The new day had come, putting all worries to rest. It was the day Megatronus would give his speech and Orion intended to be there on time. With barely a moment to spare, he rushed through his morning chores and went off to fetch Aerial, who in turn, was ready to move along as fast as he was.
Once they arrived, Orion's optics bulged out wide at the sight of the huge crowd near the entrance to where the ceremony was to be held. It appeared as if all of Cybertron had come to watch Megatronus and the other gladiators give their speeches.
"So, we're not here to see any fighting?" Aerial asked Orion in a confused manner as they somehow managed to make their way through the crowd. "Just speeches, huh? I mean, they are gladiators, not politicians..."
"I understand each gladiator will be giving a speech on how they believe their new contribution to our planet will help society. " Orion replied, making sure he held onto Aerial's servo tightly, just so he wouldn't lose her in the crowd. They made it to their seats shortly and he continued. "The Council is deciding whether or not we should let the gladiators fight alongside the Primes, just in case something happened to Primus and the power he was submitting to the core started to wane."
Aerial nodded and then looked ahead to examine her surroundings, now that she could see better. The crowd had calmed down at last. They were seated in the Tyger Pax arena, right at the center of the very city the arena was named after. It was indeed a large place, popular for its illegal gladiator games, where Cybertronians would fight to the death. It was at a time a popular sport, until it was banned. Now the gladiators wanted a new chance: to still fight but not each other. At least that was their approach. Aerial could see the gladiators walking in to the center of the arena. Everyone stood up and cheered for each one; smiles were on the faceplates of all who were there.
The crowd then sat down and became instantly quiet as the first gladiator stepped forward. He cleared his throat quickly and began to speak. He told of his experiences in the gladiator games; how much blood, or energon was on his servos. He wanted it to end. He spoke of how Cybertron would be a better place with the gladiators putting their power towards good and not killing for sport. He pleaded that the Council would grant them the rights to do so, and as he ended his speech, he had the crowd cheering.
The other gladiators took their turns, giving their opinions and their want for the rights suggested to them. The hours passed, up until Megatronus was the last one left. He walked up and looked around at the crowd. Orion stared at his figure that looked small from where both he and Aerial sat on a balcony. There was only a few seconds of silence and then Megatronus began.
"My fellow Cybertronians! You have sat patiently and listened to each and every one of these fine speakers here, and it pleases me to see how much you all care. For years, us gladiators have battled to the death, spilling our energon over and over again. I joined the gladiators to make a change, to stop the killing of each other. We have all bypassed something that will indeed bring peace to Cybertron: that all Cybertronians should be treated as equals. All! Why are we allowing the high and mighty rise above while others are stomped on underneath their power?"
Orion watched as the confidence overtook his friend. This desire to supplement equality amongst their kind was an admirable desire, but what would prompt an entire band of gladiators to speak for the same thing? It certainly was gaining the favor of the people. It would surely catch the eyes of the Council members, maybe even enough to grant them a visitation. With these thoughts, Orion listened as the speech went on.
Megatronus continued. "Together, we can convince the Council to give us gladiators the rights we ask for. We can make Cybertron a better place! Who will stand with us? Who will beg the Council for our voices to be heard? Who will put aside their pride and hear my voice?! Heed these words and plead for Cybertron's greater good!"
The speech went on, lasting an hour. When he gave his last inspirational call, the crowd stood up and began cheering and chanting Megatronus' name. Femmes were crying while the mechs screamed in a victorious cry. The event of speeches had seemed to captivate the sparks of the Cybertronians.
Everyone except Orion. He was not accustomed to the realization that there was a problem in the order of how Cybertronians were treated and the difference amongst the classes. Perhaps his life with Alpha Trion did not permit him to understand such things. He tried to process Megatronus' words.
Aerial seemed to understand. She was cheering with the rest and seemed to have glossy optics herself. Orion hummed in thought, even in the noise. He would speak to Megatronus later. He wanted to understand.
***
Once the ceremony had passed and the gladiators finally dispersed, Orion went after his friend. Aerial left and the two mechs were alone in the calmed Tiger Pax.
"Megatronus!" Orion called and the gray mech turned around at the sound of his name.
"Orion!" he smiled towards his friend. "I'm very pleased you were able to come. It is indeed a good cause, isn't it?"
"Yes, I appreciate the change the gladiators are willing to make." Orion paused for a moment, then heaved a sigh while shaking his helm. "But... I wanted a minute to speak with you about your speech. Your suggestion in treating all Cybertronians as equals sounds just fine. I only wonder what your true ideation of it really is."
Megatronus motioned for Orion to walk beside him, the glow of his optics welcoming. "Tell me your concerns."
Heaving a sigh, Orion gave his honest thoughts. "Equality is a beautiful thing. Why would gladiators care? What is the benefit? What would you be fighting alongside the Primes for? Basic Cybertronian rights?"
Megatronus laughed. "Orion, you clearly spend too much time at Iacon. Cybertron is riddled with discrimination, unfair advantage with all the cards handed towards those who control our world. The higher power is always holding the upper hand. Those who are different are turned away, in schools, jobs... I've used my position to convince my fellow gladiators to fight for this belief: that all Cybertronians should be treated as equals and our politics should reflect that belief."
"What motivated them to follow you?"
"The Council would have arrested them for their illegal games otherwise." Megatronus took a breath. "This change in lifestyle for them prevented that outcome."
Orion mouthed an 'oh', continuing to follow his friend. The hot sun beat on their metal armor and they were glad to find some shade after turning a corner.
"I am realizing this is something I know very little about," Orion admitted.
Giving him an understanding clasp on his shoulder, Megatronus replied, "Then I encourage you to look into it. I am certain Iacon is filled with information, even some the Council wouldn't want you to see."
"You don't..." Orion swallowed, "you don't suppose Alpha Trion would be against this idea, do you? He is a member of the Council."
"I can't be certain, but I still encourage you to study what you can. Only then can you begin to see what is truly happening with our people." He noticed Orion's uncertain expression and he stopped their walking pace. "My friend, I care for you deeply and I want you to know that this is a belief I would be willing to give my life for. I want to see Cybertronians like yourself rising up against the corrupt. Imagine what our actions could do to make a better place for those we love, for even our future children and their children if we're to have them."
Orion nodded. "If I study some, will you continue to share with me your experiences?"
"Always. I trust that you will be a fast learner and your humble spirit would do well in spreading the word."
"Hmm..." Orion thought for a moment, wondering what this would entail. He knew Aerial would definitely be interested. "I'll see what I can find and we can meet up soon. What should I look for first?"
Megatronus thought for a moment, then replied, "Read up on the establishment of our government. History is the greatest story for revealing true colors. You will see how our treatment of citizens became corrupt over time."
"Then I won't waste a moment. Alpha Trion will want me back soon anyway."
Megatronus laughed, pleased with their interaction. "Then be gone, my friend. You have plenty of studying to do."
Orion took the permission to leave and began to rush back toward the Iacon Hall of Records. Cybertron's sun was beating hotter than ever but he didn't seem to notice. He thought about the task at hand. There was so much unknown and he wondered if this would get him in trouble, yet the curiosity was burning. Knowing exactly where to look, he could imagine the hours of studying ahead of him and was excited to see where he would end up from this knowledge. With that thought, Orion saw Iacon coming into view, and he was soon back inside the Hall of Records.