OPEN TO ALL CYBERTRONIAN FREQUENCIES

[sufferist]

[The transmission comes as a video feed, though it isn't of a person. Instead, the camera is focused on what appears to be a very large hammer. For any bots familiar with the lore of the Primes or just happen to have heard of it, it is the Forge of Solus Prime. It's propped up against a wall in some unknown building.]

[The voice that speaks has an Alternian accent to it, and is otherwise soft and raspy.]

I believe this is an important artifact to your people, isn't it? I've been wondering...how much would you say it's worth?

Comments

[ultramatum]

Yet your people are also primarily fleetbound, with a planet that is primarily hostile and uninhabitable. And your empire has been involved in conflict for millennia. Not to mention that the greatest feats of the alternian empire rest upon the subjugation of its own people.

Cybertron may not be as it was at the peak of the golden age, but our culture and the resilience of our people is far from dead.

[sufferist]

You are actually incorrect about our home planet. In fact, I hear that we only keep children there these days.

The conflict and subjugation I can't argue with. No troll would. There is no element of self deception.

[ultramatum]

[Ok, well, not all the rumors about Alternia could be true.]

If the planet is only populated by the most vulnerable and naive members of your society, I wouldn't hold the possession of a habitable planet as much of an accomplishment against us Cybertronians.

[sufferist]

I'm not sure I follow your logic.

[ultramatum]

Most of species aside from the very youngest reside off planet. Your empress resides off planet. The majority of your technological, scientific, and cultural advancements are made off planet. The infrastructure of your empire exists primarily through your fleet.

It does not appear that having a planet is of particular benefit to your people at this point.

[sufferist]

Alternia has hundreds of colonies populated by a vast population of trolls. It's made its home wherever it sees fit, and thrives wherever it chooses. The same cannot be said in your case.

To be clear, your lack of home has nothing to do with scientific advancement. I was mocking you for wiping out your own species.

[ultramatum]

[There's a strong hint of bitterness with the next statement.]

The empire's still young. I'm sure you'll face another rebellion within your culture soon enough.

Regardless, why don't you just explain your motivation for giving away the artifact. That WAS why you initially contacted us.

[sufferist]

The last one didn't get very far. I was there.

And I don't see why you keep asking that like it's going to change my answer. I think it will be more interesting if one of you has it. It's nothing to me, after all.

[ultramatum]

Then why try to trade it instead of just offering it at the beginning?

[sufferist]

I was being coy, and I didn't think you would all be so easily confused.

[ultramatum]

You bring forward a cybertronian artifact you know to be of importance and expect us to respond well to jokes?

[sufferist]

You responding well has nothing to do with it. Am I really conducting myself in a manner that suggests I care how well you respond?

[ultramatum]

It is usually easier to get what you want when you are straightforward with people.

[sufferist]

Sometimes.

[ultramatum]

Very well, then what are your terms for relinquishing the hammer?

[sufferist]

I tell everyone where I'll be. Then whoever takes it first wins.

[ultramatum]

Fine. Where, precisely, do you plan on holding the hammer?

[sufferist]

Hmm.

City hall.

[ultramatum]

Very well.