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.]

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[There's a bit of a break, the sound of some metal banging around, and then a few miscellaneous noises, like writing and then transforming and driving.]

Already on my way, so it's too late to change your mind.

Not completely awful. I've seen worse, but you know what they say. Different make-ups, different modes. Few hours this morning, but how long before those?

[He's patient, curious even as to the sounds of the noises, but grateful for their outcome...]

Well I suppose that settles it then!

[He's kinda thankful this is audio now. He resists the urge to reach up and touch his audial flares because even though they're warm from auto repair it still stings like the Pit.]

Ah-ha, well, not much at all during the Calling. Only a bit before that thanks to an underground misadventure. It's just been...one thing after another.

Hah! It was settled as soon as I volunteered. You just didn't know it yet.

[Wing may or may not be able to hear a few skidding sounds as Swerve takes a few corners. Straight-aways are easy. Corners are just... forget it.]

That what it was called? I don't think anyone got any sleep during that. Almost wandered off a few times 'til I picked up a project. [He can't really be left alone without something to occupy him.]

[He chuckles.]

Really, I can't think you enough. The list of duties I need to attend to seems to keep growing and I wasn't quite certain how I was going to manage it and keeping the bar running at the same time. And by all means, you should have some relief help too. Perhaps find a protege to teach?

[Wing is starting to understand where the name comes from. Thankfully there's little to be lost when getting in traffic accidents with junk.]

Yes. It's normally associated with the Badlands, but was abnormally...loud. And that's one of the reasons we wanted to open up the bar for this use...to keep people occupied and, well, restrained if necessary.

Really? What else do you do around here? Not implyin' you're not doing anything else, but I always wondered, y'know.
A protege? Hmm... I do like the sound of that word, so maybe I'll find someone when I get there. Might be easier to wait for the ruckus to die down a bit before we get on with it though. I can only do so many things at once.

[There is a skidding noise that sounds like it's dangerously close to the bar.]

Restraints and booze are usually a pretty good mix, so at least you've got that down as far as logic goes. Restraint and booze, not so much. But if you're lookin' to offer a distraction, you've chosen the right stuff.

Ah well... In addition to being co-proprietor of the bar with Soundwave, I'm helping to oversee planning on the construction of the rest of the Hub. I llend a hand with the work itself when I can too. I've been studying the ancient ariel language fliers use, much of its been lost in our universe. I'm also on the Law Committee, and I'm thinking I want to offer martial training to anyone in enforcement who wants it. That's...in addition to my own personal training to maintain my skills.

And right now I'm sort of the bar's only bouncer.

[He coughs, because now his processor is just wildly going off on a very distracting tangent. ]

I...ah, wouldn't know. [Thought his tone does not seem to mind the idea.] The latter I have more experience with. And I do hope so. I don't want people drinking so much they get in fights, but something to,take the edge off, definitely,

That is way to much for a single mech to handle, guy-who-turned-Drift-around or not. I'd try to talk you out of it, but that'd probably be kinda useless. Not really my place either. I'm just the volunteer bartender. I'd pull double duty as a bouncer if, y'know, i knew how to fight or wanted to even a little bit. [He doesn't. Ever.

He does laugh a bit at that EXTREMELY OBVIOUS awkward cough, and there's a 'snap snap' audiofile that plays afterwards. Focus, Wing. Focus.]

But seeing as we've got a bunch of heavy duty mechs around, and a law committee, it shouldn't be hard to find someone to at least that the load of ya as far as the bouncer front goes.

[Knock knock knock... knock.]

[Wing has to laugh both at the commentary and the 'title'.] I know...I take too much on don't it? If only there were more of me, then I could do all of it!

[Oh. And that would have other handt uses too. What would Drift say? Maybe they wouldn't get as much extra work done after all...]

[Sorry, FOCUS, what? He blinks, looking at Swerve.] Ah-haaha yes! I'm certain we could. We should likely decide on an application and interview process of some variety, [If anything, for Magnus's benefit.] We don't need people who are just looking for trouble.

That's be kind of weird, wouldn't it? Like Rack'n'Ruin but separate. Also, you'd probably end up taking a shot when it comes to height. [He longs for the days when he didn't come up to most mech's abdomens.]

[He pauses for a moment in thought.] That's basically... Like half the mechs here.

[Wing, this is what happens when you skip out on a war. You end up not knowing anyone and how they are all dubious characters.]

Oh you think so? Like I have to maintain equal mass? [He's not sure air frames could be smaller than he is already.]

Yes. [Deadpan.] Exactly.

[He still doesn't want them messing up his bar Swerve! Plus he's on the law committee, he needs to set a good example. For the community. And probably Ultra Magnus too.]

Weeeeell, I think that if you had to do that whole thing, your pieces would probably end up attaching more to themselves to add to their mass so they could maintain the same level of effectiveness. Who know's if you'd come together the right way again? But this is all theoretical, which I could do for days. Just sayin'.

This is gonna be harder than I thought. Just for the record though, actual troublemakers, right? Like you're not gonna go all Magnus on everyone and refuse anyone who doesn't keep their regalia straight, right?

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