re_alignment | voice; locked to Jetfire

Given the fact that I was told that both Soundwave and Megatron from my pocket of the multiverse had been here and that Ravage and [ there's a pause here and his tone shifts to something more stony ] Ratchet still remain, it should have been little surprise that I, too, would be different from what was expected.

[ there's Cliffjumper as well, but Starscream isn't quite sure he counts in this instance. he isn't originally from the same reality. still, it should have been obvious with as many realities that are represented here already that there would be at least one akin to his own - with people that have personalities that are a huge contrast to what is "normal" for another reality.

ah well. it is what it is. instead he takes a moment to reflect on the question. ]

I'm afraid I do not. When I spoke with him, it wasn't an entirely pleasant conversation. I mean no offense when I say that he seems like a rather pretentious individual. [ no really. he states it with more of a clinical tone rather than one of disgust or one meaning to insult. ]

Of course, the only one thing that I keep getting told is that I, apparently, am far too polite and "nice" to be an iteration of Starscream.

Indeed. But perhaps the image people have of people are just harder to adjust in some cases. [And then Jetfire can't help but chuckle, shaking his helm even if it can't be seen.]

None taken, because that's a fair assessment. He's hardly the... ah, easiest individual to get along with. 'Pretentious' is really quite a... moderate judgment. He might be very clever, flexible and quick thinking, but he's also aggressive, short-tempered, has an extremely large ego and thinks he's worth anything he decides he wants to have and can be quite... dramatic. And has a bad habit of taking things personally and switching position if he thinks it'll get him what he wants.

[Not to talk about jealous. Jetfire shrugs, the noise of shifting metal not really capable of hiding the affection behind that litany of... not so pleasant adjectives. Jetfire knows exactly what Starscream is. But Starscream also cares in his own strange way.]

I was, however, a little more curious in the differences between your reality and most of ours, as I assume there must be some... hm, quantitative differences that doesn't have to do with differences in personality?

[ it's all right. there is no judgment here. Starscream is just taking it all in like he would reading any data file. everything else that is left unsaid by tone or anything else is just... extra and not even really necessary for him to ponder on. ]

Noted.

[ which is good because Starscream really would rather talk about differences in realities. it's a more pleasant subject. ]

I know that some terminology differs and so does the belief in Primus. While many seem to use the term "spark," we say "ember." They are essentially the same, from what I have been able to gather, but without comparing two mechs, it is all theory. [ and he's not sure he'd want to do any sort of testing involving something so delicate just to learn if they differ in name only. ]

The other observation I have made is that I believe that many of the other versions of Cybertron are more advanced than our own. I was just explaining to another upon my arrival that the ability to transform, for us, is a technological breakthrough - not natural to us.

Interesting... the energies and component atoms are all the same, and it's merely a difference in terminology, or might there be some difference due to the... ah, opposite states of your reality and the rest?

[He's being recalcitrant in thinking about the mention of Primus, so he's just going to focus on the other things for now, slowly tapping his chinguard. And anyway, the mention of having to invent transformation is far more startling than anything else could be.]

That's a surprise, though, that you had to invent transformation. Does that include the transformation cogs themselves?

[ SEE THIS? THIS IS A VERY LENGTHY AND A VERY SCIENCEY EXPLANATION OF HOW TRANSFORMATION WORKS AND ALL OF ITS NUANCES.

YEAH. LET'S PICTURE THAT. MMMM. YES. SO GOOD. ]

[IT'S VERY AMAZING, YES.]

... I'm impressed you and Megatron managed to invent and improve upon transformation--- er, I apologise. A moment. [He chuckles, then for a moment there's some noise of shifting metal and what might have been a quietly hissed Starscream before Jetfire's back.

Brief interupption in the programming, pay it no mind.]

Er, sorry. It's quite stunning simply because it's such an integral and intricate procedure. Though I imagine it must have felt good to fly for the first time.

[ BE BLOWN AWAY BY HOW TL;DR AND NERDY IT WAS. ]

It's all right.

[ AGAIN NO JUDGING. Starscream on this end can be patient and wait. the mention of flying for the first time... it brings an unconscious smile to his features. oh he remembers it very well. the memory is a treasured one - something very rare given what they have been through on a daily business since everything went to scrap. ]

There are really no words that can accurately describe the sensation.

[UTTERLY AWED I PROMISE.]

I can only compare to flying for the first time for myself, but there's quite a clear difference in knowing that is something you'll be capable of doing from the moment you're sparked, and inventing it... and then applying it to yourself.

... Ah. Have you so far noticed any differences in the energon between your reality and here? I've talked with others where they had a rather interesting variation of artificial energon compared to their natural one.

