re_alignment | [Video]

Entry tags:

✘ tf: prime | wheeljack

[Video]

[There's no introduction this time. Probably because he's in the medical bay, still getting his arm fixed up. And recovering from Tarn-related injuries. No explanation, no fancy hello.]

We need an armory.

More specifically--I want one.

[Why don't you tell us how you really feel, Wheeljack?]

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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.

Only you c'n make that decision. I quit hoping t'see Magnum - Megatron - again, after that whole Glyphless... thing. Suddenly he shows up again.

[He's lost a lot of people in recent history. They died at home or got deported in Axiom or stepped into teleporters on Sacrosanct and never came back out. Knock Out is the third version of the mech he's known.

And yet... and yet. Barricade shrugs one shoulder.]

I'm still holdin' out for my mate or my old partner to show up. Don't expect it, but it'd be nice t'see them again.

Less painful in the end to move on. 's what I've always done, back home. But nothin's permanent in this world. Like it constantly toys with ya.

[He adjusts himself on that berth, heaving out a soft sigh.]

Makes sense, the way you do it.

Places like this always toy with ya. Sometimes more intentionally than others. Other places don't exactly turn me into a cat, after all.

[Barricade snorts, wings flicking, and leans back slightly.]

I've had a lot of practice. Lose a lot of people and you sorta figure out how to handle it, eventually. And having patience doesn't hurt either.

Patience...

Not somethin' I'm known for.

[There's a soft laugh though, holding out his good hand to the bot.]

Thanks. For lettin' me vent.

Prefer goin' in, guns blazing, huh? Heh. Like I said; 's all up to you, really.

[Barricade takes he offered hand, giving it a light squeeze and a shake.]

No problem. Sometimes y'just gotta let it out, right?

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