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.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Gunmax...

Hm. McCrane.

Since we're saying each other's names and all.

[Shush. They're Japanese robots, it's what they do.]

Are you going out alone?

[It's too true.]

Looking that way. Why?

What are you proposing?

And for the record? No. Not happy about being here, let alone being claimed. Nor do I fully trust the Firstforged. But then, when it comes down to it, I don't fully trust anyone here.

[Except maybe Starscream. Both of them. Which is an oxymoron in itself, he'd be the first to admit. But if you'd worked as closely with the mech for as long as he has, you'd understand.]

Did you want some company?

[He knows sometimes you just need some clear pavement to think, but...he offers, anyway. Just in case there's more to it.]

[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 makes you think I'm proposing anything?

Good answers, all around.

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?

...The road looks a bit empty.

I suppose I could be passing traffic, if it makes it feel more like home.

[It could be his version of a joke. He's still transforming, either way.] Where are you heading?

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.]

Not enough angry honking. You're too polite for that.

Towards Megatronus's temple. There's a site for the next HQ I've been working on. ...Suppose I should check in with Wing sometime.

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.

... am I allowed to speak to you?

That depends on what you're about to say.

That this is the most sense you've made in a while.

[aka: I can't believe I agree with you, but I do.]

I do have my moments, you know. Being a cop and all.

[He is sorely tempted to say something to that -- but. No. Let's all try to get along.]

You don't trust them, do you?

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?

My horn does not have an angry setting, no.

[Gunmax, what have you been doing to cause people to honk at you now?]

I left a cube with him yesterday...it's likely he could use another. [Or someone to make him drink that one if he hasn't, yet.]

I'll meet you en route.

I don't think you have an angry setting.

[Oh you know, breaking barriers. What else is new.]

Mm, good point.

Sounds good. See you then.

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