re_alignment | AUDIO;

Entry tags:

brave police: j-decker | gunmax

AUDIO;

So, we're nearing completion of one very shiny, pretty base by Prima's temple. Buuuut, a good suggestion was made.

There should be multiple headquarters for our wee police force.

Which means, more help would be nice to set up something by each temple. That way, we have a lot of ground covered and someone is stationed by each location.

Just thought I'd mention it, since I'm just looking out for our best interest.

Oh yes. And since it turns out that there are no explosives, whatever shall we do about Prism? Hm? [He's not allowed to shoot him, but he'd still kind of like to.]

And Perceptor! Baby. Turn yourself in, I do so hate wasting fuel for Gunbike.

[PRIVATE TO KAGEROU & KNOCKOUT]

I'm stopping by with a couple of gifts, so prep yourself, shinewbie.

Otherwise... I think we should work on two things for you. An engine for energon, and getting that chip out of you. What do you say?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's entirely likely he's only doing it that way to bother Gunmax. Because that's totally rational.]

[Once he's finished though, he sets it aside, looking back to the other 'bot, curiously.]

It is unexpected. I wouldn't have thought you would be so willing to help someone you don't trust...

[He trails off though, once he sees the little doll.]

[His expression shifts abruptly, softening, twisting. These last few weeks have, honestly, been the longest he's ever been apart from the other ninjabot. It's not actually him -- he knows that. But... just seeing it makes something in him turn into knots.]

[When he moves to accept it, his hand shakes.]

... It looks exactly like him.

[He almost whispers it, holding the little thing like it's something far more precious and valuable than a doll.]

Maybe I'm doing it because I think it's funny.

[No. It's because it's the right thing to do. Because... it's for Shadowmaru.

His deskmate, coworker, friend. And really, because he knows going solo can only go so far.]

Chief-- Toudou. He's a real perfectionist and Commissioner Saejima is pretty detail orientated himself.

You can... you can keep it.

That wouldn't be surprising.

[There isn't any heat in the words, however. He sounds almost numb instead.]

[Maybe he's just too focused on the little frame. He's already trailing his fingertips over its face. But it doesn't help the feeling -- the aching feeling of loneliness. If only this was the real thing.]

[He doesn't look up.]

Toudou. Yes. I remember him... He told me he would reformat me... as if it were something to look forward to. Some better option.

... You don't sound so certain.

...Toudou said that? [For some reason, that shocks him. Gunmax actually looks at Kagerou now.

He almost sounds hurt. Why would Chief say that...?]

Look, I miss him too. Not the way you do, but ... I do.

But I think you need it more than I do.

Yes. He said I was to be reassigned. With all the new data the position entailed...

[He doesn't think he needs to define the implications. Granted, by the time Gunmax showed up, things had changed a lot. But Kagerou has no way of knowing that.]

[His fingers curl around the little figure. Protectively. Possessively. He's tempted to say what's on his mind -- No one could possibly miss him as much as I do -- but restrains himself.]

If I thank you, is it going to make you act strangely? ... More strangely?

[That baffles his mind. He himself had been reassigned, but no reformatting was required. What the hell happened?

Why didn't anyone say anything?]

Depends on how you define "strange" for me.

Like you did the last time I said it.

[All flustered and. Well. Weird.]

Well, I'm not gonna care. Say whatever you want.

[Fine. He will.]

[But he's going to turn around so he's not looking at him.]

... then thank you.

[Heeeeeeeeeeeesitating.] For... letting me see him. Even if I can't... truly see him.

Whatever. You're welcome.

I'll come get you when Knockout's ready to work on your body. I don't know how long it'll take him, but your smaller body is ready, too.

... Who?

[He turns, then. There's a name he hasn't heard before.]

Medic friend. He knows what he's doing.

Another one? I thought Ratchet was the one to see.

Surprise! There's more than one medic.

And you think he's capable of doing this?

No, I suggested him because I thought it'd be cute.

[He grits his teeth.]

It's not funny. I just wanted to know if you trusted this medic or not.

Kagerou, I wouldn't put you under the scalpel with someone I didn't trust.

Even though you don't trust me?

Even though I don't trust you. But even then, you're one of us.

... Your little boss said something to that effect.

Fine.

When is this happening?

He's smart. Listen to him.

Whenever you're ready.

He's persuasive.

[A pause.] When my AI is transferred... where will the little frame be kept?

[Where is he going to be stuck until his body is repaired?]

I have it with me, if you wanna look at it.

No, that's... not what I meant.

Will I stay here? While using it?

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