re_alignment | [Video]

Pretty sure Red Alert threatened to cut off my leg functions if I didn't stay.

She's...pretty fraggin' convincin'.

[There's a pause.]

Ya know how my patience is.

Just your legs?

She's pretty generous, too.

[Then again, Barricade worked on Decepticons at least twice his size most of the time. Extreme is what he does.]

I do. I also know that it ain't gonna get done to specs without all your limbs attached and in fully functioning order.

Even I can tell I won't get far on one arm.

...

[There's a sigh, head clinking against the berth.]

I'm bored.

I know that feeling.

[Better than most. Way better than most. He lifts his optic ridges a little, tipping his head.]

You want some company? I've got some time - and a few good war stories - if you're up f'r it.

'd be much appreciated, Doc. I can almost feel my paint meldin' to the berth.

[Anything to relieve the boredom. And maybe discuss the armory some more. Barricade was easy to bounce off of.]

Well, ask and ye shall receive. 'M on my way to make sure your paint ain't gonna get stuck. That'd be a shame.

[Barricade is more than happy to be a sounding board. In truth he kind of enjoys it, particularly with people like Wheeljack.]

It's that easy? Bolts, I would have done that sooner if I knew.

[There's a smirk as the feed clicks off, fidgeting slightly. Seriously, he needs to move or he's going to go crazy--or...something better distract him.]

[Really, Barricade just happens to not be too far off from the medbay. He'd taken over an extra room to work on the ship he'd found in private and managed to keep it in proximity to the medbay and his own quarters. It's pretty much a short trot.

He pokes his head in before strolling in.]

Hope I didn't keep you waitin' too long. Didn't chew your other arm off in boredom?

[At Barricade's head sliding in, Wheeljack seems to smile at the sound of his voice alone. Finally, social interaction.]

Was lonely here without ya, 'Cade. Wasn't quick enough.

[And at the question, he looks at his one good arm, inspecting it.]

Think we're good.

Good. 'Cause if you chewed it off I'd have t'wag my finger at you. It'd be awful, trust me.

[He walks over and pulls up a chair, flopping into it with his arms along the backrest. Much more comfortable than trying to wriggle your wings into place.]

So I hear you've been a little starved f'r company, huh?

Yannow I'd take my chances. What's a little lecture to some freedom, yeah?

[He smirks, though, as Barricade takes a seat across from him, eyes looking around the medbay absently. It was amazing how...tired you could get of staring at the same stuff.]

Starved for anythin' but rest and relaxation. Never really been on speakin' terms with 'em, so it makes it even worse.

You sure about that? I've been known to shame Megatrons themselves with my lectures.

[Once, anyway.]

They visit less when you're not directly on Tarn's radar, I hear. In the meantime, you got me f'r a while... but I'll try not to tease you too much for the fun of it.

...Really. That's quite the statement comin' from a pair a' sirens like you.

[Those eyes glisten though--anyone who can make Megatrons look mundane...

It's impressive.]

Heh, can't say I want to see that guy's mug anytime soon. Can't stomach that much ugly.

...I lived though.

The trick is reprimanding them like they're hatchlings... ah, protoforms. Works every time.

[Though he's quite proud of it, if the flick of his wings and the tilt of his head is any indication.]

Well, he'll be sittin' the prison f'r a while yet, probably. I ain't heard hide nor hair of a trial for him so heavens only know what's goin' on.

Mm, and that's the important part. And only lost an arm, too, which ain't half bad.

Still don't understand why it even needs a trial, 'Cade. Pretty obvious from his occupation alone that he ain't a friendly.

And I think I know firsthand what those guys do.

...

[He takes a look at his crushed arm, though, trying to move at least SOMETHING.]

Magnus would file off my rivets. Kinda gave him my word I wouldn't engage.

If we don't then what's the difference between us being here and us bein' back home? Besides, we don't exactly have enough cells t'keep every criminal permanently locked up.

And unfortunately, we can't pile their own corpses up in their quarters.

[Which was mostly sad for him because it was slightly hilarious. Though he does give Wheeljack a bit of a look at that.]

If you didn't engage what were supposed to do? Look pretty?

Pretty sure the words 'Phase Sixer' seal the deal on Tarn.

[But Barricade makes a good point. They can't just off him, because...well, he'll come back.]

...

[Another look down at his arm.]

Wrecker code. Engage the enemy head on if one of your own is threatened. Think the Chief...Whatever-of-the-something-accord would take that as an excuse?

Where I'm from saying "Prime" could mean the same thing. His actions matter more than turns of phrase.

[Barricade has been in this situation before... and not being able to kill someone for justice can be infinitely frustrating.]

I don't think he'd overlook that you have a code t'uphold. Same as him. Besides, all the promises in the world don't amount to a whit in combat, usually.

Uh...not to...cross some lines, 'Cade, but you're an ex-Con. I can't imagine ya'd be unbiased.

...

Guess so. [There's a halfhearted shrug.]

It's how we met, yannow. Kinda. Overlord totaled me.

There've been more Primes among the Decepticons than not in my recent history. And I've got plenty of beefs on both sides.

[He shrugs one shoulder. Primes are a hard subject. So it everyone he feels had wronged him over the centuries.]

Sounds like you're in the medbay more than out of it. He was that big, nasty fella, right? How'd the Rules Lawyer get in on that?

Guess they got a bit better rep in my world. Shame ya never got to meet 'em.

[Despite his own problems before with the Prime, he's had a certain respect for him later on.]

I get my card stamped everytime I'm in. Once I hit ten, I get myself some free high grade.

[But then things turn serious.]

Took him down when I couldn't.

Met your Optimus once, actually. Before I got here. Rescued me from your Soundwave, in fact.

[And he somehow managed to convince the poor mech to dance with him, once. Generally Barricade likes him.]

Not a bad deal. Where can I get one'a those cards?

Mm. Sounds like a good guy. And tough, for that matter.

No kiddin'. Hope he gave 'Wave the one-two punch. He and I kinda went toe-to-toe.

[Wheeljack, you just can't stay out of trouble.]

...Definitely had my respect.

[His tone loses the sarcasm a moment, actually looking up, away from Barricade's gaze.]

When he came back I thought...yannow, things would go back to normal.

Ah, Soundwave fled before he got there. Apparently didn't fancy going up against two Primes and a super-powered human.

[Well. Human enough. Barricade made powerful friends.]

A rare honor, respect.

[His tone goes serious in turn, and he shrugs a little.]

Normal in places like this is relative. Folks vanish and the rest of us are left. Sometimes they come back. Sometimes they come back and don't remember you. 'S how it goes.

...

[That sinks in a moment, his fist clenching and unclenching in thought. It was true, and Barricade probably knew it more than anyone. The lights of his eyes dim in thought, thinking if holding onto Magnus possibly coming back...

like last time...

He shakes his head before he completely dazes off, back to alert.]

Guess it's pointless to hold out for it, huh.

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