[ a chuckle. ]

I suppose the experiences would differ.

[ but he still can't find the right words. so he isn't going to try. instead, Starscream focuses on what he can. ]

The color and shape, mostly. Energon back home, I suppose you could say, is refined into rods of a green-yellow hue. Cliffjumper has noticed a slight aftertaste... One I was never really aware of.

A little, at least. [Jetfire's smile can very probably be heard in his voice, before he sighs and there's another shift of metal for a moment or two.]

Interesting. [Jetfire hums softly as he thinks it over, because it is rather facinating.]

This would mean that there's some variables that can be... ah, moved around and yet produce a result that's comparable, or even the same in all respects except those you mentioned, despite the... reverse nature of the realities.

The different colours are borne through even just in realities on the... ah, same side of the divide? but I haven't noticed a difference in aftertaste with those other colours, so it's interesting that in yours there is.

Perhaps it's some taste-related molecules that are inverted to truly make a differnece. [While the suggestion's serious enough, Jetfire is still amused that this would be what would be the basis for the "inverse" energon.]

But I suppose it's a relief for both you and Cliffjumper that he actually could drink it with no other issues than an aftertaste.

From what I have been able to glean from his various outbursts is that the color of energon he is accustomed to is pink and refined into cubes. I wish he would have had a sample on his person so that I might have analyzed the differences more closely.

[ ah... one can dream. ]

Perhaps we should all be thankful that we are able to consume the energon here without any adverse affects. I wonder how that is possible, considering how many different kinds of Cybertronians are represented.

[He can't help but have a little chuckle escape at that.]

Perhaps... we could do some form of analysis here? If either you or he might have some of your native energon with you, we have enough to choose from here to use.

[because that's definitely something he finds himself wanting to do.]

And it is quite odd, yes. I surmise it might be enough cross-dimensional similarities that any differences can be glossed by each frame and either isolated or discarded without any damage.

Similar to how, even in the cases of rather gross physical dissimilarity, we are all rather strikingly... similar.

I may be able to provide a rod. However, I am not sure that Cliffjumper would. Though I know not how long he has been here, he had been with us for at least one of Earth's years.

[ long enough that it would be long gone. ]Also, considering the state he had been found in...

[ they had to replace what they could and quickly.

though, hearing Jetfire go on makes Starscream chuckle. Strikingly similar indeed. ]

I imagine this is the part where someone states that it only proves how much we are all the same deep down, be it ember or spark.

A single rod ought to be enough - we'd just have to be careful with how we use the samples, and how much we use each time.

... I suppose we could even analyse the internal energon of us, to study the differences and similarities, if there are any.

Indeed, there are some things shared universally... ah, multiversally, isn't it?

[He smiles, the expression softening the words through his amusement, before he frowns slightly.]

What state had Cliffjumper been found in? [Of course, it doesn't matter here and now, but the mention still draws his attention.]

Yes... Internal samples would do as well. Maybe both. What better way to study the differences than to make an analysis with our natural source of energon and then what is already here?

[ almost like a before and after. see how it is processed normally and then what readings occur when a different energon source is introduced. just an idea, really.

and then the conversation turns a bit... darker. ]

Ah... You see, Cliffjumper did not originally arrive in a location were he would have come into contact with us. He was picked up by the Autobots first.

Ah. I can... er, imagine, given how you and the few other Decepticons from your reality are and contrasting that with how the Autobots might be, how that might have gone.

[It's not that hard, especially with the Ratchet from that reality running around and having shown a few things.]

Precisely. Though now that that thought has been brought up, I am somewhat dissapointed I did not think of that soon enough after arriving that there might be more natural energon present...

[He pauses and then shrugs. It might not have mattered anyway, as he'd been elsewhere and not in his native reality before he and starscream ended up here.]

Though there is, of course, the possibility of difference in energon processing and its byproducts in our frames, based on differences in our realities rather than the energon, as well...

Quite frankly, I am surprised that our dimension's iteration of Prime didn't simply terminate him. There were no visible signs of torture either...

[ but that's a rather grim subject. the truth is that Prime really had let CJ off of the hook this time - be it due to some sense of long forgotten sympathy for a perceived comrade or a simply whim. still, it is something to be grateful for and Starscream shakes his helm. ]

Anyway... I suppose we should pick a method for the time being, considering how many options we have given ourselves. Granted, I am eager to work on a project that could make life easier on us all, but it has been a while since I have been able to truly work on something that is not war related.

... Sometimes, we simply need to be grateful for luck when it presents itself.

[He's not sure what else to say as the topic, however facinating, is somewhat... uncomfortable. Of course, this doesn't mean he might not ask more later, because what good scientist let their personal comfort get in the way of knowledge (well, except when it came to deities ahem).]

