2. [VOICE]

[warborn]

So here's a question. We've got the - 'Haven', whatever, the quadrants and temples and whatever inside of it, and other than that we've got the Badlands.

But this is Cybertron, right? That can't be it. So has anyone bothered doing any real exploring? See what's out there?

[there has to be more...right?]

---

PRIVATE; Vandal

Hey.

You still got some of your - what'd you call it, whiskey?...any of that left?

---

PRIVATE; Ultra Magnus

[attached is his 'usual' datalog - the progress report, as it were - but there something else he adds, short and curt;]

Done with Rung.

---

PRIVATE; Whirl [Text]

[he thought a long while before sending this. but. may as well just...do this, himself, before it's brought up anyway.]

Not gonna see Rung anymore.

He'll be safe from me.

Comments

[Action]

[vandalization]

Yeah well...

[A pause.]

You're not going alone are you?

[Action]

[warborn]

Nah. Got another volunteer on the way here, someone named Rocket. He sounds capable enough.

[he's walking, now, really just looking for an out of the way place to pull out his own cubes and get to working]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Mmm. Well as long as you stay safe.

[She'll just kick it up on your shoulder, Max. And scratch behind your helm-fins.]

Re: [Action]

[warborn]

Not gonna look for trouble-[the hell you doing back there, he turns to try and catch a glimpse. have a blink, and him half-reaching up to scratch it himself]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Well you never know. I'm allowed to worry.

[Nope. Gonna clean some rust out from behind these.]

[Action]

[warborn]

[gngh that feels -weird- Vandal seriously what]

I can take care of myself.

[MOSTLY...]

[Action]

[vandalization]

I'm aware.

[And yet she doesn't stop. Shhh let her groom you.]

[Action]

[warborn]

So I'll be fine, and...

[Vandal Vandal he needs at least A cube before he lets you do that if it feels weird neeighnegn

no he doesn't make that sound but it's still a note of - not discomfort, just, STRANGE TO HAVE TINY HAND THERE OKAY]

...and ease up on that, will you?

[Action]

[vandalization]

You've got rust.

[Fine, though. She stops trying to pick it off and gives his head a gentle pat instead.]

Does it hurt?

[Action]

[warborn]

No, but-not exactly able to polish back there very often. [he eyes her structure. she's got something similar...] What's it feel like when you pick behind those?

[Action]

[vandalization]

Well maybe we should get that taken care of. Upkeep, Maxie. Upkeep.

[A shrug.]

Everyone cleans behind their ears.

[Action]

[warborn]

Fine. You know what? While I'm gone, I'll clean them. Just for you. [that make you feel better?

he's not smiling at all you're imagining things]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Awwwwww, good on you.

[She helps herself to scratching under his chin. Good bot.]

[Action]

[warborn]

[you seem to have mistaken him for a turbofox

but on the bright side this looks like a good place to sit down so you may wanna take a better grip because that's what he's doing right now thanks]

Sure, sure. You're just lucky you're that small. [else he'd return the favor.]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Ohhhh I'm real scared. What'd you do? Mope me to death?

[She'll just hold onto his fin, then.]

[Action]

[warborn]

Why's everybody slagging think I'm moping all the damn time? [HE DOESN'T DO IT THAT MUCH...REALLY....right?]

[Action]

[vandalization]

You are pretty grumpy.

Someone needs to smile more.

[Action]

[warborn]

Say something funny, maybe I will. [he's heard precious few things to laugh about, lately]

[Action]

[vandalization]

My love life?

[Hopeful smile.]

[Action]

[warborn]

-didn't think there were enough humans here for you to have one of thooh.

[WELL HE AIN'T SMILING but he ain't frowning. just one of those 'huh' expressions as he readies a cube that he has clearly been carrying with him all this time. he's actually brought a couple. look, let's not argue semantics, he brought his booze.]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Ahah... that was. A joke. That was the joke.

[Though now she;s uncomfortable and questioning how much of a joke that really was.]

[Action]

[warborn]

Yeah, I got it. [HE'S APPARENTLY A LITTLE SLOW BUT he got it] For what it's worth, not like I'm doing any better. [and that's a swig of his cube]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Well, I mean it's not like many of us came here by choice or... expecting romance.

I guess some of us just happen to have more here than at home.

[Action]

[warborn]

Yeah, well, between here and there...I'm not sure what I'd choose. Never really been one for that whole romance thing, been too busy fighting in a war.

[he...rather doubts it's for him, though. trying to imagine himself all lovey-dovey like he's seen some others is somewhere between laughable and squint-worthy]

[Action]

[vandalization]

Well... your war is over, right? So now I guess you're free to explore the possibility.

[She gives a light shrug and has a sip of whiskey.]