Flashback:
The underwater wreckage of the Decepticon ship. Megatron sits upon his command seat, looking none too pleased, and completely submerged. He brings two fingers to his "ear" to let the audience know he's using a radio rather than bother trying to speak underwater. (On second thought, why would we bother making a fuss about being able to talk underwater?)
"Soundwave. Damage report."
Soundwave's eyes flash briefly. "All systems offline. Multiple massive hull breaches. Reactor core: obliterated. Return to space-worthiness: impossible. Autobot radio transmissions detected in orbit."
Megatron looks at his palm then clenches his fingers into a fist. "They're here. Good. I'll make them pay for this!
"Starscream! Command the others to affect repairs to convert the ship into a temporary base! Prioritize removing this irritating water. Use the boarding shaft as a snorkel to pump in air. Soundwave! I want to hear what the Autobots are saying."
A visual representation of soundwaves appears on Soundwave's chest as he plays back a conversation between Road Rage and Sparkplug.
"So you're telling me that in exchange for my teaching you basic manners, you 'Autobots' will show me how to improve the efficiency of my oil rig several times over? What's the catch?"
"No catch. Only a warning. Our enemies, the Decepticons, won't bother making any deals with you should they come to your world. They will take all you have and give you only destruction in return."
Megatron smiles and laughs an evil laugh. "How right you are, Autobot. Let's begin with your new etiquette teacher. I'll teach these primitive natives that making deals with the Autobots will make them the next target!
"Starscream! New priority!"
Prime nods to Gem, approaches Sparkplug, then kneels to be a little less imposing for the Earthling.
"Hello, Sparkplug. I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. As you saw with your own eyes, the Decepticons are dangerous and must be stopped. Their presence on your planet has made it more urgent that I speak with the leader of your land as soon as possible. Will you arrange a meeting?"
"Not so sure that's a good idea, Mr. Prime. Me and my crew, we're grateful for your heroics. But this is a big world full of people who would be frightened by alien visitors, no matter how much we insist that you're well intentioned. The lower a profile you all keep, the less likely there'll be a panic. I'll see about getting you all the support you need,
without bone-headed politicians getting involved."
Jumpjet sighs.
"Nothing's ever simple."
Ironhide chuckles darkly from Turbo Thunder's point and reaches a hand to his shoulder.
"Then in return I'll be sure save your hide to avoid dumb conversations like that."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:55, Tue 30 June 2020.