Perhaps simply start with analysation of frame-processed consumed energon first, to see if they differ at all, and then work from there?

[Then he chuckles faintly, and then almost immediately there's a sharp, exasperated mutter of 'Starscream' again before he huffs.]

And I know what you mean, though I did have some time while Omega and I were looking for the Ark... it's not quite the same as the opportunity presented here, however.

[ and likely Starscream will be open for discussion on the topic at a later time. right now? he's still adjusting to all of this. his own nature won't let him rest until he can poke at all of this with a more critical eye. ]

Your lab, your rules.

[ meaning, of course, he can agree and start work with that. ]

Of course not. I may have gotten a little over excited when my friend informed me of the possibility of working with other scientists.

[Indeed, they probably have the time, so no harm it dropping it for the moment.]

Perhaps, though if you have input for a better place to start, I would love to hear it.

[The smile may not be visible, but that doesn't stop the warmth from being present, and then he chuckles.]

It's quite an opportunity that is lacking during war, especially for less war-related research, isn't it?

I really don't have a preference at this point in time. If I form an opinion, I'll be sure to let you know.

[ this is definitely a Bot that he can get along with. Starscream can already tell. the other Starscream had also told him to contact Jetfire and inform him of it afterwards...

and maybe he's starting to see why. ]

Yes. Granted, I understand that sort of research, but it seems like such a waste of talent and resources in the long run.

Excellent. And yes, it rather does seem like a waste, doesn't it? [There's a faint static sigh.]

I can't say I mind having to learn new things, but overall I could have done without having to learn weapons' engineering for one. It's something of a relief to mostly be able to engage in my usual topics here.

[Even if it led to such things like getting stuck in goopy magnetic putty.]

To be fair, while I loathe weapons' engineering and don't find it providing a challenge, I feel as though that I owe the cause as much. While I would not change my choices, there were quite a few that lost their embers due to it.

[ which sums up pretty much why he's so dedicated. that and, well. Megatron. if he cannot help Cybertron the way that he had originally intended, then he must do at least this much. ]

That might be a story for another time, though. My friend did mention your name when I first arrived, telling me I should seek you out.

It sounds like it might be, yes. If yuo'd wish to tell it later... [There's a small, rather grim smile on Jetfire's faceplate, even if Starscream can't see it.]

I can't say anyone directly lost lives as a result to my decisions, but there's one that I would change if I could.

[At least in part. He still can't regret wanting to not end up shooting at Starscream, but...]

Indeed? I hope it was for some... ah, relatively beneficial reason.

Actually it was two individuals. One you have been hissing at here and there.

[ it's an amused tone, not at all accusatory or judging. just plain amused. ]

Starscream, as odd as it is to use my name in the third, mentioned that I should speak to you. I believe my presence is an annoyance to him since I seem to be a combination of you both - in his perspective.

[ a small chuckle. yeah, yeah he is finding it funny. and he can see what that Starscream meant. ]

The other brought you up for, yes, beneficial purposes. I truly do want to work in a lab again and it may be a bit presumptuous to ask, but I was hoping that perhaps you would allow me to work with you?

Ah. [And that single word contains quite a lot of dry amusement - before there's an exasperated, almost laughing "honestly, Starscream!" sent aside, to continue the tradition.]

Yes, that's... ah, not surprising, that he'd think it annoying. And I admit I can see it... somewhat. As close as two different individuals can be. [Another dry, unseen, smile.]

And hardly... er, presumptous at all. I'd certainly welcome you, the lab ought to be large enough for three of us.

[Even if Skyfire was taller than he was, it still oughtn't be too much of a problem.]

I can see some similarities, but only a few. To be fair, I don't see why it merited a demand to speak and a check in on how it went.

[ yupp. totally tattled completely on the other Starscream. don;t worry, though. still amused. ]

A-and thank you, Jetfire. I appreciate it. Now I'd say more than you'd know, but somehow I'm sure that you do share some similar sentiments.

The few similarities might seem more glaring when - stop that - you are an... ah, alternate of each other and he knows me.

[This is getting out of hand. Jetfire huffs and then chuckles.]

I believe we do, yes. No need to thank me; I'd have been willing to look for a larger space if we would all have helped moving things, if that would have been what it took to make space.

No, I believe there is good reason to thank you. What you just stated only proves how kind you are.

Ah... [Excuse the cough and the slight noise of shifting metal.] Thank you.

I could show you the lab tomorrow, perhaps? [Have some coordinates. Today he probably should engage in damage control with the Starscream he's got right in the room with him.]