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

I never have. They're only giving me more reason not to.

They don't seem to understand us, that's certain.

... nor are they doing anything to protect us.

Maybe... maybe you're... right.

We have to protect ourselves. They're busy, lounging on their thrones while we do all the dirty work. I don't think we owe them anything.

...Give it some thought. Do what you want. But I know my mind's made up.

We tried, didn't we? The police idea. And they turned it down...

... and what is it you're going to do?

More like they said "okay, go for it, but the final judgement on prisoners should be on our terms! Oh and also the laws, too!"

I say, screw them. We do what we were made to do. Protect innocent people, save the day. We don't need the Firstforged for that.

But they also will have a lot to answer for.

That wasn't fair.

So. Just do what you were made to do. With or without their... consent.

You plan on making them answer for any of this?

No. A lot of things aren't, but this is how it's going to begin. With us under their foot. I refuse to live like that.

I don't need it. They won't bother being honest with us, after all.

If I get enough people that agree with me, I don't think they'll have a choice.

... Because they don't give us the respect living things deserve. Maybe... they don't even see us as being worthy of life.

[... Was this what Wing was talking about?]

I wasn't trying to imply you did. I'm just trying to be clear.

Mm. Maybe.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

...Eh. That's fair.

People won't sit still when they realize what's up. Suppose I could always try to deliver another rousing speech.

Yes. Yes, it is. Too familiar.

... Is anyone listening, now?

Thought you might see it that way.

So far, a couple. I'm hoping to increase my chances later.

... Am I so obvious?

By doing what, exactly?

I think you just understand where I'm coming from based on experience. That's all.

Keeping an eye on these. Testing the waters, seeing what people thing. I'm working on it.