re_alignment | VIDEO;

So here's a question. A bit of perspective is needed here. I'm a robot made and from Earth, so what do I know or care about your religion, war, or other wacky pieces of history? Usually, I don't, but I need a Cybertronian outlook here. Or maybe the Firstforged are feeling a little ballsy enough to talk to me. Who knows!

We ended up here against our will. Oh, sure, nobody expected that. We just kinda fell through and we're here getting snug in these... [Gunmax looks very uncomfortable with the word.] Temples. First thing you probably noticed is that the Firstforged brand us, singling us out. I'm surprised no one else seems to care that I've got this random mark on my arm saying I belong to someone. I already got that attitude enough elsewhere, thank you!

Then there's the following issues: not being told things. The calling of the Badlands, losing people to them... [Here, Gunmax scowls deeply, very unhappy with this.] Maybe they come back. But then, they don't always remember. But were we really told about any of this? Were we really told about what might happen to us? Or about these pages from Alpha Trion?

No. We weren't. Ol' Al here loses some pages, we take a few doodles, and random crap happened. Thanks for the heads-up, really, it was nice with those bombs and the creepering and everything else that happened. Dandy, even! I was a big fan of it.

So you can turn yourselves in, guys. You can feel bad about what you did or didn't do. You can feel ridiculous for what situation you were in, or whatever. But here's the bottom line:

It was someone else's lack of responsibility. And it's one of those people that want to pass judgment on you and take part in the construction and enforcement of law. That's a nice way of saying "Do all the work, but we'll sit around and let you know when we make up our minds."

So my question: Do you really trust the Firstforged?

Just thought it'd be something to think about. Me? I'm going for a drive, baby.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Slipstream shows some hesitation, even though she's already transmitting her reply, like she's uncertain what she meant to say.]

So, you think the ones apologizing don't really need to?

What's the point when it wasn't as if they had any control over it?

A loaded pistol falls into a child's hand. The child has no idea what it does. They pull the trigger and shoot someone. That pistol was the father's. Who's responsible here? Should I arrest a kid for having no idea, or the father who owns the gun and left it lying around?

I'm not sure there's ever much cause for apology. [It's not like her creator had any shame to pass on to his progeny.]

So, kinda like campaigning to your followers here. [Preaching to a choir?] Just- it's different after all the apologies. Brave.

[She doesn't usually agree with the strategy of announcing one's actual thoughts and allegiances, but a part of her does appreciate passionate speeches.]

Sometimes it's the polite thing to do.

Campaigning? Ehh, I suppose you could look at it that way. I'm just... I'm looking for answers, like anyone else.

Accurate description of yours truly.

I suppose politeness is fine when other people do it. A lot of it seems like admitting weakness. [She'll assume everyone understands that's a bad thing.]

Let's just say, when a bot's more powerful than you are, it's not always smart to question their judgement. Unless- They made you their lieutenant or confidant, but even then....

Doesn't mean you have to trust them completely, just follow along for a while.

Eventually someone shows up to make a big speech about how the old ways are wrong and gathers enough people together that they're more powerful in their numbers.

Is that how you see it? Hmm, that's interesting.

Ahh, so you want me to lie and deceive! That's quaint. Suppose I just don't have the heart for it, baby. I'm such a direct person.

Yeah-

[Did he just "baby" her?! Intention becomes irrelevant as the phrase sets her off like a hair trigger. Rant mode engaged.]

Don't you "baby" me! I'm not some helpless, tiny thing with out-of-proportion optics! I'm not your confection! I'm not some toy!

It doesn't make you some cool guy to use diminutive words! You should address an elite air warrior with more respect! Do you know I'm Sub-commander of a Decepticon aerial attack force?!

Settle down. Goodness. You have a funny definition of the word.

Right, and how good is that title doing you right now?

It's not like I haven't been to Earth! There are nicknames and terms that you're not supposed to use unless you're familiar!

And-! [The title may not seem useful, now.] Well, my Commander's not here right now, so that would put me in charge. [Of pretty much nobody but herself.]

Oh, I didn't think you were soooo sensitive.

In charge of who?

There's no miscalibration in my emotional subroutines!

[Huff] And, it's not like you need to know who's under my command.

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