re_alignment | [Video/Action] Backdated to the end of the Pillar event

[The video opens back on the surface at the farthest edge of Prima's territory, with Optimus still wearing most of the signs of damage taken in the core, barely repaired. His colors are off; blackened with odd marks that are neither burns nor cuts.

He seems...distracted, optics staring out toward the darkness past the edges of the Haven more often than at the camera itself.]

I hope everyone is alright and has found time to be repaired. I know we seem to be missing a few of our number...

[He glances away again with unfocused optics, tensing as if to move away, before relaxing with some visible effort. He rubs a hand over the bridge between his eyes, pained, before rubbing more harshly at some of the black marks marring the blue of his helm. After a moment, he pulls away with a look of disgust.]

I wish to assist in any search being preformed- but I'm afraid I find myself...distracted.

[Another pause; his jaw works under his mask, reluctant.]

I... may be in need of some assistance of my own.

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[Megatron did his best to smile pleasantly at the video. Optimus Prime was looking fairly dark, not unlike his world's Optimus was, but he sounded friendly for the moment so the Decepticon leader chose to be kind in return.]

You said you are in need of some assistance? Is there anything I can do to help?

[There is a pause as Megatron seems to focus on Optimus but not at the mech's face...]

Is that writing you have on you?

...Likely.

[It takes him a moment, but he draws his optics away from the dark horizon to stare down at the marks on his own forearm.

Seemingly triggered by the glance alone, his plating starts to itch, and he drags blunt fingers across the marks with a faint squeal of metal on metal.

It takes him a moment to refocus, but when his does, his stare is stubbornly intent.]

...I don't suppose you can read this?

I... should be able to read it... I think, I recently gained the ability to read any language, or most any perhaps. But perhaps the video is making it hard to decipher. May I come to where you are to try and read it?

Did this come about when you dealt with the Pillar? Before or after? And was there any particular length of time before it showed?

...If you like. It might be helpful, even if you can't decipher the marks.

[There is a long, unfocused pause, before he nods.]

Yes. ...At the end of the battle, perhaps? I was not very focused on my armor at the time.

[Video/Action] Backdated to the end of the Pillar event

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