re_alignment | [Video] [Transmitting from Prima's Quadrant, outside Police Headquarters]

Entry tags:

tf: idw | wing

[Video] [Transmitting from Prima's Quadrant, outside Police Headquarters]

[The feed clicks on and Wing raises a hand to greet you. He's looking every bit himself again, though his usual cheer is replaced with a determined solemnity. The new Police Headquarters building stands behind him, from which he's obviously just emerged, with the light of Prima's temple shining from the distance.]

Fellow Haveners,

The last time I addressed you all in this fashion I was very much not myself, as many of you already know. Aside from not looking like myself, I was also suffering from a decidedly altered state of mind and morality, through no fault of my own. Unfortunately, I believe many others here may have also suffered because of it.

But first: Any issues you have with words or actions you assume were Drift's during that period, the week before last, know that they were mine instead. Due to Alpha Trion's pages, I looked near identical to Drift while he looked nothing like himself during that time. I do not wish him blamed for my actions or those perpetrated by my dark counterpart. If you have issues, please bring them to me.

[His head hangs in silence, gathering his thoughts. The weight of this is obviously heavy upon him, but he bears it with the quiet, composed grace of someone who has done much introspection. When he speaks, his tone carries both strength and empathy.]

I wish to extend a dutiful and sparkfelt apology for the wrongs incurred due to my words or deeds during that time. I can't tell you how much it pains me that I may have, even unintentionally, undermined your trust in me, damaged friendships or tarnished respect. It would never be my intention to deliberately slander, harm, make uncomfortable or otherwise create malcontent in this community.

[He cycles a ventilation here, slightly uncomfortable. Because though that's 99% true, he's fully aware that part of him bares little shame in his plots to kill Prism. That's something he's still trying to reconcile with his own values.]

As much as self exile is a fitting penance for someone such as I, which is why I have been out of touch of late, I realize it does little for the community which I have wronged. As such I would like to offer recompense to those my dark counterpart called out directly, in the form of one task or favor you wish of me. Such a task can be any of your choosing, so long as it is within my ability, though I do reserve the right to refuse on moral grounds...

If you feel such a thing is not necessary or refuse the offer for any other reason I will respect that, but remember I do this for you as much as myself, as it is part of my personal process of atonement.

Feel free to contact me publicly or privately, however you feel most safe. I urge anyone to please bring me any questions or concerns you have, I will field them all regardless of what you have to say, pleasant or not. I owe you all that much.

I'm sorry it took me this long to bring you apology, but it's taken me some time to get right with myself before being able to offer the same to all of you. You have my endless gratitude for your patience and understanding. By the Guiding Hand, I wish you all well.

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He did, thankfully.

[And Wing is happy to see you, even if it comes with a few pangs of guilt.]

No, most of it was not wrong. But there were some half truths, and some things presented in poor context... I would never condone elitest behavior for one--but much of what he said about you finding value in yourself, separate from Shadowmaru, was true. I'll go into more detail, because Kagerou you absolutely deserve it...

But before I do...

...I want you to understand something. I'm your friend and I want to teach you things. But you don't need to take it all as gospel. Take what I, and other people say, and think it over. Then decide for yourself if you agree or disagree.

[Wing realizes that he can feed you a bunch of information and philosophy that is more 'right' than what his dark counterpart did, but how much better is he then? He wants Kagerou to start thinking, and deciding, for himself.]

But you... he... was right. They are treating us unfairly. The Firstforged. They aren't telling us what we need to know. He was right about that... wasn't he?

[This is. Confusing. It had all made sense. But now he wasn't supposed to believe it?]

[He shifts a little, alternating between looking at the ground, and looking at the video feed.]

I did agree. Do... agree. It all made sense... so I agreed.

But you're saying that was wrong?

I don't mean the First Forged, I'm referring to what I--he--said about the humans. And implying that they were lesser and that they, as a whole, were prejudice against mechanical lifeforms.

[He shakes his head.] People should always be judged on their individual merits whenever possible. Some humans may indeed feel that way, but other respect us and want to learn, like Kay, where as other openly call us friend, like Vandal.

[Wing feels pretty remiss about all this, because it's so very hard to provide the proper context to this and he doesn't want to confuse or frustrate Kagerou any more than necessary.]

It's about perspective Kagerou. Say you stand before a tall building as it stretches up into the sky. It's looks massive right? Then you go up into the air and circle overhead from high above. Does it still look massive and tall? No. It seems short and diminutive. The building itself hasn't changed, but your perception of it has.

