maximalize]

[maybe it's because their universes are so close to each other, just rebooted to the left, maybe it's due to this some kind of force found primal directed towards the cube quintessa is growing in secret. maybe it's just because he's exploring the ship and this is a finite space, and thus stumbling near quintessa's crystal garden was an inevitability. it's not clear, but probably the last one.

either way, so reminded of crystalline waterfalls in the heart of his home planet, primal allows himself a moment to sit amongst the refracted light and crystals. a little group of seahorses eventually find him, and he holds a big hand up for them to weave through. it's not enough to make him smile, but it's close.]

Look-- don't let your friends leave you behind, [he says to one that's flagging slightly. he levels his hand out so it can land and rest, far more gentle than one might ever expect a giant gorilla capable of being.] I don't think they would, but...

[this is nice. he lets himself pretend for a moment he doesn't feel like his grip on reality is rapidly slipping while he tries to reconcile everything aboard the ship with what happened just before the space bridge.]

[madgoddess]

[ There's something about most Cybertronians that feels familiar to her, but it's a very particular sensation when she's encountered ones from her universe. The fake Optimus she'd faced in the Chamber of Mirrors' challenge had a hollow ring of it, but this is strong and direct to her senses.

Floating silently just out of sight, she watches this stranger. Observing the way he interacts with her garden and her little constructs. Finally she speaks. ]

This place suits you.

voice

[botopsy]

I'd updated your files with as thorough notes as I could after the first time, but let me know if there's anything further I could do with my whole three hours experience.

[it's probably astoundingly clear to her that he's saying this less because he doesn't trust the other medics and more because of that extremely annoying autobot/medic tendancy to feel responsible for everyone you lay optics on, especially if you've been through something awful with them.

he'd be lying if he said he hadn't been thinking of that brief flash of black handprint a lot.]

And, uh-- how's Velocity holdin' up?

[ah, presumably the real reason for the call.]

[madgoddess]

Not at this time, Ratchet. Your timely medical interventions proved once again a decisive factor in our success.

She has... a long road ahead. The physical shall be much easier to mend than the mental, as is usually the way.

voice

[hotwires]

[quintessa gets a call out of the blue from mikaela, and her voice is very shaky. it sounds like she's either hurt, barely holding herself together, or maybe both at once.

(it's both at once).]

I need you over. Please.

—>action;

[madgoddess]

[ Quintessa doesn't bother to respond over the comm, but merely vanishes from where she was to reappear next to Mikaela in a soft flash of blue light. ]

What is it? What has happened?

[Audio]

[tech_nically]

Quintessa- a moment of your time as you can spare it...

Since returning from my last mission, there has been much on my mind and involving things so far beyond anything that I ever had to consider. There was enough I did not understand ever since I was given this form, and it only seems like I have found more questions than answers, even when I had not been actively seeking them.

As it is...I am not sure what to do with what information I have since gained, and while I have found someone I can get answers to some of those questions I've had, I don't think the ones I've since gained will be answered nearly so simply. But I thought...perhaps if I could speak with someone...

It's a strange sort of thing, when it seems like your thoughts are scattered when normally they are so organized, efficiently sorted. There's a flow, usually rather consistent.

I was engineered to be a soldier, and more specificaly, to be able to process information far faster than normal humans and even other clones, on par with droids and computers. I knew my purpose, at least until the Empire came to be, but even when we were trying to find our new place in a changing galaxy, I knew who I was and where I should be. And then I came here, and while I do not have my squad, I still felt able to keep moving forward, thought that perhaps if I came to understand enough of the circumstances, eventually I would find my way back.

...I have never before felt as lost as I do now. I have a vague idea of what I should probably do, but... it is the first time I have started to question... Just who am I, exactly? What purpose is all of this?

[He sighs.]

-I apologize, I had not meant for this to be so long. I've always had a tendency to go on about things, but...

In any case, I've probably taken enough of your time. If anything, thank you for listening.

[madgoddess]

You need not apologize for airing your thoughts, Tech; I am pleased you are comfortable enough to do so with me.

Your confusion is not only understandable, but to be expected. I do not say this as a criticsm of your making, but your origin cheated you greatly of something which is vital to most living species. What you see as something gifted to you — a defined, concrete purpose from your inception — is in fact a burden you are carrying through no fault of your own.

This ascription of function means that you did not develop the need to question yourself, your place in the world. So now, when you are faced with questions that are making you unsure, you are in fact going through what most others do.

In a way, you are more human now than you were before you gained this new form.

ACTION

[tenthtimeisthecharm]

[Velocity knocks on the door to the crystal garden with the knuckles of one hand before stepping in. She holds up a cub of green energon, her favorite flavor]

Hello? Quintessa? I brought you some energon on my way back through the commissary, if you need some? I thought it- well, I thought maybe we could have a talk, actually. We haven't got a chance to since before I returned from the last mission with Cal and Rodimus and Megatron, and-

[She wilts a little]

And a lot went on, but I, um. I was curious if you had any stories about Solus Prime? You threatened to tell her about me the one time, and I figured you wouldn't have done that if you didn't know her personally?

