re_alignment | [Video] [Transmitting from: Haven's Hub]

[The camera comes on and there’s a beat of hesitation. Drift is not known for leadership skills. But he’s trying. Because Ultra Magnus’s chiding last time had stung. He hadn’t stepped up. He wouldn’t make that mistake again. He glances over at Wing, as though waiting a cue and receiving a minuscule nod.]

So, we have some new arrivals. Who arrived just like we did, apparently: in the Junk Pile, with no one to meet them and help them.

Their immediate need is for safety and food and lodging. They’re our responsibility. They’re ours, in many cases. We need to come together to help them.

[He steps back, looking a bit worriedly at Wing. For all Wing's weary appearance--pale optics, limp pinions and audial flares that look woefully crumpled--he still gives a reassuring smile and steps forward.]

We'd like to invite these new arrivals to Haven's Hub. Much of it is still being built, but there's a bar that's almost finished where you can find sustenance and a place to rest in safety until we figure out something better.

To find it from the Junk Pile, point yourself towards the light coming from the mountain to the south--that's Prima's Temple. You can find the Hub on the outskirts of the Junk Pile on your way there.

We're all refugees here so it's nothing fancy, but it's fuel, food and shelter if you want it.

[Wing smiles more brightly this time, returning to Drift's side.]

Know that you're welcome.

Locked to Swerve

Swerve, are you still interested in manning the bar for us? I could use your help if you're so inclined? Ah, ASAP if possible?

[He really looks like he needs a nap. And probably should not be pouring alcohol.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Wing tilts his head.] Do I need to get something out of it?

If so, then satisfaction that I've done the right thing and helped those that needed it. Were I in your situation, it's how I'd want to be treated.

He's a Decepticon, Wing. It's...it's the way we think.

Oh. [More to the 'He's a Decepticon' part, than rest of it. Though it's a good reminder.]

[And he doesn't miss the 'we' part Drift.]

I...admittedly didn't look that closely at his brand. Uh, steps in the right direction for faction free society right? [It has nothing to do with recharge deprivation, nothing at all.]

I did have this conversation with Whirl once though...

[The 'we' was a slip. Frag.]

I'm just saying, it's hard to let go of. To get used to that someone could do something altruistically.

Remember how long it took me? [A sort of wry smile.]

[There will be slips as long as people refer to you as an 'Ex-Decepticon' instead of an 'Autobot', but most of all yourself.]

I imagine it is...but how else to address the question? [he really wants to know. Anything that help him get through to people better is good.]

I do. You were a stubborn one. Still are. [A return smile, with bit of fondness.]

You'll have better luck talking to him than I will. You forget. To everyone from my world, I'm the traitor.

I wish they could see you as more than that. The way I do.

It's their loss. [And yours, which is what pains Wing the most.]

I'll do what I can, though sometimes your pragmatic approach is better. At least, I know it helps me.

You've never seen me the way anyone else has.

[Part of Drift's complicated devotion to Wing: the trust and faith, as well as being the icon of what he was trying so hard to become.]

Wing. There's a reason Rodimus does all the talking. Who is speaking, more than what they're saying, is still too important.

It's because I see you for who you are.

[Partly because Wing actually looks for it rather than assuming. And partly because Drift shared an important piece of himself with Wing.]

I... [he sighs.] I can't refute that, not entirely. But the words do matter. And I appreciate having your influence in my life. It brings perspective I wouldn't otherwise have.

[the war historian spends a second staring, and then shakes his head]

Speak for yourself, deserter.

I'm the deserter who is trying to help you with a place to stay and food.

And how do I know it's not a trap?

You don't.

You also don't have to come.

Gathered that. I'm not leading my boys anywhere where you might spring Autobots on us.

That's your choice. The offer's still open.

Or if you have a better suggestion to get what you need?

I know we can't exactly requisition it from here.

That still doesn't mean I'm trusting my team to you with no questions asked.

We're trying to help with what little we have. It's the best we can do, as we all try to survive here. We want to help.

And if you have questions: ask.

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[He squints] You're not in my situation--and I don't see a brand on you. Bot or Con?

Not right now no, but that doesn't mean I might not be in need of help at a later date. But regardless, I still like helping people. It's a reward in and of itself.

[He smiles, knowingly.] Neither.

So you do expect return. [actually sounds a little relieved that he's personally decided that's how this works] I like to have it out in the open. Not much comes for free.

...Conscientious objector?

You could look at it that way. It's more hope than expectation though. If you accept out hospitality, there's no obligation for return favor. But if it makes you feel better to have an one, then I request that you keep the peace while you are here.

Yes. There were many of us whom disagreed with both sides. Does it make you more nervous or less that you don't have a fixed label to place on me?

I don't mind bartering. I can pull our weight - like you said, while we're here. If you can feed my unit. [he can't turn down an offer like that even if it does seem too good to be true.]

Less. Less nervous. [That much is honest and firm] I don't like Autobots.

Standard fuel we have, so yes, we can. Our other resources are fewer, so we have to make use of whatever skills we have and materials we can find to help improve quality of life.

[He's glad he's getting through to you, he really needs to remember to try the practical approach more.]

I'm glad. I understand your feeling and that it's not likely to change soon. But understand also that the reasons for our war don't exist here, and they don't have to unless we bring them here. I discourage all kinds of open faction hate. We need to pull together to survive here.

[He's trying to be firm, but not in a way that is dictatorial.]

Right. Understood.

[then he stiffens slightly.]

I'm a historian. I understand a lot more about the 'reasons for our war'.

Oh really?

[Magic words mech. Now you're got Wing all distracted.]

What kind of historian?