The same applies to ideas. Just about any idea can be made to look good or bad depending on how it's presented.

[And now Wing is rather wishing Drift was here, because his experience with Megatron at the start of the war is a perfect example of such things.]

... But I don't think he's wrong. Not... where my world is concerned. Maybe it's different, somewhere else.

[If they didn't see things the way this Other Wing had described... would they really have tried to erase him?]

Kay is my friend. She isn't like that, no. Neither is Vandal, or Ashitaka... but others? That's four out of many. And none of them come from where I do.

[He'll openly admit there are humans who are different -- he's seen that. He can't deny it. But still...]

And... you're asking that I... start taking perspective...?

Yes, sadly, some are like that. But that's my point: Some may think that way, but not all of them do. We should judge people by their individual actions. You wouldn't want to be held accountable for the actions of the Brave Police members simply because you are of similar construction, would you?

[Have you first lesson on racism, Kagerou.]

By the same token, it shouldn't be assumed that all of humanity would have tried to erase you. For certain, you know of the ones from Japan who would have. And you know there are four here who wouldn't. The rest, are just unknowns. Let them stay that way until you discover otherwise, try not to prejudge them based just on their race.

Cybertronians have the same problem with Autobots and Decepticons. Granted, ours is a bit different since faction for us is a choice and not something we are made with or born too. But certain assumptions are automatically made depending what brand a mech wears. And often aggressive action is taken based on that alone.

[Are you getting all this Kagerou? Overwhelmed yet?]

Yes, in a basic sense. But think of it like this: You're flying over the same building again, but someone is with you. They say, "It's so small." Now you have a choice. Do you believe them because it looks small to you too? Or do you try to form your own separate opinion and see if it agrees? If you investigated the building further, you'd find that it is definitely not small.

That doesn't make the other person wrong, they just see things differently than you.

[It's called the gray area. And it makes up 90% of life, despite what people would like to think.]

I... no. I would rather be accountable for what I've done.

[Which is enough to be accountable for, really. The stoplights of Japan may never forgive him.]

You want me to just wait? To see what someone does before I decide anything about them? That's... what you're telling me?

[He's doing his best. Yes, this is overwhelming. And no, he's not really sure he's getting it. It seems so much safer to be cautious -- especially considering everything that's happened...]

[And what apparently awaited him. Back home.]

But... it is small. When you're up high. How... do I know that isn't what they meant?

[Honey, stop being so literal, you're missing the point.]

Exactly.

[Thankfully there are none of those in Haven!]

Essentially yes. Judge people on their own merits and flaws. [Compromise comes in chapter 2, Kagerou. We're getting there. All in due time.]

Yes it is. So that person wasn't lying or misleading you intentionally, it was truth to them, as they understood it. The just lack the insight of the bigger picture.

Unless its just a matter of a miscommunication, in which case just ask them for clarification.

[Wow this metaphor may be getting away from him now.]

... Am I allowed to dislike them if they have more flaws than merits? As long as... it's my decision?

[He'd be looking at Gunmax if Gunmax were here.]

[He makes a face, though. Really, he's trying to think this through, and process it.]

This... always works? Just talking? Listening?

Yes, you're entitled to any opinion you choose, just know not everyone will agree with you. [But oh, it's not that simple Kagerou.]

But realize too that there's a reason people have flaws. Sometimes these flaws are understandable, and we can be forgiving of them. It's good to be compassionate towards others in this way, because wouldn't you want them to be compassionate to you? To forgive you your flaws?

[It takes time Kagerou. It's all food for thought.]

Not always, sometimes different people just plain disagree, but even it's a place to start, and talking about it can lead you to a more peaceful disagreement. But yes, talking, AND listening. Both are important.

I think I've gotten used to others not agreeing with me.

... I don't understand these. I've... tried. I think I've said the right thing, but it never works. It's always the wrong thing. The wrong time. I... don't know what I want of h-- what I want, anymore.

Listening is simpler.

That's helpful...it's more common than I think anyone really prefers. But that's just the nature of all of us being free willed individuals.

Listening often means learning which can help in the end.

But how are you having trouble with? Maybe I can help?

Really? I... thought it was just me.

[He hesitates. A long time. Then locks the feed.]

His name is Gunmax. He is also a BP unit... from after my... after my time. He hates me. And I don't know how I can change it.

No, people often see, think and feel differently, it's normal.

[Wing is patient and doesn't press.]

Gunmax. Yes I know him. He is troubled, I don't think he trusts people very easily. Do you know why he feels that way?