[madgoddess]

[ Quintessa is "pruning" some of the crystal structures in the garden, but her manner is relaxed and she stops when Velocity knocks. ]

Thank you Velocity, that's very kind of you. Come, sit with me.

[ A number of people drop by now for such conversations, so Quintessa's put in a proper mech-sized seating area with staggered benches, allowing people to choose whatever one best suits their conversation partner's level. She accepts the green cube and sips from it while Velocity explains her request. The bit at the end however, causes her expression to wrinkle slightly in perplexity. ]

Of course I know— does your universe's Thirteen not include Quintus Prime?

Action, There and Gone

[thelordofmisrule]

[ While you were away someone has been in your lovely crystal room.

It doesn't look like this someone has really all that much. Or stolen anything.

How do you know someone was here? There is a tiny plastic human toy baby perched on the veeerry tip of around a half dozen or so particularly prominent and impressive looking crystals. ]

audio un mikaela

[hotwires]

Hey, Quin. I've been thinking a lot about the Sight and what Alchemist possibly intended it to be used for. I mean-- I kind of know that, but I think being a bit more or having a little more control over it could be possible.

[it's probably immediately clear where this is going.]

I'd... appreciate any help you could have. Not that you haven't been a great help already, but I don't think we ever went into formal, official lessons?

[madgoddess]

Of course, if Alchemist won't mind my spiriting away his scion.

[ She says it lightly, but she's only 90% joking. ]

ACTION: A small box outside your door contains a handful of...

[thelordofmisrule]

Action (you are under no obligation to respond to this your character can be 'out')

[betterthanmegaman]

[ Recently Bass requested some important information. Who... is the strongest Cybertronian on this ship. He received a hot tip that it was 'Shockwave' but also 'not the Senator one'. There were a few thoughts that went through his processor. One... it was really dumb that there were two people here with the SAME NAME. It must get confusing! Two, while he does (surprisingly) know what a Senator is, he has no idea what a Senator looks like. Do they wear signs? Bass guesses probably not.

This leads him to one conclusion: He has to fight BOTH of them to make sure he's actually fighting the strong one.

This leads him to a second conclusion: He has no idea where Shockwave lives. He could ask for direction, ask if anyone knows... but that begs the question... If they know how strong Bass is will they even tell the truth?

There is now one solution: He has to canvas the ship himself and check every inhabited room he comes across.

So there's the backstory. And that's why Bass, armored up in his winged Treble armor (being able to fly covers ground quicker!) is pounding aggressively at your door.

Sorry. ]

AUDIO, UN: cantreadtheroom_prime

[incandescent_matrix]

[Once again, Optimus has failed to notice that his username has been changed on him. Typical]

Quintessa. [It is said stiffly, already prepared to go on the defense, but not yet doing so] It is Optimus Prime. I... apologize for how I spoke with you before. There were many things on my mind, most of which are unresolved.

To that end, I have a question. I do not know you. I would like to know how you seemingly know me.

[madgoddess]

[ Despite it being an audio only feed, it's not hard to picture her haughty expression since it comes through clearly in her voice. ]

You greatly resemble the Optimus Prime from my dimension, in both appearance and hostility. Although I realized the misunderstanding shortly after, I deemed you too inimical to waste my time informing you of my error.

text un Megatron

[areaman]

[ah, the username quintessa most wants to see at any time, surely. this pops up a day or so after their mission. long enough for him to realise.]

What happened?

[madgoddess]

[ Quintessa barely restrains a sigh. ]

Bos'Kit was present at the site we infiltrated. Things did not go... particularly well. Your Optimus and the others should be back soon.

Text

[moondurance]

Hey so! It was good to be, like, a family again, I think? Not for mission, unless you want to, but like, stuff like the carnival. It was nice.

You make an awesome mum.

Anyway, I found something for you while I was there. Let me know where I can drop it off?

[Spoilers: the something is: a cute table cloth that shimmers the colours of the Cube, and a literally giant beanbag with shimmering geometric patterns on it.]

[madgoddess]

Thank you, Moonracer. I had a pleasant time at the carnival, and I would enjoy doing more similar outings.

I did not think I would feel the companionship of a family again.

Action

[tenthtimeisthecharm]

"Quintessa? Ma'am? Are you in?" Velocity peeked into the crystal garden room that belonged to Quin, her face drawn in what was most definitely a wince.

She wrung her hands together nervously, but she determinedly reminded herself that she liked Quintessa, she'd been kind to her before. She took a further few steps into the room. "I have something I've been meaning to speak with you about for um. For a while? A medium while?"

[madgoddess]

"I am here, Velocity."

Quintessa is tinkering away at her work station. During the Grand Wild Hunt she had acquired some rare examples of Cybertronian flora long since extinct, and was very carefully trying to splice them onto existing crystal buds.

"You sound as though you are preparing ill news..."