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

[Kay fiddles with her scarf a bit, sitting in one of her beanbag chairs she salvaged from the junkpile.]

You don't trust them, huh...

[It's more thoughtful than anything, as she props open that diary Alpha Trion gave her.]

They haven't given me much reason to, kiddo.

I guess not.

[She looks slightly sad. Despite everything that's happened, she still liked to please her FirstForged.]

They're people too, right? Were you an easy one to trust right off the bat?

No. But I've never expected it. And I don't carry around questionable items that could cause harm.

And... [He trails off, then snorts.] Eh. Doesn't matter. Bottom line is, trust is earned, right? If you just give it away so easily, it'll come back to bite you.

Good point...

[She seems to be making a diagram of pros and cons...]

But if you don't eventually give a little leeway, you could turn away those who can help you out of a jam.

They're called 'leaps of faith'.

That's cute. I think they're also called "naivete".

Maybe. It's not for everyone...

[She draws a line between 'leap of faith' and 'skeptic'.]

But you need a little of both in people.

So you're saying I should practice both in the Firstforged. Why?

It may not look like it, but I'm an expert in this field.

I was framed for murder, and a man I only knew for three days got me out of it. He gave me a chance, and that man's leap of faith saved my life.

That's a bit different. Wouldn't that have to be an application of deduction and evidence?

You'd think. But evidence all pointed to me.

And he was a prosecutor. You can't tell me that it was all evidence and not a shred of belief in me.

...Look.

It's not... It's not that I don't think a little bit of faith isn't important. Someone took a chance on me when I was being framed, too. I understand.

But concerning the Firstforged... If just doodling on a page can change who someone is completely, what other kind of items do they have? It bothers me.

[Her pen nods at him in her fingers, before she puts it to her lip.]

Yeah...it caused a LOT of problems, and we lucked out that most of them weren't...really bad.

[She rubs the back of her neck.]

You really want to trust them, don't you? Why is that?

[At that, she pauses for a moment, that pen still under her lip. It takes a few seconds before she responds.]

I can't turn into vehicles. Guns don't come out of my arms.

Because I can't afford to lose any possible protection.

You don't think there are others looking out for you? I'm a cop; that's what I'm here for.

I...well I know you guys have my back...I'm really thankful for it.

But am I really in a position to reject any kind of help offered? Can you blame me?

...No, I guess not. I can't imagine what it's like for you.

All I can really say is that Deckerd, McCrane, Kagerou, Drill Boy, and myself -- we were made to protect you and other humans. Because we can take the beating you can't.

I won't be mad if you need to do what you can to protect yourself. I just can't do what you are for... a lot of reasons.

I place a lot of trust in you guys.

[She tilts her head slightly.]

I understand. Like I said, it's not for everyone. But...try to have a little faith, okay? Sometimes people surprise you.

Ugh. Fine. I'm have a tiny, little, itty bitty BIT of faith.

I'm SO proud of you Mr. Gunmax!

I'll have to get you something to celebrate.

Meh, whatever.

Get me something? Riiiight, because we have a store that has cards and such. Don't worry about it, kiddo.

No, we only have a store with hammers and construction stuff.

...Maybe some recipe magazines.

[Kay that flew way over your head.]

Well, I'll still do it.

Fine, fine. Do what you want.

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