[video]

[sword_redemption]

Wing's taken over the investigation for Vandal. He's faster, smarter, and a member of the Law Committee. I think it's time we agree and admit this is a crime and not a disappearance, anyway.

[Also, Wing didn't die recently. That, uh, probably helps his CV, too.]

Going out into the Badlands. There's...something I need to find out there.

[He hesitates, then locks the feed from Wing.]

Anyone come back, and, uh, remember things? That they haven't lived through?

....like Theophany?

Comments

( video )

[pendragon]

I am glad to see you once again, Drift.

Unfortunately, I know little about ..dying and being reborn here. Let me know if I may help with anything else.

[sword_redemption]

[He shrugs, uncomfortable. He really doesn't want to talk about that whole 'dying' thing.]

I'm glad to see you're safe.

[pendragon]

If you are going to the Badlands, please be safe.

[ She has no reason nor right to tell him not to go, but she can advise him to at least be careful. ]

[sword_redemption]

Been there before. I can handle myself.

Better than here, it seems.

[Video | Locked]

[winged_knight]

Drift...there's no reason we can't still work on this together. I'm not trying to take over.

[He seems more than a little lost.]

The Badlands? Is this...something for Liege again?

[Video | Locked]

[sword_redemption]

I told you: when I was in charge, nothing got done. Not even trying to find Prism. It's time for someone else who can get things done.

[A bitter smile.] I'm no leader. Never have been.

No. It's something for myself.

[Video | Locked]

[winged_knight]

I have to share some of that blame Drift.

[Wing can't speak to Drift's leadership experience, but...] I think you could be if you wanted.

[He shifts, uncomfortable and uncertain.] I...assume it's something important, would you like me to go with you?

[Video | Locked]

[sword_redemption]

I'm not interested in blame. I'm interested in whatever gets Vandal back.

[He shakes his head.] Then you don't know me as well as you think.

I don't think you want to come.

[Video]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

[Have Ambulon looking a little riled. It's basically his default face only one corner of his frown is a little higher.]

Drift. I'm not going to lecture you. But I am going to tell you, that if you attempt heading back into the Badlands, I swear to Sigma I will not try the verbal approach like last time to keep you from doing something stupid, but something a little more physical instead.

[Scalpels. He will use scalpels. His tone also suggests you don't underestimate him.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

There's something I need to find out there. I have to go.

[Immovable object, meet unstoppable force of Drift's stubbornness.]

[Video]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

What, and die again? Maybe come back worse for wear and in need of serious repairs?

And, besides: Wing may be in control of the investigation, but we still need your help, you know.

... But you aren't going to listen to me, are you? You're not going to listen to reason. You're just going to go frolicking back off into the Badlands like an idiot no matter what I say.

[He's readying the scalpels. He's got like five of them, man.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

I can handle myself, Ambulon.

[He sighs. ]

Listen. You were a Decepticon. You know. About how the Decepticon symbol is made, right?

[video]

[aerospacecommander]

Ya'know, usually I don't bother to stop Autobots from doing stupid things ...

But that really is a stupid idea.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

...why? I pay my respects my way.

[video]

[aerospacecommander]

Because the 'bad' part in 'badlands' implies 'bad things.'

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Yes. It does.

[A shrug.] I'm not afraid of bad things. [Not after what he's just been through.]

TEXT;

[thehardway]

Do not perish out there.

video

[sword_redemption]

Not planning on it.

[Not that he was planning on it last time, either.]

TEXT;

[thehardway]

I didn't think that you were.

[Video]

[notyourblueangel]

The Badlands?

...you shouldn't go alone.

[Yeah, that's kinda his offer to go with. If for no other reason than he doesn't want to see Wing devastated again - and so soon! - if something happens to Drift.]

[Video]

[sword_redemption]

Done it before.

[Video]

[notyourblueangel]

[He nods.]

Come back in one piece.

[video] /sob/ I'm sorry this is so late... ;~;

[a_father_to_his_men]

If you are going out there, would you like unobtrusive company to ensure you come back?

[video] even later response

[sword_redemption]

I think it's something I have to do alone.

[Since everyone so far has hung up on him when he's even considered broaching the subject.]

[video]

[a_father_to_his_men]

I see, just be careful to return. I'm sure you can understand why it would be hard to lose anyone right now.

[His response is clearly full of caring, even speaking in a way that quietly implies that even he would be distraught by the loss of Drift. Too much loss too soon can be more than an ember can bear.]