[Hello there, Cybertron. It's been a bit too long since Blondie here last bombarded you all with questions, hasn't it? Well, fret not, for she has another, and this time... it has less to do with technical difficulties or new arrival syndrome and more to do with art withdrawals.]

So, I've been thinking. Paint --well, oil paint-- is basically just pigment and medium, so it really isn't hard to make. Sure, it takes a while to dry but... I'm kind of used to having a lot of color on my walls, and it feels gloomy living without them.

[Actually, the entire city could use more color in her opinion, but that's a bit rude to say aloud. Best to start off with her own living quarters.]

Does anyone know what I could use for pigment and quick-drying oil? Back on Earth, most of the ingredients were plant-based and well... that seems like a bad idea here.

[She doesn't want to raid the pantry and waste perfectly good food just for the sake of her art. That's just thoughtless and selfish, and she certainly wouldn't be able to bring herself to do that.

So, who wants to help little miss painter here make some art?



After the video, she quickly switches the feed so it's no longer public. Did she do it right? She hopes so. Well, here goes nothing.

Private to Starscream:]

I'm sorry I took so long to call, but people were acting funny for a while; I thought it would be best to wait until things calmed down. But um... I'm ready for that tour whenever you're free.

[The video flickers on and Ratchet appears on screen. In his hands were, well, a pair of hands. They were of a deep blue hue as well as yellow accents. But yes, just a pair of hands. The old bot looks tired, exhausted from all this.]

Been busy these past few weeks. If anyone needs any assistance with these effects from these strange energon deposits, please come by the Solarian medbay. I will see what I can do. I, myself, was affected by Red Energon, but, I believe my effects are wearing off by now.

[He soon lifts one of those hands up.]

Sentinel, your hands are ready. Whenever you have time, please come by.

[PRIVATE TO PERCEPTOR]

If you could come by sometime today, there's something I'd like to show you.

[ACTION]

[Ratchet was known to be a hermit, but with this energon nonsense, Ratchet had stayed indoors. It was about time he actually got out and about. Transforming into his alternate form, he raced down out of the Solarian Temple, and into the vast land of Haven.

It was nice to get out. To have a nice drive. Simple, and nothing strenuous.]

[It's probably around midnight or so when the post pops up. Or close enough to it that the effects of the red energon have finally worn off. He can touch things now. He's no longer a ghost.]

[And... still considerably unsettled and upset by recent events. Enough to make the following statement:]

I ... I want to learn how to be drunk.

[Because that seems like a great idea. It always worked for his role models around here, after all.]

Someone. Show me how. I'll be grateful.

[And that's all he says. He'll be at the bar, an unhappy pile of metal and wings. Waiting.]

[Wow, that is one seriously FRAGGED THE FUCK OFF-looking Seeker right there.  So fragged off, in fact, that it takes him a moment before he can even form coherent words.  When he finally does, they're short, sweet, and to the point.]

I will say this only once.

It. Never. Happened!

[He raises an arm, rifle leveled at his Link device.  Yes, he really is that mad.  But . . . he stops himself and just steps over to the thing, growling as he ends the transmission with a rough, almost violent gesture.  It'll be several more minutes . . . but then he sends a few private messages.]


[Locked to Ventus]

...thanks.  For . . . that . . .

[For not just putting up with him but trying to help]


[Locked to Ravage]

Are you all right?


[Locked to Megatron]

I'm willing to meet with you, if you still want me to, sir.  And . . . if I can ask you to let me speak before shooting me.

[Not that . . . he'd try to stop you if you still decided to.  >,>]


[Locked to The Spine]

You . . . took me seriously.  Have you honestly run across such nonsense before?

[Sorry . . . he just...REALLY had to ask.  Because seriously WTF DUDE?]


[and finally - Locked to Starscream]

You can let me out now.

[He appreciates it.  Really, he does.  But...]