Troubled? What do you mean, troubled?

... Not really. The first time we really spoke, he accused me of telling Drift to harass him. But... then he helped me. Several times.

I just can't say anything right, where he's concerned. He gets angry. I don't know why.

I'm not sure why exactly, though there's usually a reason for the things, but he seems to have issue trusting people. He's easy to anger, but not everything sets him off. I wonder about his past history, what would make him sensitive to these things. [He makes a contemplative gesture, and you think you hear a finger tapping on the table.]

... Yes, Ive seen similar behaviour before. Sometimes it's easier to push people away than make friends. It hurts less when they slander, abandon or betray you. Which sadly, sometimes does happen. It's a wonder then how much they were friends in the first place, or what happened to change things... [He sighs.]

If he helped you, I think it means down deep that he doesn't hate you, he's just conflicted and not certain what to think. It will likely be this way until you can earn his trust I imagine.

I wouldn't know. I'm not someone he would say anything to.

[He has an idea of who would know, but that's not going to help anyone right now.]

But... I don't want to do those things. I want to -- [He just makes a helpless little noise.] -- I don't know what I want. But it isn't that. Why would he think that?

I can't earn anything until I'm allowed to.

He hasn't shared a whole lot with me either, just a few things. But I can generally read people relatively well. So those things may not be completely true, but it's my feeling... [A beat.] I know he took the loss of Deckerd really hard, harder than most might realize.

[Wing looks saddened for a moment, almost...sheepish.]

No, and that's good. At the very least, you want respect and tolerance from him right? That's a place to start. Perhaps you can works towards trust and friendship after that. One step at a time.

It's not that he thinks that exactly...it's more a defensive mechanism. It's easier to push people away just in case, than risk letting them hurt you. It's unfortunate.

...and will take a lot of patience most likely. [He realizes this is no easy task.]

Your feeling is more than I had to go on before... [A pause of his own.] ... And, yes. I know that. I... that is one of the few things about him that I understand. Losing... someone that important to you...

[Or, at the very least, being separated from them and being unable to do anything about it...]

Yes. That's all I want. But I don't... know how to do it. He gets angry with me for things I don't even know I've done wrong. Or... just mentioning things.

How can I take steps when I don't even know where to begin without tripping up?

[He shakes his head.]

I can be patient... when it gives results.

It's something at least, I hope it's helpful. [A soft smile, because he really does want them to get along.] So there at least you have something in common.

[People have found common ground in stranger places.]

Have you asked him why it makes him angry? Or what you could do differently? [It's likely not that easy with Gunmax, but it's the first place to start.]

If he won't talk to you about it, you may be left with trial and error. If you do something wrong, try to find out what it is, and then do differently. Also realize that what he says may not be exactly how he feels. Not everything comes at face value. I know how that sounds, but you're a detective, observe and look for patterns in his behavior. You may come to understand him better.

And...you may or may not get results. But if you need to work with him then it's worth it to try. Compassion is an important thing to have, it's not easy, but it can help a lot and often is it's own reward. [He smiles.] You should have seen Drift when we first met. He wanted none of my compassion, in fact first thing he did was attack me. It took a long time, but I won him over.

No. I haven't asked him. I don't want to make things worse than they are already.

[He smiles briefly -- but there's nothing amused or warm in it. It's a rueful, almost bitter smile.]

[Use the skills he was never supposed to need...]

I do have to work with him. I... chose to be part of their team. While they're here, at least. I don't know what will happen if I manage to go back. But... I have to do this.

There's no choice in that matter.

[His head tilts.]

He hated you... and now that's changed? Now you're important to each other?

It might be something to think about. But you'll have to gauge the right time, hopefully when he's in a good mood or more receptive in general.

[Hopefully that's a thing that happens with Gunmax.]

Yes, you do. And it's brave of you to stick with it. In a strange way they are the only family you have.

He saw me as an enemy, he hated that I kept him from his duty. But I did it because he needed to see that his duty was wrong, that there was a better way.

And yes. Very important. ..._{I love him.}

Receptive. I don't think that word is in his vocabulary.

[GRUMBLE MUTTER COMPLAIN.]

Family... no. It's not like that. It's a team I sit outside of. Trying to be a part of, and not knowing how to work into. But, like I said, I have no other option.

Maybe you're better at this than I am.

[He makes a face, though.]

Trying to understand him won't make me love him, will it?

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[Video] [Transmitting from Prima's Quadrant, outside Police Headquarters]

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