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[ex_dishonestly997]

[Broadcasting perched on an outcropping over a lava flow, seemingly sounding unbothered by the misstep into a sideways universe--first rule of Decepticon Club is never let em know you're scared.]

So, this looks like Cybertron--actually, a lot like the one I just came from. But from my recon, it's either a time, a space, or a time and space displacement.

Little bee, are you here? [elaborating] I'm looking for an Autobot named Bumblebee. About this high--[indicates short, midchest height]--gold, kinda stout. I'll also accept Metalhawk, Wheeljack - Soundwave? How about Prowl, with my luck he's here. [Bueller?]

--For the rest of you, my name is Starscream. Maybe you've heard of me. [and he's smirking a little self-indulgently at the thought. No matter how dangerous or inconvenient it might be to be preknown in a brave new world, it's nice to be important.]

I'm here to help.

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[ex_dishonestly997]

Someone who's made some pretty bad mistakes, then. [also adding, immediately] Just like me. I served my cause the best way I knew--but it was a war and war is awful, and some of the things I did I'm not proud of.

I'm not saying I do understand you, I'm just saying with your checkered past, the idea that mechs can change? That should probably appeal.

Is this just peer-to-peer, or are you including the FirstForged?

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[sword_redemption]

But you're....[He shakes his head. Never mind. It's not worth it. Starscream is almost deliberately not getting the point. Drift has learned the hard way, with Bumblebee, that sometimes it's better to just stop trying when the other is determined not to hear you. One of the hardest lessons Drift's had to learn is when not to fight.]

Mechs have to want to change. You can't force it. [That's all he'll say.]

And the First Forged are equals among themselves. I wouldn't try to compete with them.

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[ex_dishonestly997]

I'm what? [true to his word, he was seeking understanding. --And clarification.]

So this comes down to, what? You don't believe I want to change?

But we don't have free will, per-se, if we do what they want. Right?

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[sword_redemption]

It's not important.

[An impatient huff.] There. Again. You're making it about you when it's not. That's not what I said. At all.

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[ex_dishonestly997]

[takes a moment to consider, and then shakes his head] Okay. For what it's worth, I really am sorry we can't see optic to optic on this.

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[sword_redemption]

[He would say, that he wasn't doubting your desire to change, but that you can't force, even you, Starscream, you can't force someone else to change their ways.]

[But the fact he can't even get you to hear that over your own agenda...it's not worth it.]

As am I.

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[ex_dishonestly997]

[For his part, Starscream doesn't think he is pushing an agenda--it seems like they're talking at cross purposes.]

So. Where's that leave us?

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[sword_redemption]

[Which is why Drift's giving up.]

On Cybertron. A Cybertron that deserves to have a future.